Abstract: Apparatus (19) for sensing forces (29) such as in a power transmission apparatus (10) and magnifying the sensed forces suitably to provide an output (28) such as for use in controlling associated equipment (12, 18) to limit the forces. The sensing apparatus (19) includes a flexible beam (30) having a first portion (34) which is fixedly retained as to a fixed portion (23, 24) of the wall member defining the deflectible portion (22). Beam (30) further includes a second portion (33) which is connected to a deflectible wall portion (22) of the wall member (21) which is deflected as a function of force transmission through the apparatus. The flexible beam (30) is provided with a distal arm (31) which is swung by the deflection of the beam to provide an output signal (28) at the distal end (32) of the arm so as to provide a preselected magnification of the deflection of the deflectible wall portion (22). A stabilizer (57 ) is provided for stabilizing movement of the arm (31) by the deflectible beam (30).

Abstract: A control (51, 151) for automatically effecting a lock-out of an interaxle differential (14) of a wheeled vehicle (10). The control is arranged to sense a deflection of one of the axles (22) of the wheeled vehicle utilizing a springy beam (24, 124) mounting for transmitting a sensible signal through interconnecting structure (36, 136, 38, 50) from the deflectable beam to the lock-out lever (37) of the interaxle differential (14). In one form, the beam is made to be springy by being provided with a tapered end portion (32) connected through the linkage (36) and in another form, the beam connection to the linkage (136) is through a leaf spring (152). A stop (155) may be provided for limiting the deflection of the axle being sensed.

Abstract: A drive assembly and method of forming the same wherein indexed and coworking gears are provided having improved accurate meshed engagement. The drive assembly includes a first conjugate pair of indexed coworking gears and a second conjugate pair of indexed coworking gears adapted to have meshing engagement with the first pair. The first pair defines an assembly wherein the gears are fixedly coaxially secured and the second pair defines an assembly wherein the gears are initially loosely secured with one of the gears being disposed in meshed relationship to one of the gears of the first assembly. The second gear assembly is then moved relative to the first gear assembly so as to cause the other gear thereof to find accurate meshed association with the other gear of the first assembly whereupon the gears of the second assembly are firmly secured to have maintained accurate meshed association with both gears of the first gear assembly.