Abstract: A center bearing assembly for use in a motor vehicle. The center bearing assembly includes a cushion portion having an axially extending bearing aperture therein having a size and shape to receive and/or retain at least a portion of a bearing assembly therein. The cushion portion of the center bearing assembly has one or more first retention portions that are selectively engagable with one or more second retention portions of a bracket portion. When the one or more first retention portions of the cushion portion are engaged with the one or more second retention portions of the bracket portion, the cushion portion is prevented from being rotated relative to the bracket portion.

Abstract: A center bearing assembly for use in a motor vehicle. The center bearing assembly includes a cushion portion having an axially extending bearing aperture therein having a size and shape to receive and/or retain at least a portion of a bearing assembly therein. The cushion portion of the center bearing assembly has one or more first retention portions that are selectively engagable with one or more second retention portions of a bracket portion. When the one or more first retention portions of the cushion portion are engaged with the one or more second retention portions of the bracket portion, the cushion portion is prevented from being rotated relative to the bracket portion.

Abstract: A portable streaming media device connects to a wireless network, connects to a media stream (e.g., an audio stream or video stream) associated with a streaming media channel identified by channel information stored in memory, and processes the media stream for playback. The device can interpret input events based on the current input mode. In a playback control input mode, the device adjusts a playback parameter (e.g., playback volume) responsive to input that corresponds a hardware button being pressed. In a channel-selection input mode, the device connects to a new media stream responsive to input that corresponds one or more hardware buttons being pressed. A power-up event can be initiated by connection of an output device (e.g., earphones) to the portable streaming media device.

Abstract: A center bearing assembly for rotatably supporting a shaft at varying angles relative to a support surface includes a bearing and a bearing support member that supports the bearing. The bearing support member has a curved outer surface. A bracket is provided for supporting the bearing support member. The bracket has a curved inner surface that cooperates with the curved outer surface of the bearing support member to allow the bearing support member to move relative to the bracket.

Abstract: A tandem axle assembly capable of accommodating variations in driveline length is provided. The tandem axle assembly includes forward and rear axle assemblies each having a wheel differential with the forward axle assembly further including an inter-axle differential for dividing power between the two wheel differentials. A male-female slip connection is formed between two members at one or more of the following intersections: the connection between a power input shaft driving the inter-axle differential and a power transmission shaft for transferring power from a vehicle driveshaft to the power input shaft; the connection between an output shaft driven by the inter-axle differential and an output yoke of an intermediate drive shaft assembly extending between the forward and rear axle assemblies; and the connection between an input yoke of the intermediate drive shaft assembly and a pinion shaft in the rear axle assembly drivingly coupled to the rear wheel differential.

Abstract: A tandem axle assembly capable of accommodating variations in driveline length is provided. The tandem axle assembly includes forward and rear axle assemblies each having a wheel differential with the forward axle assembly further including an inter-axle differential for dividing power between the two wheel differentials. A male-female slip connection is formed between two members at one or more of the following intersections: the connection between a power input shaft driving the inter-axle differential and a power transmission shaft for transferring power from a vehicle driveshaft to the power input shaft; the connection between an output shaft driven by the inter-axle differential and an output yoke of an intermediate drive shaft assembly extending between the forward and rear axle assemblies; and the connection between an input yoke of the intermediate drive shaft assembly and a pinion shaft in the rear axle assembly drivingly coupled to the rear wheel differential.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a compound transmission automatically prevents a manually selected shift of the auxiliary section from occurring unless the vehicle speed is within a predetermined maximum limit or range. A shift controller initially determines if a request for a shift operation in the auxiliary section has been made by the operator of the vehicle. This determination may be inferred from a change in the position of a manually operable switch. If a shift request has been made, the shift controller determines if the main section of the transmission is in the neutral gear ratio. If the main section of the transmission is not in the neutral gear ratio, then the shift controller takes no further action. When the shift controller determines that the main section of the transmission is in the neutral gear ratio, then it determines if the speed of the vehicle is within a predetermined limit or range to enable shifting of the auxiliary section in a safe and efficient manner.

Abstract: A combined neutral sensing and shift lever interlock assembly senses when all of the shift rails of a transmission are in a neutral gear ratio and prevents more than one shift rail from being shifted out of a neutral position at any given time. The transmission includes a shift lever having a lower end that extends through an interlock bracket into selective engagement with the shift rails. The lower end of the shift lever has a sensor provided thereon, while the interlock bracket has a target provided thereon. The target is disposed adjacent to the sensor whenever the lower end of the shift lever is located in a central neutral position (indicating that all of the shift rails are also positioned in their central neutral positions). When this occurs, the sensor causes a neutral relay to be closed, thereby enabling the starter circuit of the vehicle to start the vehicle engine.

Abstract: An improved system for lubricating the gears and bearings in a vehicle transmission is provided including an improved gerotor pump mounted on the interior of the transmission housing. The gerotor pump includes an inner pump element and an outer pump element. One end of the outer element is provided with a radially inwardly extending portion which extends over the end of the inner element. This end of the outer element also includes a radially outwardly extending toothed portion which meshes with and is driven by one of the countershaft gears of the transmission. The inner and outer elements are both piloted on a flanged nut and pilot pin assembly which is secured to an interior wall of the transmission housing by a threaded stud. The gerotor pump of the invention thus eliminates the need for a pump housing and permits the use of a higher displacement set of gerotor elements in a given amount of space.

Abstract: A lubricant distribution system for a vehicle transmission includes an internal fluid pump which draws lubricant from a sump defined in the transmission housing through an intake tube and a first channel formed in an interior wall of the housing. The lubricant is delivered from the pump through a second channel formed in the interior wall to a first port formed in an outer wall of the housing. A third channel is also formed in the interior wall, extending from a second port formed in the outer wall to an internal passageway formed within the interior wall. The ports may be used to circulate lubricant from the transmission to one or more external devices for conditioning the lubricant. Alternatively, a cover plate secured to the housing may provide direct communication between the two ports. A bypass channel may be formed in the interior wall between the second channel and the third channel.

Abstract: A shifter assembly for a manual transmission includes a yoke mounted within a shift tower for pivotable movement about a shifting axis. A shift lever is mounted within the yoke for pivotable movement about a selecting axis located above and perpendicular to the shifting axis. The lower end of the shift lever extends into cooperation with conventional shift rails disposed within the transmission. By locating the shifting axis relatively close to the shift rails, a mechanical advantage is provided when moving the shift lever about the shifting axis. Since the selecting axis is located farther away from the shift rails than the shifting axis, the lower end of the shift lever travels farther when the upper end of the shift lever is moved a predetermined distance about the selecting axis than when the upper end of the shift lever is moved about the shifting axis.

Abstract: A hill holder device for a vehicle manual transmission includes a releasable one-way clutch which is coupled to the countershaft of the transmission. In particular, the one-way clutch includes a sprag clutch having an inner race secured to the countershaft, and an outer race secured to the vehicle transmission case by means of a releasable locking mechanism. When the locking mechanism is in its locked position, the sprag clutch enables rotation of the countershaft in only one direction. Thus, if the transmission is in a forward gear and comes to a stop on an ascending grade, the hill holder will lock the vehicle drive train and prevent the vehicle from rolling back down the grade, without requiring the driver to apply the brakes. Similarly, if the vehicle is in a reverse gear and is stopped on a descending grade, the hill holder will prevent the vehicle from rolling in a forward direction down the grade.

Abstract: Metal values, such as Co, Ni, Cu and Fe, are recovered from magnet alloy grinding sludge by means of a process comprising: (1) treatment with an organic solvent to remove a major portion of sulfur and oil contaminants, (2) drying, grinding, sizing and magnetic separation to remove a major portion of grinding media contamination, (3) controlled oxidation-roasting to selectively remove residual sulfur and carbon, and (4) gaseous hydrogen reduction to deoxidize metal values.

Abstract: Pressureless consolidation of metallic powders is achieved by sintering, in a nonoxidizing atmosphere, a blend of the metallic powder with a small amount of finely divided lithium tetraborate.