Abstract: Enclosed is a removable fastening assembly (80, 82, 84, 86) that can be secured to and removed from the same side of an opening in an article such as a plate (10) or the like into which an externally threaded member such as a screw ("S") is to be received by compressing opposed spaced-apart contracting means (18, 18', 58, 72) towards each other exposed on the side of the fastener facing away from the article opening (38) to cause a compressible member (16, 16', 56, 68) disposed on the side of the fastener facing towards the opening to contract sufficiently to be received into the opening with at least a portion thereof pressing against opposite sides of the wall of the fastener surrounding the opening with sufficient force to secure the fastener to the article upon release of the compressive force.

Abstract: An improved lash adjuster assembly (100) of the type featuring a plunger member (20) reciprocally moveable within a bore (44) of a body member (2) and operable to reduce back lash in a drive train of an engine valve member wherein assembly (100) includes a retainer member (66) having a side wall (74) secured to body member (92) and having radially inwardly projecting section (76) having at least a portion thereof dimensionally adapted and of sufficient resilience to minimize impact between a shoulder (68) of plunger member (20) as well as enabling plunger member (20) to be removed from body member (2) without having to remove retainer member (66) from securement thereto in addition to enabling greater reciprocal travel of plunger member (20) relative body member (2) during operation of assembly (100) particularly due to softening of at least section (76) of retainer member (66) at elevated engine temperatures.

Abstract: Disclosed are two embodiments (40, 50) of a self-locking prevailing torque fastener featuring a common base portion (2) having an aperture (4) therethrough for receiving a threaded member that is at least partially surrounded by means such as a warped helical edge (6) for engaging the threads of the threaded member. Fasteners (40, 50) are provided with a pair of spaced-apart resilient torque arms having respective sections (8) that respectively extend downwardly from opposite edge of base portion (2) to sections (10) that extend upwardly to sections (12) that extend through respective openings (14) in each to respective free-ends (16) that are adapted to press against opposite sides of the threaded member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a brake shoe assembly (40) for frictionally braking a moveable member such as a wheel of a motor vehicle. Assembly (40) includes a frictional liner (8) that is removeably secured to a support member (2) that is adapted to move liner (8) towards and away from the member to be braked. Liner (8) is removeably secured to member (2) by means of at least one retainer (34) having a base portion (10) in embedded securement in liner (8) from which at least one pair of spaced-apart legs (12) extend towards support member (2) and through corresponding openings (4) therethrough to respective ends (14) thereof that are adapted to facilitate removal of liner (8) for replacement or repair.

Abstract: A reservoir height extender for a lash adjuster assembly (150) comprising an inverted hollow insert member (60) disposed in fluid reservoir chamber (42) within a plunger member (40) of assembly (150). Plunger member (40) is reciprocally moveable within a bore (38) of a body member (36) having a first fluid passageway (48) adapted to receive fluid from a fluid source and which communicates with a second fluid passageway (46) in plunger member (40) adapted to enable the fluid to flow into fluid reservoir chamber (42). Insert member (60) is displaced from a wall of plunger member (40) surrounding chamber (42) for a distance sufficient to provide a third fluid passageway (68) therebetween which communicates between passageway (46) and an opening (64) through insert member (60) that is higher than passageway (46) and which enables a substantial increase in the level of fluid within reservoir chamber (42).

Abstract: A strain gage type load sensor having a central disc with a plurality of radially outwardly extending spokes each having the ends thereof flexurally attached to an outer annular reaction portion by means of a pair of oppositely directed beams extending from the spokes at right angles thereto for flexually suspending the central disc from the annular portion. A plurality of upstanding posts supporting a common block. The beams and posts are strain gaged for sensing bending loads. In another embodiment, two central discs are stacked axially with each suspended by connection of the spokes to the annular reaction portion. A first group of strain gages is disposed at mid-radius of the spokes for sensing radial tension and compression strains in the spokes. A second group strain gages is disposed at the inner and outer spoke ends for sensing bending strains in the spokes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a non-contacting liquid measurement system (60) preferably adapted to provide an averaged measurement in suitable units of measure of liquid (2), such as fuel, in a pressurized or unpressurized tank (4), such as a vehicular fuel tank, having an irregular shape such as irregular shaped bottom (6). The irregularity of bottom (6) results in variations in depth of liquid (2) across tank (4) that are accounted for by disposing a plurality of conduits (10, 12 14) in an array across tank (4) predetermined to provide the accuracy of measurement desired. Conduits (10, 12, 14) have respective ends (16, 18, 20) immersed in liquid (2) as close to bottom (6) as practical and are operable to provide respective liquid pressure signals (P.sub.1, P.sub.2 and P.sub.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for controlling both cruising speed and engine idling speed of a vehicle. The system includes an electronic control module that controls an actuator (100) having a moveable member preferably in the form of a gear rack (6) that is pivotably mounted to an intermediate member (8) that is operably connected to the engine throttle and adapted to move in opposite directions along a frame (2) of the actuator. The actuator is provided with means, preferably in the form of an idle speed control switch (34), for sensing when the throttle is being controlled by the operator and causing the control module to switch its output from a second control signal to a first control signal and feedback means, preferably in the form of a differentiating switch (47), for determining an idle speed pick-up position for the moveable member that is more than the desired regulated engine idle speed position but not more than the operator selected cruising speed position.

Abstract: A system for calibrating a strain gage transducer mounted on a rotating member comprising a mechanical switch capable of making contact from a stator to selected terminals on the rotor to provide both positive and negative shunt calibration of the transducer. In a first embodiment, calibration is carried out while the rotor is stationary, providing a simple, cost effective calibration system for most applications. In a second embodiment, special terminals permit contact while the rotor is in motion. In a third embodiment, simultaneous calibration and gage measurements are possible while the rotor is in motion providing a means of continuous correction which is especially advantageous in applications where the rotor is subject to a rapidly changing environment.

Abstract: The performance and condition of a tool, workpiece or machine tool is sensed during machining operations by securing a single or plural strain gages to the tool holder. To increase the sensitivity of the strain gages on stationary tool holders, the tool holders are contoured to provide locations of higher strain in which the strain gages are attached. A single or plural strain gages are positioned to sense the combined effect of different strains such as axial thrust and torque and are electrically connected to provide a single Wheatstone bridge output "signature" which may be monitored to detect a defective operation. In rotating tools, the single "signature" output greatly reduces the coupling equipment such as rotary transformers and also reduces the monitoring equipment. A unique arrangement of a single strain gage or alternatively a plurality of gages enables monitoring of both torque and thrust simultaneously.

Abstract: In an electrically controlled shift actuator (110, 120, 130) and a control system (140) therefor of the type utilizing a cam or scotch yoke flywheel adapted to move a shift member (28, 96) to a preselected one of at least two spaced-apart shift positions. In one embodiment the shift member is in a preloaded condition provided by coiled spring (84) associated with the actuator. The control system employs a circuit having a control switch (100), a first switch (108), and a second switch (112) interconnectable in such a manner that a cam (70) responsive to the rotational position of the motor is able to change the condition of the first and second switching in a prescribed manner to move the shift member. The control system preferably includes energy dissipating resistor (120) for dynamically braking the motor and speed indicator (124) when the actuator is used as a shift actuator for a vehicle.

Abstract: A calibration stand for electrical torque transducers capable of applying torque loads on the order of 300,000 inch-pounds (33,900 newton-meters) has deadweight loading applied through a thin flat high carbon steel hangar strap. The hangar strap contacts the end of the load moment beam on a curved surface having a constant radius of curvature equal to the distance of the surface from the beam torque axis. As the transducer deflects under increasing deadweight loading on the hangar strap, the load moment beam rotates and the strap remains vertical and contacts the loading surface along a moving tangent point which has a precise constant distance from the torque axis for providing a high degree of accuracy.

Abstract: Disclosed is an Engine Component Position Indicating System (60) operated by hand or foot pedal (26) that is able to provide a signal from a signal generating means (52) to a visual indicating means (58) in response to rotation of a shaft (2) in either direction that is operatively coupled at one to the signal generating means (52). Shaft (2) is connected to pedal (26) by connecting means preferably in the form of rod (16) which has one end connected to input member (8) secured to shaft (2) and which causes shaft (2) to rotate in opposite directions according to whether pedal (26) is pressed or released by the operator's foot.

Abstract: Disclosed is an embodiment (60) of an improved vernier control device for selectively moving an object in gross or incremental, vernier amounts of the type comprising a housing (2) fixed against movement with respect to the object to be moved having an open-ended bore (4) extending therethrough having threads (6) disposed on wall (7) of the housing surrounding bore (6). Bore (6) contains a sleeve (8) that is moveable both axially and rotatably within the housing bore and has one end rotatably connected to the object and a bore (10) therewithin extending from the opposite end. An operating rod (30) is disposed within and is at least axially moveable within the sleeve bore.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved semi-conductive heating cable having semi-conductive material surrounded by a jacket that is imparted with improved resistance to color change upon exposure to elevated temperatures and is able to minimize changes in the ambient electrical resistivity of the semi-conductive composition arising from exposure of the cable to elevated temperatures by reason of the jacket being made from a radiation crosslinked composition comprising a mixture of at least one elastomer with at least one polyolefin and at least one heat stabilizer wherein the preferred elastomer comprises either or both a terpolymer of ethylene, propylene and at least one diene or an ethylene propylene rubber and the polyolefin is a polypropylene polymer.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved fastening device (70, 72, 74, 76, 78) for securement of a threaded member such as a screw ("s") to an article such as a panel or the like. The device is of the type having a base member (12) having a frusto-conical projection (14) having a lower and higher helical edge (16, 16a) surrounding an opening (40, 42') therethrough which in conjunction with a pair of resilient finger portions (30, 32') having respective free-ends (34, 36) spaced-apart from each other along an axis ("y--y") defined therebetween of which one finger portion is displaced a distance ("x") further from the base member than the other finger portion to provide a means of engaging the threads of the threaded member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a resilient fatigue resistant flow control device (140) for maintaining a substantially constant rate of fluid flow through a passageway (64) under varying fluid pressure differentials across the device. The device comprises at least one metering orifice (72) extending between the upstream and downstream sides within a defined region (R) that is circumscribed on the downstream side by a peripheral surface (78) that is adapted to rest directly against a seat (68) in the passageway. A plurality of spaced-apart bypass channels (84) extend through the device between the upstream side and the downstream peripheral surface that are positioned so that at least a portion of each channel intersects region (R) adjacent the peripheral surface so that the compression and expansion of region R adjacent the peripheral surface is able to control the amount of fluid flowing through the channels.

Abstract: Disclosed is a self-tensioning motor transmission control system having a manually positioned driver member that moves planarly to remotely move a driven member that is operably connected to a gear change mechanism and moves planarly to effect a change in the transmission gears by means of a plurality of flexible force transmitting members, such as cables, that are connected to the driver and driven members in such a manner that the force transmitting members are self-tensioning and are subjected only to tensional pulling forces.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bolt fastener adapted to rotatably or non-rotatably secure a bolt to a frame through an aperture therethrough. The fastener is provided with a base member having a slot therethrough and a resilient arm that extends upwardly from an edge of the base member and, in spaced relationship, across the side thereof that is to face away from the side of the frame against which the base member is to be laid and then downwardly past an opposite edge of the base member and then inwardly towards a plane generally transverse to the plane of the base member to a free-end thereof disposed in the side of the base member facing towards the frame against which the base member is to be laid to provide an open-ended clip.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flame retardant electrical cable able to meet or exceed the flame spread requirements of Underwriters Laboratories Tunnel Flame UL 910 while minimizing or eliminating halogen, particularly fluorine content from the cable by utilizing a first non-fluocarbon polymer and compositions based thereupon for use in making one of the conductor insulation or the protective jacket of the cable and a second non-fluorocarbon polymer or fluorocarbon polymer which may be the same as or different from the first polymer and compositions based thereupon for use in making the other of the conductor insulation or the jacket of the cable where the first and second polymers and compositions based thereupon have a composite Steiner Index of: ##EQU1## where: S.I. is less than about 3500;mass is the respective number of pounds of the respective polymers included in the cable subjected to the UL 910 Test; andSteiner Index (S.I.) is (A)(B)(C)(1-0.I.