Abstract: A diaphragm operated valve assembly is controlled jby an electromagnetic valve assembly. A flat disc armature, which forms part of a flux path, is operable in an inner chamber to modulate the flow between the inner chamber and an exit port in response to an applied magnetic force. The level of the effective magnetic force is a function of the armature mass, and the pressure acting on the disc surface. A pole piece adjacent to the flat disc armature is slidably adjustable to establish a specified force to actuate the armature to the closed or sealing position. This specified force is proportional to the current flow through the winding of the electromagnetic valve assembly. Thus the armature operates to seal communication between the inner chamber and the exit port at a given pressure differential as a function of current flow. The travel distance between the armature and a nonmagnetic seal seat has been minimized by spring biasing the armature in proximity to the seal seat.

Abstract: A center differential offering a full-time two axle dirve system. The center differential includes a planetary gear set defining a first drive path which provides an effective torque split ration to the front axle of the vehichle which is several percent less than the minimum dynamic weight ratio on the front axle assembly. The center differential further includes a bidirectional clutch mechanism defining a second drive path for connecting the driving input to the front drive axle assembly with a drive ratio several percent more than the rear axle ratio. The effective torque split and drive ratios are selected as a function of vehicle weight distributionand tire data for a specific vehicle so as to effect a controlled transfer of torque between the first and second drive paths and before the affected axle assembly reaches its traction limit in any mode of operation.

Abstract: A valve apparatus including a solenoid actuated valve assembly for regulating the flow of fluid vapors from a container. The valve assembly is controlled by electrically energizable circuitry. When the circuitry is completed or closed, the valve assembly will open a passage for a predetermined time period allowing vapors to be exhausted from the container. The circuitry will be closed only when an operator actuated switch is moved by the operator to one of two positions, the inlet port to the container is opened, and after the fluid level in the tank attains a predetermined level.

Abstract: A fuel vapor recovery system wherein the physical installation and removal of the sealant member or gas cap is the activator of the system. The present invention offers a valve assembly which is mounted in the fuel filler tube and is positionally responsive to the presence or removal of the closure member assembly. The valve assembly of the present invention is disposed in combination with a vapor vent line leading to a fuel vapor canister. Broadly stated, the valve assembly includes first and second annular seals disposed on opposite sides of the vent port. The first seal blocks or prevents communication between the atmosphere and the fuel tank interior when the gas cap is removed. The second seal permits communication between the vapor vent and the fuel tank interior when the gas cap is removed from the open ended filler tube and blocks communication between the fuel tank's interior and the vent port when the cap assembly is reinstalled.

Abstract: A transducer assembly having a housing provided with an inlet port which is adapted for communication with an exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine. The housing includes at least one pressure chamber to which the inlet port opens and an apparatus for detecting pressure in the chamber. The inlet passage to the chamber being subject to ice blockage when ambient temperatures fall below freezing. As such, an apparatus which extends at least partially through the inlet passage is provided to prevent complete ice blockage of the inlet passage whereby assuring proper performance of the transducer assembly.

Abstract: A controllable mechanical seal for sealing a rotating body relative to a housing of a fluid device. The mechanical seal includes a pair of seal rings supported in juxtaposed relation in said housing. Each seal ring has a cylindrical outer surface and a radial end sealing face which, at a given operating condition of the machine, has a predetermined optimum convergence angle relative to the other seal ring face. The sealing faces are yieldably biased into contact with one another to define a dynamic seal there between. A seal ring support member is telescopically arranged about the outer cylindrical surface of one of said ring such that exposed surface area end regions of the cylindrical surface of the support ring are subjected to selectable differential pressures which cause the associated seal ring to distort thereby causing the seal face of the associated ring to assume a select angle of convergence relative to the seal face of the other seal ring.

Abstract: A four wheel drive transfer case having a three element planetary gear differential connected to the output shaft of a transmission and having two output shafts which are driven by the differential in a manner such that rotary motion of any one shaft effects rotary motion of the other shafts in a predetemined timed relationship. The transfer case further includes an electromagnetically actuated friction clutch assembly including a ball ramp mechanism and having frictionally engageable members for operably interconnecting two of the planetary gear components in a manner such that relative rotation between the two output shafts is modulated by a torque level established between the frictionally engageable members of the clutch.

Abstract: A vacuum operable, snap-action assembly utilizing a metal disc and flexible diaphragm structure to move a switch between first and second positions is disclosed. The switch and disc assembly are provided in a protective housing and are responsive to a pressure differential across the disc and diaphragm structure.

Abstract: A submersible pump-motor combination especially adaptable for use in a well casing containing well fluid and the motor filled with a lubricating fluid, and heat pipe means having a portion exposed to the motor fluid and another portion exposed to the well fluid, the heat pipe means containing a heat transfer fluid which absorbs heat from the motor fluid and discharges heat to the well fluid.

Abstract: A centrifugal pump having a shaft supported by a hydrostatic bearing to which energizing fluid is supplied by the pump itself. Upon failure of the energizing fluid supply, an auxiliary source supplies the energizing fluid. A one way valve operates in response to fluid pressure to permit the energizing fluid, either from the pump or the auxiliary supply.

Abstract: A vapor vent control valve arrangement for a fluid tank is disclosed. The valve arrangement includes a solenoid operated valve with a normally-open parallel switch assembly and a normally-closed switch in an electrical circuit to activate the solenoid valve. An impact switch may also be provided as a safety precaution in the series circuit. The valve assembly is spring-biased to provide an over-pressure check valve function and also includes a back-pressure relief valve.

Abstract: An anti-clash and anti-rattle brake for a multiple speed ratio transmission is engageable to apply a frictional braking force to the constantly meshed gears when a shift control device is in a free neutral position. The brake is spring biased toward engagement. It is disengaged by one cam device when the shift control device is moved from the free neutral position in one plane and by another cam device when the shift control device is moved from the free neutral position in another plane.

Abstract: A pressure-biased, temperature sensor means utilizing a cooperating pair of aligned bellows operators in a chamber communicating with a fluid system. One of the bellows expanding in response to an elevated temperature of said fluid and the second bellows expanding in response to a decrease in fluid pressure. Both of the bellows operate to move a diaphragm operator to close a switch means in a signal circuit thereby completing the circuit and energizing a signal means.

Abstract: A mechanical seal assembly for use with centrifugal pumps including at least one unitized elastomer assembly for urging the seal faces of a pair of seal rings into sealing engagement with each other. The unitized elastomer assembly serves as a seal ring mounting arrangement and includes a spaced pair of metallic rings which are chemically bonded to an annular elastomer body disposed therebetween and whose cross section between the rings is loaded in shear when the elastomer assembly is operatively arranged in the pump. A mechanical seal is established between at least one of said rings and the elastomer body for protecting the chemical bond therebetween against attack by corrosive pump product.

Abstract: A wheel assembly including a rotatably driven runnerhead comprised of one or more plate-like members having a series of radially disposed blades or vanes adjustably secured thereto. The vanes are accomodated within blade slots or grooves which extend across the radial width of each plate-like member. Each plate-like member has two side surfaces, a rim joined to the side surfaces and defining the diamater of the plate-like member, and at least one chamfer or bevel which joins one side surface to the rim. In the area of the blade slot runout, radii are provided to enhance the wear characteristics of the wheel assembly.

Abstract: A pressure-biased, temperature sensor for monitoring a fluid system for either an over-temperature or under-pressure condition. These conditions are sensed by one of two expandable bellows operators which cooperates with the other bellows operator and a lever and fulcrum arrangement to close a switch, completing a signal circuit and energizing a signal means.

Abstract: Fluid handling apparatus such as a turbine, compressor, pump and the like in which stator vanes are adjustably positioned in the throat and means are provided to change the adjusted position of such vanes.

Abstract: A pump assembly having an impeller for pumping a liquid from an inlet to an outlet, said impeller being driven by a motor, and mechanical seal means comprising a pump seal and a motor seal with a seal leakage chamber therebetween, and ejector means for inducing flow of liquid from the seal chamber so that it does not leak across the faces of the seal rings of the motor seal and into the motor housing where it would damage the motor. The ejector means has a nozzle driven by pump liquid and a suction chamber connected to the mechanical seal leakage chamber. By preventing liquid from the seal chamber from leaking across the faces of the motor seal into the motor housing, the ejector means maintains the seal leakage chamber at or near the vapor pressure of the pumped fluid.

Abstract: A single or multiple stage mechanical seal assembly in which one seal ring is resiliently coupled to a rotatable shaft and the other seal ring is resiliently urged toward the first seal ring by axially-arranged identical springs received in spring pockets in a spring retainer, some pockets opening at one radial surface of the retainer and others opening at the other radial surface of the retainer. The outer surfaces of the seal rings are protected against deflection by being encircled by cylindrical members and one seal ring is resiliently coupled to its encircling cylindrical member. A balance sleeve means partly supports the axially movable seal ring and is capable of angular adjustment to compensate for shaft misalignment.

Abstract: Apparatus for underfiling curvelinear vanes of cast centrifugal impellers. Such vanes are cast with generally uniform thickness along their length; it is desirable to have the vanes taper in thickness such that the radially outward portions are thinner than the roots; also this provides a desired curve to each side of the blades.