Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the size of a fracture (26) in a workpiece (20), in particular the depth of a fracture (26) in said workpiece (20), by means of the ultrasound pulse method, comprising the following method steps: a workpiece (20), with a front surface (22) and a back surface (24), having a fracture (26), extending from the back surface (24) and an angle test head (28) is applied to the front face (22), transmits ultrasound pulses at an angle alpha into the workpiece (20) and receives echoes from said pulse, the angle test head (28) is moved at least once over the fracture (26), such that the radiation beam (46) from the angle test head (28) completely covers the fracture (26), the received echo signals are digitized and stored in a memory (40) as variable pairs of echo signal versus runtime, the variable pairs form a value upwardly defined by an envelope (48) and the dimension of the fracture (26) is determined from the width of the envelope (48) at a given partial amplitude a

Abstract: Engaging portions of an ultrasonic sensor apparatus are engaged with engaging portions of a holding member at a first angular position of the ultrasonic sensor apparatus when the ultrasonic sensor apparatus is axially installed to the holding member, which is in turn installed to a bumper. At the time of uninstalling the sensor apparatus from the holding member, one of the engaging portions is radially outwardly disengaged from a corresponding one of the engaging portions of the holding member, and then the sensor apparatus is rotated to a second angular position to release engagement between the rest of the engaging portions of the sensor apparatus and the rest of the engaging portions of the holding member. Thereafter, the sensor apparatus is axially pulled away from the holding member to uninstall the sensor apparatus from the holding member.

Abstract: Improved methods, systems, and apparatus for inspecting a structure using angle beam shear wave through-transmission ultrasonic signals involves positioning transducers at offset positions on opposing sides of the structure and permits inspection of the inside of the structure beneath surface defects and features. Magnetic coupling can be used for supporting a pair of leader-follower probes and defining offset positions between angle beam shear wave transducers carried by the probes. Inspection data can be collected for supporting real-time generation of three-dimensional image representations of the structure and of internal defects and features of the structure. Image generation and resolution using inspection data from angle beam shear wave ultrasonic signals can be supplemented using pulse-echo ultrasonic inspection data.

Abstract: A ceramic pressure measurement cell for use in a sensor for static and/or dynamic monitoring of the pressure of a liquid or flowable medium which includes a base body and a membrane connected to the base body such that one side of the membrane is in contact with the medium to be monitored. The pressure measurement cell has high chemical resistance and high temperature resistance for a plurality of chemicals which is achieved by applying at least one plastic film on the side of the membrane in contact with the medium.

Abstract: A pressure sensor for sensing a pressure level of a pressurized medium. The pressure sensor includes a housing that has a high pressure side, a low pressure side and an aperture. A substrate is located in the aperture. The substrate has a pair of ends and a center portion. The center portion is brazed to the housing in the aperture. The center portion seals the high pressure side from the low pressure side. A pressure sensitive resistor is mounted to one end of the substrate. A reference resistor is mounted to another end of the substrate. A circuit line is located on the substrate. The circuit line is connected between the pressure sensitive resistor and the reference resistor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a manometer with a housing, a connecting piece rigidly connected to the housing, a bourdon tube arranged in the housing, a viewing glass fixed on the housing, and a pointer, which can rotate on the inside of the viewing glass and which is engaged with a free end of the bourdon tube, wherein the housing has on its top side a connecting piece that is bent inwardly for connecting to the viewing glass. To simplify the assembly, several cutouts distributed over the periphery are arranged in the connecting piece of the housing for engagement of an assembly tool, wherein the housing is connected to the connecting piece with a positive fit.

Abstract: A pressure sensor (30) for harsh environments such as vehicle tires, formed from a chamber (58) partially defined by a flexible membrane (50), the chamber (58) containing a fluid at a reference pressure. In use, the flexible membrane (50) deflects from any pressure difference between the reference pressure and the fluid pressure. The membrane (50) being at least partially formed from conductive material so that associated circuitry (34) converts the deflection of the flexible membrane (50) into an output signal indicative of the fluid pressure. The associated circuitry is adapted to be powered by electro-magnetic radiation transmitted from a point remote from the sensor. Beaming energy to the sensor removes the need for long-life batteries, or can be used to supplement or charge the batteries. In either case, the sensor avoids the need for large batteries and is therefore small enough for installation in the valve stem or valve itself.

Abstract: A pressure transducer for clean environments is disclosed. The pressure transducer includes a process coupler, a sensor module, a shield and electronics. The process coupler is configured to couple to a source of process media at a process inlet. The sensor module is coupled to the process coupler and has a pressure sensor therein. The pressure sensor has an electrical characteristic that varies in response to pressure within the sensor module. The shield is disposed adjacent to the process coupler and configured to obstruct substantially all lines of sight between the process inlet and the pressure sensor. Electronics within the transducer are coupled to the pressure sensor to measure the electrical characteristic and provide an indication thereof. A method of sensing a pressure in a clean environment is also provided.

Abstract: In modeling material constitutive behavior, a methodology determines tool-chip friction and a position of a stagnation point on a cutting tool. The methodology includes measuring a ratio of cutting force to thrust force and measuring a chip thickness, hch, produced by applying the cutting tool to a material. Initial values are estimated for tool chip friction and position of stagnation. The tool chip friction and position of stagnation are calculated to satisfy a specified relationship. Based on tool chip friction and position of stagnation, material strains, material strain-rates, material temperatures, and material stresses are calculated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for verifying concrete flexural strength by establishing a predictive correlation between concrete flexural strength and a second strength parameter, such as direct tension or indirect tension, measuring the value of that second strength parameter for a batch of concrete, and estimating the flexural strength of the batch by way of the second strength value and the correlation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting and determining event characteristics such as, for example, the material failure of a component, in a manner which significantly reduces the amount of data collected. A sensor array, including a plurality of individual sensor elements, is coupled to a programmable logic device (PLD) configured to operate in a passive state and an active state. A triggering event is established such that the PLD records information only upon detection of the occurrence of the triggering event which causes a change in state within one or more of the plurality of sensor elements. Upon the occurrence of the triggering event, the change in state of the one or more sensor elements causes the PLD to record in memory which sensor element detected the event and at what time the event was detected. The PLD may be coupled with a computer for subsequent downloading and analysis of the acquired data.

Abstract: A strip ejector removes a longitudinal test strip (12), which has at least one test field for wetting by a fluid, from a measuring device that optically or amperemetrically measures such test strip. The ejector includes a clamping jaw holder (14), and at least two clamping jaws (18) arranged on the clamping jaw holder at a distance from one another. The jaws are moveable relative to one another between a freeing position in which the spacing between their clamping surfaces is larger than the width of a test strip (12), and a clamping position in which their clamping faces respectively engage parallel edges (22) of the test strip (12). An actuating element (24) moveably supported on the clamping jaw holder (14) has at least one control surface 30 arranged at an angle to the movement direction of the actuating element.

Abstract: An apparatus for the positioning of a clamp-on flow measuring device on a containment, which has a medium flowing through it. The apparatus includes at least two ultrasonic transducers, which emit measuring signals into the containment and/or receive measuring signals from the containment, a positioning unit for the variable positioning of the ultrasonic transducers on the containment, a control/evaluation unit, which calculates from predetermined process and/or system variables a characteristic, desired variable of the measuring signals and which determines on the basis of a comparison of the calculated, desired variable with the corresponding, measured, actual variable, whether the ultrasonic transducers are optimally positioned or whether the position of the ultrasonic transducers need to be changed, and an indicating unit, which indicates to operating personnel a required change of position and/or the direction in which a change of position needs to be made.

Abstract: A flowmeter includes a vibratable flowtube that has internal damping characteristics that substantially result in a desired dynamic response of the vibratable tube to a change in a flow of fluid through the vibratable flowtube. The dynamic response may be to a change in a property of the flow of fluid, a step change in the flow, and/or a change in the mass flow rate. The vibratable flowtube may have frequency-dependent internal damping characteristics such that damping of a driven mode of vibration is not substantially increased and damping at one or more modes other than the driven mode are substantially increased.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for determining the gas flow rate of a gas-liquid mixture which has a gas volume fraction (GVF) of at least 85% and which is conveyed along a conduit. The conduit is fitted with a differential pressure flow meter and a fluid densitometer. The method comprises: measuring the pressure difference across the differential pressure flow meter and measuring the density of the mixture using the densitometer; estimating the GVF of the mixture from the measured density; and calculating the gas flow rate from the measured pressure difference and measured density. A corrective term which comprises the estimated GVF is used in the calculation to correct the gas flow rate for the high GVF value of the mixture.

Abstract: Load test apparatus for shipping containers comprising a horizontal beam (200), the beam having pivotal plate assemblies (210) attached to lifting eyes (330) or other feature of a container by cables (130) or similar means, extending from the pivotal plates to the lifting eyes. The pivotal plates rotate about a horizontal pin (430) permitting the pivotal plates to become axially aligned with the cables. The Horizontal beam is forced vertically upward by a plurality of force generating means such as hydraulic cylinders (120). The force of the force generating means is applied through a point common to the longitudinal axis of the horizontal beam and the axis of the horizontal pin, thereby eliminating moment loads within components of the assembly. The opposite vertically downward reaction force is applied to the bottom of the container and simulates the force applied by the weight of the typical contents of the container when it is in use.

Abstract: A load sensing bearing assembly comprises a bearing outer race secured to an application structure by a flange assembly incorporating a plurality of anisotropic spring regions which enable a limited range of displacement and/or rotation of the bearing outer race relative to the application structure in response to applied forces or moments. A set of sensor modules disposed through the bearing outer race and flange assembly acquire measurements from which the radial forces, thrust forces, and tilting moments exerted on the bearing outer race can be determined.

Abstract: A system for sensing the load carried in a structural member by attaching a load cell to a neutral axis of bending. Small deflections along an arc of bending create a desirable signal level via mechanical amplification. A load sensor is adapted for mounting on an axle that deviates from a neutral axis when under a load. The load sensor comprises a reaction portion adapted for mounting on the axle and an active portion adapted for mounting to at least two points along the axle. The active portion has an amplifier arm and at least one sensor element. The sensor element is attached at a first end to the reaction portion and the sensor is attached at its second end to the amplifier arm. At least one strain gauge is mounted on the sensor element. At least one flexion web is attached to the reaction portion and to the active portion.

Abstract: Sample preparation device and method particularly useful for large volume capture and small volume elution. The device comprising a manifold, a sample holder or reservoir, and a filter unit containing chromatography media such that a filtration path is established between the sample holder, the filter unit and the manifold. Upon subjecting the sample in the sample holder to a driving force such as vacuum, the sample flows through the chromatography media in the filter unit. Molecules of interest bind to the media and any unwanted molecules can be washed under vacuum mode. Elution can then be carried out by removing the filter unit and subjecting the media to a driving force such as vacuum or centrifugation. In another embodiment, molecules of interest can be eluted into a low volume centrifugal spinner directly in the manifold.

Abstract: A sampling device (1) comprises a sampling container (4) for reception of a sample volume and a connecting piece (7) adapted to be connected to a fitting (2) mounted on a processing installation. The connecting piece (7) has a sample passage which is provided with a stationary valve part (12) and a corresponding valve member (14) which is displaceable between a closed and an open position. The stationary valve part (12) and the displaceable valve member (14) are integrated in the sampling container (4). The valve member (14) is spring-loaded towards its closed position and adapted to be automatically displaced to its open position upon connection of the connecting piece (7) with the fitting (2).

Abstract: A sensor carrier for an in-tube inspection scraper has setting places for installation of monitoring sensors responsive to any diagnostic parameters of a pipeline being inspected. The carrier includes a set of kinematically interconnected sensor supports that are subjected to an elastic force in the radial direction from the carrier axis. The supports are made as elastic ring-shaped elements or as rows of interconnected elements adjoining the pipe wall or are fixed on elastic components such as rings or sectors of sleeves, and/or are connected to a housing capable of bending. Installed on the supports between the sensors and the internal surface of the pipeline are elastic gaskets. The carrier allows one to increase the efficiency of the flaw detection in pipelines having defects of geometry in the cross section.

Abstract: A bed of particulate solids is fluidized in a test chamber to yield multiple test samples for subsequent evaluation of segregation effects. A controlled stream of gas enters the chamber in a series of flow rate cycles each progressively increasing to a maximum rate of gas flow and then decreasing, the maximum rate increasing for successive cycles. An indicating function is formed from measurements of corresponding rates of gas flow and pressure across the bed. Upon termination of the fluidization, multiple samples are sequentially extracted from a single space at the bottom of the test chamber.

Abstract: A corrosion resistant weldable boss includes a body portion having a lower portion formed of a sintered powder, e.g., ferrous powder, which is readily welded to a vehicle structure surface. A capping member is sintered to an upper portion of the body portion and is formed of a corrosion resistant material such as sintered stainless steel powder. Also disclosed herein are processes for inhibiting corrosion of a sensor operating in a corrosive environment about a vehicle.

Abstract: An electronic gearshift device of a transfer case assembly for a four wheel drive vehicle is provided. The electric gearshift device comprises a motor, a camshaft rotatably driven by the motor, a rail member separated from the camshaft by a predetermined distance and positioned parallel to the camshaft; first and second forks installed on the rail member such that they are spaced apart from each other, and a cam fitted around and supported by the camshaft to selectively operate the first or second forks on the rail member to thereby effect gearshift.

Abstract: A transmission apparatus includes an interlock member having a restraining portion movable together with a shift and select member in a right-angled direction and, while fork heads are at neutral positions in the right-angled direction, extending in the right-angled direction along a notch of the tip end of each fork head. The restraining portion has a gap into which the tip end of each fork head extends. A dimensional relationship among an outer span of the tip end of each fork head, an inner span of the notch, an outer span of the restraining portion, an inner span of the restraining portion, a width of the tip end of the shift and select member, and a shift stroke of each fork head is set to be: H2?P1?0; P2?H1+2S?0; and H2?2S?I?0.

Abstract: In a transmission device with switchable gear ratios, a driving gear is disposed onto an output shaft of a motor, a rocker arm is pivoted on the output shaft through an electromagnetic clutch, a rocker arm gear mounted on the rocker arm is driven by the driving gear, a first gear set is driven by the rocker arm gear when the rocker arm is at a first position, a second gear set is driven by the rocker arm gear when the rocker arm is at a second position, and the first gear set and the second gear set have different output rotating speeds. In addition, a first magnetic element attracts the rocker arm at the first position, and a second magnetic element attracts the rocker arm at the second position. Thus, the gear ratio may be switched according to interactions between the electromagnetic clutch and the magnetic elements.

Abstract: A single degree of freedom positioner resistant to axial and rotational motion on two axes, and to rotation around a third axis, but permitting axial movement along the third axis. The axes are orthogonally related. The positioner is characterized by support of a stage by a plurality of stiffly flexible end supported shear webs that bend in a rolling motion to enable the said axial motion.

Abstract: An installation structure releases a brake pedal in a vehicle collision. A pedal arm has a groove coupled with a pipe. A front portion of the groove has a smaller width than the pipe. Alternatively, a pedal arm is hingedly mounted on a support member. A connector secures the pedal arm to the support member for normal operation, and permits separation of the pedal arm from the support member in response to a reward force resulting from a collision impact. The support member has a cylindrical member, and the pedal arm defines a forward facing opening, force-fit onto the cylindrical member. The opening has a width smaller than the cylindrical member. Alternatively, the connector has two support plates on a pipe of the cylindrical member, at both sides of the pedal arm. The plates have rear-facing grooves, and coupling members protruding from the pedal arm are received in the grooves.

Abstract: An override device is proposed to permit the manual operation of a closure which is normally driven by an electric motor. The override device comprises a manual closure driving mechanism, such as a chain engaged around a pulley, which when operated first produces the translation of a first gear along its rotation axis until this first gear meshes with a second gear connected to the output shaft of the motor which normally drives the closure. During the translation of the first gear, a switch is tripped to safely interrupt power to the motor and a mechanism is operated to disengage the motor from the output shaft. Thereafter, further operation of the chain, and therefore further rotation of the pulley, is adapted to cause the first gear to rotate instead of translating, whereby the second gear is driven into rotation by the first gear thereby causing the rotation of the output shaft and the manual operation of the closure.

Abstract: An auxiliary bearing assembly for selectively engaging a shaft, preferably in an energy storage flywheel system, is configured to include a vibration damping seal, and an axial preload spring. The vibration damping seal damps out vibrations from the rotating group, following engagement of the auxiliary bearing assembly, while the rotating group is spinning down. The axial preload spring absorbs any differential thermal expansion or contraction that may occur between components.

Abstract: An engine cylinder piston connecting rod subassembly, for use in an engine, includes a piston (53), a piston pin (52) and a connecting rod (51). The connecting rod has a piston end portion with a piston pin bore (62). The piston pin is inserted through the piston pin bore and oppositely disposed portions of the piston, for securing the piston and the connecting rod together. Opposite ends of the piston pin bore are machined or profiled with relief portions (60, 61), to allow for piston pin deflection and thereby maximize the load carrying capacity, by providing a greater area of contact. The relief portions can be a curved surface (65) machined as part of the bore, or a plurality of end-to-end angled frustoconical surfaces (66a, 66b, 66c). The relief portions are shaped to correspond to the shape of the corresponding piston pin when under load during normal engine operation.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a bicycle transmission assist mechanism includes a crank arm having a drive member. The drive member includes a first abutment facing a forward rotational direction of the crank arm and a non-concave sloped surface facing a rearward rotational direction of the crank arm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an auxiliary power unit starting apparatus for an electric bicycle, which can convert the rider's pedaling force into mechanical displacement at the time the bicycle is being pedaled, and then the mechanical displacement can start the auxiliary power unit of the electric bicycle. The device of the present invention has simple structure and small size, and it can be easily manufactured and assembled.

Abstract: The invention concerns a bicycle pedal and fastening shoe assembly (C), the pedal comprising a body rotatably mounted on an axle (3) and, at least on one side of the body a chain-wheel above the pedal axle: front abutting means (9) extending parallel to the geometrical axis (A) of the pedal at the rear of said axis designed to co-operate with a front abutting surface (26) of the shoe; a retaining member (10) mounted on the pedal, pressed by elastic return means against the rear of the shoe, and retaining means towards the top provided on the pedal to co-operate with a combined means of the shoe.

Abstract: The method of making a tool for removal of broken screws from a base material, including the material of the bone of a medical patient. One end of the tool has an open bore with interior, left-hand tapered screw threads formed thereon by compressing the tool to form the taper after the threads are formed and presented in a cylindrical shape. The other end of the tool is solid for accommodating a driving tool which rotates the tool in the removal of the broken screw.

Abstract: A beverage container opener which includes a housing having a holding surface and a first operational part is disclosed. The operational part includes a first gripping member for engaging at least a first portion of a circumference of a bottle cap and a second gripping member for engaging a different second circumferential portion of the bottle cap. A slider is actuable by the user from at least the holding surface to effect relative movement between the first and second gripping member towards each other to engage the circumference of the bottle cap therebetween. The rotation of the housing while the first and second gripping members engage the bottle cap, thereby facilitating rotation of the bottle cap by providing greater torque forces thereon.

Abstract: A ratchet tool includes a bar movably received in an operation space defined between an inner periphery of a cylindrical space in the head of the ratchet tool and a flat surface defined in an outer periphery of the cylindrical body of the driving mechanism. The bar is pushed toward two wedge-shaped areas in the operation space to control the effective direction of the driving mechanism. The bar is pushed to either one of the two wedge-shaped areas by two positioning units which are movably received in the cylindrical body. The tow positioning units are shifted alternatively by a shifting member mounted on the rod the quick release device which controls a bead for securing a socket mounted on the driving member of the driving mechanism. The efficient directions and the socket are both controlled by one-time operation of the quick release device.

Abstract: A adjustable spanner includes a main body formed with a fixed jaw and a slideway, an adjustment screw rotatably mounted in the main body, a movable jaw movably mounted on the main body and formed with a neck portion having a rack slidably mounted in the slideway and engaged with the adjustment screw, and two magnetic members mounted between the slideway and the movable jaw. Thus, the movable jaw is movable in the slideway smoothly by the repulsive effect between the magnetic members and the movable jaw or the main body, thereby facilitating the user operating the adjustable spanner.

Abstract: A holder (20) for a cutting insert (12), which includes a head (22) with a pocket (24) for holding the cutting insert and a bar device (26) for supporting the head, allows the use of a removable head for a miniature head and bar device that fits into a small hole in a workpiece, and allows rapid and easy replacement of the head. The head has a front part (42) of small height for holding the cutting insert and has a taller rear part (40) of the same height as the bar device. The head rear part has a screw-receiving hole (56) that extends at a downward-rearward incline (A) into a corresponding threaded hole (62) at the front of the bar device. The head and bar device respectively have a recess (70) and a projection (74) that lie around the screw-receiving holes and that align the head and bar device. A coolant passageway system (92) in the bar device provides coolant for both right and left hand heads.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for releasably holding a toolholder shank having a lockable surface and a releasable surface utilizing an actuating bolt with an associated threaded actuating nut. When the actuating bolt is rotated in a locking direction, the actuating nut is drawn onto the bolt thereby clamping against the lockable surfaces of the toolholder shank. When the actuating bolt is rotated in the releasing direction, a releasing segment acts upon the toolholder thereby ejecting it from the tool support member.

Abstract: A process for producing a magnetic tape is provided, in which a web is extended in the width direction immediately before it is cut by a slitter when the web is supplied to the slitter to be cut into several magnetic tapes. The extension of the web is performed by an extension roller apparatus comprises a backup roller for rolling the web and a pair of horizontally disposed extension rollers which elastically push the web WB at portions near both sides thereof to allow the web for extending in the width direction.

Abstract: A workbench holder system comprising a stop piece having a height and a thickness and a length in a generally rectilinear configuration with a first end having a first angled cut and with a second end having a second angled cut, one cut being at an obtuse angle and the other cut being at an acute angle. The system also comprises a cutting guide and a support bracket each coupled to the stop piece, the cutting guide and support bracket each having an upper horizontal component and a downwardly extending vertical component with a slot formed in the horizontal component of the cutting guide extending away from the stop piece and with apertures formed in the vertical components for coupling to the stop piece.

Abstract: A circular saw including an annular disk-shaped base adapted to be driven about an axis of rotation, a plurality of tip supports formed along the outer circumference of the base integrally therewith so that a gullet is defined between adjacent ones of the tip supports, a plurality of tip inserts respectively fixed to the tip supports, a plurality of openings formed through the base on substantially the same circumference of a circle so as to be equally spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the base, and a plurality of wiper tips respectively fixed to wall surfaces defining the openings on the downstream side of a rotational direction of the base. Each wiper tip has a front surface formed as a concave surface in cross section.

Abstract: A power transmission structure with a dual blade shaft of a circular saw wherein the rear end of the driving shaft of the driving roller is provided with a fixing plate pivotally mounted with a steering roller, a steered roller and a dual level transmission roller. These rollers are surrounded with a first transmission belt, and the fixing plate is provided with a floating rod having an adjustable roller. The rear end of the driven shaft has a driven roller, and the driven roller, the adjustable roller and the dual level transmission roller are provided with a second transmission belt. The first and second transmission belts are used to cause the saw blade and pre-cut blade of the driven shaft to rotate in reverse directions. The tightness of the second transmission belt is adjusted by the floating rod.

Abstract: This invention teaches a rope that can be electrified. The rope is comprised of an outer sheath and an inner core. The outer sheath includes non-conductive elements braided with one or more conductive elements. The conductive elements are wound in a parallel helical pattern and do not touch each other. The inner core is a braid comprising non-conductive and conductive elements. In both cores, the conductive elements comprise one or more metal strands and the non-conductive elements comprise one or more monofilaments of synthetic or natural fibers. Should a breakage occur in the conductive elements of the outer sheath, the conductive elements of the inner core provide conductivity across the breakage and throughout the length of the rope by intermittently contacting the conductive elements of the outer sheath. An optional colored tracer can be braided into the outer sheath to provide better visibility since the non-conductive elements are preferably a neutral color, such as white.

Abstract: A charging handle for a rifle having a housing. The handle has a body with an elongated bar having a forward end and a rear end. The bar has a bolt engaging element at the forward end, and a crossbar having an intermediate portion connected to the rear end of the bar. The crossbar has opposed ends extending laterally of the bar. First and second latch elements are connected to the body. The first latch element has a housing-engaging element that engages the housing when the handle is in a forward position. The first and second latch elements are engaged to each other such that pivoting of the second latch element disengages the housing-engaging element from the housing.

Abstract: A barrel assembly for a weapon, said barrel assembly including a barrel; a plurality of projectile assemblies axially disposed in end to end abutting relationship within said barrel for operative sealing engagement with the bore of the barrel, each projectile including a projectile head and an integral cylindrical spacer portion extending axially and rearwardly from said projectile head; discrete propellant charges accommodated within said cylindrical spacer portion for propelling respective projectile assemblies sequentially through the muzzle of the barrel; ignition means for igniting said discrete propellant charges; and control means for selectively and sequentially actuating the ignition means.

Abstract: A device comprised a master cylinder driven by a control member (20), a pneumatic booster (14), a piston (22), first (VE1) and second (VE2) balancing valve elements, first (VA1) and second (VA2) intake valve elements, and a tubular support (44) provided with two parts (44A, 44B) move relative to one another to adjust the length of the support (44). The balancing valve elements (VE1, VE2) are borne by a balancing part (44B) of the support and the pneumatic piston (22). The intake valve elements (VA1, VA2) are borne by the control member (20) and an intake part (44A) of the support. The two parts (44B, 44A) of the support are connected to one another by a spring (54) and arm (56) arrangement for adjusting the separation thereof as a function of the power of the force applied to the control member (20).

Abstract: A piston assembly for a door closer includes a piston formed with a mounting hole and a door closer valve installed with clearance in the mounting hole. The door closer valve has a body part with first and second formations at opposite respective ends of the body part for engaging opposite respective sides of the piston and retaining the valve in the mounting hole. The body part is movable in the mounting hole axially of the mounting hole. The first formation is a protruding flange for seating against the piston at the first side thereof around the mounting hole and creating a seal around the mounting hole.

Abstract: A metering valve for a work machine hydraulic system is disclosed. The metering valve has a valve body with an inlet and an outlet. The metering valve also has a main poppet disposed within the valve body between the inlet and the outlet. The main poppet has a nose end and a chamber end, and is movable between a flow-passing position at which fluid flows from the inlet to the outlet, and a flow-blocking position at which fluid flow between the inlet and outlet is blocked. The metering valve also has a pilot element movable to selectively communicate the chamber end of the main poppet with a drain, thereby affecting movement of the main poppet between the flow-passing and flow-blocking positions. The metering valve further has a solenoid mechanism operable to move the pilot element. The position of the pilot element is affected by a fluid pressure at the inlet.