Abstract: A unitary three valve filter element support is used in a filter cartridge in which the filter cartridge includes an annular filter element within a housing closed by an end plate having a central opening surrounded by an array of radial openings spaced a fixed radial distance from one another. The unitary support has an annular sealing lip for sealing with the end cap of the filter element, which sealing lip deflects under oil pressure providing a first valve to allow oil to bypass the filter element if the filter media of the filter element is clogged. A second valve is a dirty side anti-drainback valve that is provided by a radial flange projecting from the unitary body. A third valve is a clean side valve aligned with the hollow core of the annular filter element to prevent drainback of clean oil and to prevent refilling of the filter cartridge with used or unfiltered oil.

Abstract: An assembly is provided which includes a first body with a blind bore with an enlarged countersunk portion. The assembly also has a second body with an aperture aligned with the first body bore. A fastener is provided having a head compressively engages the second body. A shank of the fastener has threaded engagement with the bore, and at least 10% of a free length of the shank is encircled by the countersunk portion of the bore.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-layered steel gasket,for example a cylinder head gasket, having at least one through opening, for example for a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine, in which at least three active metallic gasket layers are disposed one above the other; beads being formed in at least two gasket layers around the through opening(s); and a first bead-shaped, plastically deformable deformation limiter being disposed in a spacer sheet, which is disposed between these two gasket layers, on the side adjacent to the beads.

Abstract: A pair of metallic components are co-axially aligned prior to full energization of the magnetic pulse welding inductor to provide for improved control of the magnetic pulse welding process. To accomplish this, either or both of the components are supported in a floating manner. An electromagnetic coil is then energized so as to generate a magnetic field of relatively small intensity within or about one of the components. This relatively small intensity magnetic field exerts a relatively small force on the two components, causing them to move to a co-axially aligned position relative to one another and to the coil. Then, while the components are co-axially aligned, they are subjected to a magnetic field of relatively large intensity for the purpose of permanently joining such components together. This relatively large intensity magnetic field exerts a large pressure on one of the two components, causing it to deform toward the other of the two components at a high velocity.

Abstract: An interaxle differential is provided which includes a side gear, a clutch gear torsionally locked on a first input shaft and axially slidably mounted thereon and an annular piston mounted in a differential casing for urging the clutch gear into engagement with a side gear and a spring to urge the clutch gear to an unlocked position.

Abstract: A fluid damper includes a hollow body portion, a first end and a second end. The hollow body portion has a corrugated or shaped outer surface and is filled with a compressible medium. The first and second ends of the damper contact the inner wall of the fluid-carrying line to stabilize the position of the damper within the fluid-carrying line to optimize dampening of the pressure pulsations in the fluid. The damper is formed by extruding or forming the hollow body portion into the desired shape, trimming the hollow body portion to the desired length, crimping and sealing the first and second ends by a heat staking process. The damper can be made from a material or materials that is impermeable and resistant to the fluid within the fluid system. The damper is integrally formed, thereby eliminating welding or manufacturing steps and reducing cost of manufacture.

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle is provided that uses the frame of the vehicle as a sensory input to control various components of the vehicle. The control system includes one or more sensor assemblies that are mounted to the vehicle frame with each sensor assembly including one or more strain sensors generating signals indicative of the strain on the frame. The system further includes an electronic control unit that controls components such as the throttle valve, brakes, and warning indicators responsive to the signals generated by the strain sensors.

Abstract: A method is performed for permanently attaching framing structural members to an underbody of an automotive vehicle. An underbody structural member including one or more cross members and a plurality of metallic structural members are provided at a workstation. The underbody structural member is aligned to the plurality of metallic structural members at the workstation. The assembled underbody structural member and the plurality of metallic structural members are permanently and simultaneously secured at the workstation using magnet pulse welding.

Abstract: A fail-safe torque transducer, and automotive power steering system, utilizing a two-stage series coupled torsion bar system. A first stage torsion bar provides tuning of the steering system, and by reducing its diameter relative to the second stage, provides a lower torsional spring rate and higher operational stress level than that of the second stage. The second stage torsion bar provides the stress/strain indicia referenced by a torque-measuring device, and is stressed at a lower level than the first stage and therefore has a higher cycle life than that of the first stage bar. Hence, if stress related failure ever occurs, it will only occur in the first stage torsion bar, thereby preventing any torque from reaching the second stage, thereby causing a zero strain signal and thus rendering the system fail-safe and not subject to instability of vehicle steering if the torsion bar breaks.

Abstract: A method of welding at least two metal sheets protected by a zinc coating that has a low vaporizing temperature. The metal sheets are placed on top of each other and a head of a welding machine is passed over the sheets. The head of the welding machine is configured such that a laser is positioned in front of a GMAW welding or MIG brazing device. The laser cuts a channel into the metal sheets in order to allow the protective zinc coating to vaporize and escape. The GMAW welder or MIG brazing device then follows the laser and deposits a material that fills the channel to weld the two pieces together.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for fabricating a driving and locking mechanism. The present invention provides a bearing device having a first end and a second end, where the first end has a curvilinear shape. The present invention also provides a strip of metal material with a predetermined length, conforming the strip of metal material to the curvilinear shape of the first end and attaching the strip of metal material to the first end.

Abstract: An MLS cylinder head gasket includes a relatively thick intermediate layer having resilient sealing beads flanked by stopper beads. The stopper beads limit compression of the sealing beads, which surround combustion cylinder bore apertures. The three-layer gasket, particularly designed for heavy duty racing engines, provides a relatively robust cross-section in web-areas between cylinder bore apertures. A thin bottom layer includes wrap-around flanged portions extending about cylinder bore edges of the intermediate layer to partially overlap cylinder bore aperture areas of that layer. A thin top layer overlies the intermediate layer, as well as the overlapping portions of the bottom layer. In one described embodiment, the overlapping portions are limited to cylinder bore edges between cylinder bores. As a between-engine-overhaul indication of engine health, the top gasket layer is adapted via plastic deformation to form a permanent indentation in an aluminum cylinder head to signal excessive engine operation.

Abstract: A bolt retainer mechanism in one layer of a multiple-layered steel (MLS) gasket, includes an aperture defining a radially inwardly extending tabs. In one embodiment, each tab is formed to define an inverted U-shaped tang positioned adjacent to, and in symmetrical registration with though axially spaced from, an associated mated aperture formed in a second layer of at least a two-layer gasket. Collectively, the plurality of tangs defines a circumscribed diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the associated mated aperture, to assure retention of a bolt supported through the mated apertures for pre-assembly shipment. Preferably, the tangs in association with each of the mated apertures are formed of a spring metal adapted to provide radially inwardly directed forces against threaded shanks of associated bolts. To enhance effectiveness of bolt retention, the bolt-contacting portion of each U-shaped tab has an axial length greater than the axial thickness of the apertures.

Abstract: A method of verifying the integrity of a valve in service in a tire pressure management system is disclosed. The method of verifying valve integrity of a valve interposed between a tire and conduit assemblies for conducting fluid to and/or from the tire in a tire maintenance system includes closing the valve for prohibiting fluid flow into the conduit assemblies in fluid communication with the valve and monitoring the pressure of fluid in the conduit assemblies in fluid communication with the valve for ascertaining a pressure increase therein.

Abstract: A method of securing a metal component to a body having a metal wall includes placing the component against the body such that a wall of the component is in external surface contact with the wall of the body. An opening is then thermal drilled through the abutting walls causing thermal flow of material on opposite sides of the abutting walls that, when hardened, joins the component to the body.

Abstract: An improved inter-axle differential is provided that eliminates the need for a differential case to retain the differential gears. A thrust washer and a retaining ring are disposed on each arm of a differential spider to retain a corresponding differential gear. The combination of the thrust washer and the retaining ring reduces the complexity and the weight of conventional inter-axle differential assemblies and enables improved splash lubrication of the differential.

Abstract: A manifold anti-rotation system for engines includes a manifold having an end for interfacing with a manifold interface portion of an engine cylinder head, and a mounting collar. The manifold includes a protrusion extending from a periphery of the manifold end. The mounting collar comprises a collar body having a central aperture defined by an aperture wall wherein the aperture receives the manifold end therein. The mounting collar further includes a projection extending from a top surface thereof. The manifold protrusion and the collar projection are positioned to abut one another to prevent the manifold from rotating with respect to the mounting collar beyond the manifold protrusion.

Abstract: An apparatus for clutch braking in a multi-speed transmission comprising a prime mover, a transmission system, an output shaft and a torque converter. The transmission comprises a first stage and a second stage wherein the first stage comprises at least two range clutches and the second stage comprises at least two direction clutches. The range and direction clutches are slipped, locked and/or engaged to brake the system.

Abstract: A plain bearing is described, the bearing being fitted, in use, in an associated bearing housing, the bearing back in contact with said housing is substantially coextensive with the housing in the axial direction wherein the running surface of the bearing is relieved in both the axial and radial directions so as to reduce the contact bearing surface area with an associated shaft journal, in use.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the fluid pressure of, with a sensor of a tire pressure management system disposed without, a tire that prevents overinflation of same. The method of monitoring a fluid pressure of a tire with a sensor, disposed in conduit assemblies for conducting fluid to or from the tire, of a tire pressure management system includes providing a pulse of compressed fluid to the conduit assemblies, unless a counter exceeds a count, the fluid in the conduit assemblies thereafter having a conduit pressure. The pulse has a duration that corresponds to a ratio defined by a first predetermined amount divided by a second predetermined amount.