Abstract: A shift assembly for a transfer cases, manual and semi-automatic transmissions comprises a drive motor having a worm gear output which engages and drives a gear having an eccentric drive pin disposed parallel to and offset from the axis of a rotation of the gear. The drive pin engages a slot in a shift fork which extends normal to the axis of movement of the shift fork and associated speed change or gear shift mechanism. The shift fork is disposed upon and supported by a shift rail. Uni-directional or bi-directional rotation of the drive motor rotates the gear and sequentially moves the eccentric pin, shift fork and shift mechanism between first and second terminal positions and, typically, a center or intermediate, neutral position.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment compound ball ramp clutch assembly for motor vehicle drive line components includes a force amplifying assembly having two ball ramp operators arranged in tandem. The clutch assembly includes a first ball ramp operator having opposed cam plates with load transferring balls, an electromagnetic coil, a rotor and an armature. When energized, the coil creates drag which causes separation of the plates of the first ball ramp operator which compresses a primary (pilot) clutch pack disposed in mechanical parallel with the cam plates and load transferring balls of a second ball ramp operator. A speed difference and drag across the second ball ramp operator compresses a secondary (main) clutch pack. Significantly increased torque carrying capacity is exhibited by such a compound or a tandem ball ramp clutch assembly.

Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch assembly having a ball ramp operator provides enhanced torque throughput capability. The electromagnetic clutch assembly includes a primary or pilot friction clutch pack and a secondary or main friction clutch pack. A ball ramp operator which is actuated by the primary or pilot friction clutch pack includes a plastic washer or annulus adjacent one of the operator members. The plastic washer provides feedback which enhances the operation of the primary friction clutch pack, augments the compressive force applied to the secondary or main clutch pack and thus increases the torque throughput capability of the electromagnetic clutch assembly.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment compound ball ramp clutch assembly for motor vehicle drive line components includes a force amplifying assembly having two ball ramp operators arranged in tandem. The clutch assembly includes a first ball ramp operator having opposed cam plates with load transferring balls, an electromagnetic coil, a rotor and an armature. When energized, the coil creates drag which causes separation of the plates of the first ball ramp operator which compresses a primary (pilot) clutch pack disposed in mechanical parallel with the cam plates and load transferring balls of a second ball ramp operator. A speed difference and drag across the second ball ramp operator compresses a secondary (main) clutch pack. Significantly increased torque carrying capacity is exhibited by such a compound or a tandem ball ramp clutch assembly.

Abstract: A transfer case (10) having a drive shaft (12) on a bearing (18) to permit the drive shaft to be rotated with respect to the transfer case, the drive shaft having a free end portion (12a) which is adapted to drive an axle of a vehicle. The drive shaft passes through a sleeve (20), and bearings (22, 24) are provided to permit the sleeve to be rotated with respect to the transfer case. The sleeve has a sprocket (14) affixed to it, and the sprocket is caused to rotate by an endless chain (16). The sleeve is drivingly connected to the drive shaft by a universal joint (26), preferably a cardan joint, which is contained within an enlarged end portion (20a) of the sleeve. The sprocket is positioned between the universal joint and the free end portion of the drive shaft, to maximize the distance therebetween, and thereby minimize the included angle required of the universal joint.

Abstract: A conduit for transporting an oil and water mixture wherein the conduit has an inner surface is substantially hydrophilic and oleophobic. The surface is characterized by a water absorption capacity of greater than or equal to about 8% by weight, and by a contact angle with the oil of greater than or equal to about 120.degree.. The inner surface material may be a silica containing concrete composition or a polymeric coating composition. A conduit having such an inner surface is wetted by water so as to inhibit adhesion of oil to the conduit.

Abstract: A transmission shift control mechanism for facilitating forward upshifting or downshifting and at the same time reducing any tendency to shift accidentally into reverse. The shift end of the shift control cane is chamfered to provide flat surfaces transverse to the axes of the shift rails. These surfaces guide movement of the shift end into the appropriate shift rail gate.

Abstract: A design technique, method and apparatus for controlling the bypass gas stream pressure and varying the bypass ratio of a mixed flow gas turbine engine in order to achieve improved performance. The disclosed preferred embodiments each include a unique mixing device for combining the core and bypass gas streams which includes means for varying the area at which the bypass stream is injected into the core stream. The variable area mixing device permits the static pressures of the core and bypass streams to be balanced prior to mixing at widely varying bypass stream dynamic pressure levels.

Abstract: Self-energizing anti-rattle apparatus particularly adapted for eliminating gear rattle encountered in modern manual transmissions is characterized by the provision of a device which is activated for imposing a drag on the first ratio output gear when the transmission either is in neutral with the clutch engaged or is in reverse. The device includes a lost motion mechanism to prevent imposition of the drag while the first ratio output gear is being engaged, thereby eliminating any tendency to bind during engagement.

Abstract: An electron gun system is described for generating a high current collimated beam of electrons for use in a shaped beam cathode ray tube system. The electron gun includes a cathode having an electron emitting surface for generating free electrons, a collimating grid axially spaced from the cathode and having a central aperture, and a control grid axially spaced from the collimating grid and having a central aperture axially aligned with the aperture of the collimating grid. The control grid receives a varying potential for establishing an electric field which is substantially axial over at least a central portion of the electron beam so as to collimate the beam axially.