Abstract: This invention relates to a casting machine furnace apparatus including a casting machine furnace, a supply furnace in fluid communication with the machine furnace and operative to supply a molten metal to the machine furnace, and a stopper module device disposed in a fluid path between the casting machine furnace and the supply furnace. The stopper module device includes a block housing and a stopper assembly. The block housing includes an inlet opening and an outlet opening, and is disposed in the fluid path. The stopper assembly is supported for movement relative to the inlet opening of the block housing between a working position, wherein the molten metal flows from the supply furnace to the casting machine furnace, and a non-working position, wherein the flow of molten metal is prevented.

Abstract: An improved central tire inflation system wherein positive air pressure is used to control the air pressure in the associated vehicle tire includes a vehicle wheel assembly having a tire mounted thereon and defining a pressurized tire air chamber, and a positive pressure air source. A normally closed inflation valve is connected between the tire air chamber and the positive pressure air source, and a normally closed deflation valve is connected between the tire air chamber and the atmosphere. A control valve selectively actuated by a central control unit is provided to operatively connect the inflation valve and the deflation valve to the positive pressure air source. The system further includes a sensor for measuring the tire pressure in the tire air chamber. The sensor is operative to generate a signal corresponding to the air pressure in the tire air chamber to the central control unit.

Abstract: A seat belt construction is provided in which a first end of the seat belt is connected to the vehicle frame and a second opposite end is connected to the passenger seat so that it extends across and behind the back rest of the passenger seat to form a back restraint to prevent the passenger from being thrown rearwardly upon failure of the back rest.

Abstract: A cable control system for dual actuators wherein movement of a strand of a first cable is transmitted equally to second and third strands of respective actuators which includes a device comprising a one-piece body having spaced parallel walls with aligned openings therethrough. The first cable extends through the opening and the second cable is fastened at the other end of the device such that when the first cable is actuated, a force is transmitted to one of the actuators through the first cable and the reaction force on a conduit surrounding the first cable is transmitted through the device through the second cable to the other of the actuators through the device.

Abstract: An automatic self-adjusting cable system comprising first, second and third cables, each including a conduit and a strand extending through the conduit. A self adjusting mechanism is provided and includes a housing, an inner member movable axially relative to the housing and a clutch between the housing and the member comprising a plurality of collet members which are movable radially and longitudinally and surround the member to cause teeth on the collets to disengage and engage teeth on the axially movable member. A spring extends between the collet housing and the conduit of the first cable. The strand of the first cable is connected to the movable member of the collet assembly. The strand of the first cable extends through the inner member of the collet clutch and is attached to the strand of the third cable. The strand of the second cable is connected to the collet housing. When a load is applied to the strand of the first cable, the strand tends to move toward the collet housing.

Abstract: A self-adjusting cable control device for automatically compensating for wear in a control cable system. The device includes a termination member connected at one end of a control cable and a connecting member attached to an actuation member. The connecting member carries a clutch for locking with the termination member upon application of force to the actuation member. A spring is provided to move the cable with respect to the actuation member when the clutch is disengaged from the termination member. The clutch comprises a plurality of collet members which are hinged to the connecting member and are movable radially toward and away from and surround the termination member. The collet members have conical surfaces at one end adapted to engage complementary conical surfaces on the connecting member and serrations which engage complementary serrations on the termination member.

Abstract: A parking brake assembly comprising a pair of brake shoes pivotally mounted on a backing plate, a brake operating lever pivoted to the brake shoe and operable by a remote cable for pivoting the brake shoes against a brake drum, and a coil spring provided under compression between the brake lever and the backing plate. During shipment of the parking brake assembly, it is attached to an axle and the coil spring has an end that extends to an opening in the back plate. The cable including a conduit and an inner member, preferably a flexible strand, is handled separately. After the parking brake assembly is attached to an automotive vehicle, the cable can be connected even though the brake drum is in place and prevents seeing the interior of the brake assembly. Specifically, the strand is then forced through the conduit and the coil.