Abstract: A pressure actuator for a fluid activated braking system which can be utilized in anti-lock (ABS) or traction control (TC) systems is provided. In a preferred embodiment the pressure actuator has a piston threadably associated with the drive screw which has a flange. Encircling the drive screw and setting on a support are bevel washers. Upon downward movement of a piston, a nut associated with the piston is first cushioned by compressing the bevel washers wherein at a later point the bevel washers make contact with the flange of the drive screw and by providing frictional engagement therewith provide torsional restraint of the drive screw which also adds to the dampening of the downward movement of the nut and the associated piston. Therefore, the total amount of bevel washers needed for cushioning the downward movement of the nut is minimized and the overall length of the pressure actuator can be held at a minimum dimension.

Abstract: A master cylinder reservoir molded of glass fiber filled nylon. An integrally molded window in a side wall is thinner than the reservoir walls and has a lower concentration of fibers so that it is sufficiently translucent to permit visual determination of the level of hydraulic brake fluid in the reservoir by observation through the window. The method of making the reservoir by molding, in which the flow of fibers into the window section is restricted to reduce the fiber concentration in the window and make it more translucent, is also disclosed.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment an apex seal for a rotary combustion engine is disclosed having a hollow, thin wall, tubular, metal core member embedded in an extruded composite metal-carbon matrix. The seal is adapted to slidably engage the slot of the rotor in which it rides, and to sealingly engage the rotor housing against which it is spring and gas pressure biased. The incorporation of the hollow tubular core in the extruded seal permits a reduction in weight with no significant loss in flexural strength or wear resistance. It also provides gas pressure balance, end to end.