Abstract: A three-wheel vehicle includes a single rear drive wheel, which is mounted on a suspension subframe located near the rear of the vehicle and extending between rails of the vehicle's chassis. A transfer is also mounted on the suspension subframe and drivingly interconnects the vehicle drivetrain and the rear wheel. A four-wheel to three-wheel vehicle conversion method includes the steps of removing the differential, rear axles and rear wheels of an original drivetrain and replacing them with a subframe mounting a rear wheel and a transfer. The transfer is connected to the original transmission by a drive shaft. The converted vehicle can be certified and licensed based on less stringent governmental regulations than those applicable to comparable four-wheel vehicles.

Abstract: A three-wheel vehicle includes a single rear drive wheel, which is mounted on a suspension subframe located near the rear of the vehicle and extending between rails of the vehicle's chassis. A transfer is also mounted on the suspension subframe and drivingly interconnects the vehicle drivetrain and the rear wheel. A four-wheel to three-wheel vehicle conversion method includes the steps of removing the differential, rear axles and rear wheels of an original drivetrain and replacing them with a subframe mounting a rear wheel and a transfer. The transfer is connected to the original transmission by a drive shaft. The converted vehicle can be certified and licensed based on less stringent governmental regulations than those applicable to comparable four-wheel vehicles.

Abstract: A coupon book system including a process and apparatus for customizing and ordering fundraising coupon books from an on-line client. Another embodiment of the coupon book system also includes the steps for merchant sponsoring, in which the merchant can make coupons available for inclusion in the coupon books. In still another embodiment, the coupon book system also includes the steps for the purchaser to order coupon books and other merchandise. The system includes a server and software for communicating with a client and for storing and processing data received from the client.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reclaiming waste oil for use as fuel for a diesel engine. A mixing tank is provided, along with a waste oil transfer pump for supplying waste oil to the mixing tank, a fuel proportioning pump for supplying a proportional amount of light fuel oil to the mixing tank, and a heating unit for heating the oil-fuel mixture. An additive proportioning pump may also be provided for supplying chemical fuel additives such as emulsifiers and combustion improvers to the mixing tank. A fuel delivery pump delivers the heated oil-fuel mixture from the mixing tank to a diesel engine for use as fuel. Pre-filters are provided to remove a large portion of the particulate material from the waste oil before it is delivered to the mixing tank, and final filters remove additional contaminants from the oil-fuel mixture before it reaches the engine.

Abstract: A motor vehicle can be modified by interposing a connecting unit between two adjacent portions of the drive chain or the transmission system of the automobile. Transmission system modifying elements can be operatively placed in the transmission system or drive chain and any size and/or dimension differences between the modifying elements and the elements of the motor vehicle being modified are accommodated by the connecting unit whereby off-the-shelf elements can be combined with specialized motor vehicle components to modify that motor vehicle.

Abstract: A restoration sleeve for the remanufacture of cast iron engine blocks or aluminum blocks with cast iron liners includes a sleeve formed of cast iron and having a relatively thin wall, a selected length, an outer diameter to achieve a non-interference fit within an overbored cylinder, an inner diameter equal to the original specifications of the original manufacturer of the engine block, and a helical cross hatched inner surface finish. The sleeves are manufactured by placing an unfinished sleeve in a boring fixture, boring the inner surface to a selected diameter, transferring the bored sleeve to a honing fixture, and honing the inner surface to the required diameter and surface finish. An adhesive is applied to the restoration sleeve and the overbored block cylinders, and the sleeves are inserted into the overbored cylinders wherein the adhesive is allowed to cure to thereby adhesively retain the sleeves within the block.

Abstract: A replacement cylinder for the remanufacture of cast iron engine blocks includes a sleeve formed of cast iron and having a relatively thin wall, a selected length, an outer diameter to achieve a slight clearance of fit within an overbored cylinder, an inner diameter equal to the original specifications of the original manufacturer of the engine block, and a helical cross hatched inner surface finish. The replacement cylinders are manufactured by placing an unfinished sleeve in a boring fixture, boring the inner surface to a selected diameter, transferring the bored sleeve to a honing fixture, and honing the inner surface to the required diameter and surface finish. An adhesive is applied to the prefinished replacement cylinders and the overbored block cylinders, and the replacement cylinders are inserted into the overbored cylinders wherein the adhesive is allowed to cure to thereby adhesively retain the replacement cylinders within the block.

Abstract: A surface mount overheat indicator device includes a flattened annular outer frame and an inner fusible disk positioned within the outer frame. The fusible disk is formed of a material which melts at a selected temperature. The outer frame has a plurality of adhesive relief apertures formed therethrough in circumferentially spaced relation. The fusible disk projects rearwardly of a rear surface of the outer frame to define an adhesive receiving space between the rear surface of the outer frame and a surface on which the device is adhesively installed. The adhesive receiving space and the adhesive relief apertures cooperate to prevent the positioning of a layer of adhesive or a pocket of air between the fusible disk and the surface on which the device is installed to avoid interfering with the transfer of heat therefrom.

Abstract: An exhaust gas drive system for engine accessories includes a turbine positioned in the exhaust system of the engine of a vehicle for rotation of the turbine by the pressure of the exhaust gas. The turbine is connected through a reduction transmission to a hydraulic pump which is fluidically connected to respective hydraulic motors which drive the accessories. Communication of exhaust gas to the turbine is controlled by a waste gate. The flow of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic motors is controlled by actuator valves which operate in an on/off manner or are adjustable for variable control of the accessories. A computer monitors engine speed and controls the position of the waste gate to thereby maintain a substantially constant speed of the turbine. Alternatively, a secondary output shaft of the reduction transmission has a drive pulley thereon for belt driving an accessory having a driven pulley on an input shaft thereof.