Abstract: A tandem axle assembly is provided. The tandem axle assembly includes a forward axle assembly and a rear axle assembly and an intermediate drive shaft assembly extending between the two axle assemblies. The forward and rear axle assemblies both include a pinion gear rotating responsive to an inter-axle differential and a ring gear in mesh with the pinion gear. The forward pinion gear is offset from the forward ring gear by a first predetermine distance while the rear pinion gear is offset from the rear ring ear by a second predetermined distance. The second predetermined distance is greater than zero, but is less than the first predetermined distance. The variation in offsets enables both equal working angles in the intermediate drive shaft assembly and a reduction in those angles as compared to conventional tandem axle assemblies. Further, the variation in offset results in stronger and quieter gearing.

Abstract: The application describes a method of manufacturing a double-walled pipe structure, comprising the steps of providing a pair of inner flow pipe and an outer sleeve pipe around each thereof, providing an insulating material within each annular space therebetween, joining the two inner flow pipes in an end-to-end relationship with the outer sleeve pipes spaced apart, and sliding a cover section into place over the gap between the sleeve pipes, the cover section comprising a length of tube with a longitudinal split therealong, wherein prior to sliding, the cover section is opened by enlarging the split thereby to provide an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of the sleeve pipe, and after sliding the cover section is compressed such that its inner diameter is less than the outer diameter of the sleeve pipe.

Abstract: A tandem axle assembly is provided. The tandem axle assembly includes a forward axle assembly and a rear axle assembly and an intermediate drive shaft assembly extending between the two axle assemblies. The forward and rear axle assemblies both includes a pinion gear rotating responsive to an inter-axle differential and a ring gear in mesh with the pinion gear. The forward pinion gear is offset from the forward ring gear by a first predetermined distance while the rear pinion gear is offset from the rear ring gear by a second predetermined distance. The second predetermined distance is greater than zero, but is less than the first predetermined distance. The variation in offsets enables both equal working angles in the intermediate drive shaft assembly and a reduction in those angles as compared to conventional tandem axle assemblies. Further, the variation in offset results in stronger and quieter gearing.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic converter coupling member for a torque converter has a simplified structure that can include plastic materials and permit a reduction in components with simplified assembly processes which may result in lighter components and reduced assembly costs. For a turbine, the coupling is made with an outer shell and a plurality of channel inserts. The inserts form the curved channels or fluid passages of the turbine and include generally concentric curved inner and outer sides integrally connected to one another along one edge by a connecting wall that acts as a blade or vane. The inserts are secured in the outer shell with their outer sides against the outer shell. The inner sides are supported at both edges by the connecting walls, which are integral with one edge and include grooves for receiving the opposite free edges. Thus, the inner sides close the channels inwardly and avoid the need for a separate inner shell in the improved assembly.

Abstract: A commutator-type data store (102) is serially connected to a variable length shift register (104). Data is first written in the commutator store at the incoming varying line rate. A predetermined time later, the stored bits are read out from the commutator-type store and stored in the shift register at a given rate. Finally, the shift register data is read out at a constant predetermined rate. The length of the shift register is controlled by a counter (110). The phase relationship between the commutator write and read cycles is monitored by logic circuitry (501, 502, 503, 504, 505, 506) within the control unit (106). If this phase relationship has increased by a preselected amount, the commutator readout rate is increased along with the length of the shift register. Alternatively, if the phase relationship has decreased by a preselected amount, the commutator store readout rate is decreased along with a decrease of the shift register length.