Abstract: A piston ring assembly comprises a piston ring, a spring for providing an outward force on the ring, and a rail for engaging a cylinder wall. The piston ring is retained in a piston groove in a piston. During upward movement of the piston in a cylinder, oil above the ring face is forced between the first front surface and the top surface into the piston groove to an inner portion of the piston groove. During downward movement of the piston, the downward force urges cocking of the piston ring about the ring face to tilt the ring face away from the cylinder wall, leaving the lower front of the ring face in scraping abutment with the cylinder wall.

Abstract: Engine components are thermally insulated with composite layers for improved engine efficiency. A metallic insulation layer is affixed to the metallic substrate of each component, and a layer of heat and corrosion resistant metal overlies and is bonded to the insulation layer. One preferred embodiment incorporates a preformed sheet layer of stainless steel sintered to a layer of metallic insulation attached to the component body substrate. An alternate embodiment incorporates a plasma-sprayed stainless steel layer over the insulation layer. A preferred process for making the engine component includes casting the component body in a mold containing a preformed insulation composite formed of a layer of stainless steel sheet sintered to a layer of metallic insulation.

Abstract: An insert fitting for a convoluted hose end includes a generally cylindrical nipple insert having two spaced annular sealing surfaces and a relief region situated between the surfaces. The relief region has a diameter less than that of each of the sealing surfaces, each of the sealing surfaces being radially equidistant at all points from a longitudinal axis extending through the center of the insert. In the preferred form, each of the spaced sealing surfaces has a longitudinal width in the range of seventy-five to one hundred percent of the pitch width of the convoluted hose.

Abstract: A vehicle axle assembly includes a pair of output shafts having a first rotational axis, an input shaft having a second rotational axis oriented at an angle which is not perpendicular to the first rotational axis of the pair of output shafts, and an intermediate shaft having a third rotational axis oriented at an angle which is perpendicular to the first rotational axis of the pair of output shafts. The input shaft includes a first gear of a first gear set disposed between a pair of tapered roller bearings. A pinion nut attached thereto exerts a clamp force, which is prevented from affecting a preloading force on the tapered roller bearings by a shoulder formed on the input shaft. The intermediate shaft includes a second gear of the first gear set, wherein the first gear set forms an angled connection between the input shaft and the intermediate shaft for achieving a first reduction.

Abstract: A "standpipe" lubrication device for a universal joint assembly. In a preferred form, the lubrication device includes a plurality of annular protuberances on opposed first and second ends. The protuberances, serving as sealing and tolerance absorption media, define adjoining frustoconical and cylindrical surfaces. Each cylindrical surface terminates in a radially extending annular surface, the latter adapted to provide a self-locking feature against dislodgement of the device from a lubrication passage of the trunnion. Also in the same preferred form, the lubrication device is formed of a moldable material characterized by dimensional heat stability, for assuring proper operation at elevated temperatures.

Abstract: A planetary differential assembly for selectively locking a pair of coaxially aligned vehicular axles for driving the axles at same rotational speeds. The assembly incorporates an axially moveable locking ring having an annular central body and first and second axially extending coupling portions spaced radially apart about inner and outer diametric portions of the body. One of the coupling portions is adapted to receive a shift actuator flange for axial displacement of the locking ring between engaged and disengaged positions of the differential. In a preferred form, the radially innermost coupling portion of the locking ring continuously engages and is axially displaceable on a sun gear, while the radially outer coupling portion of the locking ring is selectively engageable with a splined planetary carrier.

Abstract: A valve stem seal assembly adapted for a reciprocable valve stem disposed within a valve guide can tolerate major variations in the guide height. The assembly includes a lower hollow cylindrical shell and an upper hollow cylindrical shell, both disposed about the valve guide. The upper hollow cylindrical shell is capable of being telescopically received within the lower hollow cylindrical shell in a slip-fit relationship. A seal member is secured to the upper hollow cylindrical shell, the seal member extending radially inwardly so as to engage the reciprocable valve stem and extending axially downwardly so as to engage the valve guide.

Abstract: A plurality of cylindrical gauges are used for presetting the position of a cutting tool along the tool axis of a machine for sizing a workpiece, such as a turret lathe. In a preferred form, the machine includes a pair of orthogonal axes, along which one axis supports a cutting tool, and a workpiece is supported along the second. To preset a tool position, a selected gauge is installed along the second axis, while the cutting tool is adjusted along the first axis to make contact with the gauge. Upon contact, the tool is secured into position, the gauge is removed, and a workpiece is substituted in place thereof along the second axis, the position of the cutting tool having been preset for subsequent sizing of the workpiece.

Abstract: A protective boot assembly 10 includes a flexible body 12 having at least one corrugation 16 positioned traversely to a longitudinal axis 14 of the body, whereby a coupling member for a pair of angularly disposed rotatable shafts encased therein may be continuously protected from foreign elements. The body includes an axial opening 22 which defines two opposed axially extending surfaces 24,26 which retain and support a sliding fastener 28 which provides a closure system.In a preferred embodiment, the opposed surfaces are each bounded by a protective lip 34,36 whereby closure of the opening is effected by the combination of the fastener slider mechanism and the protective lips. The fastener mechanism and the protective lips together define an axially extending cavity 38 which upon closure is filled with a flexible sealant material.

Abstract: An improved limited slip differential gear assembly for driving each axle of a pair of coaxially aligned vehicle axles at the same rotational speed or at relatively different rotational speeds as conditions require. The assembly includes an improved externally controllable clutch mechanism for preventing excessive relative rotation of the axles. The amount of the clutch force being applied to resist relative rotation may be varied independently of the relative rotational speed of the axles and also of the torque level in the gear assembly. Preferably the clutch mechanism is incorporated in a planetary wheel type differential and is activated electromagnetically. The clutch mechanism may include a cam operated supplemental clutch device for applying an additional clutch force in response to any continued relative rotation which may occur after the first clutching force has been applied by the electromagnet.

Abstract: A quick change gear apparatus provides a system which shortens time of spindle machine gear changes to approximately ten percent of that previously required for gear change operations. In a preferred form, the apparatus includes a cylindrical spacer juxtaposed against a face of a gear which is secured between the spacer and a shoulder on a gear shaft. A split washer is also employed to permit the quick change operation by virtue of the loosening of a cap screw secured in a free end of the gear shaft. The cap screw contains a head which retains the split washer and assures that the split washer is urged axially against the spacer and gear members on the shaft. A partial turn of the cap screw will enable radial removal of the split washer, to thereby permit subsequent axial removals of the spacer and gear.

Abstract: A limited slip differential axle assembly includes a plurality of pressure plate segments which are electromagnetically biased against friction discs of clutch packs secured to side gears of the differential. In a preferred form, the assembly is formed of a two-piece of "split" differential case and includes an armature ring rigidly coupled to a pressure plate loading ring. Electromagnetic coupling forces are adjustably controlled by a vehicular operator to permit modulation of bias for given road conditions, wherein a limited slip differential control may be effective to bias a clutch pack to provide a variable friction drag between at least one of the side gears and the differential case. For this purpose, an energizing coil is secured rigidly to the differential carrier, while a magnet shell member is rigidly affixed to one part of the split differential case.

Abstract: A two speed axle assembly for automotive vehicles, providing positive shift engagement in shifting between direct and overdrive modes. Input and output shafts carry respective input and output sun gears meshed with compound planetary gears within a rotatable planet carrier. A pair of clutch packs selectively lock the planet carrier either to the input sun gear for rotation therewith as a unit for one mode of operation, or to the axle carrier case so that rotation of the planet carrier is prevented and the planet gears rotate about their axes to provide the other mode of operation. Compression springs are utilized to normally load the one clutch pack and lock the planet carrier to the input sun gear for the direct drive mode. A hydraulic bladder assembly is provided for shifting from the direct to the overdrive mode. Upon hydraulic inflation of the bladder, a bladder piston simultaneously unloads the one clutch pack and loads the other, locking the planet carrier to the axle carrier case.

Abstract: A mechanism and method for operating a device for crimping a metal outer sleeve of a hose connector around the end of a flexible hose. The device has a constrictor collet assembly for radially inwardly deforming the sleeve in response to axial movement of the collet assembly in a frusto conical die ring. Axial movement is imparted by a ram and a pair of pusher members mounted between the ram face and the collet assembly. The pusher members are swung between open and closed positions by the operating mechanism which has a pair of lever arms connected to the pusher members at one end and to a pintle at the other end. The pintle is slidably mounted for lateral movement in a slot.

Abstract: An adjustable clutch brake apparatus is provided in a friction clutch release bearing assembly. An annular adjusting ring accommodates a clutch brake ring via an externally threaded surface which engages an internally threaded surface on the clutch brake ring. The adjusting ring is secured by means of its internal circumference to the outer race of therelease bearing assembly, and is thereby free to rotate about the inner race fixed to a release bearing sleeve. In a preferred form, the adjusting ring and the clutch brake ring are selectively locked together to prevent relative rotation during clutch operation. For this purpose, a lockstrap having an elongated aperature is adapted to accommodate a bolt member engageable with a threaded bore formed in a groove formed in the clutch brake ring. The bolt member passes through the slot and rigidly holds the lockstrap in the groove.

Abstract: A vice jaw support apparatus provides a novel support system for securement of splined and threaded work pieces within vice grippers or jaws. In a preferred form, the apparatus is formed of a polyethylene or other similar resilient material. In a preferred form, the apparatus defines a pair of plastic bodies which are interconnected by integral web portions joining the two bodies on opposite sides. The web portions are disposed for deforming outwardly when the two body portions are moved towards each other within the vice jaws. Each body contains a flange portion whereby the apparatus may be supported on the upper surfaces of associated vice jaws.

Abstract: A speed sensing differential axle mechanism provides a plurality of teeth formed in a small diameter end portion of a differential case. In a preferred form, the teeth are integral to the case, spaced uniformly about the small diameter end portion thereof, and are disposed for relative rotation with respect to a stationary electronic pickup element secured rigidly in an associated external carrier. In the preferred embodiment, the pickup element is totally enclosed within the carrier, whereby it is protected from external environments, as well as from splash and spray oil circulating within the differential assembly. For the latter purpose, an internal baffle is utilized to protect the internal pickup element from the oil.

Abstract: A brake shoe assembly incorporates unitary retainers for anchor pins about which a pair of brake shoes may pivot. In a preferred form, the anchor pin retainers are spring steel structures formed of drawn heat treated wire, each retainer defining a pair of spaced legs joined at one end by an arcuate or bowed portion adapted to engage one of a pair of spaced grooves in one of the associated anchor pins. Each brake shoe contains a web portion which includes a cradle for pivotal support against an anchor pin. Each web has a pair of apertures disposed for engagement by a hook formed at the end of each retainer leg.

Abstract: A swivel hose coupling assembly and method provides a collar having an angularly inwardly disposed locking annulus. The angular disposition of the locking annulus permits a novel method of assembling the swivel hose coupling members.In a preferred form, the assembly is designed for affixation to one end of an elastomeric hose, and includes a cylindrical insert having a serrated external surface at one end thereof, a shoulder at an opposing end, and a locking groove intermediate the serrated surface and shoulder. A fitting is rotatably mounted over the insert, the fitting having a mating shoulder for contact with the shoulder of the insert. An annular collar is concentrically positioned over an exposed end of the fitting, a first end of the collar containing the locking annulus being inserted first over the serrated portion of the insert.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for minimizing propellant emissions during the filling of an aerosol container that has a valve attached thereto and a valve stem extending from the valve. A filling head is disposed in a sealed relationship with a portion of the container so that the valve stem is encased within a recess of the filling head. A pressurized propellant is introduced into the filling head at a sufficient pressure to force the propellant through and around the valve stem and into the container. An incompressible purge medium is introduced into the filling head at a sufficient pressure to force the incompressible purge medium through and around the vale stem, wherein the incompressible purge medium flushes out residual propellant from the filling head and into the container.