Abstract: A governor spring bracket assembly that attaches to an exterior surface of a shaft-mounted governor valve assembly for an automatic transmission is disclosed. The present governor spring bracket assembly functions to counterbalance the effect of centrifugal force on the governor valve weights, which is generated by rotation of the governor with the transmission output shaft. The present governor spring bracket assembly aligns and supports a calibrated compression spring in functional engagement with the primary governor valve weight to return it to its closed position in relation to the governor output circuit at low output shaft speeds thereby preventing excessive governor output pressure, 2nd gear starts, and improper shift timing.

Abstract: A high performance intermediate servo assembly wherein the servo piston has been modified to provide at least a 17% increase in surface apply area and a corresponding increase in hydraulic pressure delivered to the 2nd gear clutch band which it actuates. The present servo piston is reconfigured to an overall length equivalent to the assembled stack-up dimensions of the original equipment servo piston, accumulator, accumulator spring, and spring retainer components and integrates the critical working surfaces thereof to retain proper function. Such original equipment components have been eliminated to simplify the intermediate servo assembly operation since shift feel is not a concern in this application. O-ring seals on the original equipment servo piston are replaced by high performance seals such as quad-lobed seals to ensure hydraulic integrity under the increased fluid pressure generated. A method of replacing the original equipment components with the present servo assembly is disclosed.

Abstract: A roasting oven having a large capacity heating well including a wrap-around heating element for heating the side walls thereof and a top heating element for browning is disclosed. A function control panel featuring a touch-film interface and digital display of cooking modes is provided for the user's convenience. In an alternative embodiments standard electromechanical switches and rheostatic temperature controls provide the functions of the present oven. The heating elements are also fabricated in alternative embodiments to provide single-sided or double-sided configurations for particular heating applications. A lid member including the top heating element is attached to the present oven by electrically conductive supporting structures, which incorporate the electrical circuit for the top heating element and also provide for convenient disconnection thereof for cleaning and storage.

Abstract: A replacement solenoid switch valve assembly for an automatic transmission system is disclosed. The switch valve assembly includes a switch valve member, which acts in conjunction with an interlocking valve disc set. The disc set is configured for reciprocating movement in tandem and also enables axial shifting movement of the discs relative to one another to support the functions of the solenoid switch valve assembly. This is accomplished by providing an axial stem which projects in perpendicular relation from a first disc. A mating hole in the second disc is radially disposed on the stem in sliding engagement thereon effectively interlocking the discs in alignment. In an installation method of the present invention, the tandem disc set is provided in standard size as a drop-in replacement for valve bodies that do not exhibit excessive bore wear and also in an oversize embodiment for valve bodies showing excessive wear.

Abstract: A replacement torque converter clutch regulator valve assembly for use within an automatic transmission including two cooperating valves, namely a regulator apply valve and an isolator valve, disposed in fluid communication with a line pressure circuit and a torque converter clutch apply circuit is disclosed. In one embodiment the regulator apply valve employs a regulator apply valve sleeve, which provides support to the regulator apply valve to prevent side loading. Modified control lands on the regulator apply valve have a reduced cross-sectional area calculated to increase the influence of the pulse width modulated solenoid, which provides an output pressure in response to the duty cycle imposed on the solenoid coil in pulse width modulated converter systems. In an alternative embodiment an isolator valve sleeve is utilized for instances wherein the isolator valve bore has extreme wear that cannot be corrected solely by the installation of the replacement isolator valve.

Abstract: The present invention is a replacement throttle valve cable assembly and method of use for an automatic transmission of a land vehicle, which permits repair of the throttle valve cable without unnecessary replacement of serviceable components such as the cable housing and linkage clip components. This is accomplished by the use of a cable stop device or so-called adjustment stud, which permits transmission shift performance to be fine-tuned by temporary adjustments to the cable length prior to permanent installation. The adjustment stud includes a temporary setscrew fastener integrally connected to a permanent swage fastener by an undercut shear zone. Once the cable length is established and the vehicle road tested, the swage fastener is permanently installed on the cable. Thereafter, the segmented portion of the adjustment stud containing the setscrew is snapped off at the shear zone along with any excess cable by a suitable tool.

Abstract: A planetary gear carrier assembly having an upgraded thrust bearing with an increased surface contact area and corresponding dynamic load rating capable of withstanding the axial thrust forces generated by engagement of the planetary gears in a General Motors 4L60, 4L60E or other similar transmission. The present carrier assembly includes an upgraded radial roller bearing having an increased number of roller elements of a greater axial length than the original equipment manufacture. The upgraded thrust bearing is accommodated by machining semicircular cutouts of a predetermined dimension and axial length coextensive with the inner surface of a central opening in the carrier housing, which is the only access for installation of the thrust bearing. The larger diameter bearing is installed within the carrier housing by passing it through the central opening in alignment with the semicircular cutouts after assembly of the carrier housing is complete.

Abstract: A food serving set for use in combination with a roasting oven or similar deep well cooker is disclosed. The present food serving set is comprised of a plurality of individual containers with sealable lids for maintaining food items in a ready-to-eat condition. The present serving set features collapsible supporting racks, which position the food containers within the deep well cooker while in use. In one embodiment the supporting rack is foldable for convenient storage or packaging of the serving set within the interior space of the roasting oven. In another embodiment the supporting rack may be easily disassembled for storage using a latching mechanism or other suitable quick connect/disconnect fasteners. In another embodiment the food containers include integral peripheral flanges, which are fitted to the inner edge of the cooking vessel and the supporting rack is unnecessary. The food serving set features folding lift out handles for user convenience.

Abstract: A high performance clutch pack assembly for use in the high gear clutch of a Powerglide transmission is disclosed. The present clutch assembly is disposed in a modified clutch drum having weight reduction features for receiving a modified clutch pack comprising up to ten friction disks and eleven steel disks, which represents a 150 per cent increase in surface contact area and holding force in comparison to the original equipment Powerglide clutch pack having only four friction disks and five steel disks. The present clutch pack assembly is actuated by a modified clutch piston having an increased stroke correlated to the increased number of friction disks providing maximum holding force for the present clutch pack assembly with minimal increase in rotating mass.

Abstract: A high performance intermediate servo assembly wherein the servo piston has been modified to provide at least a 17% increase in surface apply area and a corresponding increase in hydraulic pressure delivered to the 2nd gear clutch band which it actuates is disclosed. The present servo piston is reconfigured to an overall length equivalent to the assembled stack-up dimensions of the original equipment servo piston, accumulator, accumulator spring, and spring retainer components and integrates the critical working surfaces thereof to retain proper function. Such original equipment components have been eliminated to simplify the intermediate servo assembly operation since shift feel is not a concern in this application. Further, the standard O-ring seals on the original equipment servo piston are replaced by high performance seals such as quad-lobed seals to ensure the hydraulic integrity of the present intermediate servo assembly under the increased fluid pressure generated.

Abstract: A high performance sprag clutch assembly and replacement system for a land motor vehicle transmission, which utilizes a commercially available sprag assembly popular among high performance enthusiasts in combination with newly manufactured inner and outer races to achieve the maximum rated torque capacity is disclosed. The outer race and stator end cap components have been designed to reduce the overall axial length to adapt the sprag clutch assembly to the limited axial space within the stator component of the torque converter of various transmissions. The interlocking stator caps function to reduce race eccentricity under load to ensure that each individual sprag element carries the torque equally to prevent the sprag elements from being rolled over in operation causing severe damage. A plurality of interchangeable inner races adapt the present sprag clutch system for use with GENERAL MOTORS, FORD, and CHRYSLER transmission input shaft configurations.

Abstract: A replacement accumulator piston for various General Motors transmissions, which absorbs clutch apply fluid pressure to cushion the application of a clutch band against fluid shock is disclosed. The present pinless accumulator piston design eliminates the accumulator pin whereon the original equipment accumulator piston resides thereby resolving the problem of hydraulic leakage at the accumulator pin/piston interface. The elimination of the accumulator pin is accomplished by increasing the axial length of the piston sidewall or skirt, which permits the use of additional guide rings about circumference of the piston. The additional guide rings facilitate the reciprocating movement of the piston within the piston bore in the absence of the accumulator pin and also serve to maintain the hydraulic integrity of the accumulator. The pinless accumulator piston is a direct replacement for both the forward clutch accumulator, and the 1-2 gear and 3-4 gear accumulators in General Motors transmissions.

Abstract: A low wattage slow cooker featuring a wrap-around heating element for heating the side walls of the cooking vessel and a top heating element for browning food items is disclosed. The top browning element is integrated into a lid assembly of the cooker and is provided with quick connect/disconnect electrical connectors, which provide for convenient removal of the lid assembly for food service, cleaning, and storage. The wrap-around heating element and the top heating element are interconnected by a controller for heat regulation and selectively energizing the desired heating elements individually or in combination. The wrap-around heating element and the top heating elements are constructed in alternative embodiments utilizing different configurations of resistance wiring for versatility in manufacturing and cooking applications. All embodiments of the present slow cooker are provided with a heatproof ceramic or glass cooking liner, which acts as an heat insulator.

Abstract: An intermediate shaft assembly for an automotive transmission wherein hydraulic fluid intake ports in the rotating shaft assembly are designed to provide increased hydraulic fluid flow and improved lubrication to mating components served by the shaft lubrication circuit is disclosed. The hydraulic fluid intake ports are laterally offset from the center plane of the shaft assembly to increase the angle of entry to fluid entering the intake ports and configured to produce a scooping effect within the fluid surrounding the intake ports upon shaft rotation, which substantially increases hydraulic flow into the shaft and counteracts the inhibitory effect of centrifugal force on fluid flow within the ATF intake ports. In addition, the dimensions of fluid plug orifices and of lubrication outlets on the present shaft assembly have been calibrated to regulate the increased ATF flow and to deliver effective lubrication to the aforementioned mating components.

Abstract: A roasting oven having a large capacity heating well including a wrap-around heating element for heating the side walls thereof and a top heating element for browning. A function control panel featuring a touch-film interface and digital display of cooking modes is provided for the user's convenience. The heating elements are fabricated in alternative embodiments to provide single-sided or double-sided configurations for particular heating applications. A lid member including the top heating element is attached to the roasting oven by electrically conductive supporting structures, which incorporate the electrical circuit for the top heating element and also provide for convenient disconnection thereof for cleaning and storage. In an alternative embodiment the top heating element is omitted to reduce manufacturing costs and standard electromechanical switches and temperature controls provide the functions of the oven.

Abstract: A torque converter clutch solenoid assembly for controlling the converter clutch apply cycle of a General Motors 4L60-E transmission. The present solenoid assembly includes a solenoid snout having a longitudinal bore terminating in a fluid orifice wherein a one-way check valve has been installed to prevent transmission fluid backflow from the torque converter when not operating. The present check valve effectively replaces and performs the function of the original equipment converter clutch signal orifice check valve located in the converter clutch signal circuit, which actuates the torque converter clutch apply valve. The present solenoid assembly precludes the malfunction of the original equipment torque converter clutch apply valve resulting from physical displacement of the original equipment signal orifice check valve under fluid pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for repairing hydraulic fluid leakage from the low/reverse gear fluid circuit of an automatic transmission case is disclosed. The present repair kit comprises a deformable grommet seal used in combination with a steel shim to replace the original equipment gasket, which is the source of the fluid leakage. Installation of the steel shim compresses the grommet seal in the fluid passage thereby creating a leakproof seal and maintaining the integrity of the low/reverse piston fluid circuit. In addition, the steel shim functions as a spacer in replacement of the original equipment manufacture gasket, which is discarded, and also provides a non-compressible backing surface to prevent distortion of the piston retainer when it is assembled and fastened against the shim.

Abstract: A replacement torque converter clutch (TCC) apply valve for regulating the application of the torque converter clutch within an automatic transmission is disclosed. The TCC apply valve includes a valve piston having an expandable seal installed thereon at the primary wear location within a mating bore in the valve body to reduce hydraulic leakage. The valve piston also includes an internal fluid gallery formed therein in fluid communication with an annular groove wherein the expandable seal resides. Whenever the present TCC apply valve is actuated, TCC signal pressure enters the fluid gallery in the valve piston under pressure and simultaneously urges the expandable seal in a radially outward direction into contact with the mating bore to minimize hydraulic fluid leakage during the apply cycle of the torque converter clutch.

Abstract: A direct replacement boost valve assembly for use in combination with a pressure regulator valve within the valve body of an automatic transmission is disclosed. The boost valve assembly functions to boost line pressure during high load conditions in response to torque signal fluid pressure, which is proportional to engine torque. The present boost valve assembly is comprised of hard-anodized aluminum valve pistons, which are disposed within a wear resistant aluminum sleeve for maximum service longevity. Annular lubrication grooves formed in the valve pistons which comprise the boost valve assembly retain a lubricating film of transmission fluid to center the valve pistons within the sleeve ensuring accurate operation and reducing mechanical wear. The present valve sleeve features a fluid inlet port system, which increases the delivery of torque signal fluid pressure to the boost valve in order to restore its function to original factory boost ratios and specifications.

Abstract: A pressure regulator valve assembly for an automatic transmission that provides continuous hydraulic fluid flow into the torque converter charge circuit in all operating modes to prevent torque converter overheating is disclosed. The present pressure regulator valve assembly includes a valve piston subassembly having an encapsulated internal check valve in fluid communication with the line pressure circuit, which diverts hydraulic fluid to the torque converter charge circuit responsive to a lower fluid pressure (i.e. 2-5 psi range) than is normally required to fill the torque converter. When the vehicle engine is shut off, the internal check valve also prevents hydraulic fluid from draining back through the pressure regulator valve to maintain an adequate fluid level in the torque converter. In addition, an internal balance boost circuit has been added to the valve piston subassembly to assist the balance circuit in counteracting electronic pressure control (EPC) solenoid pressure.