Abstract: A synchronizing device is provided having improved thrust members supported by a pair of friction rings and releasable associated with a shiftable clutch collar. The thrust members are in the form of compressible C-shaped spring pins frictionally disposed in suitable openings in the shiftable clutch collar. The spring pins include integral ribs adapted to cooperate with suitable openings in the clutch collar to prevent the friction rings from drifting when the clutch collar is in its neutral position and also provide an operator with adequate "feel" when effecting a shift.

Abstract: A piston comprises a piston pin bore adapted to at least partially contain a piston pin. The bore is finished by a roll burnishing process which substantially simultaneously prestresses, smooths and distorts the bore into a predetermined hourglass configuration.

Abstract: Disclosed is a double balanced mixer using a novel single ferrite core construction. The core includes two apertures and a transformer is wound through each aperture. The two transformers are connected by diodes in the known manner to provide the mixer. The arrangement lends itself to simple construction and provides a mixer which is smaller than heretofore possible and which exhibits exceptional high frequency response and flatness with satisfactory isolation.

Abstract: Two rotatable shafts are drivingly connected by a torque transmitting mechanism. Each shaft has a groove, the grooves being disposed in a cooperative paired relationship. The grooves are adapted to at least partially contain the torque mechanism. A bearing assembly may be provided to assist relative movement between the torque transmitting mechanism and one of the grooves. The torque transmitting mechanism may be circumferentially spaced at least about 180.degree. from the next adjacent torque transmitting mechanism.

Abstract: Disclosed is a piston ring including a spacer-expander spring member. In a preferred embodiment the ring is of cast iron and includes two axially spaced cylinder wall contacting lands. At least one generally rectangular inwardly facing spring receiving recess is formed in the interior wall of the ring to receive the spring member which is formed from a flat strip of metal in a "U" configuration with the legs thereof facing outwardly, peferably aligned with the lands on the ring. A plurality of slots are provided in the spring member dividing the periphery into a plurality of feet. In a preferred embodiment the feet are radiused as seen in plan view to a radius less than the radius of the pocket in which they fit. This has been found to reduce wear in the spring receiving groove and to reduce the tendency of the ring and spring to become united which is detrimental to performance and is a common problem in rings of this general type.

Abstract: A shift mechanism comprises a shift lever adapted to effect the engagement of transmission gears. The lever has a main shaft which is rotatable about its axis and pivotable in a plane containing its axis. Shifting is therefore effected by a combination of rotary and straight line movements. A rigid member extends from a bottom portion of the lever main shaft to a location radially spaced from the main shaft axis to effect a selection of gates of the transmission when the shift lever is rotated.

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: An improved resilient means is provided between cooperating rotary elements of a coupling device to increase the torque capacity of the unit. The resilient means consists of a Belleville stack located in aligned pockets provided in the rotary elements of the coupling device. The operational stability of the Belleville stack is increased by providing suitable guide means which also function as means for making the Belleville stack a self-contained easily replaceable assembly.

Abstract: A fluid flow control valve has a housing with axially spaced upstream and downstream portions. An axially slidable piston is received within an upstream portion of the housing and a buckleable plate brace is anchored within a downstream portion. Two axially extending buckleable plates are each affixed at one end to the piston and at the other end to the brace. Two parallel walls extend from the brace toward the piston such that opposite edges of each buckleable plate are in a generally slidable engagement with the walls and form a variable area flow path therewith. The dynamic force of the fluid flowing through the valve acts against the piston, thereby tending to buckle the plates and reduce the area of the flow path. The valve, therefore, works to automatically regulate fluid flow to a predetermined value determined by the valve geometry and the mechanical properties of the plates as they buckle.

Abstract: An improved water cooled exhaust valve structure is disclosed for a rotary valve engine. The exhaust gases from an engine combustion chamber enter a side port in a rotary exhaust valve and flow axially through the valve to an exhaust outlet. Cooling water is sprayed axially into the exhaust valve and is directed in the gas flow direction from a location upstream of the side port. A novel deflector prevents the cooling water from entering the side port.

Abstract: Disclosed is a double balanced mixer using a novel single ferrite core construction. The core includes two apertures and a transformer is wound through each aperture. The two transformers are connected by diodes in the known manner to provide the mixer. The arrangement lends itself to simple construction and provides a mixer which is smaller than heretofore possible and which exhibits exceptional high frequency response and flatness with satisfactory isolation.

Abstract: A mold for vulcanizing tires includes an annular bead molding ring. The bead molding ring has a toe edge, a bead flat surface and a toe portion. The toe portion comprises a support which projects radially outwardly from the bead flat surface. The toe portion may comprise a plurality of circumferentially spaced and axially extending supports. The amount of radial projection of each support may progressively decrease or taper at axially spaced locations increasingly spaced from the toe edge of the bead molding ring.

Abstract: A generally annular tire curing membrane has a plurality of interconnected ribs integrally molded on its inside surface. The ribs collectively define a plurality of adjacent polygons. A portion of at least one of the ribs is disposed at an oblique angle to the circumferential centerline of the membrane. The polygons may have an infinite number of sides, thereby having a curved boundary.