Abstract: A new method and apparatus for controlling the conversion of AC electrical energy into DC electrical energy. A microprocessor control system is operatively connected to an AC source and to a motor/regenerative switching bridge network. A control signal is operatively coupled to the microprocessor to selectively adjust the DC output voltage. The microprocessor monitors the control voltage, calculates the timing of gating signals and generates gating pulses to the bridge networks. The microprocessor also senses the phase rotation and the line frequency of the AC source and factors those parameters into account when determining gate pulse output pattern and timing.

Abstract: A power controller with overload protection having an alternating current source (AC) connected through power lines (L1, L2) and a pair of power switching devices (FET1, FET2) and a current sensor resistance shunt (SH) in series to a load (LD). A line-derived control power supply circuit (LDS) is connected through one of the power switching devices (FET1) to the lower line (L1, L2) such that the control power supply current does not flow through the shunt (SH) or the load (LD). Close and open commands are applied from a control switch (CSW) through a threshold detector (DT) and a logic circuit (LG1) to operate a latch (LCH) that turns the power switching devices (FET1, FET2) on and off under the clocking control of a zero voltage detector (ZVD) and a zero current detector (ZCD) and the gating control of a minimum current circuit (MCC). An overload circuit (AVC, ITC, TTC) provides instantaneous trip of the latch on rupture current or timed trip of the latch on smaller overloads.

Abstract: A holographic method for determining rotational effects upon either gear of gears (1, 2) of a gear set having respective mutually orthogonal rotational axis (C.sub.1, C.sub.2). Particularly, a holographic recording medium or element 12 is secured to gear (1) so that is rotates in synchronization therewith about axis (C.sub.1). Gear (2) is illuminated by a pulsed collimated light beam (L) emitted from a source (14) such as a laser. Beam (L) is reflected from gear (2) as object beam (0) substantially parallel to axis C.sub.2 and means such as a semi-reflective mirror 16 having a slit (18) is provided for directing a reference beam (R) and object beam (0) towards element (12). Development of element (12) after exposing it to beams (R and 0) at two different rotational conditions provides interference lines (f.sub.1, f.sub.2) enabling a viewer of the holographic image of gear 2 to determine the effect of rotation thereupon.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic brake adjustment assembly (50) for maintaining a desired disengaged clearance (c) between a frictional brake lining (17) and a moveable object to be braked. Assembly (50) includes a cam member (2) that is moved in opposite axial directions upon the respective engagement and disengagement of the brake by the operator causing a cam follower (10) to move a nut (16) in corresponding opposite axial directions which in turn is threadingly engaged with and operates to move a piston (18) in opposite axial directions along a frame (24) and accordingly cause brake lining (17) to move towards and away from the object to be braked.

Abstract: A tactile load sensing transducer for providing a continuous electrical readout indicative of the contact and the location of the load on a load receiving plate substantially simply supported by a plurality of reaction supports on the member. Each reaction support includes a member having a preferably integrally formed connecting portion of reduced transverse section so as to be substantially incapable of resisting moments generated by load plate deflection. Each support preferably has a generally "L" shaped configuration with the preferably integrally formed plate connecting portion formed adjacent the free end of one leg of the "L" so as to create bending strains in the support. Strain gages are provided on each support to sense the bending strains therein and, the gages on each support are connected in a common Wheatstone bridge to provide an indication of the reaction load on the support.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic slack adjuster (50) for maintaining a substantially constant clearance (C) between a braking member and a rotatable braking surface in a brake released condition between a braking member (8) having a frictional layer (1) and a rotatable braking surface (12) of the type including an elongate power screw (2) having threads (4) threadingly engaged with threads of a rotatable nut member (6). Clearance (C) is maintained upon application of the brake by an operator by means of an adjustment member (16) that is preferably in splined engaged relationship with nut member (18) and causes nut member (6) to rotate and advance braking member (8) in a clearance correcting direction upon application of the brake of an operator by means of a drive train driven by power screw (2) preferably comprising a first drive means (20) integral with power screw (2), rack means (22), second drive means (24) and third drive means (34) operably engaged with adjustment member (16).

Abstract: An improved fluid controller (17) is disclosed of the type for use in a load sensing hydrostatic steering system. The system includes a load sensing priority flow control valve (15) of the type which operates on a dynamic load signal. The controller includes a spool valve (95) and a sleeve valve (97) which cooperate to define a plurality of orifices including a main variable flow control orifice (71) and a variable orifice (75) through which fluid flows from the return side of a steering cylinder (19) to the return port (25) of the controller. A variable drain orifice (76) communicates between the main flow path, downstream of the main orifice (71) and the return port (25). As the controller valving moves from its neutral position toward an operating position, the orifice (75) begins to open at least as soon as the main orifice (71) and reaches a predetermined flow area before the main orifice (71) reaches that predetermined flow area.

Abstract: A vehicle air system (300) for a vehicle equipped with a source of pressurized fluid (302, 306), an air brake system (314), a central tire inflation system (316) and a central tire inflation system pressurized fluid reservoir (336) is provided. Preferably, the central tire inflation system reservoir is defined in part by the vehicle spare tire. The central tire inflation system rservoir is fluidly connected to the source of pressurized fluid, the vehicle air brake system and the central tire inflation system by a pair of parallel conduits (332, 334), one of which is provided with a one way check valve (340) allowing pressurized fluid stored in the reservoir to be supplied to the brake system of the central tire inflation system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a stroboscopic method of determining the quality of meshing between respective teeth of two or more gears. By way of example, a method is disclosed by which a standard is established by directing an adjustable pulse rate light beam (L) from a stroboscopic light source (18) towards a region (R) generally encompassing the location of meshed engagement between respective teeth (6; 8) of a pair of gears (2, 4) rotating at a predetermined rpm that are selected on the basis that they possess degree of mesh engagement quality desired for such gear pairs.

Abstract: A load plate is rigidly supported by a central pedestal strain gaged for bending about a central axis. In one embodiment, the pedestal is mounted to the center of a yoke bar supported by two legs strain gaged for comprehensive loads only the sum of which is indicative of the magnitude of the plate load. The legs are supported by base webs strain gaged for bending about a central axis orthogonal to the axis of pedestal bending. The output of the bending strain gages enables determination of the coordinates of the load location on the plate from the central axis axes.In a second embodiment, the pedestal is supported by a block rigidly attached to the end of a cantilevered member extending at right angles from the pedestal. The cantilever member is strain gaged at two longitudinal stations for reading the differential of the bending strain to thereby determine the shear loading, or plate tactile load.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical shifter (80) for use with a hydraulic transmission (62) of the type employing a clutch and having first and second valve members (C, D) that in the same and opposite open and closed conditions provide at least one range of gear ratios for driving an output member such as an engine drive shaft (64). Shifter (80) includes a control arm (9) positionable by an operator along a frame (10) that includes a pin (24) operated by an actuator (32) which extends into an arcuate cam opening (22) in frame (10) operative to prevent arm (9) from being moved from a highest gear ratio of a first range of gear ratios beyond a lowest gear ratio of a second range of gear ratios without disengagement of the clutch.

Abstract: A power MOSFET reversing H-drive system having a first pair of N-channel and P-channel MOSFETs (Q1,Q2) connected in series with a load (LD1,LD2) to a power supply source (T1) and a second like pair of N-channel and P-channel MOSFETs (Q3,Q4) connected in series with the load (LD1,LD2) to the source (T1), each pair having a resistance voltage divider (R1-R2, R5-R6) for providing the P-channel MOSFET (Q1,Q3) with a different voltage level gate signal from the logic level input signal by which the N-channel MOSFET (Q2,Q4) is gated, an overvoltage protector (Z1,Z2) allowing extension of the supply voltage (T1) range under which the system is operable, and the on-state resistances and the flyback current capability of the intrinsic diodes (ID1-ID4) being matched to the size of the load to be driven.

Abstract: A feedback potentiometer type servoactuator having a plastic housing shell with small high RPM low voltage motor and non-metallic gear reduction train for driving an output shaft. The shell and cover plate provide structural support for gear journalling and the cover plate has an electrically resistive plastic strip baked onto the inside of the cover. Contacts mounted on the output gear for movement therewith wipe the resistive strip to provide variable resistance for an output shaft position feedback signal. The motor pinion and first stage reduction gears are made of urethane thermoplastic elastomer, the second stage gears of acetal plastic and the final gears are formed of 30% glass fiber filled polyester plastic for providing quiet running and long gear life.

Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker wherein a movable contact arm (8) is operated between open and closed positions with a stationary contact (4b) by an operating mechanism which controls an overcenter toggle drive spring (12) and which is automatically openable upon sensing overload conditions by releasing a latched lever (10) for carrying the line of action of the drive spring (12) across the pivot (8a) of the movable contact arm (8). The current sensing trip means (16) for unlatching the latched lever (10) is formed of a shape memory effect alloy to provide a significant amount of travel of the latching end thereof in response to a narrow band of current thereby to insure release of the latch lever (10) without need for calibrating the breaker.

Abstract: A single timing motor (26) drives a gear box (54) having an output shaft (56) for indexing a ratchet wheel (62) for turning a cam drum (68). One cam track (72) operates a line switch (22) for controlling the program interval "ON" time of the appliance. A second cam track (70) operates a second line switch (40) for controlling the timing motor. A toothless space (66) in the ratchet wheel stalls cam drum advance upon program interval time-out to maintain the timer switch (40) closed to keep the motor running. Output shaft 56 drives a sub-interval cam (80) which cycles a switch (48) for effecting intermittent appliance "ON" time for a minor portion of the sub-interval period to provide a "KEEP-WARM" mode of operation. An alarm bell (100) is sounded by a striker (98) actuated by the sub-interval cam. The operator manually advances the cam drum (68) for de-actuating the timer motor switch (40).

Abstract: Stationary contacts (12) of a multi-pole disconnect or safety switch are arranged to be engaged by one of a rotatably movable bridging contact (2) before engagement of the other end thereof with a second set of stationary contacts (10). Stationary contacts (12) of adjacent switch poles are positioned on alternate ends for increasing the phase-to-phase failure distance, and one stationary contact (10a) may be arranged to close one or two milliseconds late to produce single phasing for a short time under fault current conditions during which time current limiting fuses (14) begin to open the circuit.

Abstract: A power synchronizer assembly (10) for selectively increasing the rotational speed of a mechanical change gear transmission (12) input shaft (22), main section countershaft (58) and ratio gears (82, 84, 86, and 88) independently of the rotational speed of the drive engine (14) is provided. The power synchronizer assembly includes a sun gear shaft (174) drivingly associated with the main section countershaft and carrying a sun gear (176) fixed thereto which is in constant engagement with the planet gears (180) of a planet gear carrier (178) rotatably driven by the transmission output shaft (28). A ring gear (182) surrounds and is in constant engagement with the planet gears and is selectively frictionally coupled for rotation with the transmission housing (68) by means of a band brake and band brake operating mechanism (186 and 188).

Abstract: A rotary fluid pressure device is provided of the type in which a valve spool (47) is axially movable within a spool bore (35). In the normal operating position of the valve spool (47), torque output is transmitted from the gerotor gear set (17) by means of a main drive shaft 53 through one spline connection (51, 49) then through a second spline connection (49, 75) to the output device. The valve spool (47) may be moved axially to a position in which the second spline connection (49, 54) is disengaged, and the device operates in a free-wheel mode. The valve spool (47) may also be moved axially to a position in which a set of teeth (71) on the valve spool engage a set of teeth (69) on the stationary housing, such that the device operates in a locked mode.

Abstract: An improved rotary transducer (60) featuring a rotary member (2) rotatably mounted in a housing (4). Member (2) is preferably provided with a section (8) adapted to enhance measurement of stresses or other parameters of interest imposed upon member (2) under operating conditions preferably by means of one or more strain gages (32) forming one or more legs of a wheatstone bridge preferably mounted on member (2). Excitation voltage for the wheatstone bridge and/or the output voltage therefrom is delivered across an electromagnetic field between a magnetic stator member (16) fixed to housing (4) and a rotor member (18) secured to member (2).

Abstract: A mechanism (19) disposed in a torque converter housing (24) for damping torsionals in a vehicle driveline. The mechanism comprises a viscous coupling (22) including a housing (64) having two sidewalls (24a, 68) defining a chamber (70) containing a viscous liquid, and a clutch member (72) disposed in the chamber for viscous clutching coaction with the housing. One of the sidewalls (24a) is defined by an end wall of the torque converter housing. The housing and clutch member are interconnected by a spring assembly (20) including flat torsion springs (61, 62) which transmit steady-state driveline torque and isolate driveline torsionals. The inner surfaces (24b, 68a) of the housing each include two circumferentially spaced clutching surfaces separated by the clutch member. The clutch member has oppositely facing surfaces (72b, 72c) each which include two flat circumferentially spaced clutching surfaces.