Abstract: A pin box assembly comprising a first portion, a second portion, a connective member disposed between the first portion and the second portion, the first portion comprising a torque portion, the torque portion comprising a bar disposed within a tube and at least one resilient member disposed between the bar and the tube, the bar fixedly connected to the first portion, the tube fixedly connected to the second portion, the resilient member compressible between the bar and the tube upon rotation of the bar with respect to the tube, a connective member fixedly connected to the tube and to the second portion, and a hitch member connected to the first portion for engaging a hitch on a towing vehicle.

Abstract: A damped planetary transmission comprising an input member, an inertial member connected to the input member, a planetary gear assembly connected to the input member, the planetary gear assembly comprising a carrier member that is directly and fixedly connected to the input member, a brake member engaged with a ring gear of the planetary gear assembly, the planetary gear assembly connected to an output member, a one-way clutch operationally disposed between the input member and the output member, and a vibration isolator directly connected for torque flow between the input member and the one-way clutch.

Abstract: A multi-axle leaf spring suspension having a compliant equalizer. The leaf springs are mounted one behind the other on each side of the vehicle. Adjacent ends of the leaf springs are pivotally attached to the compliant equalizer. The compliant equalizer is pivotally mounted to a vehicle frame. The compliant equalizer comprises a pair of arms that are pivotally connected to each other in a scissor-like fashion. One end of each arm is pivotally connected to the end of a leaf spring. The other end of each arm is cooperatively arranged to contain and compress a spring member between them. The compliant equalizer reduces the magnitude of shocks that would be other wise transmitted to the suspension and frame by absorbing them through compression of the spring member.

Abstract: A rugged adjustable, optical alignment system is well suited for use in low light environments or at night. A rear sight includes a U-shaped array of, preferably, first second and third substantially cylindrical, transparent, tritium vials arranged such that the elongated cylindrical side surfaces of the vials are exposed to define an array of elongated illuminated segments. The array is preferably in the shape of a “U” having a first horizontally aligned vial positioned below a sight notch with a second vertical vial positioned above and to the left of the notch. A third vertical vial is positioned to the right of the sighting notch, above the first vial. In use, a front blade or front post also containing a tritium insert is aligned within the rear sight's U-shaped array of illuminated segments, thereby providing an intuitive sight picture.

Abstract: A removable optical sight mount adapted for use with a military-style rifle such as an M1A provides a centrally aligned support projecting well to the rear for use with sights having very limited eye relief. The removable sight advantageously uses a three point lock up or attachment to the rifle, the three points being (1) an elongated longitudinal tenon engaging a groove on the left side of the rifle secured with a fastener and cammed into tight engagement with the groove, (2) a transverse rear guide block, and (3) an adjustable front set screw that, when tightened, bears on the rifle receiver's crown.

Abstract: A wheel isolator coupling comprising a sprocket for engaging a drive member, the sprocket fixedly connected to a first adaptor, the sprocket rotationally engaged with a shaft through a first bearing, a wheel portion fixedly connected to a second adaptor, the wheel portion rotationally engaged with the shaft through a second bearing, the first adaptor having at least one receiving portion, at least one compressible member disposed within the receiving portion, the second adaptor having a radially extending member for engaging the compressible member within the receiving portion, and the sprocket imparting no axial force to the first bearing.

Abstract: An eccentric pivot arm tensioner capable of automatic belt tensioning and substantially simultaneous operating range indexing during installation. The tensioner comprises a stop plate and cooperating lock plate. The tensioner comprises a pivot arm having a pivot arm member that cooperatively engages a base plate member. In a first, or transit mode, the pivot arm member temporarily engages the base plate member to put a torsion spring and thereby the pivot arm in a preloaded condition. The lock plate is engaged with the stop plate. As a mounting fastener is engaged into a mounting surface the pivot arm member is automatically disengaged from the base plate member by an axial movement of the pivot arm, thereby allowing the pivot arm to rotate and thereby impart a torsion spring force to a belt, i.e., tensioning the belt in an operating position.

Abstract: An adjustable rear pistol sight has a sight base and a sight block. The sight block is secured in a recess in the sight base and has both windage and elevation adjustment capabilities. The sight base has a dovetail that will be receivable in a cooperatively shaped notch in a slide of a pistol with which the adjustable rear sight is intended for use. The sight has no sharp edges or surfaces and is essentially snag-free.

Abstract: A metal elastomer compound comprising an elastomer having a molecular weight in the range of approximately 100,000 g/mol up to approximately 300,000 g/mol, a metal fiber material comprising a plurality of metal fibers each having an aspect ratio greater than approximately 1, and the metal fiber material mixed with the elastomer in an amount in the range of 50 phr up to 100 phr.

Abstract: A tactile wave generating apparatus for generating amplified low frequency waves for transmission as tactile waves into a structure or a person's body. There is a housing in which is positioned a drive section that in turn comprises a magnet section that moves upwardly and downwardly as an inertial mass, two coils on opposite sides of the magnet and two flux path return plates for the coils. Each coil comprises upper and lower longitudinally aligned generally linear coil portions which drive the magnet section upwardly and downwardly. The magnet section is supported by upper and lower interconnecting sections that resiliently resist the up and down motion of the magnet section and restrain the magnet section to move up and down within close tolerances.

Abstract: A vehicle engine stop/start system with regenerative braking comprising a main engine for powering a vehicle having an accessory belt drive system, a motor/generator engaged with the accessory belt drive system, an operator activated switch for selecting an operating mode, in a first operating mode an electric energy storage portion for providing electric power to a heating system when the main engine is off, a relay for preventing operation of the heating system when the main engine is running, in a second operating mode the electric energy storage portion providing electric power to the motor/generator whereby the motor/generator drives an air conditioning compressor when the main engine is off, the air conditioning compressor connected to the accessory belt drive system, a relay for preventing operation of the air conditioning compressor using the motor/generator when the main engine is running, in a third operating mode the motor/generator is used to start the main engine after the main engine has been au

Abstract: To flash a hot gas vent pipe, representatively a chimney pipe, extending upwardly through a roof opening, a tubular sleeve having vertically extending spacer members interiorly secured thereto, with upper ends projecting above the upper sleeve end, is concentrically placed around the chimney pipe and anchored to the roof. A rubber boot is then placed around the sleeve and secured to the roof. Finally, a storm collar is downwardly telescoped onto the chimney pipe and rests on the upper end of the sleeve spacer members. Vertical cooling passages are defined between adjacent spacer member pairs, and through their interiors, and have upper exit portions communicating with the storm collar interior.

Abstract: A method of forming a metal matrix component and product that comprises forming scrap sheet metal material, shredding the scrap sheet metal material to a predetermined size range, filling the shredded scrap sheet metal material into a compacting die, adding an adhesive material to the shredded scrap sheet metal material in the compacting die, compressing the shredded scrap sheet metal material and curing the adhesive to form a metal matrix component. The product comprises an inertia ring that may be used in a crankshaft damper.