Abstract: The invention relates to an emergency braking system for a tracked vehicle, uch as a military tank. Loss or separation of one or both tracks from the vehicle energizes an electrical sensor which automatically triggers an emergency brake control system operating on the road wheels. The track loss triggers a "driver override" system that inhibits manual steering, manual shift change, and manual sprocket brake operation. The emergency system takes over control of the vehicle to preclude the driver from making unsafe inputs to the system.

Abstract: Means to divert engine exhaust gases around a catalytic converter when the xhaust gases are too cool to support catalytic combustion or treatment of objectionable pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and unburned hydrocarbons. The diverted gases are delivered to the engine's combustion air intake system for recycle in the engine. At normal operating temperatures (after initial warm-up) the diverter line is closed so that all of the exhaust gases are directed through the catalytic converter.

Abstract: A rotational power-transmitting system which includes brake means automatlly operable to prevent transmission of "slip" forces from the driven member to the drive member when the drive member ceases delivering torque to the driven member. The system is preferably two-directional, i.e., the drive member is arranged to move the driven member either forwardly or rearwardly without interference from the brake means.

Abstract: A belt tensioner comprising a constant force spring trained between a stanary support means and a belt-engaged pulley. A slideway is provided to promote relatively frictionless movement of the pulley across the belt path.

Abstract: In the use of combustion apparatus with hot gas turbines it is desirable to e able to efficiently burn fuel at widely ranging rates (pounds per hour) in accordance with varying demands on the turbine. The present invention proposes a combustor wherein stable combustion is achieved over a wide range of fuel flows. Combustion air is introduced as a circumferential swirl around the sprayed fuel to promote a high tangential velocity and low core velocity.

Abstract: The invention can take the form of different suspension systems which provide essentially constant force (zero spring rate) individual wheel support of a vehicle during normal individual wheel travel. Zero spring rate is achieved by supplying essentially constant air pressure to air bag suspension elements. In one system regulation of suspension height and air pressure is achieved by open bottom air bags utilizing the ground effects principle. A second system utilizes closed air bags operating against opposing governing springs. Constant air pressure is supplied from a controlled reservoir. Auxiliary force mechanisms are provided for total system support during high vertical, longitudinal and angular vehicle accelerations.

Abstract: A conduit arrangement for measuring unburned combustibles in the exhaust eam issuing from an engine. A restriction is provided in the exhaust duct to form a superatmospheric pressure zone upstream from the restriction and a subatmospheric pressure zone downstream from the restriction. A minor fraction of the exhaust gas is bypassed around the restriction through a conduit system communicating with the two above-mentioned zones. A sampling chamber containing a combustibles sensor is located in the conduit system. An auxiliary conduit communicates the interior of the sampling chamber with the ambient atmosphere so that cooling air is drawn into the chamber to dilute the sampled gas. The dilution air lowers the temperature of the gas-air mixture, thereby cooling the sensor against heat degradation by the otherwise undiluted gas. The dilution air also contributes oxygen to the gas stream, thereby enhancing catalytic oxidation processes on which certain sensors depend for response to combustibles (CO and CH).

Abstract: A heat engine power system includes a fluid fuel heat engine designed to determined performance characteristics for military vehicles, and a cooling subsystem which has enough capacity to carry away the rejected engine heat. When the exigencies of parts support require replacement of the original engine by a more powerful one which at high ambient temperatures and wide-open throttle would overload the cooling subsystem, the speed controls are such that either of two heat sensors closes an electric circuit to a solenoid which is energized to move the throttle to a given position to restrict fuel flow to an amount which limits engine output so that the rejected heat is within the capacity of the cooling subsystem, thus avoiding overheating and failure, and keeping the military equipment in service without permanently sacrificing total available horsepower.

Abstract: Conventional engine cooling systems include fans driven at speeds proportal to engine speed, thereby producing excessive cooling at higher engine speeds. It is proposed herein to limit or control the fan speed by utilizing a drive mechanism that is controlled by a thermal power element responsive to coolant temperature. The control element is arranged to vary the displacement of a variable displacement pump that is driven from the engine. The pump output is delivered to a hydraulic motor that drives the fan. Variations in pump displacement produce varying hydraulic motor speeds, hence varying fan speeds. This is particularly applicable to powertrains using hydrokinetic or hydromechanical transmissions which require high cooling capacity at low engine speeds.

Abstract: A chuck or coupling for connecting a rotary shaft to variable diameter work ieces; the work piece can be a pulley, shaft, bar stock or other mechanism required to be gripped by a chuck. The chuck structure comprises radially movable jaws slidably mounted on a rotary base or chuck body, together with a counter-balance for each jaw. Each counterbalance is located on a diametrical line passing through the associated jaw, whereby the jaw and counterbalance are subjected to oppositely directed radial forces during high speed rotation of the chuck structure. Centrifugal force is utilized to increase the gripping force of each jaw on the work piece.

Abstract: A method of testing compression capabilities of multi-cylinder engines wh are cranked with electrically-energized starter motors. The cylinders are prevented from firing, and the engine is cranked by the starter motor. During the cranking period measurements are taken of the starter motor current. A comparison of the peak current and average current provides an indication of the compression capability of the engine.

Abstract: Apparatus to remove dust particles accumulating within the air cleaner of a ehicle engine, particularly an off-the-road vehicle of the military type. The apparatus includes a nozzle arranged to traverse the surface of the filter element within the cleaner, said nozzle being effective to blow or draw air through the pores of the filter element, thereby dislodging dust particles located on or in the filter element. The nozzle and filter element rotate relative to one another, whereby the nozzle traverses the entire peripheral dimension of the element; additionally the nozzle opening can be arranged to move in the direction of the filter element axis. By means of the combined axial and rotary movements the nozzle cleans the entire surface of the filter element.

Abstract: There is disclosed a slide-on type of electrical connector having two septed concentric contact elements encapsulated within a dielectric mounting material. Each contact element includes a slide contact at one of its ends and a post-type terminal at its other end. The respective slide-on contacts are concentrically arranged, one within the other, for completing two separate circuits when the connector is telescoped onto a mating connector device. Each of the contact elements has a large contact surface and a large effective cross section along its entire length for enabling the connector element to carry large currents in excess of 200 amperes. Each contact element is preferably formed as a one piece metal casting.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel vehicle suspension and drive means, comprising a drive haft extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, and a torsion-transmitting suspension rod extending from a wheel road arm across the drive shaft axis. The suspension rod is specially formed with a clearance opening that accommodates the drive shaft in a non-obstructing relationship. The drive shaft transmits driving force to a drive sleeve that encircles the torsion transmitting rod. A special anti-friction bearing is provided for the drive sleeve.

Abstract: A known vehicle normally operating on independently suspended trailing arms nd pneumatic tires can be converted to a tracked vehicle by wrapping endless tracks around the tire tread areas in multiples of two. An expansible wheel-connector device is provided for causing the trailing arms and wheels to deflect in unison, thereby maintaining track tension and tire-track interengagement, minimizing uneven final drive torque loadings, and relieving the wheel bearing loads brought on by the addition of the track.

Abstract: A device is needed to rapidly suppress gasoline fuel fires which are star as a result of the rupture of military vehicle fuel tanks by armor-piercing projectiles. The present invention contemplates a fuel fire suppressing device in the form of two hollow panels pressurized with a fire suppressant substance, such as Halon 1301; the panels are located in the path that an enemy projectile would take during passage through the fuel tank. The opening formed in each panel by the projectile permits automatic discharge of the pressurized suppressant onto the fuel escaping from the tank.