Abstract: An improved magnetron sputter source (10) in which a temperature sensor (94) is placed within the cathode (18) adjacent the interface between the cathode and the sputter target (16) at the point of maximum erosion of the target. A relationship between the temperature of the cathode and the thickness of the target at that point is established so that the temperature reading can be used as an indication that the target is about to be eroded through.

Abstract: A hydraulic system (10) for a log grapple device (12), including an unloader valve (20) and an accumulator (22) located downstream of a control valve (18) which determines the direction of fluid flow to the actuating cylinder (108) controlling the opening and closing of the grapple device. When a predetermined operating pressure is reached the unloader valve diverts outlet flow from a pump (16) to a reservoir (14) and isolates the system downstream of the unloader valve, the accumulator maintaining pressure on the grapple device. When the grapple device is to be opened, a pilot check valve assembly (60) within the unloader valve permits reverse flow through the unloader valve.

Abstract: A system for supporting wafers (18) on a gas cushion within the vacuum chamber (12) of a plasma etcher (10). An etchant gas is introduced into the vacuum chamber, and a second gas at a volume flow rate much lower than the volume flow rate of the etchant gas is directed to orifices formed in a wafer-receiving surface of an electrode (16) to define the gas cushion. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the second gas is an inert gas, and in accordance with another aspect of the invention, the second gas is a reactant gas which is also directed into the vacuum chamber to serve as a reactant gas in conjunction with the first reactant gas.

Abstract: A multiple-element load handling shuttle assembly (10) which includes means to compensate for the downward deflection of the load carrying element of the shuttle under load. Each shuttle element (12, 14, 16, 20) is supported by a plurality of rollers (35, 43, 51, 57) which engage guide channels (36, 43, 52, 58) in an adjacent element. The end rollers (43c, 43d) on one of the elements are offset upwardly from the remaining rollers (43a, 43b) on that element and the corresponding guide channel (44) is flared upwardly at its outer ends to accommodate the offset rollers. The offset rollers and flared guide channel cause the shuttle assembly to tilt upwardly in its unloaded condition to at least partially compensate for the downward deflection of the shuttle assembly under load.

Abstract: A valve disabling and switch mechanism for a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine is disclosed. One embodiment of the disabling mechanism is for an individually pivoted rocker arm; this disabling mechanism includes means which allow sliding movement of the rocker arm fulcrum to disable the valve, resilient means which ineffectively oppose sliding movement of the fulcrum, and stop means which prevent feedback of the force from the resilient means to the cam when the engine cam is in the dwell position. The switch mechanism is a spring loaded toggle switch which applies a force for switching the disabling mechanism between the disabling and non-disabling positions with a force effective to move the disabling mechanism only when the cam is in the dwell position. A second embodiment of the disabling mechanism is for a rocker arm pivoted about a rocker shaft; this disabling mechanism includes a two member rocker arm and includes the ineffective resilient means and the stop means.

Abstract: A mast structure (28) for a storage/retrieval machine (10) wherein the mast is pivotally supported on a support structure (30) and temporarily secured by bolts (54) acting on the support structure and the mast, and the mast is moved above its pivot (52) by adjusting devices (56, 58, 64) mounted on the support structure and mast to obtain precise vertical alignment of the mast as determined by a plumb line or other known adjusting devices. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, adjustable connectors (78, 80, 82) are provided to join two previously aligned masts to define a double masted storage/retrieval machine.

Abstract: A bucket tappet is provided for direct-acting valve gear having a body portion formed of a light weight material having a thermal expansion suitable for use in an aluminum engine head. The body of the tappet is formed with a tubular wall, an inner tubular hub and a transverse web joining and supporting the hub within the outer tubular wall. An hydraulic lash adjusting piston/plunger assembly formed of steel is received within the tubular hub. The leakdown control surfaces within the lash adjuster are formed on the mating interfaces between the steel piston and plunger. The body of the tappet has a cam face member formed of hardened material, preferably iron base, received thereover transversely of the outer tubular portion and retained thereon for providing a cam contacting surface. The inner tubular hub has the end adjacent the cam face closed by portions of the body for forming a portion of the hydraulic reservoir in conjunction with a cavity formed in the hydraulic piston.

Abstract: Engine manifold vacuum is inverted by an in-line vacuum inverter which provides a power source for an EGR valve actuator for providing desired EGR flow in a predetermined range of engine power loading and EGR flow is cut off outside the range. The invention utilizes a vacuum inverter employing a pair of spaced diaphragms for controlling an atmospheric air bleed valve to a vacuum chamber powered by manifold vacuum. The diaphragms are spring loaded so as to seek equilibrium positions as vacuum in the chamber varies force. The inverter produces a vacuum output signal which changes inversely with changes in engine manifold vacuum.

Abstract: A fan drive for the cooling fan of an internal combustion motor vehicle in which the temperature of the engine coolant is constantly sensed and, in response to a sensed predetermined coolant temperature, heated air is directed by a blower through a conduit from a heat sink adjacent the exhaust manifold to the temperature sensing element of the fan drive. The heated air impacting on the temperature sensing element causes the element to react in a sense to engage the fan drive and cool the coolant.

Abstract: Disclosed is an induction or supercharger system (16) for a piston engine (10) having a Roots type blower (14) for supercharging an air-fuel mixture from a carburetor (12) having primary and secondary throttle valves (64) and (66). The induction system defines a naturally aspirated flow path, a recirculation flow path, and a supercharger flow path. The flow paths are controlled by valves (18) and (20). Valves (18, 64 and 66) are moved between their respective opened and closed positions by a linkage mechanism (44) including a lever (72) and linkage assemblies (74) and (76). The linkage assemblies include resilient means (88) and (102) which respectively move the throttle valves open and the valve (18) closed. Valve (20) is opened in response to a differential pressure across the naturally aspirated flow path and the supercharger flow path.

Abstract: Disclosed is an induction or supercharger system (16) for a piston engine (10) having a Roots type blower (14) for supercharging an air-fuel mixture from a carburetor (12) having primary and secondary throttle valves (60, 62). The induction system includes four ducts (50, 52, 54, 56) which converge at an end into a central area or valve chamber (58) having a butterfly valving member (68) disposed therein. The other end (50a, 52a, 54a, 56a) of the ducts communicate respectively with the carburetor, the supercharger inlet, the supercharger outlet, and the engine combustion chambers. The valves (60, 62, 68) are moved by a linkage mechanism (44) between positions respectively controlling air flow through the carburetor and through the four ducts to the engine. The linkage mechanism includes a lever (72) and linkage assemblies (74, 76) connected between the lever and the valves (60, 62) and (68) respectively.

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 large overtravel operating lever for a plunger (6) actuated miniature precision snap action switch (2) that includes a supporting bracket (8) having a cantilever strip (8c) extending over the plunger (6). A pivot (10) couples a lever arm (12) to the end of the cantilever strip above the plunger. A cam strip (16) is riveted to the lever arm (12) and extends between the plunger and the pivot and is formed with a nib (16c) for depressing the plunger and a constant radius contour (16b) leading from the nib for large overtravel of the lever arm. The cam strip (16) extends through a hole (8h) in the cantilever strip for clearance on movement and a stop (16e) abuts the latter to limit counterclockwise rotation of the lever arm to off position. A metal strip (18) riveted to the bracket extends across the plunger to prevent wear.

Abstract: A rotary fluid pressure device is disclosed of the type utilizing a gerotor gear set (13) and an output shaft assembly (45) including a spool valve (49). The device includes a housing (11) defining inlet and outlet ports (21 and 23). The spool valve and housing cooperate to define a lubrication fluid chamber (59). Torque is transmitted from the gerotor set to the output shaft by a dogbone shaft (61) having a rearward spline connection (65, 69) to the gerotor, and a forward spline connection (63, 67) to the output shaft. The spool valve defines a pair of annular grooves (71, 73) in communication with the ports and a pair of check valve assemblies (91, 93) to permit flow of lubrication fluid from the lubrication chamber into whichever of the annular grooves is in communication with the outlet port.

Abstract: A shielded poppet valve (10) for a diesel engine is disclosed. In one embodiment the valve includes a fillet heat shield (12) which is fixed at one end (22) to the valve stem (20) to define a thermal insulating cavity (30) open at the other end (24). Another embodiment includes a valve (10') and a fillet heat shield (12'), both identical to the valve (10) and shield (12), and a face heat shield (34).

Abstract: A passenger vehicle heater core fluid flow system and bypass valve (10) therefor is disclosed having a butterfly valve member (24) rotatably mounted in a primary fluid passageway (14) and intermediate first (20) and second (21) fluid ports which fluidly communicate with the primary passage. Third (22) and fourth (19) ports are in fluid communication with the primary passageway and spaced at each end thereof. The first and third ports are connected to high and low pressure locations on the engine cooling system respectively. The fourth port is connected to the heater core inlet and the second port is connected to the heater core outlet. When the valve is in an open position, a pair of isolated parallel flow paths are defined by flow through the first and fourth ports and by flow through the second and third ports. In the closed position flow enters the first port and immediately exhausts from the third port without entering the heater core flow path, thereby preventing heat transfer to the heater core.

Abstract: An improved annular resistor, suitable for use in a diesel electric locomotive dynamic braking system and similar applications comprising an assembly of similar arcuate segments. Each resistor segment has a supporting frame (11, 13) and a continuous resistance ribbon (53, 55, 57, 59) having a plurality of reflexed radial extensions between the two parts of the frame, electrically isolated from the frame. To allow expansion and contraction of the ribbon, U-shaped folds of the ribbon are mounted on pin supports (51). The pin supports are mounted to insulator blocks (27, 29, 37, 39), and are set so as to position the ribbons in a zig-zag or chevron pattern, in order to enhance cooling and improve the flow of air over the ribbon surfaces. Three terminals (67, 73, 75) are provided on each segment to allow part of the resistance of each segment to be removed from the circuit.

Abstract: An add-on forced lubrication system is provided for assembly to a standard transmission (10). The forced lubrication system comprises a drive adapter (48) mountable to end of a shaft (12) accessible from the exterior of the housing (14) through a removable cover (28), a pump (68) driven by said shaft by a pump drive shaft (66) received in said adapter and mountable to said housing at an interface (74) substantially identical the interface (29) of the removable cover, a first fitting (82) receivable in a first bore (40) communicating with the transmission sump (36) and normally closed by a first plug (42), a lubricant conduit connecting said first filling to the pump inlet (76), a second fitting (94) receivable in a second bore (44) normally sealed by a plug (46) and a conduit (96) connecting said fitting with the pump outlet (78).

Abstract: A push-button switch having two main subassemblies comprising an operator subassembly (2) and a housing subassembly (4) which are snap-fit together. A light emitting diode (10) is mounted flush in the center of the exterior face of the pushbutton (6) with the diode leads (10a) extending through the center of the switch mechanism to engage lamp contacts (20) at the rear of the switch housing (18). The switch contacts (22, 24, 26, 28) and mechanism are arranged to lie on opposite sides of center and are provided with various central clearance openings (8b, 16a, 30b) to permit the leads (10a) to project in an unsupported manner axially to the lamp contacts (20). The switch contacts comprise rockable contactors (28, 32) pivotable on a central contact (24, 34) to engage stationary contacts (22, 26) on either side thereof either alternately or as a momentary contact function.

Abstract: A valve selector including a telescoping spring capsule subassembly having a dual retainer ring arrangement for limiting the maximum extended length thereof. A cup-shaped spring retaining member has an internal groove formed near its rim and a cup-shaped spring receiving member has an external groove formed near its outer open end. The spring retaining member is partially received over the spring receiving member with the external groove axially aligned over the internal groove. A compression spring is captured between the opposed bottom surfaces of the retainer members. An inner retaining ring is received in the external groove and an outer retaining ring is received in the internal groove. The outer ring has an internal diameter sized less than the outer diameter of the inner retaining ring for providing a radial overlap condition. The maximum spacing of the spring receiving and spring retaining members is limited by abutment of adjacent axial faces of the inner and outer retaining rings.