Abstract: A cushioning conversion system (10) and method wherein a stock roll storage rack (14) is used to support at least one and preferably a plurality of stock rolls (21) at the same level as the stock roll holder (19) of a cushioning conversion machine (12). The stock roll storage rack (14), which stores the stock rolls (21) in a substantially horizontal array, enables an operator to easily load the machine (12) without having to lift a stock roll (21) to the height of the stock roll holder (19). Also, plural stock roll storage racks (14) can be used interchangeably, whereby one can be loaded with stock rolls (21) by an attendant while the other is used to load stock rolls (21) onto the cushioning conversion machine (12). The stock roll storage rack (14) includes a stand (70) and a stock roll storage shelf (72) vertically adjustable on the stand (70) to match the height of the storage shelf (72) to the height of a stock roll holder (19) on the conversion machine (12).

Abstract: A conventional full wave diode bridge of an alternator is replaced with a full wave controlled rectifier bridge having controlled switches in place of diodes and the rectifier bridge is controlled in response to a third harmonic of the voltage generated by the alternator to synchronize the rectifier bridge with the alternator and to increase output power from the alternator. The alternator includes a rotor having a field winding receiving a field current which is controlled up to a maximum field current for partial control of the output power produced by the alternator. Power produced by the alternator is also controlled by introducing a phase angle between the phase voltages at the three output connections of the stator winding and the third harmonic up to a maximum or optimum phase angle. To increase power output from the alternator, preferably the field current is increased up to a maximum before any phase angle is introduced between the phase voltages and the third harmonic.

Abstract: A conventional full wave diode bridge of an alternator is replaced with a full wave controlled rectifier bridge having controlled switches in place of diodes. Phase control is performed by the switches of the controlled rectifier bridge to preempt natural commutation and shift the phase of the alternator phase voltages relative to the phase currents. The phase angle control disrupts the normal unity power factor operation of the alternator and causes additional reactive current flow in a three phase stator winding of the alternator to source the controlled rectifier bridge. The result is that for the same operating conditions the controlled switches of the controlled rectifier bridge boost output from the alternator by from 40% to 60%.

Abstract: A clutch and brake friction assembly for a heavy duty vehicle is provided which includes a metal shoe having an exterior backing surface. The surface is provided with a multitude of burr-like protuberances arranged in a predetermined pattern throughout the surface. Molded to the backing surface and mechanically interlocking with the burr-like protuberances thereof is a lamina of friction material.

Abstract: Positive retention of a power train coupling in either a coupled or decoupled position is achieved in a structure including first and second power train elements 12 and 14 mounted for movement relative to each other between a coupled power transmitting position and a decoupled non-transmitting position by the provision of a pair of fluid operated latches 34 and 36 engageable with a double acting piston 28 and cylinder 26 which is operable to move one of the elements 12,14 relative to the other. Each latch includes a moveable latch element 48 for latchingly engaging a groove 30, 32 in the rod 24 mounting the pistion 28, a second fluid cylinder 38 for moving the latch element 48, and a valve 52, 54 for establishing fluid communication between the second cylinder 36 and the double acting cylinder 26.

Abstract: A friction material member particularly useful in high load and temperature applications and a method for making the same are disclosed. The friction material member is made by preparing a mixture of sinterable metal particles, carbonaceous material, friction enhancers and curable polymeric resin; the mixture comprising at least about 50 percent by weight of metal particles and sufficient resin to coat and bond the metal particles, carbonaceous material and friction enhancers. The mixture is molded and the resin cured to form a piece in a solid preformed shape corresponding to the shape of the mold. Thereafter, the preformed piece is heated in a substantially oxygen free atmosphere for a time and at temperatures and pressures sufficient to fuse at least a portion of the metal particles into a sintered metal matrix. The preformed piece may be sintered to a metal backing plate during the heating step, or may be welded, brazed or soldered to the plate after heating.

Abstract: The filling head detection device has a stop member at its downstream end for each row of articles supplied thereto, a conductive metallic flag pivotally positioned on the stop member and normally projecting upstream therefrom and being movable to a retracted position by an article moved along the filling head into engagement with a stop member, each flag having a hole therein with such holes being aligned transversely of the filling head. An electrical contact member extends through the holes in the flags and normally is in contact with a wall surface thereof, but with article moving into engagement with the stop members in the individual rows moving the flags to retracted positions to break their electrical contact with the contact member so that operative conditions in an electrical system connecting to the contact device can be varied.