Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a preferred method is disclosed for operating a transfer case synchronized range shift mechanism. The range shift mechanism can be selectively actuated for establishing a four-wheel high-range drive mode, a neutral mode, and a four-wheel low-range drive mode. The synchronized range shift mechanism is comprised of a first input gear system, a second input gear system, and an output gear system. The output gear system is comprised of a rotary output member that may be selectively engaged with either the first input gear system or the second input gear system, depending on which four-wheel-drive operating mode the vehicle operator selects. The range shift mechanism is further comprised of a synchronizing mechanism. The present invention discloses a novel method for controlling the speed of the range shift as a means for reducing the time it takes to perform the range shift.

Abstract: A tire cord having core filaments preformed into a helical configuration while maintaining the core filaments in a parallel, side-by-side relationship. The core filaments are not twisted or stranded together. High tensile strength sheath filaments are also preformed into a flattened helical configuration so that the sheath filaments can be wrapped around the side-by-side core filaments such that the sheath filaments do not put such tension on the core filaments as to cause the core filaments to bunch. The core filaments are maintained in a flat, side-by-side configation so that no voids are formed and rubber can penetrate into the tire cord. The core filaments may number from three to six and the sheath filaments from one to seven. The cross-section of the tire cord is flattened and confined within an oval-shaped outer bound, the oval outer bound being characterized by a major axis and a minor axis.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a preferred method for operating a adaptive clutch system of the type used in a motor vehicle power transfer assembly by employing a dithered control signal. One aspect of the present invention superimposes a dithering signal onto a control signal by nulling consecutive blocks of control signal pulses. Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for generating a dithered control signal by providing a wave function with which to systematically vary a duty cycle of the dithered control signal. A method for varying the output force of a clutch actuator assembly in response to the dithered control signal is also provided.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a preferred method is disclosed for operating a transfer case synchronized range shift mechanism. The range shift mechanism can be selectively actuated for establishing a four-wheel high-range drive mode, a neutral mode, and a four-wheel low-range drive mode. The synchronized range shift mechanism is comprised of a first input gear system, a second input gear system, and an output gear system. The output gear system is comprised of a rotary output member that may be selectively engaged with either the first input gear system or the second input gear system, depending on which four-wheel-drive operating mode the vehicle operator selects. The range shift mechanism is further comprised of a synchronizing mechanism. The present invention discloses a novel method for controlling the speed of the range shift as a means for reducing the time it takes to perform the range shift.

Abstract: A tire cord having core filaments preformed into a helical configuration while maintaining the core filaments in a parallel, side-by-side relationship. The core filaments are not twisted or stranded together. High tensile strength sheath filaments are also preformed into a flattened helical configuration so that the sheath filaments can be wrapped around the side-by-side core filaments such that the sheath filaments do not put such tension on the core filaments as to cause the core filaments to bunch. The core filaments are maintained in a flat, side-by-side configation so that no voids are formed and rubber can penetrate into the tire cord. The core filaments may number from three to six and the sheath filaments from one to seven. The cross-section of the tire cord is flattened and confined within an oval-shaped outer bound, the oval outer bound being characterized by a major axis and a minor axis.

Abstract: A shift system for a transfer case including a spring-loaded range fork assembly operable for shifting a range sleeve between two speed range positions. The range fork assembly includes a bracket, a range fork, and a spring assembly. The spring assembly is compressed and inserted into chambers formed in both the bracket and range fork. The range fork assembly is slidably maintained on a shift rail and the range fork is coupled to the range sleeve. An actuator mechanism is provided for causing selective axial movement of the range fork assembly on the rail. The spring assembly allows the bracket to shift and apply a shift force on the range fork. This shift force causes the range fork to slide the range sleeve to the desired range position.

Abstract: Systems and techniques are described for managing the submission of ideas in an organization. According to one technique, ideas are collected and entered into an electronic archive accessible through a network. This is followed by displaying the ideas to members of the organization so that the members of the organization can provide additional thoughts related to the submission. The ideas are then provided to a management screening committee for screening. The screened ideas are then submitted to an idea sponsor. This is followed by an opportunity screening phase, in which the submitted, screen ideas are further developed and evaluated. A further aspect of the described systems and techniques provides an idea submission tool for submission of ideas using a web-based interface.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a preferred method is disclosed for operating a transfer case synchronized range shift mechanism. The range shift mechanism can be selectively actuated for establishing a four-wheel high-range drive mode, a neutral mode, and a four-wheel low-range drive mode. The synchronized range shift mechanism is comprised of a first input gear system, a second input gear system, and an output gear system. The output gear system is comprised of a rotary output member that may be selectively engaged with either the first input gear system or the second input gear system, depending on which four-wheel-drive operating mode the vehicle operator selects. The range shift mechanism is further comprised of a synchronizing mechanism. The present invention discloses a novel method for controlling the speed of the range shift as a means for reducing the time it takes to perform the range shift.

Abstract: A shift system for a transfer case including a spring-load range fork assembly operable for shifting a range sleeve between two speed range positions. The range fork assembly includes a bracket, a range fork, and a spring assembly. The spring assembly is compressed and inserted into chambers formed in both the bracket and range fork. The range fork assembly is slidably maintained on a shift rail and the range fork is coupled to the range sleeve. An actuator mechanism is provided for causing selective axial movement of the range fork assembly on the rail. The spring assembly allows the bracket to shift and apply a shift force on the range fork. This shift force causes the range fork to slide the range sleeve to the desired range position.

Abstract: A milling cutter for cutting a workpiece in both right and left-handed rotary directions is provided that comprises a rotatable cutter body having at least one pair of right and left-handed insert seats disposed on its periphery, an indexable wedge for each pair of right and left-handed insert seats, and a mounting screw for each of the wedges for securing the wedges in a clamping position with respect to a right or left-handed insert seat. Each of the wedges may be used to secure an insert in the right or left-handed seat of its respective seat pair by loosening or removing the mounting screw, and turning the wedge 180.degree.. Each wedge includes a front end for wedgingly engaging an insert in either the right or left-handed seat, and a back end for wedgingly engaging an opposite surface of the unused insert seat in order to more securely clamp the insert in place.

Abstract: An eyedrop applicator attachment for attachment to a bottle having a large or small threaded neck. The applicator attachment is provided with a hollow cylindrical body, and an eyecup integral with the body at one end. The other end of the body has an opening, and interiorly of the body are two female threads, located coaxially and of different diameters, the threads with the larger diameter being adjacent the open end of the body. Thus, the applicator attachment may be attached to a squeeze bottle with a larger diameter neck, or to a squeeze bottle with a smaller diameter neck. In an alternate embodiment, axially of the threads for engagement with the neck of a bottle, there is an extension having a third female thread, into which a plug is threaded to provide a closure for the nozzle of a bottle attached to the cylindrical body.

Abstract: A ground fault circuit breaker has line and neutral bus bars extending through the center apertures of two laterally spaced toroidal coils to form the primaries of ground fault sensing transformers. The bus bars have flat center sections extending between the two coils parallel to the coil end faces and offset laterally by flat laterally extending legs at each end which are bent transverse to the end faces of the coils and extend through the coil apertures in flat confronting relation. The leg on one end of the neutral bus bar has a terminal portion bent into a plane parallel to the center section with a crimp at the end for attachment to a neutral pigtail.

Abstract: An eyedrop applicator attachment for attachment to a bottle having a large or small threaded neck. The applicator attachment is provided with a hollow cylindrical body, and an eyecup integral with the body at one end. The other end of the body has an opening, and interiorly of the body are two female threads, located coaxially and of different diameters, the threads with the larger diameter being adjacent the open end of the body. Thus, the applicator attachment may be attached to a squeeze bottle with a larger diameter neck, or to a squeeze bottle with a smaller diameter neck. In an alternate embodiment, axially of the threads for engagement with the neck of a bottle, there is an extension having a third female thread, into which a plug is threaded to provide a closure for the nozzle of a bottle attached to the cylindrical body.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for improving the quality of paper manufactured from recycle paper stock which comprises a hydrokinetic amplifier, a pulper, a dump chest, a cyclone separator, a pressure screen, a vibratory screen and a holding tank. Contaminants contained in the fibrous stock are dispersed and emulsified during the process to produce a better quality fiber stock. The hydrokinetic amplifier generates pressure at its exit while dispersing the contaminants in the fiber stock. The energy possessed in the stock can be utilized to feed the stock through additional treatment devices such as ultrasonic generators and a device for causing the stock to take a tortuous path as it is passed therethrough to further break down the contaminants.

Abstract: An apparatus for improving the quality of paper manufactured from a contaminated fibrous stock having therein recycled paper pulp and contaminants smaller than a predetermined size and with a specific gravity approximately that of the specific gravity of whitewater used in the production of recycled paper stock comprises a hydrokinetic amplifier having a mixing chamber connected to each of a steam inlet, a stock inlet, a chemical feed inlet, an overflow discharge and a venturi. The venturi is connected to an outlet of the hydrokinetic amplifier. The apparatus also includes a pulper, a dump chest, a cyclone separator, a pressure screen, a vibratory screen, a holding tank, a pump, and various auxiliary pumps, valves, piping and sources of steam and whitewater.

Abstract: A circuit breaker characterized by a movable contact carrying arm movable about a pivot and a helical torsion spring movable on the arm to and from the pivot for applying a varying force as the arm moves from closed to open positions.

Abstract: An improved method for compression molding of typically brittle ceramic materials comprising uranium dioxide which enhances their compacting and cohering properties in the manufacture of nuclear fuel products. The uranium dioxide is mixed with a fugitive binder comprising a high molecular weight acrylic acid polymer and ammonium bicarbonate. The mixture is then pressed and sintered to expel the binder and to give a fissionable nuclear fuel pellet.

Abstract: An improved catalytic process for selectively ortho-alkylating a phenolic compound which comprises reacting a phenolic compound with an alcohol, optionally in the presence of water, and a catalyst composite consisting essentially of the calcination residue obtained from heating an admixture of magnesium carbonate and/or magnesium hydroxide and a manganese compound.

Abstract: A catalyst composition useful in preparing 3,3,3-trifluoropropene by the reaction of hydrogen fluoride gas with a halogenated hydrocarbon is provided. A novel catalyst is prepared by simultaneous fluorination of chromium and aluminum oxides. This or conventional chromium oxyfluoride compounds may additionally be activated by contact with chlorine or pentachloroethane. A process for the preparation of 3,3,3-trifluoropropene is also contemplated.

Abstract: Catalytic ortho-alkylation process which comprises reacting a phenolic compound with an alcohol in the presence of a catalyst composite comprising a calcination residue derived from a catalyst preform prepared from an admixture of (1) a magnesium carbonate and/or magnesium hydroxide, (2) a manganese compound, and (3) a complex of poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) and a solvent selected from dichloromethane, dibromomethane, bromochloromethane and mixtures thereof.