Abstract: A viscous drive mechanism, especially for an automotive cooling fan, is provided in which the input member is flexibly mounted to the input drive shaft in a manner permitting it to be moved axially under the influence of a thermostatic device to vary the working space gap between the impeller and the output drive member, thereby varying the output speed of the drive according to a given temperature variation.

Abstract: An improvement in preparation of a combustible mixture for an internal combustion engine comprises a throttle body having a butterfly-type throttle blade with a deflector mounted on the upstream face of the blade to deflect sprayed fuel against the juxtaposed wall portion of the induction port.

Abstract: A drive steer axle is bearing supported in a journal member movably supported in a vehicle body. A bearing retaining shoulder and an axle concentric counterbore are formed in the journal member to cooperate with a slinger ring carried for rotation with the axle and having a radially extending tip portion in axial registration with the counterbore to prevent fluid contamination of the bearing.

Abstract: Improved fuel preparation for an internal combustion engine wherein a concave, upstream-facing dispersion surface terminates in a sharp downstream edge with an undercut immediately downstream of the edge and liquid fuel is sprayed under pressure through orifices onto the dispersion surface and allowed to spread out and be sheared by the induction air from the dispersion surface at the sharp edge thereof.

Abstract: An improved method of electroforming a metallic member to a ceramic member and joint formed thereby. The method of this invention involves axially pre-loading a ceramic material to be joined to a metal shaft with a force sufficient to place the ceramic component into a state of compression about equal in magnitude to the axially directed tensile stresses expected to be induced in the ceramic material during shrinkage of the metal member about the ceramic.Further, the compressive pre-load is applied to the ceramic member through materials suitable for absorbing shock waves which might be generated along the longitudinal axis of the ceramic material.

Abstract: An improved strut especially for independent wheel suspension in motor vehicles, includes a jounce bumper formed of a resilient material bonded to a rigid stop member carried for movement with the rod member of the strut. The bumper includes a tapered central cavity to enhance uniform outward deformation in compression and provides means for carrying a dust shield to protect the exposed sliding surface of the rod.

Abstract: In order to minimize heat rejection of exhaust gases exiting the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine, and thereby reduce the level of undesirable emission products in the engine exhaust, the engine cylinder head which contains a valved exhaust outlet passage and a coolant passage separated from said exhaust passage by a wall is provided with a solid thermal insulating element disposed in said coolant passage against said wall.

Abstract: An improved oiling apparatus for the camshaft lobes of an engine. The bearing portion of the camshaft is supported within a bore between an upper bearing cap member and a lower cylinder head member. Oil passage means extend from a source of pressurized oil through the upper and lower members and intersect or open to the bore at circumferentially spaced locations. The passage openings are interconnected during a portion of the camshaft rotation by a closed-ended groove in the camshaft bearing portion. A small opening or orifice in the cap member communicates with the oil passage and its axis is orientated slightly from normal to the surface of the cap member so as to direct a fine stream of oil onto an active surface of the nearby camshaft lobe. The small hole or orifice opening is drilled through the cap member from a recessed surface established substantially flat and normal to the intended axis of the orifice opening.

Abstract: The invention is disclosed in the preferred embodiment as an electronic feedback carburetor system wherein, in the closed-loop mode of operation, an oxygen sensor monitors the oxygen concentration of the exhaust gases and supplies a signal to an electronic control unit which in turn causes a command signal to be supplied to the carburetor for adjusting the air/fuel ratio to a commanded value. The electronic control unit contains unique circuitry which selectively provides closed-loop and open-loop modes of operation depending upon the condition of other input signals to the electronic control unit. The circuitry contains integrator and stability circuits which are both utilized in the closed-loop mode to develop from the oxygen sensor signal a composite signal which provides for closely regulated control of the air/fuel ratio about a desired operating point at or in the vicinity of stoichiometric.

Abstract: An improved fuel filler restrictor assembly includes a reinforcing member adjacent the aperture through which a fuel filling nozzle is inserted. The reinforcing member is secured to the filler neck restrictor body by integral tabs and has projections extending radially inwardly beyond the minimum outer diameter of an unleaded fuel pump delivery nozzle. Restrictor tampering to permit unlawful use of leaded fuel is thereby inhibited.

Abstract: An improved suspension strut isolator mount provides a compact resilient isolator assembly configured to facilitate mold bonding of an elastomeric member between a functional member of the strut and an auxiliary sleeve member and press fit insertion of the assembly into a relatively large strut mounting member.

Abstract: With an engine having a crankcase, a suction or vacuum producing air induction means and a hydrocarbon vapor storage container, a system for purging both the storage container and the engine crankcase at varying rates according to engine operation, including a first passage means between the crankcase and the air induction means and a second passage means between the storage container and the crankcase. In the second passage means, a multi-position valving member is moved in response to changing vacuum levels in the crankcase and in cooperative action with a flow orifice or opening to produce desired variable flow rate through the storage container.

Abstract: A leading trailing drum brake with an improved strut and adjusting pawl mechanism. The adjusting pawl comprises a single piece which is mounted in a shaped aperture within one of the brake shoes to provide a structure which can be easily assembled. The pawl has an arm which contacts the strut in an off-set position from the longitudinal axis of the strut and applies a force to the strut parallel to its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A pressure transducer comprises a bellows as the pressure sensing element and a variable inductance coil whose inductance is made to vary as a function of pressure sensed by the bellows. Motion is transmitted between the bellows and a plunger associated with the coil by means of a bent lever mechanism. The mechanical advantage of the bent lever is adjustable, after assembly of the transducer, to set the span to a desired value.

Abstract: A drive steer axle is bearing supported in a journal member movably supported in a vehicle body. A bearing retaining shoulder and an axle concentric counterbore are formed in the journal member to cooperate with a slinger ring carried for rotation with the axle and having a radially extending tip portion in axial registration with the counterbore to prevent fluid contamination of the bearing.

Abstract: A compact pump and motor assembly adapted for use as a fuel controller for an internal combustion engine fuel metering system. The assembly contains an electric motor, an interface housing assembly at one end of the electric motor and a pump housing assembly disposed on the side of the interface housing assembly opposite that of the motor. The motor shaft extends through the interface housing into a pilot hole in the pump housing and drives a pumping means contained within a pumping chamber defined by the pump housing and the interface housing. An inlet port, an outlet port, and a return port are provided in the pump housing. An inlet passage extends from the inlet port through the gear pump housing and the interface housing into a vapor separation chamber contained within the casing of the motor, the motor being of the wet type. A passage in the interface housing extends from the vapor separation chamber to the inlet of the pumping chamber.

Abstract: An improved damper is provided for minimizing the transmittal of engine generated torsional vibrations through a transmission employing a hydrokinetic torque converter when the torque converter is operated in a locked up mode wherein the turbine and impeller thereof are mechanically interconnected. The damper includes a drive ring drivingly engageable with the impeller of the torque converter and configured to define an annular channel having a plurality of spring pockets formed therein, a plurality of springs received in the pockets, and a driven ring which may be secured for rotation with the turbine of the torque converter and having a plurality of drive lugs for engaging the springs. The drive ring pockets further include spring seats configured to urge the springs in a direction opposing centrifugal force and the driven ring lugs are formed to facilitate snap fit of the springs into engagement therewith.