Abstract: A viscous fan clutch is typically employed in a fan drive mechanism within a truck or automobile. A shaft, driven by the engine, rotates a clutch member within the fan drive. The clutch member is arranged for fluid engagement with a body member for the transmission of torque thereto when the fluid is disposed in an operating chamber defined by complimentary shear surfaces in the clutch and body members. During relative rotation between the two members, fluid is pumped through a radially disposed standpipe to a point within a fluid storage chamber near the axis of rotation to prevent bleed back of the fluid through the pump at times when the pump pressure is relatively low.

Abstract: Disclosed is a drive assembly (10) for an electrically powered vehicle (12). The assembly includes a transaxle (16) having a two-speed transmission (40) and a drive axle differential (46) disposed in a unitary housing assembly (38), an oil-cooled prime mover or electric motor (14) for driving the transmission input shaft (42), an adapter assembly (24) for supporting the prime mover on the transaxle housing assembly, and a hydraulic system (172) providing pressurized oil flow for cooling and lubricating the electric motor and transaxle and for operating a clutch (84) and a brake (86) in the transmission to shift between the two-speed ratios of the transmission. The adapter assembly allows the prime mover to be supported in several positions on the transaxle housing. The brake is spring-applied and locks the transmission in its low-speed ratio should the hydraulic system fail. The hydraulic system pump is driven by an electric motor (212) independent of the prime mover and transaxle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a drive assembly (10) for an electrically powered vehicle (12). The assembly includes a transaxle (16) having a two-speed transmission (40) and a drive axle differential (46) disposed in a unitary housing assembly (38), an oil-cooled prime mover or electric motor (14) for driving the transmission input shaft (42), an adapter assembly (24) for supporting the prime mover on the transaxle housing assembly, and a hydraulic system (172) providing pressurized oil flow for cooling and lubricating the electric motor and transaxle and for operating a clutch (84) and a brake (86) in the transmission to shift between the two-speed ratios of the transmission. The adapter assembly allows the prime mover to be supported in several positions on the transaxle housing. The brake is spring-applied and locks the transmission in its low-speed ratio should the hydraulic system fail. The hydraulic system pump is driven by an electric motor (212) independent of the prime mover and transaxle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a drive assembly (10) for an electrically powered vehicle (12). The assembly includes a transaxle (16) having a two-speed transmission (40) and a drive axle differential (46) disposed in a unitary housing assembly (38), an oil-cooled prime mover or electric motor (14) for driving the transmission input shaft (42), an adapter assembly (24) for supporting the prime mover on the transaxle housing assembly, and a hydraulic system (172) providing pressurized oil flow for cooling and lubricating the electric motor and transaxle and for operating a clutch (84) and a brake (86) in the transmission to shift between the two-speed ratios of the transmission. The adapter assembly allows the prime mover to be supported in several positions on the transaxle housing. The brake is spring-applied and locks the transmission in its low-speed ratio should the hydraulic system fail. The hydraulic system pump is driven by an electric motor (212) independent of the prime mover and transaxle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a power shift transmission having torque converter, an input shaft driven by the torque converter, a countershaft in continuous driving relation with the input shaft, an output shaft having first, second, and third speed ratios journaled thereon and driven via the countershaft, a reverse speed ratio gear splined to the output shaft and driven via a gear on an idler shaft driven by the countershaft, a first friction clutch mechanism for connecting the first speed ratio gear to the output shaft, a second friction clutch mechanism for connecting the output shaft directly to the input shaft, a blocker-clutch assembly for coupling the second and third speed ratio gears to the output shaft, and an actuator assembly for shifting the blocker-clutch assembly into and out of coupling engagement. The friction clutches are momentarily engageable to relieve driving and coast mode torque on the blocker-clutch and to synchronize the blocker-clutch.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multiple, wet, friction disc brake adapted for use as a retarder in an unshown drivetrain of a land vehicle. The retarder includes a non-rotating outer housing, a centrally disposed drive shaft extending through the housing and rotatably supported therein by bearings, a plurality of axially moveable stator and rotor brake discs concentrically disposed about the shaft and alternately secured against rotation relative to the non-rotating housing and the shaft, a fluid actuated piston for squeezing the discs together, passage means defined by a portion of the non-rotating housing disposed about the outer periphery of the stator and rotor discs for introducing a pressurized cooling liquid to the outer periphery of the stator and rotor discs and flow grooves formed in the friction sides of the stator discs for the flow of the pressurized cooling liquid radially inward through the grooves.

Abstract: Disclosed is a power shift transmission having torque converter, an input shaft driven by the torque converter, a countershaft in continuous driving relation with the input shaft, an output shaft having first, second, and third speed ratios journaled thereon and driven via the countershaft, a reverse speed ratio gear splined to the output shaft and driven via a gear on an idler shaft driven by the countershaft, a first friction clutch mechanism for connecting the first speed ratio gear to the output shaft, a second friction clutch mechanism for connecting the output shaft directly to the input shaft, a blocker-clutch assembly for coupling the second and third speed ratio gears to the output shaft, and an actuator assembly for shifting the blocker-clutch assembly into and out of coupling engagement. The friction clutches are momentarily engageable to relieve driving and coast mode torque on the blocker-clutch and to synchronize the blocker-clutch.

Abstract: The actuator disclosed herein uses cyclic forces in a valve gear train of an internal combustion engine to selectively switch a pair of valve disablers between valve enabling and disabling positions. When the disablers are in the valve enabling position, rocker arm fulcrums are latched in a fixed position. When the disablers are in the disabling position, the rocker arm fulcrums are unlatched to allow sliding movement of the fulcrums. The actuator employs a spring which is preloaded to positions for switching the disablers between their enabling and disabling positions in response to movement of the rocker arms which are moved by cyclic forces from a camshaft.

Abstract: A device for filling a pneumatic tire and sensing the air pressure therein has a check valve disposed within a valve stem and a pressure sensing switch which is temperature compensated to adjust for air pressure changes within the tire due to changes in ambient temperature. Substantially perfect compensation can be achieved, within a limited range of operation, whereby the set point pressure versus temperature characteristic will track with the related tire pressure versus temperature characteristic. A manual set point adjustment feature is provided whereby the switch can be calibrated after it is assembled within a wheel and pneumatic tire. The switch can also be employed independently of, as well as in conjunction with, the check valve.

Abstract: A fluid flow regulating valve is inserted in line with a fluid conducting medium to regulate the flow therethrough over a widely varying range of pressure differentials across the valve. The valve is constructed of a body portion having a fluid passageway therethrough terminating at one end in a land having an empirically derived, compound curved section. A compliant reed is affixed to the body portion adjacent the land and operates to press against and conform with the land in response to increasing fluid pressure differential across the reed whereby the rate of fluid flow through the valve remains substantially constant. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, a second similarly shaped land is provided adjacent the reed and opposite the other land to provide bidirectional flow control. The lands are integral portions of the body portion of the valve which is constructed of molded plastic or the like. The reed comprises thin metal shimstock or the like which has been heat staked to the body portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a power shift transmission having torque converter, an input shaft driven by the torque converter, a countershaft in continuous driving relation with the input shaft, an output shaft having first, second, and third speed ratios journaled thereon and driven via the countershaft, a reverse speed ratio gear splined to the output shaft and driven via a gear on an idler shaft driven by the countershaft, a first friction clutch mechanism for connecting the first speed ratio gear to the output shaft, a second friction clutch mechanism for connecting the output shaft directly to the input shaft, a blocker-clutch assembly for coupling the second and third speed ratio gears to the output shaft, and an actuator assembly for shifting the blocker-clutch assembly into and out of coupling engagement. The friction clutches are momentarily engageable to relieve driving and coast mode torque on the blocker-clutch and to synchronize the blocker-clutch.

Abstract: Disclosed is a power shift transmission having torque converter, an input shaft driven by the torque converter, a countershaft in continuous driving relation with the input shaft, an output shaft having first, second, and third speed ratios journaled thereon and driven via the countershaft, a reverse speed ratio gear splined to the output shaft and driven via a gear on an idler shaft driven by the countershaft, a first friction clutch mechanism for connecting the first speed ratio gear to the output shaft, a second friction clutch mechanism for connecting the output shaft directly to the input shaft, a blocker-clutch assembly for coupling the second and third speed ratio gears to the output shaft, and an actuator assembly for shifting the blocker-clutch assembly into and out of coupling engagement. The friction clutches are momentarily engageable to relieve driving and coast mode torque on the blocker-clutch and to synchronize the blocker-clutch.

Abstract: Disclosed is a regenerative braking system for an automotive vehicle. The system includes a regenerative braking device and an electronic control therefor. The regenerative device includes a transmission assembly and an energy storage assembly. The transmission assembly includes first and second power paths operative, respectively, when actuated to effect the flow of energy to and from the storage assembly. The storage assembly includes a plurality of cylindrical rubber bars which are torsionally stressed via the first path during vehicle braking and drained of the torsional stress via the second path during vehicle acceleration.

Abstract: A compact device for synchronizing the rotational speed of a gear with a shaft in a transmission. The device comprises a friction clutch including first and second cone clutch members, a positive clutch including first and second jaw clutch members, a plurality of springs reacting between the second members for biasing the second cone member toward engagement with the first cone member, a stop means for preventing engagement of the second cone with the first cone member until initial sliding movement of the first jaw member, and a blocker means for preventing engagement of the positive clutch until the friction clutch brings the gear to substantial synchronism with the shaft. The second jaw member includes an outer circumferential surface which supports an inner circumferential surface of the second cone member.

Abstract: A viscous fan clutch is typically employed in a fan drive mechanism within a truck or automobile. A shaft, driven by the engine, rotates a clutch member within the fan drive. The clutch member is arranged for fluid engagement with a body member for the transmission of torque thereto when fluid is disposed in an operating chamber defined by complimentary shear surfaces in the clutch and body members. During relative rotation between the two members, fluid is pumped through a return passage to a valve coaxially disposed with the driven shaft which selectively directs a flow of viscous fluid alternately to a storage chamber or directly back into the operating chamber. The valve is biased into a first position in which the fluid is directed into a fluid storage chamber and is actuated into the second position by means of a coaxially disposed solenoid acting upon ferrous metal members of the valve.

Abstract: A wedge type actuator assembly for a disc brake employing a roller bearing assembly interposed between the wedge member and the tappet and including a generally U-shaped cage member embracing the wedge member and having a plurality of transversely extending slots each journally receiving a roller bearing. The wedge member includes raised ribs on each end face which guide on the adjacent housing surfaces. The end portions of the cage member guide on the portions of the end faces of the wedge member between the raised rib and the wedge face and include steps which coact with steps defined by the raised ribs to restore relative indexing of the roller bearing assembly and wedge member in the event the indexing becomes disturbed.

Abstract: A low pressure drop air flowmeter for an automobile engine is disclosed. The meter contains a main air flow passage, a relatively small venturi to receive a portion of the air flow, pressure ports for sensing stagnation and static pressure and a set of swirl vanes disposed adjacent the outlet of the venturi and operative to impart a swirl to the remainder of the air in the main passage, thereby creating a reduced pressure at the venturi outlet for amplifying the pressure difference between the stagnation and static pressure without appreciably increasing the pressure drop across the flowmeter. A tertiary passage provides a path of fluid communication between points upstream and downstream of the swirl vanes. This passage can be selectively opened or restricted by a valve which, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, opens the tertiary passage with increasing overall flow rate.

Abstract: An improved valve disabler control for a multi-cylinder engine having individually pivoted rocker arms and an intake and exhaust valve pair for each cylinder. Half of the valve pairs are provided with valve disablers having rotatable sleeves. Rotation of the sleeves counterclockwise (ccw) allows sliding movement of the rocker arm fulcrums, thereby disabling the valves; clockwise (cw) rotation of the sleeves prevents sliding movement of the fulcrums, thereby enabling the valves. The improved control includes a link and a spring interconnecting the disabler sleeves for each valve pair. Each link rotates the intake valve disabler sleeve ccw in response to ccw rotation of the exhaust valve disabling sleeve. A slot connecting each link to the intake valve disabler sleeve allows cw rotation of the exhaust valve disabler sleeve before cw rotation of the intake valve disabler sleeve. Each spring provides a cw biasing force to the sleeves. The biasing force increases in response to ccw rotation of the sleeves.

Abstract: Tire pressure monitors are incorporated in vehicles having pneumatic tires to continuously or periodically measure the air pressure in the tires and to alert the driver should the pressure in one of the tires fall below a predetermined value. A self-contained generator-transmitter unit is affixed to each wheel, each unit monitoring the air pressure in the tire associated therewith and generating an RF signal when the pressure falls below a predetermined value. A receiver, located in the passenger compartment of the vehicle, receives the signal(s) from the generator-transmitter units to indicate a low tire condition to the vehicle operator. The generators operate only during rotation of the wheels which effect relative rotation between two members in each generator, one member carrying a permanent magnet and the other carrying an inductor.

Abstract: A temperature controlled fluid shear coupling adapted to drive a fan for an internal combustion engine. The coupling includes a driven member defining a housing adapted to carry the fan, a drive member adapted to be driven by the engine, a working chamber defined by the driven and drive member and containing viscous fluid, a pump for removing fluid from the working chamber to a reservoir, and temperature control assembly which varies the volume of fluid in the working chamber by controlling fluid flow from the reservoir to the working chamber in response to temperature changes. The temperature control includes a wax filled power element and a valving member. The valving member blocks fluid flow from the reservoir to the working chamber when the wax is solid and allows flow to the working chamber when the wax is a liquid.