Abstract: A chain-belt for engagement with the pulleys of a continuously variable transmission consists of interleaved sets of chain links joined for articulation by a joint which has a rocking action. The joint includes a pair of pins. A small camber is introduced into one or both of the pins to create a spring load between the pins and the links to retain the pins in the chain during handling and assembly. Each chain link includes a pair of spaced apertures adjacent the opposite ends; each aperture has a generally hour-glass shape with the enlarged ends receiving the pins. Also, each chain link has a pair of oppositely disposed tabs adjacent one end with the location of the tabs on the links alternating on adjacent links of each set. In addition the outermost two links of each set of links had a width substantially less than the width of the inner links in that same set.

Abstract: An energizing spring utilized for a one-way clutch; such as a sprag clutch, wherein the spring includes a resilient high tensile spring steel metal cage or ring having parallel side bars joined by cross bars to define a plurality of openings with tapered inwardly extending tabs, both the tabs and the side bars having transverse wrinkles or depressions therein. This energizing spring cooperates with a set of generally rigid inner and outer circular cages between the inner and outer races, these cages having openings corresponding to the spring openings to receive sprags which engage the inner and outer races.

Abstract: A groove pattern for the friction facings of a wet clutch to equalize the face temperature of the friction facings and thus increase the thermal capacity of the clutch where there is continuous sllippage. The groove pattern includes one or more circumferential grooves dividing the friction area into two or more annular bands with radial grooves in each band which increase in number from the inner band to the outer band.

Abstract: A pressure transducer, which senses clutch pressure and effects closed loop clutch control in a continuously variable transmission, is used after the clutch is fully engaged to provide closed loop line pressure control to a desired setpoint, which line pressure regulates the tension on the belt in the transmission. Only a single transducer is needed since there is a known relationship between the clutch and line pressures when the clutch is locked up. Prior to lockup, the line pressure is governed by an open loop controller which establishes the line pressure at a level higher than that called for by the setpoint. This ensures that the line pressure will be high enough to provide the required tension on the belt so that it will not slip. After the clutch is engaged, the closed loop line pressure controller (which includes both the open loop line pressure controller and the closed loop clutch controller) establishes the line pressure at the setpoint.

Abstract: A diaphragm operated valve assembly is controlled by an electromagnetic valve assembly. A flat disc armature, which forms part of a flux path, is operable in an inner chamber to modulate the flow between the inner chamber and an exit port in response to an applied magnetic force. The level of the effective magnetic force is a function of the armature mass, and the pressure acting on the disc surface. A pole piece adjacent to the flat disc armature is slidably adjustable to establish a specified force to actuate the armature to the closed or sealing position. This specified force is proportional to the current flow through the winding of the electromagnetic valve assembly. Thus the armature operates to seal communication between the inner chamber and the exit port at a given pressure differential as a function of current flow. The travel distance between the armature and a nonmagnetic seal seat has been minimized by spring biasing the armature in proximity to the seal seat.

Abstract: An endless power transmission chain-belt constructed of joined sets of links and blocks surrounding sets of links, the links in some sets having a pitch larger than links in other sets. Some blocks are of such width to engage pulley flanges of a pulley transmission while other blocks are of a lesser width to "skip" the flange engagement. The latter blocks can be omitted, if desired.

Abstract: A diaphragm operated valve assembly is controlled jby an electromagnetic valve assembly. A flat disc armature, which forms part of a flux path, is operable in an inner chamber to modulate the flow between the inner chamber and an exit port in response to an applied magnetic force. The level of the effective magnetic force is a function of the armature mass, and the pressure acting on the disc surface. A pole piece adjacent to the flat disc armature is slidably adjustable to establish a specified force to actuate the armature to the closed or sealing position. This specified force is proportional to the current flow through the winding of the electromagnetic valve assembly. Thus the armature operates to seal communication between the inner chamber and the exit port at a given pressure differential as a function of current flow. The travel distance between the armature and a nonmagnetic seal seat has been minimized by spring biasing the armature in proximity to the seal seat.

Abstract: A chain and sprocket drive in which the chain is constructed of sets of connected links, the links in all sets being constructed to drivingly contact the sprocket teeth with inside flanks only, the links in some sets of links being of a shape which differs from the links in other sets of links.

Abstract: An offset three-gear, two-system pump includes first, second, and third overlapping chambers. First inlet and low-pressure outlet ports communicate with the first and second chambers, and second inlet and high-pressure pressure outlet ports communicate with the first and third chambers. The first chamber has a short wall portion extending from the low-pressure outlet port to the second inlet port, and a long wall portion extending from the high-pressure outlet port to the first inlet port. First, second, and third gears are respectively rotatable in the chambers. The first and second gears form a low-pressure gear set, and the first and third gears form a high-pressure gear set. A small number of first gear teeth are cooperable with the short wall portion and a large number of first gear teeth are cooperable with the long wall portion to effect sealing against leakage from the pressure ports to the inlet ports.

Abstract: An interlocking seal assembly for a universal joint which acts both to seal the bearing assembly as well as to retain the bearing block from falling off the spider in the joint. This assembly includes a resilient sealing member engaging a trunnion and having a backing ring housing the seal and adapted to be press fitted into the bearing block on the trunnion and a loose fitting generally cylindrical shield adapted to be press fitted onto a diameter of the spider. The backing ring and shield have overlapping lips providing the interlock to retain the bearing block on the spider.

Abstract: A method and apparatus by which the degree of wear and useful life limitations of a drill, end mill or other types of metal removal tools can be detected. The method is based on the short circuit current, open circuit voltage and/or power that is generated during metal removal by the utilization of an insulated rotary tool bit to which electrical contact is made by a non-rotating conductor and an insulated or non-insulated workpiece, with an external circuit connecting the tool and workpiece through a measuring device. The generated current, voltage or power shows a sharp increase or change in slope upon considerable tool wear and/or at the point of failure.

Abstract: A retaining clip, which is essentially a C-shaped member, is used to retain the pivot means or joint members of a chain or chain-belt in assembled relationship. The clip spans the chain, and the clip ends engage the pivot means and/or the side links of the chain. The clips can be fabricated from spring steel, spring wire or a plastic.

Abstract: A compact manual transaxle transmission includes an input shaft with four foward drive gears and a reverse drive gear. Two countershafts drive a differential. The first countershaft supports four forward driven gears and a reverse driven gear. The second countershaft supports another forward driven gear. One of the drive gears is in meshing engagement with driven gears on both countershafts, eliminating the necessity for elongating the input shaft to accommodate an additional gear set. The arrangement minimizes the overall axial length and optimizes the center distance between the input shaft and the second countershaft.

Abstract: An underground electrical conduit hexagonal in cross-section and having internal partition walls subdividing the conduit into a plurality of longitudinal ducts. The internal partition walls are symmetrically disposed about a central longitudinal axis of the conduit and serve as bracing structure to strengthen and support the outer walls of the conduit.

Abstract: A power transmission chain-belt, especially adapted to provide a drive and transmit power between the pulleys of a variable ratio pulley transmission. The chain-belt is constructed of a plurality of ranks or sets of interleaved links, each rank being joined to the next adjacent rank by pivot means, such as round pins, or a pin and rocker, to permit articulation of the belt. Some of the ranks or sets of links have a pitch which is different from the pitch of the other ranks or sets of links. Generally trapezoidal load blocks are located between the pivot means of each rank or set of links, which blocks have opposite edge surfaces to contact the flanges of the pulleys. The front and rear surfaces of the blocks can be tapered to permit the articulation of the belt.

Abstract: A diaphragm operated valve assembly is controlled by an electromagnetic valve assembly. A flat disc armature, which forms part of a flux path, is operable in an inner chamber to modulate the flow between the inner chamber and an exit port in response to an applied magnetic force. The level of the effective magnetic force is a function of the armature mass, and the pressure acting on the disc surface. A pole piece adjacent to the flat disc armature is slidably adjustable to establish a specified force to actuate the armature to the closed or sealing position. This specified force is proportional to the current flow through the winding of the electromagnetic valve assembly. Thus the armature operates to seal communication between the inner chamber and the exit port at a given pressure differential as a function of current flow. The travel distance between the armature and a nonmagnetic seal seat has been minimized by spring biasing the armature in proximity to the seal seat.

Abstract: A control arrangement for a continuously variable transmission includes an electronic control system and a hydraulic control system. In the hydraulic control system solenoid valves are used in conjunction with fluid control valves to regulate the various fluid pressure levels in the system. A variable displacement pump provides fluid under pressure in the main line. A modulator valve, connected to the main line, provides a controlled low pressure to the various control assemblies. Thus the solenoid valve and associated components can be more economical than in those systems where only the normal line pressure arrangement is used.

Abstract: A hydraulically-actuated starting clutch, and more particularly a starting clutch for a continuously variable transmission which is located at the output of the transmission to couple the vehicle wheels to the engine upon a signal from a throttle-induced system oil pressure. The clutch includes a housing connected to the drive shaft through a hub and forming a pressure chamber behind an annular piston, a Belleville spring connecting the driving shaft hub and a pressure plate together for simultaneous rotation; the piston urging the pressure plate against a clutch plate and an end plate secured in the housing. The piston includes a plurality of axial projections thereon contacting the surface of the pressure plate opposite to the clutch plate, and the clutch plate is operatively connected to a driven concentric sleeve shaft to drive the vehicle wheels.

Abstract: A mechanical seal assembly, especially for use in a slurry pump in which the seal rings are resiliently urged into sealing relation by at least one elastomeric assembly loaded in shear. The preferred embodiment is constructed as a carriage for installation and removal as a unit but it may also be constructed for installation in situ.

Abstract: A series vibration damper assembly which includes a control device that will allow the damper to react differently in the coast direction than in the drive direction. The vibration damper assembly includes a housing having inwardly offset drive straps, a hub having radial arms aligned with the drive straps in a static condition, a plurality of spring separators positioned between the hub arms and separating damper springs received between the hub arms. The improvement of the present invention relates to a curved bypass thrust member secured to each hub arm and projecting through two damper springs and the spring separator to abut the next spring separator and prevent compression of the two springs in the coast direction.