Abstract: Disclosed herein are several examples of a transmission lube transfer hub and a method for modifying a transmission to overcome premature failure problems. The modification in one example includes significant modification to a lube transfer hub and replacement of a bearing assembly with a bearing assembly having a larger outer diameter. Modification may also include modification to the transmission casing by plugging of one or more clutch feed passages and drilling of cutoff passages past the plug. Modification may also be made to a ring gear hub and/or clutch hub to allow for a bearing assembly having a larger width.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for utilizing content from an item description source to enhance item quality information. In one exemplary embodiment, the information is pulled from an item advertisement in order to add value to an item quality report advertisement. In one variant, content from the item advertisement is utilized in an advertisement for an item quality information report. Providing this descriptive content pulled from the advertisement creates a connection for the customer between the item of interest and the item quality report. The descriptive information from the item advertisement may also be utilized to add value to the reports by incorporation therein as well. Providing the item description into an advertisement for an item quality report enables, among other things, the customer to validate that the description listed in the advertisement matches the description provided for that item from trusted item quality sources.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for generating and utilizing sales leads and related information. In one embodiment, an item information collection (IIC) server communicates with a plurality of client devices via a web server and/or an SMS server. The IIC server services requests for information regarding subject vehicles by forwarding information in the request to vehicle information sources. The resulting information is compiled and formatted for provision to the customer. The IIC server provides portions of the information to advertisers and related product/service providers according to one or more business rules. An operator of the IIC server may charge a premium to the advertisers and related product/service providers for the ability to present information and advertisements to the customer. Where the information includes customer contact information, the advertiser may optionally contact the customer directly. Business methods and rules for lead generation and utilization are also disclosed.

Abstract: A deoxygenator includes a plurality of permeable membranes spirally wound about an exhaust tube for removing dissolved oxygen from a hydrocarbon fuel. The permeable membrane is spirally wrapped about the exhaust tube and defines fuel passages and exhaust passages. The fuel passages and exhaust passages alternate such that each fuel passage is bounded on each adjacent side by an exhaust passage. An oxygen partial pressure differential is generated across the permeable membrane to draw dissolved oxygen from fuel in the fuel passage. The dissolved oxygen is then communicated through openings about the circumference of the exhaust tube and out the deoxygenator.

Abstract: A beverage bottle label that includes a first panel manufactured from a first stock material that has a first side displaying a first group of product information and a second side displaying a second group of product information that is different from the first group of product information. The beverage bottle label further includes a second panel manufactured from a second stock material that is different from the first stock material and includes a first side displaying the first group of product information. The first panel and the second panel are releasably secured using a dry-peel adhesive, and the second panel accepts an adhesive adapted to secure the second panel to a product.