Abstract: An embodiment of the invention comprises a pneumatically operated regulating valve having porting therein for venting therethrough the pilot-signal, pressured fluid which is normally conducted to the front clutch internal control valve of a power transmission. The regulating valve is in communication with a source of pneumatic pressures. When the pneumatic pressure of the source is elevated, it causes the regulating valve to vent the pilot-signal, pressured fluid. Resultantly, the transmission is prevented from going into its lock-up mode and, instead, remains in its converter mode. The method sets forth the steps of modifying a standard transmission, without altering the latter's as-built configuration and arrangement, to incorporate the novel controlling means.

Abstract: The system comprises a conventional oil/gas separator, with an oil supply line extending from the separator oil reservoir for conducting oil to a machine (such as an associated gas compressor, or the like), and a gas/oil vapor line communicating with the gas chamber of the separator, for conducting oil vapor-laden gas thereto (from such a compressor, or like machine). In an embodiment of the improvement, a check valve is interposed between the oil supply line and the reservoir to prevent oil flow from the line to the reservoir, and a by-pass line, having a pilot-pressure-closed, normally-open valve interposed therein, is coupled between the oil supply line and the gas chamber. The valve senses chamber pressure and, when the latter is sufficiently diminished, opens the by-pass line to evacuate the oil supply line (and oil cooler and filter) into the separator.