Abstract: A pivoting handle assembly having weight compensation which is anticipated to be used in conjunction with parts, part handling fixtures and other materials to reduce the apparent weight of the pivoting handling assembly having weight compensation to an operator and thereby reduce operator fatigue. In particular, an elongated spring member is positioned in the interior of an elongated pivoting arm member to at least partially compensate for the apparent weight to an operator of the pivoting handle assembly having weigh compensation being supported, transported and/or positioned thereby. As elongated pivoting arm member is rotated in a first rotational direction, a chain is wrapped around the center diameter of a pivot portion between the elongated pivoting arm member and a stationary arm member and a pin is pulled to compensate for the change in length, thus compressing the elongated spring member.

Abstract: The invention provides a machine and methods for automated manufacture of tapered adjustable ducts, and particularly tapered adjustable take offs. A tube of material is cut into gores of predetermined configuration, coupling beads are formed in the gores and the gores are adjustably interconnected to one another to form the finished take off duct in an automated fashion. The apparatus for forming an adjustable duct member may include a housing including at least one work station formed therein. A die associated with the work station is selectively positioned at a predetermined location relative to a work piece positioned in association with the work station. A cutting and forming assembly associated with the work station cooperates with the die to selectively cut the work piece to form first and second members and to form a coupling bead in the first and second members which cooperate to reconnect the first and second members together at a predetermined angle.

Abstract: A steerable axle assembly for use in a motor vehicle. The assembly includes a tube yoke attached to an axle tube, with the yoke having vertically spaced arms. The assembly further includes a steering knuckle having a pair of vertically spaced flanges. At least one of the steering knuckle flanges is rotatably attached to a mating tube yoke arm, via a bearing cap. The other steering knuckle flange is rotatably attached to the mating tube yoke arm via a second bearing cap or a ball joint.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transmission service bench having an inclined work surface to direct transmission fluid, liberated from a transmission being serviced, into one or more drains. The fluid collected is filtered and communicated to a wash basin provided adjacent to the work surface. The fluid contained in the wash basin may be used alone or combined with a cleaning solvent to clean various transmission components. A pump is included for providing a pressurized stream of fluid to be used for cleaning individual transmission components and/or for pumping fluid from the wash basin onto the work surface to flush din and debris therefrom. The wash basin may include a lid that closes automatically should a fire occur in or near the wash basin.

Abstract: An improved radial light emitting ureteral stent is disclosed having an elongated tubular member of substantially uniform outside diameter throughout its length and having a proximal and a distal end, the stent having a central lumen and at least one drainage opening extending through a wall connecting the lumen to the outside, the improvement being the inclusion of at least one fiber optic strand along a length of the tubular member, the strand capable of radially emitting light. The fiber optic strand is connected to a variable voltage source, the strand either being embedded within a wall of the stent or in associative contact with an exterior periphery of the tubular member.

Abstract: A selectively lockable differential assembly comprising a rotatable case, first and second output shafts journalled in the case for rotation relative thereto, and a differential mechanism disposed within the case and linking the two output shafts so as to permit differential rotation between the two shafts. The assembly further includes first and second clutches each connected to the case and coupled with one of the output shafts. The differential mechanism includes a pinion shaft, upon which spaced apart pinion gears are rotatably mounted, and a pair of side gears rigidly affixed to corresponding ones of the output shafts, which meshingly engage the pinion gears. The pinion shaft includes a cam portion disposed between the inboard ends of the two output shafts. Rotation of the pinion shaft about its longitudinal centerline axis engages the two clutches and therefore limits differential rotation between the two output shafts.

Abstract: A unitary molded tubular connector and method for forming the connector is described. The connector has an end cap of first internal diameter, a tubular segment of diameter equal to that of the end cap, a threaded fastening means, and a belled tubular end having a larger internal diameter and outer diameter, but of the same thickness as the tubular segment.

Abstract: A full time four-wheel drive system for a vehicle is described which utilizes a unique torque distributor subassembly which provides a torque differentiation function as well as a speed ratioing function, thereby permitting utilization with a torque transmitting subassembly which is greatly simplified relative to a conventional transmission. The torque distributor subassembly includes an input shaft for receiving output torque from a torque transmitting subassembly of a vehicle, a plurality of output shafts and means for connecting the input shaft to each of the output shafts. The connecting means comprises a plurality of continuously variable belt drives, each having a drive pulley mounted on the input shaft and driven thereby and a driven pulley mounted on one of the output shafts with the pulleys carrying a belt therebetween. Each pulley comprises a pair of sheaves which are axially moveable in relation to one another.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for machining a workpiece from a hardened unmachined part includes the use of non-rotating centers in a turning machine, on which the workpiece is mounted. The shape of the dead centers permits less force to be used in support of the workpiece for reducing friction between the rotating workpiece and non-rotating centers, while exerting a maximum amount of radial holding force to reduce runout in the machining operation. Lubrication can be supplied through the dead centers to further reduce friction and/or an anti-friction coating may be applied to the contacting surface of the centers for this purpose. Machining of the hardened part may be controlled by CNC equipment.

Abstract: A spike shoe construction including a socket carrying a ribbed insert mounted on and spaced from an outer sole with each socket carrying a reusable lock for locking spikes installed in the socket. Each spike in turn carries a lock which is non-reusable in that it is so distorted or broken when removed to render it inoperative.

Abstract: Method and system for alleviating a fatigue in a seat, wherein there are provided, in combination, a lumbar support mechanism for moving a lumbar support plate towards and away from a lumbar part of a passenger on the seat and a heater for applying a heat thereto, with manual and automatic control modes arranged for operations of those two elements, which may be effected by a simple operation of switches. In the manual control mode, the lumbar support plate and the heater may be adjusted manually for their respective actions. In the automatic control mode, the lumbar support plate may be subject to a repeated reciprocating motion, while allowing the heater to work in synchronism with such reciprocating motion of lumbar support plate.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a portable and easy to use end-line filter designed to be utilized between a source of compressed air such as a pneumatic hose with an air chuck on its terminal end, and the inlet valve of an inflatable such as a pneumatic tire, to remove moisture from the compressed air before the compressed air enters the inflatable. The invention may also be utilized between the end of a pneumatic hose and a compressed air powered tool. A porous filter media is utilized which has pores that allow the passage of air but do not allow the passage of water or moisture. As the filter becomes saturated, the pores progressively close and eventually block the passage of air. In this manner, the filter automatically indicates the need for a replacement filter element.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a four-wheel drive system for a vehicle having front and rear drive wheels driven by an engine and transmission assembly, and including a transfer case having a torque input shaft for receiving output torque from the vehicle engine and transmission assembly. A transfer gear assembly of the transfer case provides low and high speed power paths, and a shift mechanism is provided to shift between the low and high speed power paths. The system further includes an engine control module for controlling the engine fuel system and shifting of the transmission assembly between a plurality of vehicle gear ratios. A transfer case control module controls the shift mechanism for shifting between the low and high speed power paths.

Abstract: To assure that each spectator sitting on his seat enjoys a performance in a theater or the like at his desired height, a floor height adjusting mechanism is mounted on each of a plurality of movable platforms constituting a variable floor height telescopic multi-staged spectator seating system. Usually, the floor height adjusting mechanism is constructed in the form of a threaded shaft driving unit which is composed of a motor, a threaded shaft adapted to be rotationally driven by the motor, and a support column fixedly secured to each movable platform. The lowermost end of the support column is operatively connected to the lowermost end of the threaded shaft for rotatably holding the threaded shaft.

Abstract: An anti-lock (ABS) hydraulic braking system for vehicles comprises a first normally open solenoid-controlled valve (4) disposed in a line between a master cylinder (3) and a brake (1), a second normally closed solenoid-controlled valve (8) disposed between the brake and expander chamber (7), and a normally-open solenoid-controlled by-pass valve (5) located between the master cylinder and the brake and by-passing the first solenoid-controlled valve (4).

Abstract: A new class of Group II bis(oligoetherthiolate) compounds is described for use in chemical vapor deposition processes in that it is volatile and soluble in common organic solvents, thereby rendering it suitable in the preparation of displays with full color, bright phosphors, which at present use ZnS-based technology. The drawback with ZnS is that the blue efficiency is too low. In another competing technology, MGa.sub.2 S.sub.4 -based materials, the sputtered films are amorphous, and the crystallization temperature is too high for inexpensive glass, thereby necessitating the use of expensive quartz. The instant invention secures the advantage of not depositing amorphous material in a two-step process. Rather a one-step process is used to get crystalline material directly, thereby providing a superior route to MGa.sub.2 S.sub.4 in that it has the potential to give higher quality films at reduced cost.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for use in a paint booth to facilitate the coating of an object such as a wheel or rim with a liquid, powder, or other coating. The apparatus is designed to rotate a wheel about both its horizontal and vertical axes. In this manner, the wheel may be more easily and uniformly coated with a minimum of effort by a paint booth operator. After the wheel is coated, the apparatus is designed to lift the object above the work surface so that it can be connected to an overhead conveyor system that may be provided to remove the wheel from the paint booth.

Abstract: An animal feeder assembly provides food and water at an elevated position from a support surface and is therefore particularly suited for feeding large dogs in a manner which avoids digestive and posture problems associated with feeding such animals from containers positioned at the level of the support surface. The feeder assembly comprises a feeder tray and a plurality of hollow legs releasably attached to the feeder tray. Each of the hollow legs are capable of holding ballast material such as sand or water for lowering the center of gravity of the assembly relative to the support surface, thereby enhancing the stability of the assembly and inhibiting the animal form transporting the feeder assembly from the preferred feeding location. The tray and legs are preferably made of blow molded plastic and the tray is formed to include a closed interior cavity, each of which facilitates cleaning the assembly.