Abstract: A piece of hygroscopic cloth is connected to a flexible string formed of non-hygroscopic material such as nylon for wiping condensate from an inner surface of a crook, and the flexible string advances through an air passage of the crook without clinging to the inner surface, thereby making wiping away the condensate easy.

Abstract: There is provided a mitt for use in cleaning and polishing. The mitt comprises a first and second portion, oppositely facing, peripheral edges stitched together except for an opening for inserting a user's hand, a thumb receptacle extending from the first and second portions, a forefinger receptacle extending from the first and second portions and having an aperture at an end remote from the first and second portions, the aperture of a size to permit passage of the forefinger therethrough and a receptacle for the remaining fingers extending from the first and second portions. The mitt is constructed so as to be suitable for use on either hand.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner with a removable collection module. The module has a combined collection assembly and filter element. The collection assembly has a one-piece frame and a cover attached to an open rear end of the frame. The filter element is permanently attached to the cover on an interior side. The cover has ribs that space the filter element from a rear side of the cover and form an air flow space between the filter element and the cover. The cover is mounted on a flange of the frame with a frictional air-tight connection.

Abstract: A new Automobile Central Vacuum Cleaning System for providing the opportunity to vacuum an automobile anytime or anywhere. The inventive device includes a vacuum generating unit, a remote vacuum port, and a vacuum cleaner hose. A remote vacuum line is located within the panels of an automobile and provides connection between a vacuum intake port of the vacuum generating unit and a vacuum hose attachment end of the remote vacuum port. The remote vacuum port is located strategically and conveniently within the passenger compartment of the automobile. The vacuum generating unit includes a vacuum motor and a debris collection unit. Power to the vacuum generating unit may be generated by the battery or engine of the automobile and may be controlled by a remote power switch which is installed in a convenient location such as a dash hoard, a control/instrumentation panel, or console of the automobile.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is comprised of a housing having a removable filter chamber and a motor chamber fluid flow connected by a connection chamber. Fluid is held within a basin located at the bottom of the filter chamber. An air intake hose has one end open for vacuum accessory attachment and the opposing end received within the fluid. A fan, located within the motor chamber, draws air from and creates a vacuum within the filter chamber for drawing an air stream through the air intake hose. A filter provides a moisture barrier between the filter chamber and the connection chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is an indicator device for visually denoting the amount of filled dust in a dust container of a vacuum cleaner. The indicator device operates based on a vacuum pressure difference created between an air suction port and an outlet of the vacuum cleaner. When a vacuum pressure difference is created between the air suction port and the outlet of the vacuum cleaner, a disc-shaped colored film and a circular rotating member positioned in an upper cap of the indicator device receive an atmosphere air from the exterior of the indicator device and denotes the amount of dust filled in the dust container. For this purpose, a colored film is separated by 3.times.N (N is an integer) times and colored in three primary colors of light of red, green and blue or in three primary colors of red, yellow and blue.

Abstract: A sweeping machine has a housing, wheels for moving the housing, a sweeping brush mounted on the housing, a hopper positioned adjacent the brush to receive dust and debris therefrom, a dust collection chamber on the housing, and a vacuum fan mounted on the housing and creating an air flow path from the brush through the hopper and to the dust collection chamber. There is a filter element in the air flow path, with the filter element including a plurality of generally parallel pleats having folds extending in a direction transverse to the air flow path. There is a pleat moving element extending generally transverse to the pleats and engaged with the pleats. An electric actuator is mounted on top of the pleats and a bar is associated with the actuator and movable upon actuation thereof. There is a spring connected between the pleat moving element and the filter frame.

Abstract: A floor scrubber (10) is disclosed including a drive lug (62) for removably connecting a scrubbing member (64) to a drive (60) and having a trough for receipt and catching of solution for passage to the surface. The mount (58) for the drive (60) is biased by a spring (67) to pivot relative to a linkage plate (46) in turn pivotably mounted to the chassis (12) at an acute angle to the forward movement direction. The vacuum assembly (92) is sandwiched in a socket (100) formed in the bottom wall of a recovery tank (90) by a mount (106) to deaden the sound generated thereby and to allow air communication inside of the socket (100) but generally preventing entry of solution therein. The squeegee assembly (152) is biased by a gas spring (150) to engage the surface at a constant force independent of the pivotal position of the squeegee mount (148).

Abstract: A caster is provided that includes a wheel rotatable about a wheel axis of rotation, a housing, a locking arm linked to the housing, and a locking bar linked to the housing. The housing includes a housing side wall and a housing detent formed in the housing side wall. The locking arm is movable between an unlocked position to permit the wheel to rotate about its wheel axis of rotation and a locked position to prevent or substantially restrict rotation of the wheel about its wheel axis of rotation. The locking arm is linked to the wheel so that movement of the locking arm between the locked and unlocked positions moves the wheel. The locking arm includes a locking arm side wall and a flared portion formed in the locking arm side wall and extending outwardly toward the housing side wall, the flared portion is engaged with the housing detent when the locking arm is in the locked position and disengaged from the housing detent when the locking arm is in the unlocked position.

Abstract: A blocking device for preventing a door closer from achieving a degree of rotation corresponding to a door hold-open position. A blocking device is provided which can be selectively protruded into a door closer housing to block the translation of a cam plate under influence of a rotating cam operatively connected to one of either the door or the door frame such that the 90.degree. or 105.degree. typical door hold open position cannot be achieved. The blocking device can be a rotatable limit bar which can be positioned to an interference or no-interference position, or it can be screw pins which can be threadingly inserted into the housing to block either the cam or other moving portions of the door closer such that the closer cannot achieve the door hold open position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of providing improved attachment and securement for a reciprocating operative device stability control bracket (26) which comprises an arm structure (32) connected to a basal structure (28), and functions from a predetermined location which is proximal to the edge (38) of a surface (36), the improvements including a reinforcement basal attachment plate (10) of larger dimensions than the basal structure (28) of the stability control bracket (26) whereby a fastening means (12) is provided; a chambered area (14) providing securement for said basal structure (28) of the stability control bracket (26); and a primary slot (20) for accommodating the protruding arm structure (32) also of the stability control bracket (26). Furthermore, the exterior edge (16) or any interior edge (17) of the chambered area (14) may provide a secondary slot (24) whereby the stability control bracket (26) may optionally mount and demount.

Abstract: An ergonomic handle design in which the contours of the handle are matched with the anatomy of the hand, taking into account the dynamics of the kinesiology of movement and the physiology of the joints so that muscles are not overtaxed. In the preferred embodiment described, the surface area of the handle is balanced out over the thenar eminance, while its curvatures accommodate the web space between the thumb and the fingers as well as the pads over the metacarpal heads in an efficient manner. The fingers then naturally wrap around the gripping surface of the handle without undue stress on the proximal and interphalangial joints.

Abstract: A sliver can for receiving a sliver has a can body with an open upper end. A spring plate is vertically moveable by a verticle travel stroke in the can body. At least one spring is arranged in the can body biasing the spring plate upwardly into a rest position. The spring plate is downwardly moveable against the force of the at least one spring by the weight force of a sliver received in the can body. A retaining device is connected to the spring plate and acts on the spring plate for preventing a return movement of the spring plate into the rest position over the entire length of the vertical travel stroke. The retaining device includes a locking element for locking the spring plate against the force of the at least one spring.

Abstract: A fleece guidance system is provided to convey a fiber fleece to the nip of a pair of calendar rollers. The system includes a funnel having a fiber sliver channel defined therethrough which tapers towards an opening adjacent the nip of the calendar rollers. The channel has a longitudinal axis therethrough which is angled relative to a plane through the axes of rotation of the calendar rollers. Oppositely facing guiding segments are configured on the funnel on opposite sides of the opening. The segments have a forward edge which extends into the nip and define lateral guiding surfaces for the fiber sliver exiting from the opening. A plane through the forward edge of the guiding segments and the opening is essentially perpendicular to a plane through the axis of rotation of the calendar rollers.

Abstract: A housing assembly (100) includes a housing having a selective call receiver (200) therein, a raised ridge (108) coupled to the housing, the raised ridge having under cut side walls (115, 117) forming a tapered recess (114) open at one end. Additionally, the housing assembly includes a latch (106) coupled to the housing, the latch centered about the under cut side walls and having a detent (110) at an end opposite to the raised ridge. An elongated mounting clip (120) coupled to a base plate (118) is used for engagement with the housing. To accomplish this, the base plate is dimensioned to insert within the under cut side walls of the raised ridge and to engage with the detent for latching the elongated mounting clip to the housing.

Abstract: A pencil holder which can be detachably mounted to the sweat band area of a soft baseball type cap preferably formed in one piece of moulded plastic. It includes a base section arm (12), an outwardly and upwardly extending opposing outer arm (13) between which the pencil is frictionally held and an inwardly and upwardly extending opposing inner arm (11), which in combination with the base section arm (12), forms a clamp or clip which firmly grasps the sweat band area of the cap. All three arms extend end to end of the holder, forming in essence, two upwardly facing clamps or clips.

Abstract: The invention relates to a clasp (1) for a band or bracelet (2) having two strips (6, 8) articulated with respect to one another by one of their ends across a common hinge (10), having a cover (3) and a base (9) detachably arranged around a common rod (11), which is guided by a transverse branch (6.4) firmly fixed to the first strip (6), having a first bracelet strand (2.1) fixed to the second strip (8), having a tongue (4) mounted on the base (9) permitting the fixing of a second bracelet strand (2.2), a reinforcement of said fixing taking place by lowering the cover (3) onto the tongue (4) and the lowered cover (3) and base (9) are jointly articulated with respect to the first strip (6), making it possible to open the clasp (1) in order to remove the bracelet (2) without undoing the fixture.

Abstract: An elongate article coupler comprises a pair of fitting parts for severally retaining end parts of the elongate articles and a connecting part disposed between the fitting parts and adapted to interconnect the fitting parts, the connecting part having a breaking part adapted to be broken under a tension exceeding a prescribed level. In accordance with one embodiment of the modification, the coupler comprises a pair of fitting parts each including one of a pair of engaging parts adapted to form mutual engagement and break the engagement under a tension exceeding a prescribed level. In accordance with another modification, the coupler comprises one or more of fitting parts and retention cancelling means adapted to induce retention of the elongate article in cooperation with the fitting parts and cancel the retention of the elongate article when a tension exceeding a prescribed level is exerted on the elongate article.

Abstract: A toggle latch for releasably fastening and tensioning a closure band said latch comprising, a first member (20) for connection to an end of said band, a second member (22) for connection with the other end of said band, a lever (24) hingedly connected adjacent a proximal end with said second member (22) and a link member (27) hingedly interconnecting said first member (20) and said lever (24) and being joined to said lever (24) at a point spaced apart from said proximal end, said lever being movable between a first open position in which the extent of said lever (24) diverges from said band and a second closed position in which said lever (24) and link member (27) nestably overlay said first and second members (20, 22) to draw said first member (20) toward said second member (22).

Abstract: A clamp assembly having two side-by-side loops with inner peripheries for engaging the exterior of a part to be clamped, a body part, a tightening member, and means for releasably locking the tightening member at each of a plurality of longitudinal positions relative to a channel or shoulder of the body part or of the tightening member is disclosed. The body part is structurally integral with first adjacent ends of the two loops, while the tightening member is structurally integral with second adjacent ends of the two loops which are opposed to the first adjacent ends. One of the tightening member and the body part has a portion which is slidably received in a longitudinally extending channel which extends through the other. The relationships among the channel, the slidably received portion of the body part or of the tightening member, the tightening member and the loops are such that the size of the loops depends upon the relative longitudinal positions of the central part and of the channel.

Abstract: An automated system and method are provided for continuous-flow delivery of a desired mixture of embalming chemicals and water to a cadaver. The invention may be used with any liquid that has substantially the same viscosity as water. At least two embalming chemical concentrates of a plurality of different embalming chemicals are selectively delivered to a mixing manifold via at least two primary fluid conduits, for continuous mixing with a continuous flow of water through the manifold. The resulting embalming chemical and water mixture is delivered to the cadaver. The flow of chemicals and water through the manifold is governed by flow control means, such as variable speed pumps or proportional flow valves, for accurate mixing and dilution of the chemicals. A microprocessor controller is programmed to control the flow and the rate of flow of chemicals and water through the mixing manifold and the fluid conduits.

Abstract: A stocker for wire healdes comprising a housing constructed and arranged such that a plurality of wire healds can be stacked on top of one another in a vertical direction and be arranged so as to longitudinally extend in a horizontal direction. The housing includes a heald refilling aperture at an upper portion and a heald drawing opening at a lower front portion. The heald drawing opening is positioned and configured such that a lowermost one of said plurality of wire healds can be discharged therethrough.

Abstract: Improvement in connection to an automatic crimper (6) which operates in the known manner to divide leads (1) into groups (1a,1b,1c, etc.), before crimping one ends of the leads to branching connectors (2) and crimping the other ends of all the leads to a common connector (3) so as to form a multiple harness (4). Subsequently, the crimper drives the branching connectors to travel in parallel and in unison with the common connector along a pair of delivery rails (7) until discharged from the rails. The improvement resides in that the branching connectors (2) are caused to take a position close to the common connector (3) so that leads in each group are folded double, then the leads are gathered to form a compact bundle (1') before being tied with tapes (5) which serve as an easily breakable binding material.

Abstract: A pliers-like hand tool is provided for removing plastic grommets or other similar insert members embedded within concrete during a post tensioning or other forming process of concrete construction. The hand tool includes two hand members each having a jaw end portion, handle end portion and intermediate neck portion, being pivotally connected between the neck portion in a well known structure for gripping a workpiece between the jaws. A fulcrum protrusion is formed with the tool at a point near the jaw end and acts to provide a bearing on the concrete for a leverage action which is caused by pressure being applied to the handle ends against the concrete in order to extract the grommet which has been gripped between the jaws of the tool. It makes the removal of grommets easier in a labour-and-time-saving way. It is also helpful to preserve the grommets for future re-use.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an enclosed power clamp from individual planar plates which when stacked and secured in the proper manner provide an inexpensive, lightweight and structurally sound enclosed power clamp. The enclosed housing of the power clamp is defined and sectioned into a plurality of planar laminations. A plurality of planar plates are formed having configurations corresponding to the planar laminations. The planar plates are then stacked in a predetermined sequence corresponding to the planar laminations. The internal mechanisms of the power clamp are assembled to the planar plates of the power clamp, and the planar plates are secured together to form an integral unit of the power clamp.

Abstract: A rotatable wheeled tool for simultaneously inserting and staking a weatherstrip into a slot, said tool comprising a body having a channel extending longitudinally from a first end to a second end, said channel configured to accommodate a length of weatherstrip through the body having sides extending a distance beyond the second end to form two legs and a rotatable wheel having an inserting edge and a staking edge, and mounted axially between said the legs with both the inserting and staking edges extending beyond the legs.

Abstract: A door is aligned in an opening of a motor-vehicle in which is fixed a latch by first mounting in the door opening a keeper having a screw adjuster effective for horizontally displacing the keeper on the vehicle transverse to a normal vehicle travel direction, a bolt engageable with the latch and orbitable about a horizontal axis transverse to the normal vehicle travel direction through an arc having an outer pull-in section and an inner adjustment section, a drive including a motor for orbiting the bolt through its arc, and a controller connected to the motor for operating same. Then the door is carefully closed to engage the latch with the bolt and the door is pulled into the opening by orbiting the bolt by its motor through the outer pull-in section of its arc.

Abstract: Riveting apparatus wherein a planetary roller screw delivers the high forces required for actuating the fastener upset tooling. In order that precise control of the entire upset operation may be obtained, a servo-controlled electric motor operates the actuator. In order that different machining operations may be performed on a workpiece without having to provide an actuator for each tool, the tools are engaged in turn by the actuator for performing riveting and other machining in succession.

Abstract: A method of treating a metal surface is disclosed wherein a series of microcavities is formed on the surface and a coating is applied to at least part of the surface. The surface is shot blasted using small balls projected against the surface. Applications include the manufacture of culinary receptacles.

Abstract: A hot saw cutting type continuous rolling method comprises casting two strand billets continuously; cutting the billets to predetermined length by hot saws; directly feeding billet portions obtained by cutting onto a rolling line via a line connecting device; continuously welding and joining the billets portions by a flash butt welder to form a continuous billet; grinding and removing burrs at the welded portion of the continuous billet by a grinding machine; and continuously rolling the billet by a rolling mill group, after heating the continuous billet to a higher temperature by an induction heater. A hot saw cutting type continuous rolling apparatus is provided for performing the above-described method.

Abstract: A method of producing a slotless wound stator for an electric machine wherein coils are pre-formed and located on the location pins of a transfer tool. The transfer tool with the winding coils thereon is then inserted into the stator shell. Coil guides comb the coils during insertion so that the active portions of the winding are relatively straight and parallel to the axis. When the winding is in place, the location pins are retracted and the transfer tool forces the end turns outward. When the end turns are flared outwardly, the transfer tool is removed.

Abstract: A stator assembly of a rotary electric device is manufactured and assembled at reduced cost with an enhanced level of precision. A stator assembly of a rotary electric device comprising a yoke provided with a plurality of stationary magnetic poles and a yoke plate bonded to said yoke by means of synthetic resin in a mold to form an integral unit for enclosing a stator coil is assembled by bringing an alignment pin arranged on a jig for combining the yoke and the yoke plate into engagement with a corresponding alignment sections of the yoke and the yoke plate to put the yoke and the yoke plate together in order to produce a unitary stator assembly and a step of placing the unitary stator assembly of the yoke and the yoke plate in an injection metal mold with said alignment section fitted to an alignment pin arranged in the mold for mutual engagement and injecting synthetic resin into the mold to bond the yoke and the yoke plate together.

Abstract: A rotor (10) includes a plurality of permanent magnets (14) disposed around a shaft (12) at generally equal intervals, and a plurality of laminated core members (16) disposed between the permanent magnets (14) so as to form magnetic poles. The laminated core members (16) are formed by stacking a plurality of core-laminations (26) made of magnetic materials and an integral core-lamination, and joining them to each other. The integral core-lamination includes a plurality of core-lamination sections each having a shape the same as that of the core-lamination (26), and connecting portions (46) for connecting adjacent core-lamination sections with each other.

Abstract: Single and multiple radiator element planar array antennas and a method of making are disclosed. A styrofoam dielectric substrate, a die cut conductive first layer, preferably copper foil, secured to one surface and a conductive second layer, preferably aluminum foil, on the other surface forms the ground plane. A cutting die of cutting blades in a required array on a cutting press is used to cut through the conductive layer and into the dielectric layer in a sandwich of the two to provide inexpensive, durable and dimensionally stable antennas.

Abstract: A method of producing an electromagnetic valve includes deep drawing of a magnet housing, arranging a magnet coil, a magnet core and a plunger connected with an armature in the magnet housing, connecting a valve closing element which has a valve element for controlling a pressure medium flow, with the magnet housing by flanging a flared flange with a shoulder of the magnet housing relative to the valve closing element, and producing both the flared flange and the shoulder during the deep drawing of the magnet housing in a non-material-removing deformation step.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for setting a door glass of a vehicle door to a vehicle body includes a frame for attachment to an inner panel of a vehicle door, at least one slide assembly to engage a vehicle body and to move a door glass of the vehicle door, and at least one locator on the slide assembly to locate and set the door glass relative to the vehicle body.

Abstract: A method for attaching pads to a high density printed circuit board (PCB) having a plurality of through-holes opening on the top surface. The method includes forming a plurality of pads on a carrier sheet so that each of said pads have a copper layer proximate to said carrier sheet and a joining metal layer formed on top of said copper layer, positioning the plurality of pads on the carrier sheet so that they are aligned with the through-hole pattern on the top surface of the PCB, laminating the pads to the through-holes on the top surface using the joining metal, and separating the carrier sheet from the plurality of pads that are joined to the through-holes so that the copper layer is exposed. The pads may comprise a variety of shapes such as disk-shaped, elongated, or rectangular, and can cover one or multiple through-holes. An electrical component may be soldered to the pad.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a circuit module through the use of a wireless bonding technique. In this invention, in order to achieve component assembly without experiencing thermal and mechanical stresses, in the circuit module manufacturing method in which an external electrode of a component and a conductor of a substrate are connected with each other according to the wireless bonding technique, the substrate has a laser beam transmissible property, and after the component is placed on an assembly surface of the substrate, a laser beam is applied from a surface of the substrate opposite to the assembly surface thereof to a connecting spot. The laser beam passing through the substrate heats the connecting spot so that the connection between the external electrode of the component and the conductor of the substrate is made by phase transition or diffusion.

Abstract: Bumps to be connected to inspection electrodes of semiconductor chips are formed on a surface of a flexible substrate. A plating layer is formed which is made of a harder material than the bumps formed on the flexible substrate and which has a concave portion or a convex portion whose diameter is equal to or smaller than half the diameter of the bumps, on a flat metallic plate. The plating layer of the metallic plate is pressed against top surfaces of the bumps, so that irregularities are formed in the top surfaces of the bumps.

Abstract: A circuit board fabrication method and system is disclosedin which circuit boards are fabricated by adhesively applying circuit conductive traces to a circuit board substrate and subsequently affixing the arrangement of the circuit traces on the substrate by encapsulating and embedding the circuit traces within a circuit board covering material that becomes flowable and adhesive when subjected to heat and pressure. The circuit traces are created and applied to circuit board substrate areas by a punch and die assembly. A laminated sheet of circuit trace material is provided between plates of the apparatus wherein the plates have matching circuit trace shaped cutouts. Punch elements having a mating circuit trace shape are slidable within the cut-outs wherein a circuit trace is punched from the circuit trace material when the punch elements slide between the plates. After a circuit trace is punched, the punch elements then stamp the circuit trace to the substrate.

Abstract: Resilient contact structures are mounted directly to bond pads on semiconductor dies, prior to the dies being singulated (separated) from a semiconductor wafer. This enables the semiconductor dies to be exercised (e.g., tested and/or burned-in) by connecting to the semiconductor dies with a circuit board or the like having a plurality of terminals disposed on a surface thereof. Subsequently, the semiconductor dies may be singulated from the semiconductor wafer, whereupon the same resilient contact structures can be used to effect interconnections between the semiconductor dies and other electronic components (such as wiring substrates, semiconductor packages, etc.). Using the all-metallic composite interconnection elements of the present invention as the resilient contact structures, burn-in can be performed at temperatures of at least 150.degree. C., and can be completed in less than 60 minutes.

Abstract: A wiring harness comprising: a plurality of provisional bundling harnesses which are obtained by performing subassembly such that a pair of terminals contact bonded to opposite ends of each of a plurality of first wires of each of the provisional bundling harnesses are, respectively, connected to connectors and each of which includes at least one second wire acting as a common circuit such that a conductor is exposed at a distal end of the second wire; wherein when the provisional bundling harnesses are finally bundled into the wiring harness, the exposed conductors of the second wires are bundled at one location and are electrically connected to one another integrally so as to form an electrically connected portion.

Abstract: A method of assembling and installing a communication network. The method includes the steps of (1) providing a cabinet having a first set of connectors secured thereto, (2) mounting a plurality of network devices within the cabinet at an assembly site, (3) coupling the plurality of network devices to the first set of connectors with a wiring harness at the assembly site, (4) loading software onto at least one of the plurality of network devices at the assembly site, and (5) connecting the first set of connectors to a main distribution frame at an installation site.

Abstract: Sharp edges formed during forging are removed from cam lobes by tumbling prior to machining of mounting bores which have been rough formed by punching. Tumbling effectively removes the sharp edges from non-hardened steel and prevents the formation of burrs caused by prior grinding techniques.

Abstract: A method is provided for assembling an exhaust processor including a housing formed from a tube having an inlet end and an outlet end, an internal inlet cone shield, a substrate, and an internal outlet cone shield. The housing includes an inlet end and an outlet end. The inlet end of the tube is sized down to a desired inlet diameter to form the inlet end of the housing. The internal inlet cone shield is installed into the tube through the outlet end of the tube. The substrate is inserted into the tube through the outlet end of the tube. The internal outlet cone shield is installed into the tube through the outlet end of the tube. The outlet end of the tube is sized down to a desired outlet diameter to form the outlet end of the housing.

Abstract: An automotive heat exchanger manifold (56) is formed entirely integrally by starting with a cylindrical blank (10) and integrally forming its ends variously into lower end closures or upper end connectors. Specifically, the lower end of blank (10) is impact extruded into a reduced diameter pin (30) which is not only leak tight and seamless, but inserts into a lower resilient mount (16). The upper end of the blank (10) is cold headed into a line connector (54).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling a spool valve into a valve bore of a body by providing compressed gas to the valve bore at a pressure below the pressure of compressed gas supplied to a passage within a carrier body containing a spool valve substantially concentrically aligned with the valve bore to advance the spool valve from the passage into the valve bore. The compressed gas in the passage provides a force acting generally uniformly on the spool valve substantially concentrically aligning the spool valve within the passage. The compressed gas supplied to the valve bore also acts substantially uniformly on the spool valve tending to substantially concentrically align the spool valve within the valve bore when the spool valve is advanced therein. While the gas in the passage and the valve bore align the spool valve, the higher pressure of the gas in the passage advances the spool valve into the valve bore.

Abstract: A pulley shaft and stationary pulley assembly for a belt drive mechanism of a continuously variable transmission includes an inner surface of the pulley having metal-cutting serrations, a blocking shoulder, and a surface for engaging a pilot guide surface formed on the shaft. The shaft, formed of softer material than the hardened pulley, includes a shoulder adapted to have serrations formed in it during the assembly process, a hardened pilot guide, and a blocking shoulder adapted to contact the blocking shoulder of the pulley.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel having a hand hole extending from a first surface to a second surface. The hand hole has a zone of a minimum dimension intermediate the first surface and the second surface. The hand hole is preferably tapered from the first surface to the minimum dimension zone and tapered from the second surface to the minimum dimension zone. Associated methods of making the vehicle wheel are also provided.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a vehicle wheel includes the steps of providing a wheel rim and a spider and holding the spider inside the wheel rim. The wheel rim and the spider are positioned in a high capacity forming machine. At least one of a portion of the wheel rim located adjacent an outer periphery of the spider and a portion of the outer periphery of the spider is permanently deformed towards the other of the wheel rim and the spider thereby securing the wheel rim to the spider. An apparatus for securing the wheel rim to the spider includes a bottom die, a bottom inside rim stabilizer supported on the bottom die, a spider supported on the bottom inside rim stabilizer, a top inside rim stabilizer and a wheel rim supported by the bottom rim stabilizer and the top inside rim stabilizer. A high capacity forming machine encircles the wheel rim. The high capacity forming machine includes a workpiece which at least sometimes contacts the wheel rim and an electric circuit located adjacent the workpiece.