Abstract: A replacement overdrive piston retainer for an automatic transmission that rotationally engages and interconnects the reverse drum within the transmission housing to the overdrive clutch assembly, which is mounted on the exterior of the housing is disclosed. An integral hub diameter formed on the present piston retainer provides a plurality of lubrication sites positioned at predetermined angular locations to deliver automatic transmission fluid to the interface of the hub diameter and the reverse drum in timed relation to the rotation of the reverse drum in an amount sufficient to maintain clearance and to minimize premature wear and galling at the interface of the components. In addition, lubrication reservoirs have been integrally formed within the hub diameter in fluid communication with the lubrication sites to improve the flow of automatic transmission fluid through the piston retainer to the mating interface of the hub diameter and the reverse drum.

Abstract: A rotary capping apparatus and feedback control apparatus for regulating torque applied to screw-on type caps for containers is disclosed. The present system is integrated into a machine suitable for a clean-room environment. The apparatus includes a supporting frame whereon a computer-controlled driving mechanism including a servomotor for transmitting a predetermined torque to an inflatable gripping device actuated by compressed air for gripping and torquing such caps is provided. The inflatable gripper is imparted with automatic vertical height adjustment to accommodate containers of various sizes. The present rotary capping apparatus provides an integrated closed loop feedback control system utilizing a computer for setting parameters for regulating the application of such torque and a servocontroller interfaced for bidirectional communication with the computer.

Abstract: A replacement torque converter clutch regulator valve assembly for an automatic transmission that controls clutch apply circuit pressure to the lockup piston within the torque converter clutch is disclosed. The present torque converter clutch regulator valve assembly includes an internal pressure relief valve that regulates clutch apply circuit pressure in the range of 90 to 100 pounds per square inch in comparison to the original equipment manufacture line pressure of 130 to 140 pounds per square inch thereby preventing deflection and malfunction of the lockup piston in operation. The present torque converter clutch regulator valve assembly also includes a modified switch valve having a fluid restricting baffle formed thereon that eliminates the initial spike in clutch apply circuit pressure at the start of each apply cycle to the torque converter clutch, which reduces shudder and provides improved control of the clutch apply and release circuits.

Abstract: A replacement 1-2 shift valve for an automatic transmission, which restores a smooth shift from first to second gear thereby correcting a shudder shift or a complete failure to shift from first to second gear is disclosed. The present 1-2 shift valve comprises a valve piston including at least one bi-directionally tapered valve stem that changes the direction of transmission fluid flow within the valve such that a rebound force is generated which acts to propel the valve piston in an axial direction toward the second gear position of the valve. The piston lands which comprise the valve piston are provided with a plurality of annular grooves that function to retain transmission fluid and to center the valve piston in its mating bore to resist to side loading during operation. In addition, the present valve piston is provided with an anodized surface finish, which increases service longevity.

Abstract: A self-regulating reverse boost valve assembly for installation within the hydraulic pump of an automatic transmission is disclosed. The present reverse boost valve assembly operates in conjunction with the pressure regulator valve to control line pressure generated by the hydraulic pump boosting line pressure in relation to engine torque. The present reverse boost valve assembly includes an internal check valve mechanism that is actuated whenever torque signal fluid pressure (proportional to engine torque) exceeds a predetermined level. When the internal check valve mechanism is actuated, the excess torque signal fluid pressure is diverted via an internal exhaust channel to the transmission sump. Thus, any drastic rise in main line hydraulic pressure or high line pressure in reverse gear, which can result in broken direct clutch drums and/or broken transmission cases, is prevented.

Abstract: A vacuum-release waste receptacle designed to prevent vacuum adherence of a plastic liner disposed within the present receptacle upon removal of the liner. The present invention provides a waste receptacle including a plurality of air baffles formed on the inner sidewalls of the receptacle and projecting inwardly into the interior space of the receptacle and to its bottom wall. The air baffles are fabricated to a predetermined dimension, which is calculated to provide an indentation of sufficient depth in the filled plastic liner to create air conduits between the plastic liner, the air baffles, and the inner surface of the receptacle. The air conduits permit the ingress of atmospheric air into the receptacle providing for vacuum-release of the plastic liner upon its removal. Various alternative embodiments of the present waste receptacle are disclosed featuring different configurations of the air baffles.

Abstract: A replacement forward clutch control valve assembly including a primary control land, which is designed to properly align the valve piston within its mating bore in the valve body of an automatic translate is disclosed. The primary control land has a substantially increased axial length in comparison to the original equipment manufacture valve piston without exceeding the overall length of the original valve piston. The present forward clutch control valve assembly provides a substantially improved control land-to-bore surface contact ratio and also provides a more durable end surface area for contact with the retaining clip during operation. As a result the present forward clutch control valve assembly is substantially less prone to bending and/or seizure within its mating bore during operation.

Abstract: A hydraulic spool valve repair kit comprising a cylindrical valve cap and a replacement spring retainer plate and a method of use of these components for increasing the service longevity of such a hydraulic spool valve within the valve body of an automatic transmission is disclosed. The present valve cap is a cylindrical steel construction having a longitudinal bore, which is radially disposed about a terminal end of the aluminum valve piston to provide a more durable contact surface and to substantially reduce mechanical wear between the dissimilar materials of the original components. The replacement spring retainer plate, which inadvertently contacts the valve piston under some operating conditions, is reconfigured to include resilient leg members for retention of the spring retainer plate within the valve body and also provides a stable spring seat for the compression spring that actuates the spool valve.

Abstract: A Lube Regulated Pressure Regulator Valve including an internal check valve that passes transmission fluid from the hydraulic pump in an amount sufficient to fill the torque converter in the Park gear range and at low engine speeds is disclosed. The internal check valve opens at a substantially lower line pressure than is required to open the original equipment manufacture pressure regulator valve to ensure the torque converter is operational at engine startup. As engine speed increases and sufficient line pressure builds up within the torque converter charge circuit, the internal check valve is closed and the pressure regulator valve opens as it would normally to feed line pressure to the torque converter directly. When the engine is shut off, the internal check valve is biased to a closed position preventing automatic transmission fluid from draining back from the torque converter through the pressure regulator valve to the fluid sump.

Abstract: A multilevel spiral incremental structure and construction method for residential and/or commercial buildings is disclosed. The present structure is constructed using a plurality of prefabricated modular units or pods which are substantially similar in their size and configuration and assembled symmetrically about a central core designed to contain ductwork, conduit, vents, pipes and other utility apparatus. The pods are supported on stepped foundation piers at progressively higher elevations based upon a calculated vertical increment factor. In a preferred embodiment six pods are arranged about a central core to produce a hexagonal structure resulting in a vertical increase of about ten feet or one story in floor elevation per revolution about the core. The present construction may be cost effectively expanded into a multilevel building by adding new pods after the initial construction phase without digging a new foundation or demolishing portions of the original structure.

Abstract: A manual valve for use within the hydraulic control system of Chrysler automatic transmissions. The present manual valve includes flow control structures to vary its standard functions. In a preferred embodiment the manual valve includes a secondary control land, which blocks and redirects hydraulic fluid to an alternate exhaust channel within the present valve when Park gear range is selected. A control orifice meters flow within the alternate exhaust channel and generates a predetermined backpressure to the pressure regulator valve, which provides an increased flow of hydraulic fluid to the torque converter in the Park gear range. This effectively eliminates delayed engagement of the transmission upon shifting into the Drive and Reverse gear ranges. In addition, the present manual valve includes a reverse metering land, which regulates the effect of fluid shock on the reverse servo piston when the Reverse gear range is selected.

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 embodiment 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 food serving set for use in combination with a roasting oven or other 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 individual food containers are suitable for refrigeration of food items. The present serving set features a collapsible supporting rack, which positions such individual 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 an alternative embodiment the supporting rack may be easily disassembled for storage using a latching mechanism or other suitable quick connect/disconnect fasteners. In alternative embodiments the food containers include integral peripheral flanges, which are fitted to the inner edge of the cooking vessel and the supporting rack is unnecessary.

Abstract: A replacement actuator feed limit valve assembly, which regulates the flow and pressure of automatic transmission fluid within the actuator feed limit hydraulic circuit in an automotive transmission valve body is disclosed. The present actuator feed limit valve assembly comprises a hard anodized valve piston disposed within a mating, full contact valve sleeve having inlet and exhaust ports disposed about its circumference which increases actuator feed limit circuit control, reduces oscillation, and eliminates side loading and bore wear thereby correcting improper gear starts, soft/delayed shifting and clutch/band failure. The present valve assembly also includes fluid directing structures, which reduce the turbulence of hydraulic fluid passing through the valve. By substitution of alternative compression springs provided in an aftermarket kit format, the present replacement actuator feed limit valve assembly will function in either General Motors 4L60E or 4L80E early and late design transmission valve bodies.

Abstract: A multifunctional cooking system including a deep well cooker that includes a bottom heating element and a wrap-around heating element which are disposed about the deep well member for heating the side walls thereof is disclosed. The heating elements are fabricated using alternative construction methods to provide one-sided or double-sided configurations for particular applications. Both the bottom heating element and the wrap-around heating element are electrically interconnected by a temperature controlling device for heat regulation and a multi-function controller for selectively energizing the heating elements individually or in combination for various cooking modes. In alternative embodiments the bottom heating element comprises an induction heater including an induction coil capable of generating an electromagnetic field to generate heat for cooking and also a hot plate type heater including a concave/convex heating plate which resists heat deformation.

Abstract: A reverse boost valve assembly for installation within the hydraulic pump of an automatic transmission is disclosed. The present invention includes valve pistons that oscillate within close-tolerance mating valve sleeves to minimize hydraulic leakage. The present valve pistons are manufactured from aluminum material and are provided with a hard anodize coating, which produces a low coefficient of friction between the mating surfaces. The valve sleeves are provided with a compatible anodize coating or, in the alternative, are fabricated from highly wear-resistant aluminum material. The reverse boost valve assembly is provided in both standard volume and oversize embodiments, which are interchangeable to permit a predetermined rate of line pressure rise to be selected for a given transmission. The reverse boost valve assembly is also supplied with or without external O-ring seals, which function to prevent line pressure leakage at the interface of the valve sleeve and the hydraulic pump body.

Abstract: A food serving set for use in combination with a roasting oven or other 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 individual food containers are suitable for refrigeration of food items. The present serving set features a collapsible supporting rack, which positions such individual 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 an alternative embodiment the supporting rack may be easily disassembled for storage using a latching mechanism or other suitable quick connect/disconnect fasteners.

Abstract: A special purpose tool for manual installation and removal of bushings or sleeve bearings from press fit bearing housings within automotive engines, transmissions, and other machinery with no resultant damage to the housing is disclosed. The present tool is comprised of a cylindrical body member including a pilot diameter, which aligns the tool in coaxial relation to the bushing and a bushing locating journal that engages the bushing to be removed. A plurality of machine screws are disposed in the body member at predetermined radial positions. To remove a bushing the machine screws are advanced axially within threaded holes such that the machine screw threads tap into and capture the worn bushing and/or bearing sleeve and the tool is withdrawn. The present tool is also utilized to manually install new bushings into housings and other components by removal of the aforementioned machine screws.

Abstract: A tomographic spray momentum mapping system and method of use for determining the spray momentum of dense, high-pressure sprays such as petroleum-based fuel sprays discharged from electronically-controlled fuel injection systems is disclosed. The present system comprises a mechanical probe assembly having a probe wire drawn across a Y-shaped handle, which includes a force transducer attached in operative relation thereto that receives force input from the impact of the spray impinging on the probe wire and generates output signals in response thereto. The probe assembly is traversed through the spray to obtain force measurements at selected points therein. The present system includes a coordinate measuring apparatus for precisely positioning the probe wire within the spray structure.