Abstract: The hydraulic circuitry of a factory installed automatic automotive transmission is modified to replace an underdrive accumulator spring with a shorter spring and a separate lower rated spring washer operatively associated with the shorter replacement underdrive accumulator spring. The combined replacement spring and spring washer conjointly act on an underdrive accumulator piston to move it in two predetermined distances, in two separate continuous stages, namely, movement of the piston for a first predetermined distance is controlled by the spring washer, while movement of the piston for a second predetermined distance is controlled by the replacement spring. The spring washer has a lower spring rating than the replacement spring, so that less fluid pressure is required to move the piston the total distance traveled, resulting in less fluid pressure applied to an underdrive clutch than in the factory installed transmission.

Abstract: The hydraulic circuitry of the factory installed automotive automatic transmission of the General Motors Corporation identified as the Allison 1000 and 2000 Series is modified to include a new return spring to decrease clutch pressure and mainline pressure so as not to exceed a predetermined pressure to reduce the time to complete an upshift, to replace the main regulator valve spring to increase main line pressure at road speed based on road conditions, and to provide a new valve with an internal exhaust circuit operatively associated with the TCC (Torque Converter Clutch) to lower balance circuit pressure resulting in the increase of converter clutch apply pressure. The methods and systems for modifying the factory installed transmissions improve the overall operation and efficiency of the transmission during operation of the motor vehicles in which the transmissions are installed.

Abstract: The hydraulic circuitry of a factory installed automatic automotive transmission is modified to include a check ball and spring to limit balance oil to a predetermined pressure applied to first end of the clutch regulator valve. When the onboard automobile computer ramps up solenoid oil pressure applied to the clutch regulator valve through a gain valve that acts on a first end of the clutch regulator valve, this pressure is opposed by a spring as well as clutch balance oil pressure that is routed and applied to a second opposite end of the clutch regulator valve. The arrangement limits the balance oil pressure applied to the second end of the clutch regulator valve to a predetermined maximum value so the onboard computer regulates the clutch up to that predetermined value.

Abstract: The “factory installed” pressure regulator valve of an automotive transmission is replaced by a pressure regulator valve having two separate valve components conjointly movable together in a bore. A protrusion or protuberance extending from the center of one end of one of the valve components defines a fulcrum which abuts against an adjacent end of the other valve component as the two valve components move conjointly and in direct contact with each other within the bore during operation of the pressure regulator valve. Preferably, an opening is provided in a land in one of the valve components to vent hydraulic fluid (transmission oil) to prevent a pressure build-up in the bore which might separate the two valve components from each other during reciprocating movement of the valve components in the bore.

Abstract: The “factory installed” hydraulic circuitry of an automotive transmission is modified to increase line pressure to permit heavy duty and high performance applications of the transmission, and to prevent the onboard computer from sensing and counteracting the increased line pressure. The “factory installed” Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) regulator valve is modified to prevent over pressuring of this valve which would otherwise result from the increased line pressure. The “factory installed” Torque Converter Clutch control valve is modified to compensate for the increase in line pressure to adjust the application of the valve to prevent rough or abrupt gear shifts and provide smooth application of the torque converter clutch.

Abstract: An input drum of an automotive transmission for motor vehicles is formed from a plurality of components assembled together. The input drum has a hub having outwardly extending tabs, and a clutch cylinder having internal grooves for receiving the tabs when the hub is assembled to the clutch cylinder. The hub and the clutch cylinder are arranged such that openings in the hub and openings in an inwardly extending circumferential flange of the clutch cylinder are in axial alignment when the tabs of the hub are received in the internal grooves of the clutch cylinder. The hub and clutch cylinder are assembled together by connecting elements extending through the aligned openings in the hub and clutch cylinder. An input shaft is permanently or removably attached to the hub.

Abstract: Methods provide for creating a three-dimensional random fiber orientation in a composite component. According to embodiments described herein, narrow flakes are created from a unidirectional composite fiber tape and poured into a reservoir of a mold, creating a three-dimensional random fiber orientation of the narrow flakes within the reservoir. At least a majority of the narrow flakes have an aspect ratio of length to width of at least 6:1. The narrow flakes are heated and compressed to fill the mold and create the composite component. The three-dimensional random fiber orientation of the narrow flakes within the reservoir is maintained as the narrow flakes are pushed through the mold, creating consistent, uniform strength characteristics throughout the resulting composite component.

Abstract: Methods provide for creating a three-dimensional random fiber orientation in a composite component. According to embodiments described herein, narrow flakes are created from a unidirectional composite fiber tape and poured into a reservoir of a mold, creating a three-dimensional random fiber orientation of the narrow flakes within the reservoir. At least a majority of the narrow flakes have an aspect ratio of length to width of at least 6:1. The narrow flakes are heated and compressed to fill the mold and create the composite component. The three-dimensional random fiber orientation of the narrow flakes within the reservoir is maintained as the narrow flakes are pushed through the mold, creating consistent, uniform strength characteristics throughout the resulting composite component.

Abstract: A method for modifying the hydraulic circuitry of factory installed 46RE, 47RE and 48 RE automotive transmissions internally re-routes the flow of hydraulic fluid within the valve body of the automotive transmission to improve the overall operation of these factory installed automotive transmissions, without adding or installing any external passageway structures to the valve body. The internal re-routing of the hydraulic flow within the valve body is accomplished by replacing the existing separator plate with one or more new cooperating separator plates, and by plugging portions of the existing hydraulic circuitry, to internally re-route the flow of hydraulic fluid within the valve body by blocking certain existing internal hydraulic circuitry and by creating new internal hydraulic circuitry for fluid flow within the valve body. The modified 46RE and 47RE transmissions exhibit improved operating characteristics, simulating the operation of a 48RE automotive transmission.

Abstract: Methods provide for creating a three-dimensional random fiber orientation in a composite component. According to embodiments described herein, narrow flakes are created from a unidirectional composite fiber tape and poured into a reservoir of a mold, creating a three-dimensional random fiber orientation of the narrow flakes within the reservoir. At least a majority of the narrow flakes have an aspect ratio of length to width of at least 6:1. The narrow flakes are heated and compressed to fill the mold and create the composite component. The three-dimensional random fiber orientation of the narrow flakes within the reservoir is maintained as the narrow flakes are pushed through the mold, creating consistent, uniform strength characteristics throughout the resulting composite component.

Abstract: Methods provide for creating a three-dimensional random fiber orientation in a composite component. According to embodiments described herein, narrow flakes are created from a unidirectional composite fiber tape and poured into a reservoir of a mold, creating a three-dimensional random fiber orientation of the narrow flakes within the reservoir. At least a majority of the narrow flakes have an aspect ratio of length to width of at least 6:1. The narrow flakes are heated and compressed to fill the mold and create the composite component. The three-dimensional random fiber orientation of the narrow flakes within the reservoir is maintained as the narrow flakes are pushed through the mold, creating consistent, uniform strength characteristics throughout the resulting composite component.

Abstract: Methods provide for creating a three-dimensional random fiber orientation in a composite component. According to embodiments described herein, narrow flakes are created from a unidirectional composite fiber tape and poured into a reservoir of a mold, creating a three-dimensional random fiber orientation of the narrow flakes within the reservoir. At least a majority of the narrow flakes have an aspect ratio of length to width of at least 6:1. The narrow flakes are heated and compressed to fill the mold and create the composite component. The three-dimensional random fiber orientation of the narrow flakes within the reservoir is maintained as the narrow flakes are pushed through the mold, creating consistent, uniform strength characteristics throughout the resulting composite component.

Abstract: The “factory installed” hydraulic circuitry of an automotive transmission is modified to increase line pressure to permit heavy duty and high performance applications of the transmission, and to prevent the onboard computer from sensing and counteracting the increased line pressure. The “factory installed” Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) regulator valve is modified to prevent over pressuring of this valve which would otherwise result from the increased line pressure. The “factory installed” Torque Converter Clutch control valve is modified to compensate for the increase in line pressure to adjust the application of the valve to prevent rough or abrupt gear shifts and provide smooth application of the torque converter clutch.

Abstract: The “factory installed” pressure regulator valve of an automotive transmission is replaced by a pressure regulator valve having two separate valve components conjointly movable together in a bore. A protrusion or protuberance extending from the center of one end of one of the valve components defines a fulcrum which abuts against an adjacent end of the other valve component as the two valve components move conjointly and in direct contact with each other within the bore during operation of the pressure regulator valve. Preferably, an opening is provided in a land in one of the valve components to vent hydraulic fluid (transmission oil) to prevent a pressure build-up in the bore which might separate the two valve components from each other during reciprocating movement of the valve components in the bore.

Abstract: An input drum of an automotive transmission for motor vehicles is formed from a plurality of components assembled together. The input drum has a hub having outwardly extending tabs, and a clutch cylinder having internal grooves for receiving the tabs when the hub is assembled to the clutch cylinder. The hub and the clutch cylinder are arranged such that openings in the hub and openings in an inwardly extending circumferential flange of the clutch cylinder are in axial alignment when the tabs of the hub are received in the internal grooves of the clutch cylinder. The hub and clutch cylinder are assembled together by connecting elements extending through the aligned openings in the hub and clutch cylinder. An input shaft is permanently or removably attached to the hub.

Abstract: A method for modifying the hydraulic circuitry of factory installed 46RE, 47RE and 48 RE automotive transmissions internally re-routes the flow of hydraulic fluid within the valve body of the automotive transmission to improve the overall operation of these factory installed automotive transmissions, without adding or installing any external passageway structures to the valve body. The internal re-routing of the hydraulic flow within the valve body is accomplished by replacing the existing separator plate with one or more new cooperating separator plates, and by plugging portions of the existing hydraulic circuitry, to internally re-route the flow of hydraulic fluid within the valve body by blocking certain existing internal hydraulic circuitry and by creating new internal hydraulic circuitry for fluid flow within the valve body. The modified 46RE and 47RE transmissions exhibit improved operating characteristics, simulating the operation of a 48RE automotive transmission.

Abstract: Methods provide for creating a three-dimensional random fiber orientation in a composite component. According to embodiments described herein, narrow flakes are created from a unidirectional composite fiber tape and poured into a reservoir of a mold, creating a three-dimensional random fiber orientation of the narrow flakes within the reservoir. At least a majority of the narrow flakes have an aspect ratio of length to width of at least 6:1. The narrow flakes are heated and compressed to fill the mold and create the composite component. The three-dimensional random fiber orientation of the narrow flakes within the reservoir is maintained as the narrow flakes are pushed through the mold, creating consistent, uniform strength characteristics throughout the resulting composite component.

Abstract: The invention provides, in one aspect, human machine interface (HMI) methods and apparatus that permit users to search and/or view plant and other real-time process automation data in a manner similar to that with which they search and/or view pages on the Internet (web). Related aspects of the invention provide such methods and apparatus as permit users to search and/or view such real-time process automation data concurrently with such Internet web pages. Further related aspects of the invention provide such methods and apparatus as permit users to search and/or view such real-time process automation data concurrently with business data maintained in pages on an enterprise network (e.g., a LAN, WAN or otherwise).

Abstract: The present invention, in particular embodiments, is directed to methods, apparatuses and systems directed to rate adaptive video transmission. In a particular implementation, the present invention provides a video server that delivers video frames received from a video source in response to video frame requests transmitted by one or more video clients. In such a configuration, video clients essentially pull video frames of a video stream at a rate adapted to various attributes of the client and/or the client application consuming the video stream, such as bandwidth available to the client the video client application requirements, and the like. Additional embodiments also provide for novel video data compression techniques that use client pull mechanisms to achieve an adaptive video streaming mechanism. In one implementation, only lower levels of a multi-resolution or wavelet video stream are requested to optimally utilize system bandwidth.

Abstract: An improved ligating system with a ligating barrel having an adjustable diameter for use with endoscopes of varying sizes is disclosed. The adjustable diameter may be provided by a collet, a flexible helical band, a plurality of screws, or a tapered elastomeric section.