Abstract: Disclosed is a power shift transmission having torque converter, an input shaft driven by the torque converter, a countershaft in continuous driving relation with the input shaft, an output shaft having first, second, and third speed ratios journaled thereon and driven via the countershaft, a reverse speed ratio gear splined to the output shaft and driven via a gear on an idler shaft driven by the countershaft, a first friction clutch mechanism for connecting the first speed ratio gear to the output shaft, a second friction clutch mechanism for connecting the output shaft directly to the input shaft, a blocker-clutch assembly for coupling the second and third speed ratio gears to the output shaft, and an actuator assembly for shifting the blocker-clutch assembly into and out of coupling engagement. The friction clutches are momentarily engageable to relieve driving and coast mode torque on the blocker-clutch and to synchronize the blocker-clutch.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved valve selector assembly (10) for enabling and disabling the intake and exhaust valves of a cylinder of an internal combustion engine of the type having rocker arms (12 and 14) for opening and closing the valves in response to periodic forces pivoting the rocker arms about fulcrums (26 and 28) slidably mounted on studs (44 and 46). The selector assembly includes spring capsules (34 or 36) mounted on each stud and interposed between the associated fulcrum and a latch (38). The spring capsules are formed by stamping from sheet metal stock and the latch is a flat plate linearly movable between a valve enabling position preventing collapse of the spring capsules and a valve disabling position allowing collapse of the spring capsule.

Abstract: A thermal barrier for a diesel engine poppet valve is disclosed. The barrier includes a cup-shaped member having a shield portion spaced from the valve face and a cylindrical skirt portion welded to the valve head. The shield, skirt, and valve face define a hermetically sealed chamber which, when evacuated of gases, provides a heat conduction barrier for insulating the valve face from combusting gases. The chamber is preferably filled with a reinforcing to structurally support the shield and further insulate the valve face. The structural support may be in the form of an insulating material and/or a fabricated material having a low contact area with the shield and valve face.

Abstract: Disclosed is a drive assembly (10) for an electrically powered vehicle (12). The assembly includes a transaxle (16) having a two-speed transmission (40) and a drive axle differential (46) disposed in a unitary housing assembly (38), an oil-cooled prime mover or electric motor (14) for driving the transmission input shaft (42), an adapter assembly (24) for supporting the prime mover on the transaxle housing assembly, and a hydraulic system (172) providing pressurized oil flow for cooling and lubricating the electric motor and transaxle and for operating a clutch (84) and a brake (86) in the transmission to shift between the two-speed ratios of the transmission. The adapter assembly allows the prime mover to be supported in several positions on the transaxle housing. The brake is spring-applied and locks the transmission in its low-speed ratio should the hydraulic system fail. The hydraulic system pump is driven by an electric motor (212) independent of the prime mover and transaxle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a drive assembly (10) for an electrically powered vehicle (12). The assembly includes a transaxle (16) having a two-speed transmission (40) and a drive axle differential (46) disposed in a unitary housing assembly (38), an oil-cooled prime mover or electric motor (14) for driving the transmission input shaft (42), an adapter assembly (24) for supporting the prime mover on the transaxle housing assembly, and a hydraulic system (172) providing pressurized oil flow for cooling and lubricating the electric motor and transaxle and for operating a clutch (84) and a brake (86) in the transmission to shift between the two-speed ratios of the transmission. The adapter assembly allows the prime mover to be supported in several positions on the transaxle housing. The brake is spring-applied and locks the transmission in its low-speed ratio should the hydraulic system fail. The hydraulic system pump is driven by an electric motor (212) independent of the prime mover and transaxle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a drive assembly (10) for an electrically powered vehicle (12). The assembly includes a transaxle (16) having a two-speed transmission (40) and a drive axle differential (46) disposed in a unitary housing assembly (38), an oil-cooled prime mover or electric motor (14) for driving the transmission input shaft (42), an adapter assembly (24) for supporting the prime mover on the transaxle housing assembly, and a hydraulic system (172) providing pressurized oil flow for cooling and lubricating the electric motor and transaxle and for operating a clutch (84) and a brake (86) in the transmission to shift between the two-speed ratios of the transmission. The adapter assembly allows the prime mover to be supported in several positions on the transaxle housing. The brake is spring-applied and locks the transmission in its low-speed ratio should the hydraulic system fail. The hydraulic system pump is driven by an electric motor (212) independent of the prime mover and transaxle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a power shift transmission having torque converter, an input shaft driven by the torque converter, a countershaft in continuous driving relation with the input shaft, an output shaft having first, second, and third speed ratios journaled thereon and driven via the countershaft, a reverse speed ratio gear splined to the output shaft and driven via a gear on an idler shaft driven by the countershaft, a first friction clutch mechanism for connecting the first speed ratio gear to the output shaft, a second friction clutch mechanism for connecting the output shaft directly to the input shaft, a blocker-clutch assembly for coupling the second and third speed ratio gears to the output shaft, and an actuator assembly for shifting the blocker-clutch assembly into and out of coupling engagement. The friction clutches are momentarily engageable to relieve driving and coast mode torque on the blocker-clutch and to synchronize the blocker-clutch.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multiple, wet, friction disc brake adapted for use as a retarder in an unshown drivetrain of a land vehicle. The retarder includes a non-rotating outer housing, a centrally disposed drive shaft extending through the housing and rotatably supported therein by bearings, a plurality of axially moveable stator and rotor brake discs concentrically disposed about the shaft and alternately secured against rotation relative to the non-rotating housing and the shaft, a fluid actuated piston for squeezing the discs together, passage means defined by a portion of the non-rotating housing disposed about the outer periphery of the stator and rotor discs for introducing a pressurized cooling liquid to the outer periphery of the stator and rotor discs and flow grooves formed in the friction sides of the stator discs for the flow of the pressurized cooling liquid radially inward through the grooves.

Abstract: Disclosed is a power shift transmission having torque converter, an input shaft driven by the torque converter, a countershaft in continuous driving relation with the input shaft, an output shaft having first, second, and third speed ratios journaled thereon and driven via the countershaft, a reverse speed ratio gear splined to the output shaft and driven via a gear on an idler shaft driven by the countershaft, a first friction clutch mechanism for connecting the first speed ratio gear to the output shaft, a second friction clutch mechanism for connecting the output shaft directly to the input shaft, a blocker-clutch assembly for coupling the second and third speed ratio gears to the output shaft, and an actuator assembly for shifting the blocker-clutch assembly into and out of coupling engagement. The friction clutches are momentarily engageable to relieve driving and coast mode torque on the blocker-clutch and to synchronize the blocker-clutch.

Abstract: The actuator disclosed herein uses cyclic forces in a valve gear train of an internal combustion engine to selectively switch a pair of valve disablers between valve enabling and disabling positions. When the disablers are in the valve enabling position, rocker arm fulcrums are latched in a fixed position. When the disablers are in the disabling position, the rocker arm fulcrums are unlatched to allow sliding movement of the fulcrums. The actuator employs a spring which is preloaded to positions for switching the disablers between their enabling and disabling positions in response to movement of the rocker arms which are moved by cyclic forces from a camshaft.

Abstract: An improved valve disabler control for a multi-cylinder engine having individually pivoted rocker arms and an intake and exhaust valve pair for each cylinder. Half of the valve pairs are provided with valve disablers having rotatable sleeves. Rotation of the sleeves counterclockwise (ccw) allows sliding movement of the rocker arm fulcrums, thereby disabling the valves; clockwise (cw) rotation of the sleeves prevents sliding movement of the fulcrums, thereby enabling the valves. The improved control includes a link and a spring interconnecting the disabler sleeves for each valve pair. Each link rotates the intake valve disabler sleeve ccw in response to ccw rotation of the exhaust valve disabling sleeve. A slot connecting each link to the intake valve disabler sleeve allows cw rotation of the exhaust valve disabler sleeve before cw rotation of the intake valve disabler sleeve. Each spring provides a cw biasing force to the sleeves. The biasing force increases in response to ccw rotation of the sleeves.

Abstract: An improved valve disabler and disabler control for a multi-cylinder engine having individually pivoted rocker arms and an intake and exhaust valve pair for each cylinder. Each intake and exhaust valve of half of the valve pairs is associated with a selectively operable valve disabler. Each disabler includes slideable fulcrum means, a spring biasing the fulcrum into engagement with the rocker arm, a stop for limiting sliding movement of the fulcrum in the biased direction, a sleeve slideable with the fulcrum, latch means rotatable between a valve enabling position which prevents sliding movement of the sleeve and valve disabling position which allows sliding movement of the sleeve.

Abstract: An improved valve selector assembly for selectively enabling and disabling the intake and exhaust valves of one cylinder of an internal combustion engine of the type having individually pivoted rocker arms for opening and closing the valves. Each selector assembly includes two valve disablers (one associated with the intake valve rocker arm and one associated with the exhaust valve rocker arm), and control means for orienting and switching the disablers between valve enabling and valve disabling. Each valve disabler is a spring capsule subassembly of the selector assembly and includes a slideable sleeve defining a fulcrum at one end, a cap slideably connected to the other end of the sleeve, and a spring reacting against the cap and biasing the fulcrum into engagement with its respective rocker arm.

Abstract: An improved valve selector assembly for selectively enabling and disabling the intake and exhaust valves of one cylinder of an internal combustion engine of the type having individually pivoted rocker arms for opening and closing the valves. Each selector assembly includes two valve disablers (one associated with the intake valve rocker arm and one associated with the exhaust valve rocker arm), and control means for orienting and switching the disablers between valve enabling and valve disabling. Each valve disabler is a spring capsule subassembly of the selector assembly and includes a slideable sleeve defining a fulcrum at one end, a cap slideably connected to the other end of the sleeve, and a spring reacting against the cap and biasing the fulcrum into engagement with its respective rocker arm.

Abstract: An improved valve disabler control for a multi-cylinder engine having individually pivoted rocker arms and an intake and exhaust valve pair for each cylinder. Half of the valve pairs are provided with valve disablers having rotatable sleeves. Rotation of the sleeves counterclockwise (ccw) allows sliding movement of the rocker arm fulcrums, thereby disabling the valves; clockwise (cw) rotation of the sleeves prevents sliding movement of the fulcrums, thereby enabling the valves. The improved control includes a link and a spring interconnecting the disabler sleeves for each valve pair. Each link rotates the intake valve disabler sleeve ccw in response to ccw rotation of the exhaust valve disabling sleeve. A slot connecting each link to the intake valve disabler sleeve allows cw rotation of the exhaust valve disabler sleeve before cw rotation of the intake valve disabler sleeve. Each spring provides a cw biasing force to the sleeves. The biasing force increases in response to ccw rotation of the sleeves.

Abstract: An engine valve control mechanism for varying the amount of opening and/or timing of a cylinder valve in a valve gear train of a multi-cylinder, internal combustion engine having an overhead camshaft which actuates the valve via a rocker arm pivotally bridged between the valve stem and a hydraulic lash adjuster. In one engine embodiment of the invention, the valve gear train portion for each intake valve is provided with a valve control mechanism of the invention by providing a camshaft having a high lift lobe and two low lift lobes for actuating the valve and by providing a valve rocker arm including a rigid link defining a first cam follower for following the low lift lobes and a second cam follower pivotally connected to the rigid link for following the high lift lobe.

Abstract: A device for disabling a poppet valve in an internal combustion engine. The engine includes a valve actuating drive train having an overhead camshaft, a hydraulic lash adjuster, and a rocker arm which pivots at one end about the lash adjuster. The disabling device is secured to the valve stem and is drivingly interposed between the valve and the other end of the rocker arm. The disabling device includes a cap and drum or first drive means moveable with the rocker arm and relative to the valve stem, first and second springs concentric to the valve stem and respectively apply a biasing force to the first and second drive means and a rotatable latch. The latch is moveable between a valve enabling position and a valve disabling position. The valve is enabled for normal opening and closing when the latch is in the valve enabling position; in this position the latch prevents relative movement between the first and second drive means and both springs bias the valve closed.

Abstract: A pilot fuel injection system for a diesel engine. One embodiment of the system includes a high pressure fuel pump, an accumulator, a mechanical fuel distributor, a pair of fuel metering valves for each cylinder of the engine, a fuel injection nozzle for each cylinder, and an electronic logic for controlling actuation of the metering valves; in a second system embodiment a pair of the metering valves supply fuel to all of the engine cylinders. Several embodiments of the metering valve are disclosed, some of which allows exclusion of the mechanical fuel distributor from the system. All of the disclosed metering valves meter fuel from the pump to the nozzles by traversing a passage in a valving member across another passage. Motion is imparted to the valving member by electromagnetic means which are energized by the electronic logic. The logic is responsive to engine speed and throttle position.

Abstract: An automatic clearance adjuster for a cam actuated vehicle brake. The adjuster is disposed in a pivotal lever and includes a worm and worm gear, an adjusting mechanism for effecting a clearance decreasing rotation of the worm during the brake apply stroke, a torque limiting ratchet clutch which slips to prevent rotation of the worm by the adjusting mechanism when the shoes are in contact with the drum during the brake apply stroke, and a roller clutch which prevents clearance increasing rotation of the worm by the adjusting mechanism during the brake release stroke.

Abstract: A temperature controlled fluid shear coupling adapted to drive a fan for an internal combustion engine. The coupling includes a driven member defining a housing adapted to carry the fan, a drive member adapted to be driven by the engine, a working chamber defined by the driven and drive member and containing viscous fluid, a pump for removing fluid from the working chamber to a reservoir, and temperature control assembly which varies the volume of fluid in the working chamber by controlling fluid flow from the reservoir to the working chamber in response to temperature changes. The temperature control includes a wax filled power element and a valving member. The valving member blocks fluid flow from the reservoir to the working chamber when the wax is solid and allows flow to the working chamber when the wax is a liquid.