Abstract: Method of dimensionally stabilizing the interface between metal parts of differing thermal expansion characteristics (TEC), regardless of temperature variations under normal designed use of such parts, comprising: (a) hot extruding a mixture of ceramic fibers (i.e., Si.sub.3 N.sub.4, SiC, Al.sub.2 O.sub.3) and a powder of the metal having the higher TEC (i.e., Al, Ti, Mg) while aligning the fibers generally along the direction of extrusion, to form an insert; (b) shaping the insert to align its fibers generally in at least one direction of anticipated thermal growth that may interfere with the interface; (c) casting the insert in place within a first part compound of the higher TEC metal and with the insert's fibers (i) oriented as above, and (ii) preheated to a temperature no greater than 35-45% of the temperature of the molten light metal; and (d) bringing together the first metal part with a second part of lower TEC metal (i.e., Fe or steel) to form the interface.

Abstract: Stitch-machining the walls of a cylindrical blind cavity of a workpiece, the cavity being deep and narrow with respect to the axis of the cavity, is carried out by: (a) supporting a tubular housing for axial movement throughout substantially the axial extent of the cavity interior and in close-fitting tolerance to the walls of the cavity, the tubular housing having a free end; (b) rotationally driving a spindle (10,000-40,000 rpm) in the tubular housing for conjoint axial movement with the tubular housing, the spindle extending beyond the housing end for carrying a radially adjustable cutting tool; (c) inserting the tubular housing together with the rotationally driven spindle into the cavity (at lineal speeds of 400-800 inches/minute) with a cutting tool radially positioned for rough boring of the cavity walls, while guiding and steering the tubular housing and spindle to accurately concentrically position the cutting tool with respect to the cavity axis; (d) substantially immediately upon the execution of r

Abstract: Method and apparatus for conducting boring of a series of spaced walls on a workpiece using a self-adjusting boring bar.

Abstract: A shift lever and throttle lever coaxially mounted on the casing of an automatic transmission are engaged, respectively, by a lever mounted on each of two concentric shafts whose axes are aligned with the axis of the transmission levers. The shafts have torque sensors located between the levers carried by the shafts and bearings that support the shafts in rotation. The outer shaft has a radial positioning actuator which is hydraulically driven from a source of hydraulic pressure through a servo controlled valve that selectively opens and closes hydraulic passages. The actuator includes a vane fixed to the shaft and a stator that divides a cavity into two halves, each of which is pressurized selectively by operation of the servo.