Abstract: Disclosed is a portable structure, a principal utility for which is a tent or the like. The support for the structure typically comprises a continuous loop of a flexible coilable resilient material such as flat spring steel stock. The support is secured to the fabric of the structure at a plurality of points and is preferably continuously held thereto in an elongate pocket. In use, the support is restrained by and supports the fabric and assumes a complex shape dictated by its size and shape of the fabric. Most commonly, the support and the fabric bounded thereby, in use, assumes a generally saddle-shaped configuration. The coilable frame allows the structure to be readily collapsed and virtually self erecting.

Abstract: Disclosed is an interfacing connector to allow use of a control system with an external signal source which can be either a switched "hot" or a switched ground. Both such signal sources are found in certain applications, particularly in motor vehicles. The connector consists of a first plug associated with the control system and a second plug associated with the switched signal lead. The first plug includes two sets of three terminals per set, one for use with a switched "hot" signal and one for use with a switched ground signal. The second plug includes three terminals adapted for connection to either of the two sets of terminals. A relay or other control element is connected to the first plug and associated with the control circuit. Signal input and interconnection means are provided whereby the second plug is operatively connected with the control element upon insertion in the correct one of the sets of terminals on said first plug. The device will not give false signals if an incorrect connection is made.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gasket assembly for sealing between the intake ports of cylinder heads and both sides of the intake manifold assembly in a V-type internal combustion engine. It is an integral, yet remote, part of a formed metal component that primarily acts as a cover between the two banks of the cylinder block of a V-type engine. The metal component is formed as a generally rectangularshaped pan with the gasket portion extending angularly outward and upward along both sides of the assembly.The gasket assembly is a combination of the extended metal component to one or both sides of which is attached a relatively soft gasketing material such as rubber, cork, asbestos or other fiberous composition materials. The gasket assembly is designed and constructed to make contact with, and provide a seal between both cylinder heads and the intake manifold of a V-type engine. The gasket assembly includes apertures and a plurality of relatively small discretely perforated areas in the corresponding extended metal portion.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is a metallic gasket assembly having a main body which defines an insert opening. A metallic insert of a thinner gauge metal than the main body is positioned within the opening. The insert includes at least one insert portion, such as a tab, which mates with the opening defined by the main body. An embossment on the tab is compressed to deform and expand the tab outwardly into locking engagement with the main body.

Abstract: A plural power path torque transfer mechanism for incorporation in a four-wheel drive vehicle between a source of input torque and a pair of front and rear drive axle assemblies. The torque transfer mechanism includes a housing having an input shaft connected to the source of input torque and a pair of spaced output shafts each adapted to be connected to one of the axle assemblies. Plural power paths are established between the input and output shafts by selectively engaging either a gear drive unit or a chain drive unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a stratified charge to a reciprocating internal combustion engine is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a cylindrical rotary valve body disposed for rotation within the head of an internal combustion engine. The valve body defines diametrically extending inlet and exhaust passages which, during rotation of the valve body, place a cylinder of the engine in sequential communication with an inlet manifold and an exhaust manifold secured to the head. The inlet manifold comprises a double-passage gallery for transporting a lean fuel/air charge in a first passage and a rich fuel/air charge in a second passage. Rotation of the inlet passage into communication with the cylinder also brings the inlet passage into sequential communication with the first throat and then the second throat for transporting the first lean charge and then the second rich charge to the cylinder.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic vehicle speed control with a fluid actuating means. Typically the actuating force is derived from the vehicle engine manifold vacuum applied selectively to a bellows operatively connected to the throttle mechanism. A dead-band type control is provided. When the actual vehicle speed is below the dead band range a valve is operated to allow the control fluid to increase the throttle setting. When the vehicle speed is above the dead band range a valve is operated to allow the control fluid to decrease the vehicle setting. In the preferred and specifically described circuit a circuit is provided to translate a contact closure rate into a D. C. voltage proportional to vehicle speed. A constant current source drives a series circuit including a speed set potentiometer and a dead-band setting resistor. The set speeds at either end of the dead band are compared to the actual speed and vacuum is "admitted" to or "dumped" from the bellows to return the actual speed within the dead band.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fluidic sensor of the proximity type with improved sensing range and response. The sensor generally comprises an inner and outer tubes with an annular passageway therebetween. Air or the like under a low pressure (e.g. 4 pounds per square inch) is introduced in the annular passageway. Presence of an article near the discharge end of the device causes the air to be diverted down the interior of the inner tube and such a "signal" can be used to initiate or terminate control actions. The inner tube in the present invention has a novel exterior configuration which provides increased sensitivity which allows higher recovery (signal/supply) ratios and/or sensing at greater distances than possible with the prior art.

Abstract: A diaphragm spring is maintained in concentric relation with the clutch axis by integral support means formed on the clutch cover member. The diaphragm spring has a plurality of openings and the integral support means includes circumferentially spaced tang portions extending axially from the cover through certain of the openings and circumferentially spaced tab portions extending axially from the cover through other of the openings in the diaphragm spring. The tang and tab portions engage the openings in such a manner as to prevent both relative radial movement between the diaphragm spring and cover and relative rotational movement therebetween.