Abstract: A method to test for fatigue in a test sample is disclosed. The method includes providing a specimen as the test sample. The specimen has a shoulder portion, a tubular sidewall that defines a bore, and an undercut wall segment. The sidewall includes a first thickness, which is greater than a second thickness of undercut wall segment. The method further includes providing a fixture that includes an insert and a clamp to retain the specimen, positioning the bore of the specimen substantially about the insert, and retaining the shoulder portion of the specimen by use of the clamp. Next, the method includes generating a cyclic loading within the bore by hydraulic pulsation between a first predetermined pressure and a second predetermined pressure, at a predetermined frequency. The test is carried through by maintaining and recording the cyclic loading until the specimen fails by fracture of the undercut wall segment.

Abstract: A compression release brake system 10 includes a hydraulic apparatus 12 for controllably opening at least one exhaust valve 14 of at least one cylinder 16 of an engine in response to motion of a cam actuator 12. The system 10 includes a master piston assembly 40 having a master piston 42 engageable with the cam actuator 12. The master piston 42 includes a compressible piston pin 56. A slave piston assembly 44 is hydraulically linked to the master piston assembly 40 and includes a slave piston 46 engageable with the at least one exhaust valve 14.

Abstract: An apparatus for aligning a bearing member with an actuator. The apparatus includes an actuator having a substantially cylindrical shape and disposed about an axis, a substantially spherical end on the actuator, a bearing member having a substantially spherical opening for housing the spherical end, the spherical end and the spherical opening being configured such that the bearing member is held in swiveling contact by the spherical end, a spring retainer located on the actuator a desired distance from the spherical end, and a spring located about the actuator from the spring retainer to the bearing member such that a spring force is placed on the bearing member to maintain alignment of the bearing member with the axis.

Abstract: A new electrical plug with retractible blade cover member for preventing objects from coming in contact with the electrical blades. The inventive device includes a casing with a pair of blade members that extend through the casing. A portion of each of the blade members protrudes outwardly from the inner portion of the front of the casing. The front of the casing has a generally annular cover receiving channel. The channel extends from the front of the casing towards the back of the casing. A blade cover member that substantially covers the blade members is slidably inserted in the cover receiving channel. An outlet contacting portion of the blade cover member has a pair of spaced apart openings through which the blade members extend.