Abstract: A friction brake band actuating system for automatic transmissions operative for obtaining smooth self-synchronized freewheeler type shifts without the use of one-way roller or sprag clutches. The band functions normally like a conventional brake band providing engine braking while the vehicle is coasting. For both upshifting and downshifting, the actuating system is staged in a one-way mode at the beginning of the shift event. In the one-way mode the self-synchronizing brake band utilizes the band reaction force to regulate a common pressure, which is acting on the apply piston and also on a reaction piston provided for counteracting the force at the band anchor end. The resulting torque capacity of the band varies in direct relationship with the torque the band is transmitting.

Abstract: A final drive for a multi-speed power transmission has freewheeler timed up and down forward power shifts utilizing two planetary gear sets connected between the transmission and differential. For low ratio a smaller diameter sun gear of a first gear set is driven through a freewheeler with the associated ring gear held for reaction so that the pinion carrier assembly drives the differential at a low ratio. For high ratio, a larger diameter sun gear of a second gear set is directly driven while a high-reverse clutch holds the associated ring gear for reaction. The pinion carrier assembly common to both gear sets drives the differential at a higher speed ratio as the freewheeler overruns on torque reversal. The ring gear of the second gear set of one embodiment has a path to ground through an additional freewheeler for coast control. The outer race of the low-ratio freewheeler has external teeth to park-lock the associated sun gear through a grounded parking pawl.

Abstract: Multi-mode friction clutch having a plurality of interleaved clutch plates operable for establishing gear ratios in planetary and countershaft type automatic transmissions and operative to provide smooth and self-synchronized shifting without the use of one-way roller or sprag clutches. Gear thrust forces from associated helical gearing and opposing hydraulic pressure forces are used to regulate the hydraulic pressure of a piston chamber by shifting an annular control sleeve which controls fluid exhaust from the chamber to maintain a direct relationship between the torque capacity of the clutch and the variable torque it actually carries. Consequently, the clutch is automatically released when the transmitted torque diminishes to zero or reverses. The clutch is applied in a normal lock mode for predetermined gear ratios, set in one-way mode for shifting and totally released when the shift is completed.

Abstract: A motor vehicle accessory drive system which powers vehicle accessories by diverting power from a primary motor to accessories by use of friction drive wheels, gears or other drive members mounted on the motor and drive shafts for the accessories. The system the rolling drive interfaces into contact and to constantly compensate for wear of the drive interfaces.

Abstract: This bi-directional clutch combines the functions of two separate opposite acting clutching systems, each consisting of a one-way roller or sprag clutch and an in-series coupled multi-plate friction unit. The clutch is operative regardless of direction of torque to provide fully synchronized upshifts and downshifts of gear ratios in automatic transmissions. This clutch incorporates a torque responsive reaction plate which regulates the apply pressure in accordance to the torque carried by the clutch. Consequently, when the torque acting in selected direction descends to zero at the start of torque reversal, the clutch is automatically released. Direction of one-way action is selected by switching clutch feed and exhaust oils by controls.

Abstract: A heat exchanger is disclosed comprising a pair of laterally spaced fluid conducting tanks operatively interconnected by a plurality of elongated fluid conducting tubes having sector shaped cross sections and arcuately spaced from one another in a circular pattern to present parallel interfacing sides. A plurality of elongated corrugated fins or air centers each having convolutions of substantially constant height and width to have spaced lines of contact along the width and length of each of the sides of the tubes for maximizing heat transfer and so that the tubes will be optimally supported to provide increased resistance to pressure ballooning and burst. These air centers are standard corrugated rectilinear components that reduce complexity and cost of this circular heat exchanger. This heat exchanger can be arranged in a parallel relationship with a transverse automotive engine and a cooling fan operatively mounted within the heat exchanger can be directly driven by the engine.

Abstract: An automatic change speed transmission with a multi-mode friction device which is torque sensitive to operatively hold transmission gearing for reaction in a drive direction and automatically self releases in the manner of a one way or free-wheeler clutch on torque reversals to provide inherent smooth shifting between the ratios. This clutch can also be fully locked to provide engine braking in coast operation. In the released mode, the multi-mode clutch is fully released in both drive and coast direction. With this multi-mode clutch the transmission length can be foreshortened significantly and existing transmissions can be readily and economically converted from conventional friction element shifts to free-wheeler type shifts. This multi-mode clutch can also be used to selectively couple and release two rotatable members.

Abstract: This golf putter has a head portion with an upwardly extending hosel to which a shaft is secured for manual stroking of a golf ball by a golfer. The head of the putter has an upper surface with a camouflaging texture which simulates the color and texture of the grass covering of the putting green which obscures the shape of the putter head. With this camouflaging, highly visible indicia on the club head and spaced parallel fins equaling the diameter of the ball stand out so that the golfer can square the putter face with the putting line and accurately stroke the putter along the line to optimize the putt.

Abstract: A telescopic energy absorbing unit that operatively interconnects the bumper and the frame of the vehicle which incorporates an elastomeric energy absorbing medium within the tubular components of the unit and a resilient preload piston in series therewith to assure preload of the bumper and its assured positioning at a station outwardly after permanent foreshortening is experienced in the elastomer energy absorbing medium subsequent to its deflection from an impact load.

Abstract: A front or rear bumper fascia for an automotive vehicle in which a series of channels and slots are formed across a support panel of the vehicle body work which allows the bumper fascia to stroke in a fore/aft direction when the bumper assembly is stroked during application of an impact load applied thereto.

Abstract: This viscous fluid fan drive clutch has a chamber divider and flow control ring at the face of the clutch plate which prevents fluid bypass of the shear zone and features flow blocker arms depending from the ring which fit within fluid fill passages in the clutch plate to tailor the response time of the clutch.

Abstract: This integrated wheel hub and upper steering shaft assembly foreshortens the steeing column and steering wheel assembly. The connection of the steering wheel to the upper steering shaft between the upper and lower bearings of the bearing housing allows the angularly adjustable head to be tilted with the wheel hub closer to the point of the pivot. This provides for foreshortened steering column length while retaining effective energy absorbing stroke for use in a side range of vehicle applications including those with short fore/aft space for column installation.

Abstract: This fan cage is formed from a plastics material and locking, locator and drive devices integral with the cage and extend from one edge thereof into a "snap fit" connection with a motor driven rotor plate. With this construction, the fan cage can be readily removed from the rotor plate for inspection and replacement as required.

Abstract: A plug-in, quarter turn attachment assembly includes a first element with a D-shaped male plug portion insertable into a corresponding D-shaped aperture in a second element, the male plug portion having a grooved cammed surface of an axial extent such that when the first element is rotated a quarter turn relative to the second element, these elements are axially secured together and are releasably retained by a compression spring that is supported on the male plug portion for rotation therewith and is provided with raised beads engageable in corresponding grooves provided for this purpose on the second element.

Abstract: These telescopic energy absorber units have outer tubes threaded into connection with vehicle hard bar bumper or fascia support to permit fore and aft adjustment by rotation of the piston tube of the unit in clockwise or counterclockwise direction.

Abstract: An energy absorbing bumper unit attaching a bumper to a vehicle which incorporates a threaded jack screw that varies the distance between the screw and the side rail to accordingly tilt the energy absorber unit and the bumper assembly for effecting a mating of adjacent surfaces of the bumper and the bodywork of the vehicle to obtain a predetermined match line with reduced gap between the bumper and the body work.

Abstract: Rack and pinion steering gear with hydraulic power assist that is reduced as the vehicle wheels approach their positive wheel stops so that hydraulic loads on the steering gear and linkage are reduced and the power steering pump is not forced to excessive operation in relief.

Abstract: A shock absorber capable of effectively preventing a gas from leaking from a gas chamber, maintaining an oil seal in a firmly-held state, and preventing the reciprocating movements of a rod from adversely affecting the function of the oil seal, comprising an oil cylinder and a gas tube, which are joined together in a concentrically-arranged state to form a gas chamber therebetween; a rod, which is moved reciprocatingly in the oil cylinder; a bearing having an axially extending cylindrical support portion and fixed to an end portion of the oil cylinder to form an oil chamber in cooperation with the oil cylinder and rod support in such a manner that the rod can be slidingly moved; and an oil seal, which has a main lip sealingly slidable with respect to a circumferential surface of the rod, and a frustoconical check valve lip resiliently contacting an outer surface of the cylindrical support portion and adapted to allow an oil to flow from the oil chamber to the gas chamber and prevent the oil from flowing in th