Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method of using the apparatus having a rotatable clutch shaft, a clutch collar mounted for rotation with the shaft and a clutch yoke engaged with the clutch collar to move the collar along the shaft. A gear selection system and a clutch position system are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for locking a vehicle transmission where at least one directional clutch gear is located on one end of a shaft and a second directional clutch gear and a park flange are located at the other end of the shaft. A single clutch is selectively moved between the at least one directional clutch gear, the second directional clutch gear, the park flange and a neutral position between the two ends of the shaft. The transmission is locked when the single clutch is engaged with the park flange as the flange is secured to the transmission housing.

Abstract: A differential with an improved locking mechanism is provided. The differential includes first and second clutch members in the form of a differential case having a first set of teeth and a an axle shaft mounted clutch collar having a second set of teeth. A yoke urges the clutch into an out of engagement and is supported on a pivot shaft. The yoke is selectively urged in one direction by an actuator acting on a lever on the pivot shaft. The lever is coupled to the yoke by a spring. The yoke is urged in an opposite direction by one or more return springs mounted on the same pivot shaft. The compact nature of the locking mechanism and the balance of forces provided by the springs and actuator provide an inexpensive and reliable locking mechanism.

Abstract: A differential with an improved locking mechanism is provided. The differential includes first and second clutch members in the form of a differential case having a first set of teeth and a an axle shaft mounted clutch collar having a second set of teeth. A yoke urges the clutch into an out of engagement and is supported on a pivot shaft. The yoke is selectively urged in one direction by an actuator acting on a lever on the pivot shaft. The lever is coupled to the yoke by a spring. The yoke is urged in an opposite direction by one or more return springs mounted on the same pivot shaft. The compact nature of the locking mechanism and the balance of forces provided by the springs and actuator provide an inexpensive and reliable locking mechanism.

Abstract: A differential with an improved locking mechanism is provided. The differential includes first and second clutch members in the form of a differential case having a first set of teeth and a an axle shaft mounted clutch collar having a second set of teeth. A yoke urges the clutch into an out of engagement and is supported on a pivot shaft. The yoke is selectively urged in one direction by an actuator acting on a lever on the pivot shaft. The lever is coupled to the yoke by a spring. The yoke is urged in an opposite direction by one or more return springs mounted on the same pivot shaft. The compact nature of the locking mechanism and the balance of forces provided by the springs and actuator provide an inexpensive and reliable locking mechanism.

Abstract: A steerable drive axle for improved steering is provided. The steerable drive axle includes a drive shaft housing and at least one axle shaft. A portion of the axle shaft is rotatably supported by a bearing in the drive shaft housing. The drive shaft housing has an actuator recess disposed therein. The steerable drive axle further includes a wheel drive shaft supported by a wheel bearing assembly in a wheel bearing support. An angle drive assembly connects the axle shaft to the wheel drive shaft, and a pivot assembly pivotally attaches the drive shaft housing to the wheel bearing support. In addition, the steerable drive axle includes an actuator coupled between the drive shaft housing and the pivot assembly. A portion of the actuator is located within the actuator recess of the drive shaft housing when the pivot assembly is pivoted relative to the housing.

Abstract: A conduit for carrying a wire being pushed in a downstream direction comprises a duct having an internal flat bottom surface, and fingers spaced along the length of the duct and disposed above the bottom surface, each finger extending downstream and substantially across the width of the duct. The fingers are resiliently movable in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface of the duct when they are struck by the wire, and maintain the wire close to the bottom surface as the wire moves through the duct. The fingers allow the wire to be pushed at a high speed over long distances, and without the wire being twisted, jammed or damaged in the duct.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for feeding and accumulating ribbon material is disclosed. The apparatus includes a specific feed mechanism for promoting zig-zag loop folding of the ribbon. The apparatus also includes a reversing means for reorienting a pile of folded zig-zag ribbon material such that ribbon material is inclined backwardly to allow the ribbon to be removed from the top of the pile. Additionally disclosed are an optical array of level sensors for controlling the paper level in a stacking area and a second array for controlling the volume of paper ribbon in a storage area.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner dust bag that is constructed to substantially increase the filtering action of the bag and therefore is particularly adaptable for use in vacuum cleaners utilized in hospitals, nursing homes, and other health care facilities. The filter dust bag is constituted of two concentric sections or compartments with the space of one of the compartments having a dry filter mat material that effectively traps all dust and dirt particles down to minute particles of about 0.3 microns. The tube on the filter dust bag which connects to the discharge outlet of the vacuum cleaner is constructed of an air-impervious material, while the outer and inner layers of the filter are fabricated of air-pervious material of different elasticity.