Abstract: A hydraulically controlled fan drive system (12) having a method of engagement includes a housing assembly (20) containing a hydraulic fluid (48) and an engaging circuit (36). The engaging circuit (36) includes a pitot tube (152) coupled within the housing assembly (20) that receives at least a portion of the hydraulic fluid (48). An engaging circuit (36) engages the housing assembly (20) to a fan shaft (44) in response to supply of the hydraulic fluid (48) from the pitot tube (152).

Abstract: A processing system includes one or more computers having a plurality of software modules that are connected to the Internet for remote access by an insurance companies and glass repair shops alike. The processing system manages the storage and retrieval of insurance claim information for the repair of automotive glass. Claim information is entered into the processing system whereby insurance claims are automatically processed for approval or disapproval of the repair based upon the information stored in the processing system. The processing system analyzes claim data against policy information and the current NAGS pricing specification. Work orders are automatically dispatched to the glass repair shop.

Abstract: A magnetorheological fan coupling (10) having a fan-drive subassembly (12), an electromagnet subassembly (14), and a magnetic medium (16). The fan-drive subassembly (12) includes an output member (22) and an input member (20) rotatably mounted around the output member (22) with the magnetic medium (16) therebetween. The magnetic medium (16) has a shear stress that can be adjusted by a magnetic flux (24) for transferring torque between the input member (20) and the output member (22). The electromagnet subassembly (14) includes a stationary electromagnet coil (62) for adjusting the shear stress of the magnetic medium (16) and regulating a torque transferred between the input member (20) and the output member (22).

Abstract: A magnetorheological fan coupling (10) having an inverted construction with an input member (18) rotatably mounted to an output member (20). The input member (18) defines a fluid chamber (50) with the output member (20) rotating therein and a magnetic medium (52) between the output member (20) and the input member (18). The coupling (10) further includes an electromagnet subassembly (14) actuated by a controller (82) for adjusting the shear stress of the magnetic medium (52) and regulating the amount of torque transferred from the input member (18) to the output member (20).

Abstract: A method for communicating information to a caller on a telephone network is herein proposed. The method includes the steps of (a) generating a signal suitable for producing an audible dial tone, (b) transmitting the signal to the receiver of a telephone set, when the caller initially takes the receiver off-hook, to thereby produce the audible dial tone, and (c) superimposing an audible information message over the audible dial tone while the audible dial tone is produced. The audible information message may, for example, be a branding-type message that identifies a provider of local telephone service to a caller. The audible information message may be superimposed over the audible dial tone in a whisper-like or low-decibel manner to avoid interfering with modems that operate on a “wait for dial tone” (WFDT) basis.

Abstract: A hydraulically controlled fan drive system (12) having a method of engagement includes a housing assembly (20) containing a hydraulic fluid (48) and an engaging circuit (36). The engaging circuit (36) includes a pitot tube (152) coupled within the housing assembly (20) that receives at least a portion of the hydraulic fluid (48). An engaging circuit (36) engages the housing assembly (20) to a fan shaft (44) in response to supply of the hydraulic fluid (48) from the pitot tube (152).

Abstract: The present invention discloses a wrapping apparatus for wrapping a load of material comprising a traversing endless loop track, a wrapping medium dispensing shuttle able to navigate about the entire length of the track, and a plurality of individual retractable support stands aligned to form a retractable support table. The track is oriented to encircle the load of material while traversing the length of the load. The support stands are able to be individually biased between a raised and lowered position such that a gap between the support stand and the load is created allowing passage of the track therethrough. In operation, runner members are placed on the support stands and a load of material is placed atop the runners. The track is traversed along the length of the load and the shuttle is made to travel about the circumference of the track while dispensing wrapping medium therefrom onto the surface of the load of material.