Abstract: A beverage and food temperature and notification device automatically signals, through a combination of audible and visible indicators, whether the contents of a baby beverage or food container have attained, during the process of being heated, a temperature within a predetermined range suitable for serving the beverage or food to a baby. The temperature notification device includes a probe having a temperature responsive end for continuously monitoring the temperature of the beverage or food throughout heating process. The probe is disposed for sliding in a support member, whereby the support member rests upon an upper, open end of the beverage or food container, thereby allowing the longitudinal axis of the probe to be maintained substantially coincident with the longitudinal axis of the beverage or food container, and further allowing the temperature responsive end of the probe to be adjusted to various locations in the container.

Abstract: A washer system and a method are provided for purging the washer liquids contained within a washer system. A first reservoir 21 containing a freezable washer liquid 40, a second reservoir 23 containing a freeze-resistant washer liquid 48, and an exit circuit 28 are fluidically coupled to a fluid distribution circuit 26. A fluid purge apparatus 61 is also coupled to the fluid distribution circuit 26. An electronic control module (ECM) 20 is electrically coupled to the fluid distribution circuit 26, the fluid purge apparatus 61 and a temperature sensor 86. The ECM 20 controls the fluid purge apparatus 61 upon receiving a temperature signal from the temperature sensor 86. The fluid purging apparatus 61 purges freezable washer liquid 40 from a portion of the fluid distribution circuit 26, during temperatures at or below a predetermined temperature, to prevent the washer liquid from freezing within the fluid distribution circuit.

Abstract: A washer system and a method are provided for dispensing a freezable washer liquid 40 versus using a freeze-resistant washer liquid 48 depending on temperature. A first reservoir 21″ containing a freezable washer liquid is fluidically coupled to a first pump 188. A second reservoir 23″ containing a freeze-resistant washer liquid 48 is fluidically coupled to a second pump 192. The first pump 188 is fluidically coupled to a first port 196. The second pump 192 is fluidically coupled to a second port 204. The first pump 188 and the second pump 192 are electrically coupled to an electrical control circuit 205. The electrical control circuit 205 controls the first pump 188 and the second pump 192 upon measuring a temperature. The washer system uses the freezable washer liquid 40 in temperatures above a predetermined temperature and freeze-resistant washer liquid 48 in temperatures at or below a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A washer system and a method are provided for purging the washer liquids contained within a washer system. A first reservoir 21 containing a freezable washer liquid 40, a second reservoir 23 containing a freeze-resistant washer liquid 48, and an exit circuit 28 are fluidically coupled to a fluid distribution circuit 26. A fluid purge apparatus 61 is also coupled to the fluid distribution circuit 26. An electronic control module (ECM) 20 is electrically coupled to the fluid distribution circuit 26, the fluid purge apparatus 61 and a temperature sensor 86. The ECM 20 controls the fluid purge apparatus 61 upon receiving a temperature signal from the temperature sensor 86. The fluid purging apparatus 61 purges freezable washer liquid 40 from a portion of the fluid distribution circuit 26, during temperatures at or below a predetermined temperature, to prevent the washer liquid from freezing within the fluid distribution circuit.

Abstract: A two speed pulley assembly comprised of a sheave, a brake member, an output member, and a brake. The sheave receives a rotational input and also includes a series of carrier arms which cooperate to define a circle which is coaxially with the sheave. Rollers are rotatably supported on said carrier arms. A braking member is rotatably supported relative to said sheave and includes portions defining a first raceway in contact with the rollers. An output sleeve is also rotationally supported relative to the sheave. The output sleeve includes portions defining a second raceway in contact with the rollers. The brake inhibits rotation of the braking member when engaged while permitting rotation thereof when disengaged. Mounted between the sheave and the output sleeve is a one-way clutch bearing. The clutch bearing engages when rotation of the sheave attempts to or begins to overrun rotation of the sleeve.

Abstract: A clutch assembly having driving and driven members with concentric cylindrical surfaces and which are independently rotatable about a common axis. A plurality of recesses are formed in the cylindrical surface of the driving member. The recesses include ramp surfaces which extend to the cylindrical surface. Roller elements are positioned in each of the recesses and a retainer, which is also independently rotatable about the axis, circumferentially interconnects the roller elements together. The retainer causes the rollers to move substantially in unison with one another and a biasing member individually biases each roller element into its respective recesses. During relative acceleration of the driving member relative to the driven member, the roller elements move along and up the ramp surfaces to a position where they become wedged between the driving and driven members. When wedged, torque can be transferred through the clutch assembly.

Abstract: A variable speed drive device for mounting to a rotatable shaft and being driven by first and second belts. The device includes a first pulley of a first diameter and a second pulley of a second diameter, each engaging one of the belts. The first pulley mounts directly to the shaft via a mounting hub extending laterally therefrom. The second pulley is positioned radially outward of the hub and a bearing is located between the two. Also located between the two is a clutch mechanism that engages when the second pulley tries to rotates faster than the first pulley. In this manner, the first pulley drives the shaft at a first speed when the first pulley is rotating faster than the second pulley and the second pulley drives the shaft at a second speed when the second pulley is trying to rotate faster than the first pulley.

Abstract: An over-running clutch pulley in which a pulley sheave and hub cooperate to define a composite inner cylindrical surface. A coil spring engages the composite cylindrical surface. The spring is oriented to transfer torque from the pulley sheave to the pulley hub when the pulley sheave is driving the pulley hub. The spring allows slip to occur between the pulley hub and sheave when the sheave is decelerated relative to the hub.

Abstract: Rolling element bearings and particularly design features which reduce peak stresses acting on the bearing elements which affect bearing service life and rated load caring capacity. To reduce maximum stresses imposed by applied loads acting on the bearings, one or more of the bearing elements features an asymmetric configuration in which circumferential segments of the bearing element have increased flexibility. Such flexibility reduces maximum loads on the bearing and spreads out the load over a larger circumferential region. In addition to applied load components, nonuniform loads can act on rolling bearing elements at their lines of contact with the bearing raceways. In some embodiments of this invention segments of the bearing feature greater flexibility in order to adjust the load distribution acting on the rolling elements lines of contact.