Abstract: Method and apparatus for improved Internet searching. A user defines their search objective using topic trees. The user is provided a set of tools that allow for the creation and modification of these topic trees and storage for later use. From the topic tree, a user can select a single item, a collection of items or the entire topic tree to collect upon. Results from the selected search engines are returned, stored and displayed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for improved Internet searching. A user defines their search objective using topic trees. The user is provided a set of tools that allow for the creation and modification of these topic trees and storage for later use. From the topic tree, a user can select a single item, a collection of items or the entire topic tree to collect upon. Results from the selected search engines are returned, stored and displayed.

Abstract: A dynamometer provides an apparatus and method for testing a torque converter without requiring that an automotive transmission be attached. The dynamometer includes a prime mover mounted on a frame for driving the torque converter. A dynamic loading device with an eddy current brake is movably mounted on the frame. An adapter extends between the loading device and the torque converter and has passages for routing hydraulic fluid to and from the torque converter. Sensors connected to a computer monitor pressures, temperatures and fluid flow.

Abstract: A method of reducing metallic debris in a multi-component metallic housing for a fluid comprises the initial step of providing a first metallic component that includes a portion with a circular cross section and defines part of a fluid cavity when mated to a second component. A set of threads are machined on the circular portion and includes full threads separated by a beginning partial thread and an ending partial thread. Next, a substantial portion of at least one of the beginning partial thread or the ending partial thread is removed. The removal step could be performed either before or after the threads are actually cut into the first metallic component. The present invention finds one potential application in the manufacture of fuel injector components.

Abstract: A dynamometer, which provides an apparatus and method for testing a torque converter without requiring that an automotive transmission be attached, includes a unique adapter assembly and hydraulic circuit connected to the torque converter.

Abstract: A system for cleaning oil containing vehicular components with heated cleaning liquid comprising a washing unit having at least one spray nozzle for directing the cleaning liquid to the vehicular component. The system of the present invention also includes a reservoir for the cleaning liquid as well as a pump for supplying cleaning fluid to the liquid spray nozzle or nozzles. A heater in the form of a oil fired burner is utilized to pass heated exhaust gases through a heat exchange conduit which extends into the reservoir to impart heat to the cleaning liquid in the reservoir. The cooled exhaust gases are then exhausted through a stack. Oil is gathered from the vehicular component placed in a container which empties into a conduit to feed the oil fired burner to produce the hot exhaust gases.

Abstract: A system for adapting a particular sprag unit to an existing stator of a torque converter having a ring-shaped body with an inner surface and a driving member. The system includes an annular retainer possessing an outer surface which fits along the inner surface of the stator. The retainer further includes an inner surface which slidingly engages a particular sprag unit having a plurality of sprags. The outer surface of the annular retainer is connected to the inner surface of the stator to prevent relative movement between these two elements. The sprag unit also contacts the surface of an inner race which possesses a central opening for meshing with a driving member may include a race having an outer surface which also engages the sprags of the clutch.

Abstract: An alignment mechanism for replacement of a hub to a torque converter in order to weld the same utilizing a rotatable base member. A vice is employed and is supported by the base member. The vice has a plurality of jaws each including a multiplicity of flat surfaces. A particular flat surface of one particular jaw is co-planar with a flat surface of another jaw such that a torque converter impeller placed on the vice jaws would lie a plane. A shaft extends outwardly from the base member and lies on an axis that is perpendicular to any of the jaw flat surfaces or the planes formed by such flat surfaces. The shaft also passes through the hub and the torque converter impeller. The hub is held to the torque converter impeller when the welding process takes place.

Abstract: Hard thread milling methods and equipment provide more precise alignment for a threadably retained component A fuel injector body with a cavity for a solenoid valve is processed by steps including heat treatment before milling threads and also milling a planar seal face to which the threads are located in precise perpendicularly so a high pressure fuel line can be reliably sealed.

Abstract: A testing mechanism for detecting fluid leaks in a torque converter utilizing a seal which closes a passage through the torque converter hub to the interior of the housing of the torque converter. Fluid is then charged into the torque converter and maintained at a certain pressure. The torque converter is then immersed in a liquid found in a container to permit the observation of the escape of fluid from the torque converter.

Abstract: An orthopaedic bone plate is coupled to a bone having an enlarged head at one end thereof which is attached to a shaft. The bone plate includes an elongate portion, a flared portion and an intermediate portion. The elongate portion is attachable to the bone shaft using a plurality of bone screws. The elongate portion generally defines a longitudinal axis. The flared portion is attachable to the bone head using at least one bone screw. The intermediate portion interconnects the elongate portion and the flared portion. The intermediate portion is structured and arranged to allow the elongate portion and the flared portion to move relative to each other in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis when the elongate portion and the flared portion are attached to the bone.

Abstract: An overrunning clutch for a torque converter utilizing a housing having an endless inner surface. A plurality of ratchet teeth are located on the endless inner surface of the housing such that each of the ratchet teeth possess a contact surface. A retainer having an endless outer surface fits within the inner surface of the housing. A series of recesses on the endless outer surface of the retainer hold or confine a plurality of spring actuated sprags. Each of the sprags extends from the recesses to bears on the contact surface of a ratchet tooth on the endless inner surface of the housing. Such contact takes place upon the rotation of the housing relative to the retainer.

Abstract: The adaptor for locking the internal components of a torque converter including a mandrel or pin having first and second end portions. The first end portion of the mandrel extends into a torque converter opening to engage the internal components of the torque converter. A collet of the torque converter circumscribes the mandrel during this extension. An intermediate element having a hollow end portion is capable of fitting over the collet and the second end portion of the mandrel. An intermediate element is fastened or fixed to the mandrel which may be interchangeable, dependant upon the particular torque converter being stabilized. A bushing is interposed the intermediate element and the collet and maintained in this position such that the open hollow end portion of the intermediate element, the bushing, and the collet are sandwiched together.

Abstract: A precision alignment apparatus that automatically welds together the parts of a cut-apart torque converter. A precision cast and machined frame is provided onto which are mounted a spindle assembly, a double-end air cylinder and a turntable which are aligned within a close tolerance along a longitudinal axis. The spindle assembly grabs and aligns the upper half of the torque converter. The double-end air cylinder moves the spindle assembly along the longitudinal axis and provides for the longitudinal alignment of the torque converter parts. The turntable supports and aligns the lower torque converter half. The apparatus provides for automatic welding of the first part to the second part while alignment is maintained by the spindle assembly and the turntable. During welding the turntable and the spindle assembly rotate about the longitudinal axis to move the torque converter past the stationary welding device.

Abstract: A mechanism for heat bonding a mastic coated opened band to a heat conductive hub which utilizes a mandrel sized to fit within the hub. The mandrel itself is formed of heat conductive material and includes cavities for carrying heating elements. The hub is mounted on a mandrel while the mastic coated band is held tightly to the external surface of the hub. Heating elements transfer heat to the mastic on the bands and permit the same to be fixed to the hub when cooled.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for attaching replacement frictional lining material to a face of a lock-up piston for a torque converter of an automatic transmission. A housing encloses a pair of pressure plates which are electrically heated to automatically-controlled temperatures. A cylinder-and-piston assembly carries one of the pressure plates between an open position permitting a lock-up piston and a replacement friction lining material to be placed atop the other pressure plate. Closure of the door of the housing initiates an automatic cycle of application of pressure for a predetermined amount of time during which the heated pressure plates activate an adhesive material. An automatic timing device is adjustable to control the duration of application of pressure through operation of an electrically-controlled air valve.

Abstract: An automatic welding turntable for welding together the cut-apart halves of a reconditioned torque converter is tilted to cause the bead of weld to fill the crack between the halves of the torque converter. A motor rotates the torque converter in a first direction while wire is fed to the stinger of a wire-fed arc welder. A sensor and a control circuit cause the torque converter to rotate 360.degree. plus a predetermined increment, stop welding, counter-rotate the predetermined increments, and shut down so that the turntable is set up to complete the next weld of 360.degree. plus the predetermined increment.

Abstract: A test stand for pressure testing rebuilt torque converters includes a retainer frame assembly for supportably receiving the torque converter and a plug assembly for sealing and pressurizing the interior of the torque converter. The retainer frame assembly includes a cup for receiving the pilot hub of the torque converter and a locking bar with safety latches for retaining the plug assembly in the central aperture of the torque converter when the interior of the torque converter is pressurized. The retainer frame assembly is mounted on a vertical support stand and can pivot 90 degrees with respect to the support stand to change the central axis of the torque converter from vertical to horizontal. The retainer frame assembly is also capable of rotating 360 degrees with respect to the support stand. The torque converter may be installed in the retainer frame assembly when the retainer frame is oriented with the cup facing upwardly so that the retainer frame assembly supports the torque converter.

Abstract: A support assembly for a control lever on a cycle handle bar which includes a mounting releasably locked in place by a spring-biased indent-detent mechanism. The mounting is releasable with a jarring force exerted on it to permit displacement circumferentially and axially on the bar. The assembly also includes a sleeve encircling and securable to the bar and a collar integral with the sleeve to prohibit axial movement of the mounting in one direction. A base portion in the mounting encircles the sleeve and a post used in mounting a control lever, projects laterally from the base portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a wound strand package (20) comprise advancing a strand (14) to a rotating collet (22), reciprocating strand (14) in the direction of the axis of rotation (23) of the collet (22) by the action of strand oscillator (26) rotating at a first speed to lay the strand (14) onto the collet (22) in a helical pattern. reciprocating the strand oscillator (26) to lay the strand (14) onto the collet (22) in courses and rotating the strand oscillator (26) at a second speed less than the first speed during the winding of the first course of the strand (14).