Abstract: A toaster oven appliance including low-profile heating elements having a predetermined single-sided surface area calculated to provide uniform heating within the cooking chamber, facilitate cleaning and to increase its usable capacity is disclosed. Various alternative configurations of top, bottom, and side-mounted heating elements in combination with both fixed and vertically movable heating element embodiments are provided for use with standard and digital controls. The heating elements are positioned both internally and externally of the cooking chamber and are provided in unsheathed, plain-sheathed, and metallic-sheathed types for a given application of the present oven. In one embodiment the heating elements are constructed as removable plug-in modules for convenient cleaning and replacement. The present toaster oven further includes an optional forced convection fan to reduce cooking temperature and shorten cooking cycles.

Abstract: A portable electric grill including an exhaust fan for indoor grilling is disclosed. The present grill is constructed to permit its supporting frame to be folded from an open position wherein the horizontally disposed grilling plates are supported by folding leg members to a closed position wherein the grilling plates are folded vertically along with the leg members for convenient portability and storage. The present grill provides heating elements associated with each grilling plate, which permits the grilling plates to be selectively energized. An air filter is disposed within the air intake of the exhaust fan utilizing filter media capable of capturing particulate matter of a size range found in cooking fumes generated by the grill. In an alternative embodiment the present grill is designed to permit operation in an either an unfolded or a folded position and also includes a detachable exhaust fan module for the user's convenience.

Abstract: An automatic transmission fluid (ATF) filtration system that combines both coarse filtering mesh and microfine depth filtering elements simultaneously to remove a wide range of particulate matter, but also maintains an unrestricted flow of ATF to the pump to ensure its volumetric efficiency is disclosed. In the present invention ATF at system pressure is delivered via a hydraulic circuit to a microfine depth filtering element for depth filtration (i.e. several layers of filter media) and, thereafter, is passed into the intake of the coarse filter element or, alternatively, between the intake of the coarse filter element and the pump intake. Because ATF flow through the coarse filter element is continuous and independent of the microfine depth filter element, the volumetric efficiency of the pump is maintained in all phases of operation even at the highest demand points such as at cold start-up, hot idle, and high volume/demand situations.

Abstract: A line-to-lube pressure regulator valve assembly for an automatic transmission including an internal check valve that opens in the Park gear range and at low engine speeds to feed line pressure to the torque converter in response to a substantially lower hydraulic fluid pressure than is required to open the pressure regulator valve in its factory specified operating range. As engine speed increases and sufficient hydraulic fluid pressure is built up within the torque converter charge circuit, the present internal check valve is again closed and the pressure regulator valve assembly opens as it would normally to feed line pressure to the torque converter directly. When the engine is shut off, the present internal check valve is biased to a closed position preventing transmission fluid from draining back through the valve to the transmission sump thereby eliminating the converter drain back problem.

Abstract: A multifunctional griddle having hinged top and bottom heating plate assemblies which receive reversible cooking plates or, alternatively, interchangeable cooking plates for cooking different types of foods such as waffles, pancakes, and hot sandwiches. In one embodiment the reversible cooking plates are nested in face-to-face contact with mating top and bottom heating plates to improve heat transfer to the cooking plates. This is accomplished by forming a mating waffle grid in the heating plates for receiving the waffle iron surfaces of the cooking plates in intermeshing engagement. The intermeshing engagement of the cooking plates with the heating plates also reduces the overall vertical height of the appliance providing a slimmer profile. In an alternative embodiment a set of interchangeable cooking plates is provided having a sliding interface with modified heating plates. In this embodiment the cooking plates are conveniently interchanged to vary the cooking configurations of the appliance.

Abstract: An automatic transmission fluid dipstick-shielding tube and method of use for shielding the terminal end of the dipstick whereon fluid level indicia are imprinted to ensure accurate measurement of the fluid level within an automatic transmission or other similar machinery is disclosed. The present dipstick-shielding tube provides a physical barrier which blocks fluid from splashing over the terminal end of the dipstick to facilitate an accurate fluid level reading. In a method of the present invention, the original equipment dipstick tube is initially removed from the transmission housing. Next, the present dipstick-shielding tube is installed in the transmission housing and the original equipment dipstick tube is reinserted into the housing in end-to-end relation with the present dipstick-shielding tube. Thereafter, the original equipment dipstick is replaced providing an accurate fluid level reading.

Abstract: A heavy-duty replacement torque converter cover for an automatic transmission designed to withstand the mechanical stresses generated during the torque converter lock-up cycle and other peak torque events in diesel engine pick-up trucks is disclosed. The present cover includes an internal spline that achieves up to a 70% increase in spline tooth engagement with a mating friction plate in the lock-up clutch in comparison to the original equipment cover providing increased torque capacity to the lock-up clutch. This is accomplished by machining a true internal spline within the cover on gear shaping equipment instead of utilizing the so-called Grob cold forming method, which provides only a simulated internal spline comprised of interlocking embossments having substantially less torque capacity than the present internal spline.

Abstract: A direct replacement impeller hub for the torque converter of an automatic transmission and a method of repairing an impeller assembly utilizing the replacement impeller hub to provide increased service longevity. In the present impeller hub the geometric roundness characteristic of the impeller hub is controlled to an exacting tolerance during the manufacturing process in accordance with American National Standards Institute (ANSI) definitions to provide a close tolerance fit within a mating bearing sleeve. The present impeller hub is also finish ground in accordance with ANSI definitions to reduce surface friction and to provide an optimal sealing surface for engagement with a radial seal, which is disposed about the impeller hub sealing it to prevent contaminants from entering the hydraulic pump of the transmission. The present impeller hub also includes additional structural features such as fillet radii machined on selected features to facilitate assembly of the torque converter.

Abstract: An automatic electric muffin maker for baking muffins and related foodstuffs is disclosed. The present muffin maker comprises a housing assembly enclosing a bottom heating plate having an integrated heating element and a top heating element for browning (i.e. to scorch slightly in cooking). Advantageously, the heating plate includes a plurality of integrally formed, internally tapered heating wells which receive a mating baking pan having tapered cylindrical mold cups configured to provide complementary surface-to-surface engagement within the heating wells and efficient heat transfer therebetween. The heating elements are electrically interconnected to a heat control thermostat, which regulates the baking cycle. In an alternative embodiment the baking functions are carried out by electronic controls including a timed cooking cycle which changes to a warming mode upon completion.

Abstract: An intermediate shaft assembly for an automotive transmission wherein hydraulic fluid intake ports in the rotating shaft assembly are designed to increase hydraulic fluid flow and improve lubrication to mating components served by the shaft lubrication circuit is disclosed. The hydraulic fluid intake ports are laterally offset from the center plane of the shaft assembly to increase the angle of entry to fluid entering the intake ports and configured to produce a scooping effect within the fluid surrounding the intake ports upon shaft rotation, which substantially increases hydraulic flow into the shaft and counteracts the inhibitory effect of centrifugal force on fluid flow within the ATF intake ports. In addition, the present intermediate shaft assembly includes a flexible transitional diameter to impart axial flexion to the shaft during peak torque events and also provides semicircular spline relief grooves, which reduce areas of stress concentration and potential breakage of the shaft.

Abstract: The present invention is a replacement throttle valve cable assembly and method of use for an automatic transmission of a land vehicle, which permits repair of the throttle valve cable without unnecessary replacement of serviceable components such as the cable housing and linkage clip components. This is accomplished by the use of a cable stop device or so-called adjustment stud, which permits transmission shift performance to be fine-tuned by temporary adjustments to the cable length prior to permanent installation. The adjustment stud includes a temporary setscrew fastener integrally connected to a permanent swage fastener by an undercut shear zone. Once the cable length is established and the vehicle road tested, the swage fastener is permanently installed on the cable. Thereafter, the segmented portion of the adjustment stud containing the setscrew is snapped off at the shear zone along with any excess cable by a suitable tool.

Abstract: A universal jig/work holding fixture for precision manual reaming of valve bores within a transmission valve body, or other work piece is disclosed. The universal jig/work holding fixture includes a tool holder (i.e. jig) having universal swiveling movement in all axes, which allows precise axial alignment of a reaming tool to the longitudinal axis of a valve bore. The universal jig is contained within a work holding fixture whereon the valve body or other work piece is clamped during the reaming operation. The work holding fixture is constructed to accommodate vertical and lateral adjustment of the tool holder relative to the work holding fixture to permit precise alignment of the reaming tool and provides mechanisms to lock the tool holder and work piece in a desired position. The universal jig/work holding fixture allows a service technician in a transmission shop environment to achieve a precision repair using only manual tools.

Abstract: A high performance clutch pack for use in the high gear clutch of a POWERGLIDE transmission is disclosed. The present clutch pack is disposed in a modified clutch drum including fluid exhaust vents to reduce piston drag and weight reduction features for accommodating up to ten friction disks and eleven steel disks representing a 150 percent increase in holding force in comparison to the stock POWERGLIDE clutch pack, which typically provides only four friction disks and five steel disks. In one embodiment the steel disks include elliptically shaped holes at predetermined locations for imparting turbulence to the flow of transmission fluid within the clutch pack and also feature anti-drag spacers for reducing parasitic drag during freewheeling. The clutch pack is actuated by a modified clutch piston having an increased stroke correlated to the increased number of friction disks delivering maximum holding force with minimal increase in rotating mass.

Abstract: A universal bushing tool for removing bushings of various diameters from machine assemblies is disclosed. The present tool comprises a handle, a plurality of interchangeable handle extensions, a plurality of sets of interchangeable wedge segments, and a plurality of interchangeable pilot studs which are mechanically attached to the handle extension. In a method of the present invention, a set of wedge segments is selected based on the diameter of bushing to be removed. Next, a handle extension of an appropriate length is selected based on location and access to the bushing. Next, a pilot stud of an appropriate diameter for the size of the wedge segments to be used for removing the bushing is selected. Thereafter, the wedge segments are arranged at 90° intervals about the pilot stud and captured between the pilot stud and the handle extension and tightened retaining the wedge segments in a disc-shaped configuration.

Abstract: A pump drive shaft for an automatic transaxle wherein the cross-sectional profile of the internal flow tube has been modified to a non-cylindrical configuration to increase the flow of transmission fluid through the pump drive shaft from the torque converter. A selected surface of the non-cylindrical tube is positioned at a predetermined angular orientation within the pump drive shaft to provide increased radial clearance between the flow tube and the fluid inlets/outlets to increase the flow of transmission fluid from the torque converter. In various embodiments the flow tube is elliptical, rectangular, bi-lobular in cross-section or a variation thereof, which produces an axially extending fluid passage between the flow tube and the fluid inlets/outlets having an increased cross-sectional and flow capacity from the torque converter. The present disclosure also sets forth a method of installing the present internal flow tube within the pump drive shaft.

Abstract: A replacement torque converter clutch regulator valve assembly for use within an automatic transmission including two cooperating valves, namely a regulator apply valve and an isolator valve, disposed in fluid communication with a line pressure circuit and a torque converter clutch apply circuit is disclosed. In one embodiment the regulator apply valve employs a regulator apply valve sleeve, which provides support to the regulator apply valve to prevent side loading. Modified control lands on the regulator apply valve have a reduced cross-sectional area calculated to increase the influence of the pulse width modulated solenoid, which provides an output pressure in response to the duty cycle imposed on the solenoid coil in pulse width modulated converter systems. In an alternative embodiment an isolator valve sleeve is utilized for instances wherein the isolator valve bore has extreme wear that cannot be corrected solely by the installation of the replacement isolator valve.

Abstract: A synchronous rear belt drive system for belt driven motorcycles and a method of altering the final drive ratio of such motorcycles utilizing the present rear belt drive system is disclosed. The present rear belt drive system provides a plurality of interchangeable sprocket rings, which are assembled on a universal center hub. The selectively interchangeable sprocket rings include different dimensional characteristics and tooth configurations, which produce a wide range of final drive ratios. In one embodiment the front sprocket rings, rear sprocket and drive belt include two rows of obliquely angled teeth that prevent axial movement of the drive belt and permit a narrower belt, reduced sprocket weight, and increased horsepower. In an alternative embodiment the interchangeable sprocket rings include a single, annular row of straight teeth that are compatible with the original equipment rear sprocket and belt and also function to reduce sprocket weight and increase horsepower.

Abstract: A replacement torque converter clutch (TCC) apply valve for regulating the application of the torque converter clutch within an automatic transmission. The present TCC apply valve includes a valve piston having an expandable seal located at the primary wear location within the valve body to reduce hydraulic leakage. The valve piston also includes an internal fluid gallery formed therein in fluid communication with an annular groove wherein the expandable seal resides. Whenever the present TCC apply valve is actuated, TCC signal pressure enters the fluid gallery in the valve piston under pressure and urges the expandable seal in a radially outward direction into contact with the mating bore to minimize hydraulic fluid leakage during the apply cycle of the torque converter clutch. The valve piston also includes a control land having a substantially increased axial length with annular lubrication grooves, which improves stability and accuracy in operation.

Abstract: The present invention is a replacement throttle valve cable assembly and method of use for an automatic transmission of a land vehicle, which permits repair of the throttle valve cable without unnecessary replacement of serviceable components such as the cable housing and linkage clip components. This is accomplished by the use of a cable stop device or so-called adjustment stud, which permits transmission shift performance to be fine-tuned by temporary adjustments to the cable length prior to permanent installation. The adjustment stud includes a temporary setscrew fastener integrally connected to a permanent swage fastener by an undercut shear zone. Once the cable length is established and the vehicle road tested, the swage fastener is permanently installed on the cable. Thereafter, the segmented portion of the adjustment stud containing the setscrew is snapped off at the shear zone along with any excess cable by a suitable tool.

Abstract: A multifunctional griddle having hinged top and bottom heating plate assemblies which receive reversible cooking plates or, alternatively, interchangeable cooking plates for cooking different types of foods such as waffles, pancakes, and hot sandwiches. In one embodiment the reversible cooking plates are nested in face-to-face contact with mating top and bottom heating plates to improve heat transfer to the cooking plates. This is accomplished by forming a mating waffle grid in the heating plates for receiving the waffle iron surfaces of the cooking plates in intermeshing engagement. The intermeshing engagement of the cooking plates with the heating plates also reduces the overall vertical height of the appliance providing a slimmer profile. In an alternative embodiment a set of interchangeable cooking plates is provided having a sliding interface with modified heating plates. In this embodiment the cooking plates are conveniently interchanged to vary the cooking configurations of the appliance.