Abstract: A cooling structure for cooling integrated circuits. The cooling structure includes integrated circuit cases inside which one of more integrated circuits are mounted. Cold plates are also included which are superimposed on heat radiation surfaces of the integrated circuit cases, respectively, the cold plates each having one end of which is bent. Pressing members are also included which are superimposed on the cold plates, respectively, the pressing members each having one end of which is bent to oppose the bent one end of a respective one of the cold plates. The cooling structure also includes fixing means which fixes each of the cold plates and a corresponding one of the pressing members to corresponding one or more of the integrated circuit cases in a freely detachable manner. The cooling structure also includes cooling pipes with each of the cooling pipes being held in at least one space formed between one end of at least one of the cold plates and one end of a corresponding one of the pressing members.

Abstract: An injection molded plastic air return hood for a refrigerator fresh food compartment provides an angular opening directed away from an air inlet opening for preventing short circuiting of refrigerated air in the compartment. An air return hood is prevented for each air return outlet opening in the compartment and the opening is directed towards a side wall of the compartment. Accordingly, the refrigerated air from the inlet opening must travel a more circuitous path through the refrigerator compartment, thus providing a more thorough refrigeration effect.

Abstract: The present invention provides a temperature influencing receptacle for receiving a beverage container. The receptacle comprises an outer insulating cover and an inner insert held within the insulating cover. The insert comprises interfitting cup-like members with a temperature conditionable fluid trapped between the two cup-like members. Provided at the top of the receptacle is a mouth piece of lesser inside diameter than the inside diameter of the insert for gripping on the container and preventing its contact with the insert.

Abstract: An accumulator for use in an air conditioning system for an automotive vehicle includes a cylindrical housing with an inlet tube and an outlet tube extending through the housing, and an axially insertable refrigerant processing cartridge positioned within the housing and including an outer casing, a desiccant, a filter and a separator, all for processing the refrigerant flowing through the accumulator.

Abstract: An arrangement for transporting cryogenic refrigerant to a work area includes a robot with a phase-separator and an insulated flexible hose between the phase-separator and the work area. The phase generator is mounted above the work area. The hose is a coaxial hose in which the inner hose and an annulus created by the inner hose and an outer hose at the opening of the phase-separator are connected during the liquid phase.

Abstract: A method for knitting a flat knitted fabric, wherein all knitting needles of the flat knitting machine are individually connected to an actuator, and each actuator of the corresponding knitting needle is activated in accordance with the predetermined knitting plan, and a flat knitting machine for implementing the above-mentioned knitting method. Preferably a linear direct current motor is used as the actuator. The flat knitting machine in accordance with the present invention can be operated at a higher speed than known conventional knitting machines and can provide a novel flat knitted fabric which cannot be knitted by the conventional flat knitting machine, by individually changing a retracting length of a needle.

Abstract: A security handle lock is provided and consists of a curved arm inserted through eyelets in a neck of a bag and a straight arm that has an eye portion at one end and pivots on other end with respect to the curved arm. The eye portion passes over end of the curved arm allowing a shackle of a padlock to be secured through a transverse aperture of the curved arm locking the neck of the bag closed and allowing the straight arm to act as a handle.

Abstract: An effective vehicular anti-theft wheel lock is fashioned from two bent bars that can slide reltive to each other with a long extension of one of the bars projecting under the vehicle. Bent portions of the bars grip the wheel rim and means are provided for locking the bars together, as wtih a padlock shackle may be protected against bolt cutters by a grooved block.

Abstract: A lock is provided for use in preventing relative movement of first and second sliding panels arranged in side-by-side passing relation. The lock includes a lock cylinder that is mounted in the first sliding panel and has an inner wall defining a core-receiving chamber. The lock further includes a lock core that has a slot for receiving a key and is slidably mounted in the core-receiving chamber for movement between a projected and retracted position. In its projected position, the lock core substantially blocks movement of the second sliding panel in relation to the first sliding panel. In its retracted position, the lock core permits unhindered movement of the second sliding panel in relation to the first sliding panel. In a first embodiment, the lock core includes separate first and second control lugs positioned in spaced-apart relation. In a second embodiment, the lock core includes a single control lug.

Abstract: A device for locking the spare tire wheel of a pickup truck in place so that it can not be lowered from the truck body and removed by unauthorized persons. The device is made of two metal steel assemblies, one of which is a rectangular tube and the other a cylindrical plug. In this application, the spare tire wheel is stowed underneath the rear of the truck body and held up by a hoist chain that is operated by a hoist mechanism fastened to the truck body. The rectangular tube is placed over the dangling hoist chain and pushed up to the hub. The cylindrical lock plug is inserted and locked, preventing movement of the hoist chain up and down and thereby preventing lowering of the spare tire wheel. In design, the locking device is massive, weatherproofed and not susceptible to breaking or damage.

Abstract: Key marker comprises an elastic ring and integral flanges adapted to be stretched around the periphery of the bow of a flat key. The ring has a slot therein adapted to fit around the bit of the key. An elastic membrane integral with one of the flanges extends part way across the flange inwardly from the slot. An inscription area, which may be a coating, on the outer surface of the membrane is adapted to receive a graphic inscription thereon. There may be a similar membrane integral with the other flange. Also, there may be small protuberances distributed over the outer surfaces of the flanges.

Abstract: A method for preventing the camber of a two-layered clad metal sheet having a base layer and a covering layer of different metals which exhibit different amounts of thermal contraction. The method comprises developing a temperature difference .DELTA. T expressed by the following formula between the base layer and the covering layer during a hot levelling, by providing a greater cooling effect before or during levelling to the layer which exhibits the greater thermal contraction than to the layer which exhibits the smaller thermal contraction:.DELTA.T=f (.DELTA..alpha., .alpha., a, To)where,.DELTA..alpha.: the difference in thermal expansion coefficient between both metalsa: the clad ratio (ratio of covering layer thickness to total sheet thickness)To: hot leveller inlet temperature (.degree.C.).alpha.: mean thermal expansion coefficient of both metals.

Abstract: A continuous-acting take-up, coiling, cut-off and spooling machine is adapted for use with continuously producing metal casting equipment that casts metal rod or strip stock at a constant rate, and which produces the cast rod or strip stock at a relatively constant velocity. The machine coils, cuts-off, temporarily accumulates and spools or packages determinate lengths of the rod or strip stock formed by the casting apparatus. Driven rollers receive the leading end of the rod or strip stock. The rod or strip stock is cut to predetermined, desired lengths while still in motion so as to not disturb the feed velocity. Free-wheeling rollers forcibly impart a slight curvature and simultaneous axial displacement to the rod or strip stock along its length, forming coils or convolutions of helical configuration, which are deposited by gravity, over a turnably driven reel carried on a tiltable turntable.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing a tungsten heavy alloy sheet which involves rolling a starting slab consisting essentially of tungsten heavy alloy wherein the tungsten content is from greater than 75% to 93% by weight tungsten by passing the slab one or more times through a rolling mill at a temperature of from 700.degree. C. to 900.degree. C. to reduce the height of the slab by no greater than 10% per pass to a total reduction in height of from 15% to 25%, heating the resulting slab from the first series at a temperature of 1000.degree. C. to 1200.degree. C. for a sufficient time to anneal the matrix of the slab, subjecting the resulting first time annealed slab to a second series of rolling operations by passing the first time annealed slab one or more times through a rolling mill at a temperature of 700.degree. C. to 900.degree. C.

Abstract: An eight-roll cold strip mill for producing strips of wide width and light gauges, utilizing upper and lower small diameter work rolls, a pair of backing rolls for each work roll, and a driven roll for each work roll contacting the backing rolls thereof. The work rolls, backing rolls and driven rolls are located within a mill housing. The vertical roll separating forces are transmitted to the housing by a plurality of pressure elements operatively connected to the housing and evenly and closely spaced along and contacting the faces of the driven rolls. The horizontal components of the roll separating force are transmitted to the housing by a plurality of pressure elements operatively connected to the housing and evenly and closely spaced along and in contact with the faces of the backing rolls. Each pressure element comprises an arcuate anvil having a concave portion or cavity corresponding to the radius of the respective one of the driven and backing rolls to be supported thereby.

Abstract: A bending brake has a stationary table having a generally planar work surface having a straight front edge, a pivotable table having a generally planar work surface having a straight rear edge, a clamp for retaining a workpiece on the table with an end portion of the workpiece projecting forward past the front edge of the stationary table, and a pivot carrying the pivotable table for angular displacement about a pivot axis substantially parallel to the front edge of the stationary table and generally coinciding with the rear edge of the pivotable table. Supports and guides allow the pivot axis to be displaced such that the axis always lies parallel to the front edge and substantially in the plane of the work surface of the stationary table and in a rearmost position of the pivotable table its rear edge lies against the front edge of the stationary table.

Abstract: A tool for the manufacture of the outer member of a cross groove type constant velocity ratio universal joint has two sets of first and second elements disposed circumferentially between one another about the axis of the tool with the elements having portions which interfit to define a surface whose shape corresponds to that required in the joint, the portions having formations which form the sets of grooves, and with the elements so shaped that portions of the first elements can be moved radially inwardly to disengage their formations from the grooves.

Abstract: A method of forming a pipe fitting of unitary construction having a tubular section with a radial flange at one end of the tubular construction. The method includes forming a solid cylindrical bar, upsetting one end of the bar to form a head thereon, drawing the remaining cylindrical portion of the bar to increase its length and decrease its circumference, upsetting the head to form the radial flange, and forming a bore through the flange and remaining cylindrical portion of the bar.

Abstract: A rolling line for the stretch-reducing of tubes, has a plurality of rolling stands which are arranged closely one after the other. These rolling stands are driven by a group drive, whereby the rolling stands, or at least a part thereof, are divided into groups, the groups being defined between directly acting drive shafts (111). The stand locations lying between these drive shafts (111) are driven by way of differential gear stages (112), each combining two rotational speeds which are derived by way of gear wheel trains (113-116, 117-120) from the drive shafts (111).

Abstract: A leak detector employing an ion-conducting membrane is disclosed. A labelled-gas ion conducting membrane which employs a high vacuum on one side is used to detect very small quantities of said labelled-gas flowing through a minute fissure in a part or device to be tested for leaks. The labelled-gas ion conducting membrane is biased with direct current voltage to drive the labelled-gas ions through the membrane away from the high vacuum side.

Abstract: The test device (7) serves in particular for testing bottle-shaped containers (4), and is in the form of a piston/cylinder assembly. It has two pistons (41, 53) in order to test simultaneously or consecutively two properties of the container (4), while the position of the container (4) and cylinders (30, 31) remains the same. The two pistons (41, 53) can be operationally connected by a piston rod (42). The piston strokes are different. Containers which are to be filled with a liquid material and are preferably made of plastic can be tested in this way before they are filled with the material thus making it possible to locate quickly and unambiguously any containers which are to be rejected owing to their dimensions, resistance to crushing, sealing property and so on, before the filling process takes place.

Abstract: A sensing probe having a hollow tube for disposition in a flow stream is provided with an internal stiffening rod. A volume between the stiffening rod and the inner surface of the tube communicates with an open end of the sensing probe. In one embodiment, oppositely directed spiral grooves are formed in the surface of the stiffening rod to define the volume. A method of manufacturing the sensing probe includes first inserting a stiffening rod into a tube and then turning the tube to a desired wall thickness.

Abstract: Height of a front end of a motor vehicle equipped with torsion bars is measured and adjusted by a jouncing device that compensates for initial height loss of the front suspension system of new vehicles due to the setting of front end components.

Abstract: In a pressure sensor for detecting the air pressure in the interior of tubeless tires of motor vehicles, on a rim having two edge beads extending around its outside and a drum-like base, to facilitate mounting and provide malfunction-free, exact detection of pressure it is provided that the pressure sensor (10) is disposed in a bore (9) of the preferably radially inner section (5) of a bead (3), and in particular the longitudinal axis (43) of the pressure sensor (10) forms an acute angle with the axis (44) of the rim.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for testing the adhesion between the polyethylene coating and paperboard stock of polyethylene coated paperboard stock, such stock typically used in forming milk and fruit juice cartons. A normally open ended pressure chamber is closed by clamping a piece of polyethylene coated paperboard over its open end. The coating facing the pressure chamber is cut completely through to form an opening. Air of a predetermined value is introduced into the pressure chamber. The opposite coating will form a bubble, indicating delamination, if the integrity of the adhesion between the polyethylene coating and the paperboard is poor. The air pressure at which delamination occurs is then used to quantify adhesion.

Abstract: It will thus be seen that the method for measuring the level of a liquid contained in a reservoir which is subjected to varying accelerations is carried out by means of a level sensor which signals when the level of the liquid drops below a predetermined level, and a warning device which is activated if the sensor signal is applied thereto uninterruptedly for a predetermined minimum period of time and results in maximizing functional reliability of the warning signal issuing means during all types of movement situations of the reservoir, while false alarms are virtually eliminated. This is accomlished in that each occurrence involving the uninterrupted application of a sensor signal for a period which is longer than the predetermined time period (t.sub.1) is registered as an event, and in that the warning device is activated after a predetermined number (n) of events have been registered within a predetermined period of time (m).

Abstract: A humidity detecting circuit for detecting the ambient humidity in a cooking chamber, which includes a constant current source, a first temperature-detecting resistor self-heated by the constant current source to detect the ambient humidity and having one terminal connected to an output terminal of the constant current source, and a second temperature-detecting resistor having one terminal connected to the one terminal of the first temperature-detecting resistor to detect the ambient temperature. An operational amplifier having an inverting input terminal, a noninverting input terminal and an output terminal is provided, the inverting input terminal being connected to the other terminal of the second temperature-detecting resistor so that the terminal voltage of the first temperature-detecting resistor may be inputted into the inverting input terminal through the second temperature-detecting resistor.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for determining the steady state flow resistance of face sheets on fully assembled acoustic duct liners. Resistance is measured by subjecting the liner to a sinusoidal acoustic pressure field at the face sheet surface. The pressure field is applied through a cylindrical waveguide and is measured by a pressure transducer flush mounted on the inside of the waveguide near the liner face. A second pressure measurement, obtained by a similar transducer positioned further from the face, is combined with the first measurement to calculate the acoustic resistance for the excitation frequency. If the excitation frequency coincides with the resonant frequency of the liner configuration, then no significant pressure exists on the back surface of the liner face sheet. For this condition the root mean square (rms) pressure measured at the face sheet is equated to the static pressure drop used to obtain the steady state flow resistance.

Abstract: A method for detecting faults or defects in moving machine parts wherein mechanical vibrations produced by a fault or defect are converted into an electrical signal from which the condition of the machine part is obtained. For converting the mechanical vibrations into an electrical signal, an acoustic-emission transducer with wide bandwidth is used. A frequency range in the electrical signal is selected where the half wavelength is smaller than the smallest linear dimension of the cross section of the transducer face which is in contact with the machine part.

Abstract: Three dimensional vibration of an object can be measured based on the light generated by a light source and the light reflected on a conical concave reflective surface disposed on the object. Measurement of the vibration is performed by using a measuring device for measuring frequency deviation of the reflected light and a device for measuring deviation of reflection position of the reflected light.

Abstract: A method of producing a fluid-tight seal between a thin, flexible member and a member support including the steps of providing a pair of spaced apart braze material receiving recesses on an external surface of the member support having a combined depth to accommodate excess braze material during the brazing of the member to the support, positioning the member to extend across the recesses and the surface and brazing the member to the surface while maintaining the contact between the braze material and the member. An apparatus using this method to produce a fluid-tight seal for a thin, flexible member comprises a support surface, a pair of excess braze material receiving spaced apart recesses on the surface and having a combined depth for accommodating excess brazing material and a brazing material located between the member and the surface and covering the recesses and an adjacent portion of the support surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of predicting the remaining lifetime of a metal material, wherein the shapes of grains of the metal material are quantitatively measured to obtain variations in the shapes of the grains, and the remaining lifetime of the metal material is predicted on the basis of the variations. In accordance with the present invention, it is possible to statistically arrange the variations in the shapes of the grains by measuring such variations sequentially in time.

Abstract: A mass flow meter operating by the Coriolis principle comprises a mechanical oscillating system having two straight measuring tubes which are clamped at both ends. The mechanical oscillating system is arranged axially in a support tube. In the center of the measuring tubes an oscillation exciter is disposed which sets the two measuring tubes into oppositely phased flexural oscillations. Oscillation sensors sensing the mechanical oscillations at equal distances on both sides of the oscillation exciter generate electrical oscillation sensor signals which are characteristic of the frequency and phase position of the sensed oscillations. An evaluation circuit receives the oscillation sensor signals and generates from their phase difference a measuring signal indicating the measured value of the mass flow. A first temperature sensor is arranged such that it measures the temperature of the support tube and generates a first temperature sensor signal indicating said temperature.

Abstract: A parallel path Coriolis mass flow rate meter, which incorporates improved inlet and outlet manifolds, is disclosed. Each manifold includes a transition piece and a tube mounting block. The transition piece incorporates a passageway to route fluid into or out of the meter and has a gradually changing cross-sectional area to reduce cavitation. Each tube mounting block has one end fixedly attached to a respective one of the transition pieces. The other end of the tube mounting blocks receives the parallel flow tubes. One mounting block evenly divides incoming fluid whose mass flow rate is to be determined between the parallel flow tubes while the other mounting block combines the fluid discharged from the flow tubes. Each of the tube mounting blocks is fabricated with an internal shoulder which aligns each of the flow tubes in a parallel relationship to one another and then suitably melts upon application of heat to maintain this relationship.

Abstract: A unitary element for use in measuring the total and static pressure of a gas flowing through a duct is disclosed in a preferred embodiment. The element is elongated and hollow, having a continuous, impermeable wall dividing the interior into total and static pressure chambers. In cross section, the element is of aerodynamic or airfoil shape, having a curved forward edge and converging toward the trailing edge adjacent which the outer surfaces are parallel for a short distance. Spaced openings along the forward edge and the upper and lower portions of the rearwardly converging wall portions communicate with the total and static pressure chambers, respectively. Separate manifolds communicate with the total and static pressure chambers of a plurality of such members arranged across an air flow duct to obtain average pressure readings across the cross section of the duct.

Abstract: An impact flowmeter utilizes a part cylindrical impact plate mounted by a parallelogram strain gauge from the top of a cylindrical housing with which it is coaxial. Material to be metered enters the flowmeter through an inclined inlet tube so as to impact the inner surface of the impact plate, and the horizontal reaction force from the plate is measured by the strain gauge. The flowmeter is simple to construct and can be made very compact, while the cylindrical surfaces of the principal components minimizes disturbances of the flow of material through the unit and thus provides good linearity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for accurately determining the previously applied torque to a threaded fastener. Torque is increasingly applied to the fastener and measured periodically. The measurements are digitized and stored in a microprocessor. The torque previously applied is the torque that causes the fastener to breakaway or start to begin to turn. This breakaway point is the torque corresponding to a change in the slope of the applied torque-time relationship. The breakaway point is determined by determining the maximum different value between the measured torque and a mathematical line segment commencing from below the breakaway point and extending to the peak torque applied. The breakaway point (or applied torque) is the torque corresponding to the calculated maximum difference value.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the material pressure in a twin-screw extrusion device, wherein adjustment bolts are employed as deformation components for returning the axial back-pressure of the screws to the housing of the extrusion device, the deformation components having strain gauges affixed thereto.

Abstract: An instrument (2) for simultaneously measuring a plurality of parameters indicative of photosynthetic activity of a leaf in vivo comprises:(a) a gas tight chamber (4) for enclosing the leaf (5),(b) light emitting diode means (10) for illuminating the leaf within the chamber with modulated light not capable of driving photosynthesis,(c) photodiode detector means (14) for detecting modulated fluorescence emission from the leaf,(d) wide perspex core means for illuminating the leaf with photosynthetically active light,(e) quantor sensor means (43) for measuring the light absorbed by the leaf,(f) and infra red gas analyzer means (32) for measuring the rate of uptake of carbon dioxide gas by the leaf.The instrument may also comprise means for measuring the rate of loss of water by the leaf, and for measuring the temperature in the chamber.The invention includes a method of simultaneously measuring a plurality of parameters indicative of photosynthetic activity of a leaf in vivo.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the testing and evaluation of numerous actuators having different load characteristics. The apparatus comprises a fixed frame, having a first and second lever arms pivotally attached to the fixed frame. An expandable, contractible spring element is pivotally connected between the first and the second lever arms functioning to transmit forces between the first and the second lever arms. A force is applied to the second lever arm and an actuator under test which is pivotally attached to the first lever arm constrains displacement of the first lever arm. A computer measures and records the displacements of the first and the second lever arms from a known starting position.

Abstract: A centrifugally disengageable engine starter gear of the positive shift type that has a clutch to provide for driving and indexing of the starter gear, an internal mechanism keeps the clutch teeth in engagement during the indexing function, and a centrifugal separator separates the clutch teeth in an overrunning condition. The separator includes radially movable centrifugal flyweight members circumferentially spaced in a circular recess that contains individually formed flyweight guides that cooperate therewith to prevent excessive circumferential displacement of the flyweights during their radial movement. The method of forming flyweight guides from the clutch housing is also disclosed.

Abstract: A shift lever including first and second elongated parts includes an improved vibration dampening coupling between the two parts. The coupling enhances the rigidity between the parts under conditions of hard or forceful shift, wherein radial loads normally imparted to elastomer bushings are supported by thermoplastic load-bearing elements positioned adjacent the bushings. In a preferred form, the shift lever includes a first elongated portion and a second hollow body portion secured partially over one end of the first portion. In the preferred form, the elastomer as well as the thermoplastic elements are each defined by an annulus, and while the elastomer elements are adhesively bonded between the first and second parts of the shift lever, the thermoplastic load-bearing elements, which operate to limit deflection of the elastomer elements, are fixed only to one of the shift lever parts.

Abstract: A steering wheel apparatus is disclosed. It has a steering shaft and a boss fitted onto the steering shaft. A base is mounted on the rear portion of the boss in such a manner as to be fixed with respect to the axial direction but free with respect to the rotary direction of the steering shaft. A locking disc is rotatably mounted on the outer periphery of the base. A pin holder having a plurality of through holes is mounted on the front portion of the boss. The same number of slide pins are arranged in such a manner as to penetrate through the corresponding through holes in the pin holder for engaging with the stopper. A steering wheel is mounted on the boss through a boss plate. The steering wheel is improved in operation.

Abstract: A bicycle speed change lever assembly comprising a fixed support shaft, a lever mount non-rotatably mounted on the support shaft, a control lever having a cylindrical boss portion rotatably mounted on the lever mount, a click ring mounted on the lever mount for co-rotation with the lever and having a plurality of differently patterned arcuate rows of clicking recesses, a non-rotatable retainer disposed on the lever mount in facing relation to the recesses of the click ring and loosely retaining steel balls in corresponding relation to the rows of clicking recesses, and a rotationally operable mode selector disposed in facing relation to a front or outward surface of the retainer and having at least one backup portion for forcing a selected one of the balls into elastic abutment with the click ring, wherein one of the differently patterned arcuate rows of clicking recesses is selected when in use.

Abstract: A rotary cam assembly includes a support shaft provided on a fixed bracket, a cam follower supported on the bracket so as to be slidably displaceable, a plate cam the outer circumferential portion of which has a cam surface contacted by the cam follower, the plate cam being freely rotatably mounted on the support shaft at a center hole, a cylindrical member extending along the central axis of the support shaft and having one end connected to the plate cam via coupling means formed in the center hole of the plate cam, and an input member connected to the other end of the cylindrical member for rotating the plate cam.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for counterbalancing an internal combustion engine while maintaining a lubricant flow path for supplying lubricant to a crankshaft connecting rod journal is disclosed wherein a generally cylindrical mass of crankshaft material is removed from a region of the crankshaft located coaxial with the connecting rod journal for engine balancing purposes with that removed mass including a portion of the lubricant passageway which supplies lubricant to the connecting rod journal. The region is then bridged by a tubular lubricant conduit to re-establish the lubricant path to the journal. Preferably the lubricant conduit is tubular and press fit into the existing passageway portions on opposite sides of the region with the lubricant passageway typically being a hole of uniform circular cross section extending oblique to the crankshaft axis of rotation and with the hole inside diameter substantially matching the outside diameter of the tube.

Abstract: A driveline for an engined vehicle, comprises a continuously-variable ratio transmission (1) having an input, adapted to be driven by the engine, and an output (3) and first and second epicyclic gears (4, 10) for providing a high and low regime. The planet carrier (6) of the first epicyclic gear and the sun gear (12) of the second epicyclic gear are directly driven by the said output of the continuously-variable ratio transmission, and the sun gear (5) of the first epicyclic gear and the annulus (11) of the second epicyclic gear are directly driven by the engine, the annulus (7) of the first epicyclic gear providing an output in low regime, and the planet carrier (13) of the second epicyclic gear providing an output in high regime.

Abstract: In a four wheel drive power transmission system for an automotive vehicle, including a planetary gear mechanism wherein the carrier, the ring gear and the sun gear thereof operate as a power input member, a first power output member for driving either of a pair of front wheels or a pair of rear wheels and a second power output member for driving the other of the pair of front wheels and the pair of rear wheels, respectively, the planetary gear mechanism being selectively locked to rotate as a unitary rotational member, a clutch is incorporated in a rotational power transmitting system for rotationally connecting the ring gear with either the pair of front wheels or the pair of rear wheels so as selectively to intercept the rotational power transmitting system between, wherein the first power output member provides hundred percent front or rear wheel drive when operated with the planetary gear mechanism being locked, while the second power output member provides high percentage opposite rear or front wheel dri

Abstract: An actuator arrangement includes epicyclic gearing having compound planetary gears each of whose pinions respectively mesh with a ring gear on a relatively fixed body and with two output ring gears to drive the latter in opposite directions relative to the body. The pinions which mesh with the ring gear on the body are free to rotate with respect to the remaining pinions and also mesh with a sun gear which is separate from, but driven by, the sun gear which drives the remaining pinions. The arrangement permits the gearing to overcome dimensional restraints imposed by prior art systems.

Abstract: A vehicle retarder system has a hydraulic retarder and a slipping friction brake operating in concert to retard the forward motion of the vehicle. The hydraulic retarder is an output driven device which is operable to absorb increasing energy as the vehicle speed increases. The friction brake is normally a ratio control reaction brake for the lowest forward drive ratio of the vehicle transmission. The brake has an additional apply piston which is operable to slippingly engage the brake whenever the hydraulic retarder is operable and the vehicle transmission is not in the lowest forward ratio. The control system has a control valve which is operable to control the engagement pressure of the additional piston in a manner such that the friction braking effort is higher at low vehicle speeds. This compensates for the lower effectiveness of the output driven hydraulic retarder.