Abstract: An axial piston, variable displacement, wobble plate gas or vapor compressor having improved wobble plate control for rapid response to a compressor inoperative mode. Either a mechanical or spring means serves to maintain the reference position during inoperation of the compressor. This control of the wobble plate position provides for rapid response during either operation or inoperation of the compressor, and also provides a stabilizing means which inhibits undesired wobble plate movement at low crankcase pressures.

Abstract: A control system for an electric water heater operatively associated with an external heat source, such as a heat pump. The water heater includes a water storage tank provided with an electric tank heating unit having a tank thermostat which closes in response to water temperature in the tank, allowing a flow of current through the tank heating unit so as to turn it on to heat the water, and which opens when the tank thermostat has been satisfied, interrupting the current flow so as to turn the tank heating unit off. The control system as responsive to the initial current surge through the tank heating unit when the tank thermostat closes to (1) interrupt the current flow to the tank heating unit so as to maintain the heating unit off and (2) to turn on the external heat source and maintain it on until the tank thermostat opens. The initial current surge cleans the contacts of the tank thermostat by burning off any insulating oxide residues which may have formed on them.

Abstract: A programmable maintenance timer system suitable for use with industrial equipment such as a centrifugal water chilling system and a telemetry system including a microprocessor-based computer with a programming device for presetting selectively a maintenance time interval representing a number of hours before a maintenance service is to be performed, for counting down the time interval to zero, and for generating an output signal after the time interval has reached zero to the telemetry system so as to alert service personnel that the industrial equipment is due for a scheduled maintenance. The timer system also includes a non-volatile memory device to record permanently the total elapsed operating hours in the preset maintenance time interval so as to avoid loss of such information upon a power failure and/or back-up battery failure.

Abstract: Friction elements, particularly those employed in clutch elements, which incorporate fiber strands impregnated with a binder resin wound into a friction element and cured are markedly improved in wear characteristics and burst strength when the fiber strands are formed of a combination of glass, acrylic fiber and metallic filament. The fiber strands, twisted into a yarn and plied to form a composite yarn of opposing twist, contribute greatly to improved performance, particularly better fade resistance and engagement response, together with high burst strength.

Abstract: A low emission valve assembly for use with volatile fluids and incorporating a pair of independent inner and outer metal bellows mechanical seal assemblies with means to compensate for thermal expansion of a liquid between the seals and which means transmits product pressure within the valve to the seals, so that the inner seal floats with a near zero pressure differential from outside to inside. The compensating means can be a pressure responsive bellows arrangement or a pressure response diaphragm arrangement.

Abstract: A smooth, optimum engagement of a pressure-operated actuator, such as a brake or clutch, is obtained by producing a pulse width modulated signal, having a gradually changing duty cycle, which is then used to control a three-way on/off solenoid valve to which is supplied pressurized fluid such as air. The solenoid valve is rapidly switched between pressure in and exhaust out in accordance with the changing duty cycle in order to develop a gradually increasing fluid pressure for application to the actuator.

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 friction energizing drive such as a clutch disc in a friction clutch for automotive clutches, starting clutches for continuously variable transmissions and heavy-duty clutches for heavy equipment or off-the-road vehicles, wherein a ceramic material in the form of discs or buttons comprise the friction material. To smooth the generally abrupt torque curve and reduce the harsh feel of a ceramic material clutch, the ceramic material in the form of circular members, alone or secured to disc backings, are rotatably mounted on an annular clutch disc or plate located between a flywheel and pressure plate in a clutch assembly.

Abstract: Spring-assisted shift apparatus includes a plate rotatable about an axis to a plurality of positions, the plate defining a cam track. A cam follower is operatively associated with the cam track, and is adapted to move a shift fork in response to selective rotation of the plate. A spring-assist mechanism includes an assist cam track defined by the plate so as to have an arcuate first track surface with a center of curvature on the axis, and a second track surface oriented such that a line perpendicular thereto does not intersect the axis. A spring member supports an assist cam follower in operative association with the assist cam track such that the assist cam follower is in contact with the first track surface when the plate is in one position, and is in contact with the second track surface when the plate is in another position. The spring member is stressed so as to apply a preload biasing force on the plate.

Abstract: A torsional vibration damper assembly for use in a torsional coupling or clutch arrangement to provide a low spring rate, high deflection amplitude characteristic, including an input means having driving arms or straps, at least two elongated bowed coil springs, each extending through an arc of approximately 180.degree., a hub having diametrically opposed radial arms normally in axial alignment with the drive arms, and a plurality of wedges which are inserted between adjacent coils of the bowed springs to separate the springs into several operative segments. The use of the wedges provides spring segments which operate in series.

Abstract: A locking and securing means is disclosed which includes a base member, a threaded member and a sprocket. The base member defines vertically extending fingers with gaps therebetween and a threaded bore. The threaded member with a flat or irregular shape on its upper leg segment extends through this bore to a desired position. The sprocket, which is mounted on the threaded member prior to insertion into the bore, has radially extending teeth to mesh with the base-member-defined gaps and an internal shape to mate with the threaded-member shape. The threaded member is thus secured to a fixed height or position.

Abstract: A wearing dry friction material element is mounted on a support member by a cured rubber adhesive in a spaced pattern. The cured adhesive has a tensile strength adequate to retain the frictional element to the substrate, and also serves to cushion the shock at engagement between the frictional element and a contacting surface. The cured adhesive is generally of the room temperature vulcanizing (RTV) rubber type. Also described is a method for the production of a dry friction material assembly.

Abstract: An integral link-and-pivot member for an endless power transmission chain comprising longitudinal spaced web portions joined to transversely oriented joint portions, each joint portion having an arcuate or curved surface, said surfaces facing one another and being adapted to engage a like surface of an interleaved member when assembled as an endless chain and a chain assembled from such members.

Abstract: A tension-type belt/pulley system provides an improved concept for retaining the bands of the drive belt within the pulley cones while increasing the maximum operating pitch radius of the belt for a given pulley radius, thereby increasing the ratio range of the system. The pulley flanges are chamfered at their outer ends to provide smooth re-entry of the bands into the cones in the event the bands drift laterally during a half revolution of the belt.

Abstract: An hydraulic proximity probe arrangement for determining the spacing of the surface of a rotating body from another fixed body as it rotates in a fluid medium. The body is provided with a plurality of circumferentially and equally spaced surface irregularities of like size and shape, such as indentations or projections, and at least a pair of probes are circumferentially spaced around the body, each being axially spaced an equal distance from the body's surfaces when at rest. The probes pick-up pulsations in the fluid medium caused by the rotating body, the amplitudes of which are indicative of the spacing of the surface of the rotating body from the end of the probes. These pulsations are signalized and the resultant signals are compared with calibrated deviation signals to provide data indicative of the spacing of the body's surface from a reference point during rotation of the body.

Abstract: A capacitive sensor for use in the measurement of pressure or pressure changes of a fluid medium which sensor maintains the capacitor electrodes in a substantially parallel relationship. Maintenance of this parallel relationship provides a substantially linear capacitive output over a given range without further electronic buffering or calibration. The capacitive signal may be enhanced or amplified by use of multiple parallel plates which are movable simultaneously with deflection of the flexible diaphragm.

Abstract: The disclosed control system for a CVT controls the line pressure which is applied to the secondary pulley to maintain adequate belt tension, at a level significantly lower than previously was produced. An improved throttle valve is provided, and used in this throttle-sensitive regulation of line pressure. An improved ratio valve is provided, which combines spring and fluid forces in a manner to produce the ratio-indicating fluid signal, with negligible loading on the movable sheave where the ratio change is sensed. In the ratio-changing portion of the system, the combination of a timing valve and accumulator valve cooperate in demand type downshifts to provide adequate time for oil flow into the secondary pulley chamber as the primary pulley chamber is exhausted, to keep adequate belt tension during such a downshift.

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, the pressure acting on the disc surface and the magnetic reluctance. A pole piece adjacent to the flat disc armature includes a seat and is at a fixed distance from the armature.Variation of an air gap provides a means to adjust the magnetic reluctance of the electromagnetic valve after its final assembly and in this case an adjustment air gap is provided at the top member of the flux path. Such valves may thus be calibrated to operate at various pressure or flow rates as a function of electrical power input, that is a variation of current or voltage.

Abstract: The d-c bus current, fed to an inverter through a low pass filter, having a shunt-connected capacitor, from the output of an a-c energized a-c to d-c converter (such as a phase-controlled SCR rectifier bridge), is monitored by using a-c current transformers to sense the filter capacitor current and the a-c current supplied to the converter. The transformer output signals are employed to produce a d-c signal which is a reduced amplitude replica of, and has the identical waveshape as, the d-c bus current. The monitoring system is electrically isolated from the power circuitry by means of the a-c current transformers.

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 the throttle induced system oil pressure. The clutch includes a cover connected to the drive shaft through a hub forming a pressure chamber behind a piston, a Belleville spring acted upon by the piston and urging a pressure plate against the clutch plate and an end plate secured in the cover. Weights are mounted on the Belleville spring to compensate for the centrifugal effect of the oil in the pressure chamber. The clutch plate is operatively connected to a sleeve shaft to drive the differential for the vehicle wheels.