Abstract: The present automatic clearance adjuster mechanism maintains a predetermined maximum brake clearance regardless of the wear condition of the brake. The brake includes a longitudinally extending rod mounted to the brake housing external to the piston element. The present automatic clearance adjuster mechanism includes a sleeve element disposed about the rod, and a biasing element disposed for releasably holding the sleeve element against the rod for preventing movement thereof along the rod to limit the retraction of the piston element to a predetermined distance relative to the sleeve element.

Abstract: The present automatic clearance adjuster mechanism maintains a predetermined maximum brake clearance regardless of the wear condition of the brake. The brake includes a longitudinally extending rod mounted to the brake housing external to the piston element. The present automatic clearance adjuster mechanism includes a sleeve element disposed about the rod, and a biasing element disposed for releasably holding the sleeve element against the rod for preventing movement thereof along the rod to limit the retraction of the piston element to a predetermined distance relative to the sleeve element.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling an axle assembly includes a housing defining a chamber having a first fluid contained therein. The apparatus also includes a conduit located within the chamber. The apparatus further includes a fluid source in fluid communication with the conduit, wherein (1) a second fluid located within the fluid source is advanced through the conduit, and (2) the first fluid located within the housing does not intermix with the second fluid being advanced through the conduit. A method of cooling a differential assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A scraping tool has an elongated generally rectangular housing formed by two mating shell halves. The housing has first and second opposite open ends. A first scraping blade is configured for scraping wood and is mounted for selective extension and retraction through the first open housing end. A second scraping blade is configured as a thin razor blade for scraping glass and is mounted for selective extension and retraction through the second housing open end. First and second actuating buttons are mounted for longitudinal sliding movement on opposite side faces of the housing and include locking lugs for securing the first and second scraping blades in selected adjusted position. A paint can opening bar is pivotally mounted in an elongated recess formed in a side wall of the housing for movement between open and closed positions. The scraping tool provides a combined tool designed for use by painters while performing various scraping activities related to painting.

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit (10) has a fluid supply source (12) to a work element, such as a control valve (14) for a work implement, connected by a first fluid pathway (18). A second work element (16), such as a master cylinder reservoir of a brake system, has a fluid level (36) which is desirably maintained against leakage in the system to prevent problems in using the brake system. The master cylinder reservoir (16) is associated with the hydraulic circuit (10) by apparatus (38,42) which initiate pressure conditions in fluid pathways (22,24) positioned in fluid communication with the master cylinder reservoir (16) to maintain the desired fluid level. The pressure conditions create a pressure differential which initiates or induces a fluid flow from the hydraulic circuit (10) to the master cylinder reservoir (16) to maintain the reservoir fluid level and substantially prevent undesirable braking characteristics which can result from an improper fluid level.

Abstract: A hollow piston assembly for brakes or clutches comprises a first member having an annular plate portion, an inner cylindrical hub and a flange formed on the outer end of the plate portion. A second member defines an annular cavity therein and has an annular flange press-fit into a first recess defined at the juncture of the plate portion and the cylindrical hub of the first member and a radial flange press-fit into a second recess formed at juncture of the plate portion and the flange of the first member. The piston assembly may be reciprocally mounted in the housing of a brake package to selectively compress a plurality of interleaved friction discs upon pressurization of an annular actuating chamber, defined between the first member and the housing.

Abstract: A moisture collecting pocket is provided in cummunication with the lowest portion of an actuating chamber of an air actuated system wherein compressed air is alternately introduced into and exhausted from the actuating chamber. A valve device is disposed within the pocket and has a restricted flow path formed therein from the pocket through the valve device when it is in an opened position with the valve device being movable to a closed position blocking the flow path each time compressed air is introduced into the actuating chamber.

Abstract: A variable ratio planetary assembly is comprised of a pair of planetary gear systems, each driven by an input shaft, and an output assembly rotatably mounted relative to the input shaft. The first planetary system has a carrier fixed relative to a support and drives a first drive gear means rotatably mounted on the output assembly. The second planetary system, sized differently than the first, drives a second drive gear means similarly mounted. Holding the output assembly fixed, allows portions of the first and the second drive gear means to rotate at a first peripheral speed ratio relative one to the other. Interconnecting the aforesaid portions defines a second peripheral speed ratio and rotates the output assembly relative to the input shaft.