Abstract: A servomotor having a metal backing plate for a diaphragm which separates the interior of a front shell and a rear shell into a front chamber and rear chamber. The metal backing plate is attached to a hub which extends through the rear shell. The hub has an axial bore with a first passageway which is connected to the front chamber and a second passageway which is connected to the rear chamber. A control means is retained in the axial bore by the metal backing plate being attached to the hub. When the control means is actuated, fluid under pressure enters the rear chamber and creates a pressure differential. The pressure differential develops a force across the diaphragm which is directly transmitted through the backing plate to an output push rod.

Abstract: A fluid pressure braking system for a vehicle having brake actuators which may be mechanically held in the brake-applied position when the vehicle is parked and which may be actuated from either service or emergency actuating systems, is provided with a fluid communication limiting valve which limits fluid communication through the service actuating system to the brake actuators when the actuators have been actuated by the emergency system, thereby providing an "anti-compounding" capability so that the brake actuators cannot be actuated by the combined full capacities of both actuating systems. The system further includes a standby valve which is responsive to a normal brake application to communicate fluid pressure to the actuators through the emergency system when the failure of the primary fluid pressure system prevents communication to the actuators through the service system.

Abstract: In a cryogenic cooler, wherein a fluid under pressure is transmitted through an expansion orifice in a nozzle into an expansion chamber at a rate which is controlled by the movement of a needle valve in the expansion chamber, an expander member extends from the nozzle and carries the needle valve. The expander member expands and contracts in response to the temperature in the expansion chamber at a different rate than the needle valve to automatically regulate the flow of fluid into the expansion chamber.

Abstract: Control apparatus for programmed control of a plurality of gas turbine engine compressor air bleed valves in response to a plurality of control input signals representing engine operating conditions including variable conditions related to engine power output. The control inputs are sensed and/or computed and scheduled to provide accurate and reliable control over a plurality of compressor air bleed valves by means including a hydraulic programmer with a three dimensional compressor rise scheduling cam and adjustable hydraulic timers.

Abstract: A hydraulic brake booster is disclosed which is normally actuated by a primary pressure source, but which may be actuated by a secondary pressure source during failure of the primary pressure source. The booster includes a spool valve which controls communication between the primary pressure source and the booster pressure chamber. The spool valve is actuated by a control pressure which is generated by the vehicle operator when a brake application is effected. The control pressure shifts the spool valve to cause the latter to communicate fluid pressure from the primary pressure source into the pressure chamber. A pressure differential responsive piston is responsive to a pressure differential between the control pressure and the pressure communicated into the booster pressure chamber.

Abstract: A control valve for use in a tow vehicle-trailer braking system has a first bore connected to a master cylinder and a second bore with an entrance port connected to a pump in the tow vehicle for receiving a fluid under pressure, an exit port connected to a power steering control operated by the fluid under pressure, and a control port connected to a servomotor in the trailer. A first piston is located in the first bore and a second piston is located in the second bore. A lever which is located on a pivot pin connects the first piston with the second piston. When the operator applies a braking force to operate the master cylinder, the first piston receives a hydraulic force which acts on the lever to move the second piston and direct a portion of the pump fluid under pressure from the exit port to the control port to activate the servomotor brakes in the trailer.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine for automotive vehicles is started and operated with decreased fuel enrichment when the engine is cold by delaying spark retard as the vehicle is accelerated to save fuel and reduce accumulated pollutants collected during warm up. A valve is provided between the carburetor spark port and the distributor vacuum advance cylinder to permit unrestricted airflow from the vacuum advance cylinder to the spark port at all temperatures and to restrict airflow from the spark port to the vacuum advance cylinder when the engine operating temperature is below a predetermined temperature. When the engine operating temperature attains the predetermined temperature airflow is unrestricted in both directions and the vacuum advance operates in a normal manner.

Abstract: Control apparatus for programmed control of a plurality of gas turbine engine compressor air bleed valves in response to a plurality of control input signals representing engine operating conditions including variable conditions related to engine power output. The control inputs are sensed and/or computed and scheduled to provide accurate and reliable control over a plurality of compressor air bleed valves by means including a hydraulic programmer with a three dimensional compressor rise scheduling cam and adjustable hydraulic timers.

Abstract: A pressure differentially controlled valve for use in a two stage servomotor to prevent reversion from the second stage to the first stage. A first valve initially moves to transfer the output of a servomotor from a first piston to a second piston. A pressure differential responsive second valve prevents the output of the second piston chamber from being communicated to the first piston chamber by moving thereafter with the first valve until an input force is terminated.

Abstract: A level indicator using an indirect method of measuring a gas pressure in order to check the level of a liquid such as the lubricant contained in the crankcase of an internal combustion engine. The level indicator includes preferably a liquid column gas-pressure gauge formed of a straight measuring tube having one end immersed in the barometric liquid contained in a reservoir, and an electrical heating resistance is located in the enclosure of the reservoir above the barometric liquid. The enclosure communicates with a tubular probe immersed in the liquid whose level is to be checked. Voltage applied to the resistance generates heat which as a result of the thermal expansion of the gas causes the gas-pressure in the enclosure to become sufficient for causing the gas to bubble in the liquid, so that the gas-pressure which is read off the pressure gauge is representative of the depth at which the probe is immersed.

Abstract: A clutched fan drive for a vehicle engine is disclosed which couples the engine cooling fan to a member driven by the vehicle engine when the engine coolant temperature exceeds a predetermined level, and which uncouples the fan when the engine temperature level falls below the predetermined level. The fan drive includes a driving member which is rotatably mounted on a fixed spindle, a ram piston which is slidably mounted on the spindle, and a driven member which is rotatably mounted on the ram piston and which is movable therewith. The engine coolant fan is coupled to the driven member, and both the driven member and the driving member are provided with a clutching mechanism which is engaged by a resilient spring which acts against the ram piston.

Abstract: A relay valve for transmitting an operational signal to a first brake applying servomotor in a trailer upon actuation of a second brake applying servomotor in a tow vehicle. The relay valve has a housing with a movable wall which sequentially interrupts the communication of vacuum to a power chamber in the first brake applying servomotor and thereafter allows air to be communicated to the power chamber. With air in the power chamber, an operational pressure differential will be developed which will operate the first brake applying servomotor.

Abstract: A rotatable brake or clutch friction disc formed of a material having characteristic strength weakness in tension and shear modes and provided with an annular metal force transmitting member interposed between the disc and fixed or rotatable portions of the brake or clutch. The annular metal force transmitting member has a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart radially extending key engaging slots or slot engaging keys. The annular metal force transmitting member may be provided with opposite radially extending annular metal shields which slidably engage similar shields on adjacent discs to provide a barrier tending to minimize air flow to and thus oxidation of a heated friction disc.

Abstract: A fluid pressure braking system for an articulated vehicle wherein the system includes a supply line and a service brake line interconnecting the tractor and trailer portions of the vehicle. A trailer control valve controls communication through the service brake line. A throttle valve is located in the supply line, and is adapted to restrict communication therethrough when the pressure differential across the trailer control valve exceeds a predetermined level during a brake application.

Abstract: A disc brake for an automotive vehicle is disclosed in which the inner friction element is provided with a pair of arms extending from opposite ends thereof. The arms are provided with grooves (or projections) which are adapted to slidably engage axially extending splines (or grooves) which are provided on the bridge portion of the caliper so that the inner friction element is guided for sliding movement in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotor. A gap is defined between the ends of the splines and the inwardly extending portion of the caliper to permit insertion of the arms into the gap and movement of the inner friction pad onto the splines when the brake is assembled. The outer friction element is then installed on the inwardly extending portion of the caliper and encloses a sufficient portion of the gap to prevent the inner friction element from escaping. A pair of pins slidably mount the caliper to a non-rotating portion of the vehicle, such as the spindle housing.

Abstract: In a vehicle guidance system, a method for computing the true rate of change of the angle between the line of sight to the target and the gyro reference. Two antennas are spaced apart a distance upon the vehicle. The outputs of both antennas are converted to a subcarrier frequency. One of the antenna outputs is then converted to a linear voltage by means of a phase detector and, subsequently, combined with the gyro reference voltage. By means of a high gain control loop and a voltage control oscillator, a combined sinusoid signal is given with both the carrier frequency and the gyro reference. In the high gain control loop, appropriate scaling factors and frequency division and multiplication must be used to eliminate repeating values of phase in excess of 360.degree.. Now, by modulating the combined signal with the signal received from the other antenna, the carrier frequency can be eliminated.

Abstract: A three way solenoid valve comprising a housing which contains a cylindrical cavity around which an electric coil is disposed. Two seats extend perpendicularly relative to the cavity axis and are arranged opposite one another. The seats communicate respectively with an inlet orifice and an outlet orifice. A work orifice communicates with the cavity. A core of ferromagnetic material is mounted with axial clearance in the cavity and two valve closure members are mounted in the core and capable of cooperating with the seats in accordance with the reciprocations of the core. A return spring urges the core with a position in which one of the valve seats is closed.

Abstract: A brake actuator for a vehicle having air brakes is disclosed in which air pressure is expelled through the actuator upon release of the brakes in order to purge the latter of contaminants. The actuator includes a housing in which a piston reciprocates. Fluid pressure is admitted to the chamber defined between one side of the piston and the corresponding end of the housing in order to urge the latter in a brake actuating direction. The piston includes a passage extending therethrough to connect the chambers defined between opposite sides of the piston and the corresponding ends of the housing, and a shuttle valve carried within the passage in order to close the passage upon brake application and open the passage to permit fluid communication between the chambers upon brake release. An articulated guide rod is pivotally mounted on the end wall of the housing and extends into the piston to guide the shuttle valve during operation of the actuator.

Abstract: A lever mechanism having an output end and an input end wherein the input end is pivotally mounted to a fixed support and provided with a track portion. The track portion has a spaced apart relationship to the pivot axis of the lever and is provided with a generally V-shaped portion and lateral side portions oppositely extending therefrom. A reference force is applied through a roller member which is positioned along the track by a variable input position signal applied thereto. The apex of the V-shaped portion is on a line through the pivot axis such that with the roller member held in a bottomed position and engaging both sides of the V-shaped portion there is no input moment applied to the lever mechanism and movement of the roller member in either direction from a null position produces a clockwise or counterclockwise motion of the output end of the lever mechanism, depending upon the direction of movement of the output end in response to the roller movement.

Abstract: A drum brake is disclosed which includes an automatic adjustment mechanism which advances the brake released position of the brake shoes toward the drum to compensate for lining wear. A temperature responsive element prevents operation of the adjuster mechanism when the temperature of the brake exceeds a predetermined level, to prevent over adjustment of the brake.