Abstract: A sorting process for used friction elements such as friction discs is provided, including determining whether the friction elements are heat compromised based at least in part on a wave scattering property of at least one frictionally interactive face of each of the used friction elements. Suitable friction elements may be sorted into an acceptable category, and unsuitable friction elements sorted into a scrap category. A method of assembling a machine system such as a transmission includes determining suitability of a friction element for service therein by measuring a wave scattering property such as reflectivity of at least one frictionally interactive face of the friction element, and coupling the friction element with the same or a different machine system for returning to service therein based at least in part on the determination of suitability.

Abstract: A sorting process for used friction elements such as friction discs is provided, including determining whether the friction elements are heat compromised based at least in part on a wave scattering property of at least one frictionally interactive face of each of the used friction elements. Suitable friction elements may be sorted into an acceptable category, and unsuitable friction elements sorted into a scrap category. A method of assembling a machine system such as a transmission includes determining suitability of a friction element for service therein by measuring a wave scattering property such as reflectivity of at least one frictionally interactive face of the friction element, and coupling the friction element with the same or a different machine system for returning to service therein based at least in part on the determination of suitability.

Abstract: A sorting process for used friction elements such as friction discs is provided, including determining whether the friction elements are heat compromised based at least in part on a wave scattering property of at least one frictionally interactive face of each of the used friction elements. Suitable friction elements may be sorted into an acceptable category, and unsuitable friction elements sorted into a scrap category. A method of assembling a machine system such as a transmission includes determining suitability of a friction element for service therein by measuring a wave scattering property such as reflectivity of at least one frictionally interactive face of the friction element, and coupling the friction element with the same or a different machine system for returning to service therein based at least in part on the determination of suitability.

Abstract: This invention relates to a towbar particularly adapted for attachment to a snowmobile for towing the snowmobile. The towbar includes an elongated tubular tongue with a hitch connected to one end for releasably securing the tongue to a rear hitch on a snowmobile. An elongated tubular crossbar is fixed to the other end of the tongue. The crossbar is adapted for releasable connection to runners of a snowmobile which is to be towed. An elongated ear is connected to each end of the crossbar for holding the towbar onto the runner. Each ear has one end fixed to the crossbar and the other end spaced away from the crossbar and extending toward the other ear for receiving a portion of a runner between the ear and the crossbar for holding the runner in connection with the towbar.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved snowmobile sled which is particularly adapted for supporting a track of a snowmobile while the snowmobile is being towed. The instant snowmobile sled includes a pair of runners. A bracket connects the heel portion of the runners to each other. A bridge connects the central portion of the runners to each other. The bridge includes a crossbeam which is adapted for engaging and supporting the track of the snowmobile.