Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus that conserves energy in the filling of a storage tank with natural gas and dispensing natural gas from the storage tank to receiving tanks. The invention permits the refueling of gas receiving tanks at a fueling rate comparable to that achieved with liquid hydrocarbon fuels, such as gasoline and diesel. The apparatus includes the use of at least two compressors: a first compressor and a second compressor, in series with and drawing less horsepower than the first, for compressing natural gas into a storage tank up to a certain pressure level that fills the tank. Upon demand for gas from the storage tank, the second compressor alone may be used to withdraw gas from the storage tank and supply gas at a fueling rate to a receiving tank. When pressure in the storage tank drops to below a predetermined pressure level, the first compressor is brought on line to replenish gas in the storage tank to maintain the fueling rate through the second compressor.

Abstract: A method for recovering propellant from used aerosol cans which includes the steps of piercing the can; removing the mixture of residual propellant and fluid product from the can; collecting the mixture and then separating the propellant from the residual fluid product.

Abstract: An apparatus for introducing fluid having a volatile organic component from one container, for example, a fuel storage vessel to a receiving container such as an on-board fuel storage tank of an automotive vehicle with reduced discharge of organic vapors into the surrounding atmosphere, the apparatus including a filler cap having at least one positively sealing quick connect fitting through which fluid can be introduced which is releasable attachable with a mating fitting located on the filler nozzle of an external fluid delivery device.

Abstract: A method is provided for installing a nozzle restrictor assembly in a fuel filler tube. The method comprises the steps of attaching a restrictor plate to an inner surface of the fuel filler tube, coating the restrictor plate and the fuel filler tube, and inserting a closure plate through a first slot formed in the restrictor plate so that the closure plate is positioned to block the opening. A nozzle restrictor assembly is also provided which comprises a restrictor plate sized for insertion into a fuel filler tube and a mechanism for selectively closing an opening formed in the restrictor plate upon withdrawal of a fuel filler nozzle.

Abstract: A spill inhibiting funnel system is described that has stepped fins and blades extending, respectively, from the outer and inner surfaces of a tapered funnel body. The fins allow the funnel to be variably positioned with respect to a receiving container's opening in a secure fashion to prevent spills. Likewise, the stepped blades allow a pouring container to be securely placed inside the funnel and remain there in an inverted upright or angled position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dispensing cartridge adapted to discharge material therefrom to a receiving member during a dispensing operation. The cartridge includes an inner tubular member with an inner port therein. The cartridge also includes an outer tubular member with an inner surface, an outer surface, and an outer port therein. The inner tubular member is mounted rotatably within the outer member and is in sliding contact therewith. A cover is coupled to the inner tubular member and is adapted to rotate the inner tubular member in response to movement of the cover from a first position, wherein the inner port and the outer port are aligned with one another to define an exit aperture for discharging material from the cartridge to the receiving member, to a second position, wherein the inner port and the outer port are misaligned from one another to define a closed position preventing discharge of material from the cartridge.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fuel nozzle retainer safety breakaway device comprising a clamp clamped to the nozzle, a latch pivotally connected to the clamp and structure for disconnecting the latch from the clamp at a predetermined force less than that required to break the nozzle from the dispenser.

Abstract: A tool for assisting in producing a straight edge on a piece of rough cut raw material, such as lumber or masonite. The tool is held in place on top of the piece by gripping means which grip the piece along two opposite side edges. The tool's straight edge, unobstructed by clamps or other protrusions, is then used as a guide to bank against the saw fence of a table saw, radial arm saw, or circular saw, producing a straight edge on the piece. Using the tool, one can take the flat bow out of a piece and also remove the rough mill edge. The tool can also be used with a hand circular saw, jig saw, or router by running the saw directly along the tool's unobstructed straight edge.

Abstract: A vacuum holding device is provided for a veneer slicer, comprising a vacuum source, a platen having a flat surface comprising a plurality of vacuum compartments, wherein each compartment contains at least one port connected through a vacuum line to the vacuum source, sealing means within each compartment, wherein the sealing means surrounds each compartment and also extends outwardly from the compartment beyond the flat surface of the platen such that a flitch to be sliced contacts the sealing means when the flitch is moved proximate the platen, wherein the compartment, sealing means and flitch create a vacuum chamber which holds the flitch in place during slicing; and, a ball valve connected in each vacuum line between each port and the vacuum source, wherein each ball valve is operatively arranged to open to create a vacuum to exist in its respective compartment.

Abstract: In a veneer lathe having a knife mounted to a knife support frame with a backing plate, a roundup control system for a veneer lathe is disclosed that recognizes or detects the production of usable veneer using the body of the knife as a signal source. During initial production of veneer, the lathe produces a trash or roundup veneer that is directed to a chipper through a trashgate. When there begins production of usable veneer, the trashgate is closed and the usable veneer is directed toward production trays or stackers. A sensor or displacement detection device is mounted in the backing plate of the knife support frame lateral the unsupported portion of the knife. As the knife contacts wood, the unsupported span of the knife flexes causing the magnet to move which the sensor detects. The sensor outputs a voltage signal proportional to movement of the knife in magnitude and direction. This voltage signal is relayed to a central processing unit where it is converted into a digital signal.

Abstract: A sharp chain charger and infeed device for feeding logs in a desired orientation to a sawing machine is characterized by alignment and displacement assemblies for accurately positioning a succession of logs on a sharp chain drive mechanism. The alignment assembly includes a pair of pivotal arms for laterally aligning a log with the longitudinal axis of the sawing machine. A pair of longitudinal rollers are connected with the alignment arms to rotate the log to a selected rotary position. The displacement assembly displaces the alignment assembly longitudinally in the direction of the sawing machine and downwardly beneath the sharp chain, whereby the log is deposited on the moving chain with both longitudinal and vertical components while the desired rotational and aligned orientation of the log is retained for transport to the sawing machine.

Abstract: A pneumatic radial tire comprising a carcass and a belt comprising belt plies composed of steel belt cords wherein at least two circumferential grooves are constructed in the tread part continuously in the direction of the tire's equator, and lateral grooves in some parts defined by dividing the tread part in the direction of the tire's axis into approximately three. The tire prevents one-side drifting of a car in driving, improves a straight-forward driving performance.

Abstract: A pneumatic radial tire for passenger cars having a plurality of grooves formed in the tread and extending at least circumferentially of the tire, the tread being provided with two belt plies therein in such a manner that their belt cords extend in a crisscross pattern. The grooves have a depth in the range of 6.0 to 8.5 mm, with the thickness of the under-groove rubber layer from the bottom of the grooves to the outer belt ply being fixed within the range of 0.5 to 2.0 mm. The belt plies are placed one over another with the both edge portions left unfolded. At least one of the plies is made from aramid fiber cords and at least the both edge portions of the belt plies are covered with at least one belt cover ply which has a cord angle of no greater than 30 deg with respect to the circumference of the tire. The belt cover ply is made of organic fiber cords no larger than 0.7 mm in diameter at a picking density of 35 to 90 percent.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire includes a plurality of blocks, each having a narrow area interposed between one set of two sipes which extend substantially in a transverse direction of the tire and wide areas positioned respectively at both sides of the narrow area across the sipes. An average distance H2 from a tire tread surface of the narrow area to bottom portions of the sipes is less than an average distance H1 from tire tread surfaces of the wide areas to the bottom portions of the sipes. Expanded portions may be provided at the bottom portions of the two sipes. A ratio W2/W1 of a length W2 of the narrow area in the transverse direction of the tire to a length W1 of the wide areas in the transverse direction of the tire may satisfy 0.50.ltoreq.W2/W1.ltoreq.0.95. A length, in the circumferential direction of the tire, of at least one side end portion of the narrow area may be longer than a length, in the circumferential direction of the tire, of a central portion of the narrow area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bias pneumatic tire having a belt structure comprising six annular layers. The tire of the present invention has particular utility as an aircraft tire and avoids many of the undesirable stresses/strains resulting from the deformation in the tread areas of the tire.

Abstract: A pneumatically-inflated inner tube having two compartments such that if one compartment is damaged and deflates, the other compartment may be inflated without removing the tire. The compartments inflate independently of each other using separate valves; each compartment has its own valve for inflation. When inflated, the two compartments surround the same annular axis. The two embodiments described have primary and secondary compartments. In the first embodiment, each compartment is a discrete component wherein the secondary compartment is disposed inside the primary compartment. The compartments connect where the valve of the secondary compartment projects through an aperture in the primary compartment. In the second embodiment, the two compartments form an integral unit. The compartments share a common surface such that one compartment is formed inside the other compartment.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire characterized in that an average thickness G.sub.U of the region of each of side walls which extends from a position corresponding to a widest portion of the tire toward a tread and that G.sub.L of the region of the side wall which extends from the same position toward a bead are set different from each other, the average thickness G.sub.U of the tread-side region being set to not less than 2.5 mm with the average thickness G.sub.L of the bead-side region set to less than 2.5 mm and not less than 1.0 mm.

Abstract: A motorcycle radial tire includes a carcass having at least one ply of radially arranged organic fiber cords turned up around a pair of bead cores, the radial height (Ht) of the radially outer edge of the carcass turned up portions being more than 0.6 times and less than 1.2 times the radial height (Hs) of tread edges, a first belt having one cord or a plurality of parallel cords wound spirally so that the windings thereof are laid at small angles with respect to the tire equator, a second belt having one ply of parallel organic fiber cords laid at at angle of 10 to 30 degrees with respect to the tire equator, a bead apex made of rubber having a JIS(A) hardness of 65 to 75 disposed between the main portion and each turned up portion of the carcass, and the radial height (Ha) of the radially outer edge of the bead apex from the bead base line being more than 0.5 times and less than 1.2 times the radial height (Hs) of the tread edges.

Abstract: A fabric panel clean change-out frame, for use on a containment structure having rigid walls, is formed of a compression frame and a closure panel. The frame is formed of elongated spacers, each carrying a plurality of closely spaced flat springs, and each having a hooked lip extending on the side of the spring facing the spacer. The closure panel is includes a perimeter frame formed of flexible, wedge-shaped frame members that are receivable under the springs to deflect the hooked lips. A groove on the flexible frame members engages the hooked lips and locks the frame members in place under the springs. A flexible fabric panel is connected to the flexible frame members and closes its center.

Abstract: The invention produces a light metal alloy composite having a nickel coated graphite or carbon with a nickel-containing intermetallic phase within a portion of a casting. A mold is provided to cast a light metal into a predetermined shape. A nickel coated carbon phase structure is placed into a portion of the mold. The light metal is cast into the mold around the carbon structure to wet an interface between the light metal and the nickel coated carbon structure. A nickel-containing intermetallic phase is formed in the light metal proximate the nickel coated carbon to provide increased wear resistance. The light metal is then solidified to form the metal matrix composite.

Abstract: In a spray method for spraying and applying a powdery mold coating agent onto both inside surfaces of a movable metal mold and a stationary metal mold for a permanent mold casting device, a spray method of permanent mold casting powdery mold coating agent in which a spray head provided with an electrostatic spray gun is fit to a feeding port so as to shut it tightly and a suction head connected to a suction pump is fit to a riser port so as to shut it tightly under a state where the movable metal mold and the stationary metal mold are closed. An inside of cavity is sucked by the suction pump through the riser port so as to produce a pressure difference between inside and outside of the cavity, and a powdery mold coating agent supplied from a powdery mold coating agent feeding device to the electrostatic spray gun is discharged from the electrostatic spray gun by means of the above pressure difference so as to be electrostatically adsorbed onto the inside surfaces of the foregoing both metal molds.

Abstract: A multi-stage sand mold 4 defines a plurality of casting impressions or cavities 31 fed with molten metal from a tubular central chamber 28 via a pair of parallel intermediate ducts 30A, 30B extending horizontally outwardly from opposite sides of the chamber, and ingates 32A, 32B extending between the ducts and the impressions. All of the ingates fed by a single intermediate duct open into the same impression, thus implementing a balanced and uniform distribution of molten metal to the impressions.

Abstract: A vacuum casting apparatus of the type wherein a gate mechanism (12 and 10) is closed to form a seal. The interior of a cavity (6) is evacuated by a vacuum pump. The side of the gate mechanism (12 and 10) opposite to the cavity is filled with molten metal. The gate mechanism includes a ring-shaped groove (10e) having a V-shaped cross section positioned on the side opposite to the cavity which extends towards the sealing portion of the gate mechanism (12 and 10). With this arrangement, the molten metal in passage (8) fills the ring-shaped groove (10e) and enters the small clearance which exists in the sealing portion of the gate mechanism. The molten metal solidifies both within the ring-shaped groove (10) and this small clearance formed in the sealing portion. The resulting solidified metal piece has generally a ring shape that can be readily peeled off from the gate mechanism (12 and 10) following die release.

Abstract: In a continuous casting apparatus having a pair of moving mold walls between which is defined a molten metal reservoir, the surface of molten metal is covered with an insulating member disposed within the molten metal reservoir. Projecting from opposite sides of the insulating member at locations adjacent the moving mold walls and toward the direction of movement of the mold walls are immersion walls which are immersed into the molten metal. The horizontal distance between the surface of each immersion wall and the surface of the moving mold wall closer thereto is more than 3 mm but not more than 10 mm. The molten metal within the gap between the moving mold wall and the immersion wall steadily flows outward following the movement of the mold wall, and accordingly fresh molten metal flows into the gap and circulates within the gap without stagnation. Therefore, even if slag flows into the gap, the slag positively flows outward without becoming accummulated therein.

Abstract: A casting method wherein casting cycles are continuously performed with respective molds and a common mass of molten metal accommodated in a container, such that in each casting cycle, the mold cavity is filled with the molten metal through a pouring tube connected at one end to a sprue hole of the mold and immersed at the other end in the molten metal mass, due to a difference between pressures to which the mold and the container are exposed, and wherein the molten metal temperature is estimated from the detected amount of consumption of the immersed tube, and the actual molten metal temperature is regulated, on the basis of a difference between a predetermined desired temperature of the molten metal, and the estimated temperature which changes with the actual temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus for confining molten metal with a horizontal alternating magnetic field. In particular, this invention employs a magnet that can produce a horizontal alternating magnetic field to confine a molten metal at the edges of parallel horizontal rollers as a solid metal sheet is cast by counter-rotation of the rollers.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for the operational monitoring of a condenser including a steam chamber through which steam to be condensed flows and at least one configuration having a plurality of tubes in the steam chamber through which a coolant fluid passes from an inlet to an outlet end. The steam pressure and/or temperature is measured at least at one measuring point in the steam chamber. In addition, the inlet temperature of the coolant fluid at the inlet end, the outlet temperature of the coolant fluid at the outlet end and the coolant fluid mass throughput are measured at each selected tube. The measurements are evaluated to determine the heat transfer coefficient of each selected tube and the coefficients thus determined are assessed for diagnostic purposes. In particular, a signal is given when at least one heat transfer coefficient differs substantially from a predetermined setting.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a small-sized thermosiphon free from deterioration in its cooling efficiency caused by pressure loss of a refrigerant and in which a two-phase flow of a fluid to be cooled is sure to be distributed uniformly. The thermosiphon includes a cooling cylinder 1 having a plurality of independent refrigerant tanks 2 formed by partition walls 1c which are disposed between fluid inlet port 1a and outlet port 1b inside the cylinder, and a plate fin type heat exchanger 50 extending inside the cylinder through the partition walls 1c hermetically sealably. Under this construction, it is not necessary to use pipes for the circulation of refrigerant C between the refrigerant tanks 2 and refrigerant circulation paths 54 in the heat exchanger 50, thus preventing the deterioration of the cooling efficiency caused by pressure loss of the refrigerant.

Abstract: It is common practice to assemble heat exchangers from a multitude of pre-formed and sometimes extremely delicate pieces. The pieces have to be held in jigs along with appropriately placed braze material and then heated to achieve brazing. The invention takes advantage of the ability which some materials have to considerably extend their areas without rupturing by using such materials in that they are assembled in the flat condition and then diffusion bonded, followed by inflation of the parts of the assembly which are to provide the fluid passageways, inlet manifolds and headers. The construction of heat exchangers is thus considerably simplified.

Abstract: A downhole rotary cutting tool having an elongated cylindrical body with radially expanded cutting blades that are controlled by application of selected fluid as controlled from a surface source. The cutting blades have a combined abrading/jetting capability as hardened cutting surfaces are disposed at critical points of each blade and each cutting blade is ported to provide lateral jet emissions for entry into the surrounding earth medium.

Abstract: In the removal of particulates from a wellbore, such as in air drilling for hydrocarbon recovery, a mixture of an amphoteric foaming agent and, typically, an anionic surfactant is employed. An aqueous solution thereof having a pH of at least 9.5 is used to generate a foam for removing the particulates; then the foam is collapsed by the introduction of acid to reduce the pH below about 4, the particles are removed mechanically, the pH is restored to greater than 9.5, and the foaming solution is returned to the wellbore. The solution may be used several times; partial losses of foaming agent in the process may be easily replenished with each cycle. Cationic surfactants may be used instead of anionic, with foaming and foam collapse being controlled at opposite pH's. Savings are realized in water, drilling chemicals, and settling pits and the like for removing particulates from the foam.

Abstract: System for remotely controlling the start-up of a closed-in well. A radio signal transmitted to the well actuates a main flow control valve to provisionally commence flow from the well into a conduit. During the provisional period, a comparator electronically analyzes the well's immediate operating pressure against a preferred operating parameter, and generates a signal representing the difference between the two. A generated signal further initiates such commands as will sustain well flow if the latter is within the preferred operating parameters, or after the brief provisional operating period, discontinues flow if necessary.

Abstract: An airborne foam delivery apparatus is adapted to be carried as a slung bucket beneath a helicopter to deliver a high volume of fire suppressant foam for wildland firefighting. The delivery apparatus comprises a liquid tank for holding a foamable liquid. A support frame extends downward from the liquid tank to support the liquid tank above the ground during ground operations. Three nozzles are directed generally downwardly from beneath the liquid tank within a protective apron. A liquid valve is positioned between the liquid tank and the each nozzle. Each liquid valve is remotely operable to allow passage of the foamable liquid through the corresponding nozzle. A pressure regulator is connected to receive compressed air from gas containers mounted within the liquid tank, and to controllably discharge the compressed air into the liquid tank to maintain a positive regulated pressure within the liquid tank.

Abstract: A throttle lever system for operating a flushing system on a percussive, fluid-activated apparatus includes a fluid inlet port, passageways in the apparatus for exhaust fluid, a seal device for opening and closing the passageways, and a throttle lever system for operating the seal device, the throttle lever system including a one-piece throttle lever elastically and pivotally mounted on a pivot pin on the device to cantilever out over the seal device, whereby the lever elastically moves up and down into and out of contact with the seal device, in response to operator hand pressure.

Abstract: A tow vehicle system which includes a vehicle chassis, a vehicle drive mechanism and a power actuating mechanism for driving a wheel member in frictional engagement with a base surface. The tow vehicle system includes a pair of batteries which are mounted on opposing sides of a drive axle of wheel member. A motor member is mounted in vertical aligned relation with respect to drive axle to maintain a longitudinally balanced weight relation of the tow vehicle system about drive axle. In this manner, maneuverability and control of tow vehicle system is optimized.

Abstract: The drive wheels of an electric automobile are driven by one or more D.C. drive motors which derive their power from a battery. The battery is charged by two separate D.C. generators. The first D.C. generator is powered by an internal combustion engine, and the second D.C. generator is powered by a steam engine. The steam engine uses waste heat from the internal combustion engine to boil its operating liquid.

Abstract: A vehicle bonnet assembly includes a bonnet hinged to the vehicle body adjacent one edge and having releasable catch means adjacent an opposite edge, the bonnet being hinged to the vehicle body in a manner which will permit rearward movement of the bonnet when an impact is applied to the leading edge thereof, a lifting mechanism being provided to lift the trailing edge of the bonnet in response to rearward movement of the bonnet.

Abstract: A machine including a frame with a working implement assembly connected thereto and a steering assembly for steeringly guiding the frame. The frame is movably supported on a first, second and third wheel. The steering assembly is connected to the first and the second wheels for steeringly turning the first and the second wheels simultaneously in opposite directions for steeringly causing the machine to be turned.

Abstract: A `heat battery` or heat storage device based on the phenomena that at a particular temperature and pressure water becomes supercritical and can absorb increasing quantities of heat without a corresponding increase in either temperature or pressure. The device may operate a heat engine such as the Stirling engine or a steam turbine engine in an automobile. The battery includes a pressure vessel for maintaining a charge of water in the vessel at approximately 374 degrees Centigrade and 221 bars of pressure. A heat exchanger coil is positioned in the vessel from which useful heat is extracted and applied to end use such as a heat engine. An electric heater for inputting heat into the charge of water is positioned in the vessel and external connections from the vessel allow for changing the charge of supercritical water and for substituting high supercritical heat containing water for a charge that has been substantially depleted of supercritical heat.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved scaffolding jack system. The present invention provides the top bar that connects the inside vertical posts to the outside vertical posts to have a slidable gate received within the top bar. In a closed position the sliding gate connects the top bar to the inside vertical post and can bear a normal load. In an open position, the sliding gate slides into the top bar to permit a worker to pass easily.

Abstract: A composite brake disc and drum assembly for a motor vehicle having a rear disc brake system and a parking brake system. The assembly includes a body of a first material having a mounting web, a skirt and a flange. The skirt extends from the perimeter of the mounting web and cooperates therewith to define a brake drum. The skirt has an inside surface which defines a cylindrical braking friction surface for engagement with the parking brake shoe. The flange extends outward from the skirt and at least one annular plate is supported by the flange so as to extend in a plane generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The plate includes a surface defining an annular braking friction surface for engagement with the disc brake pads.

Abstract: A vibration eliminating apparatus for eliminating vibration suspends a floor board from an installation floor. A supporting electromagnet is provided on the installation floor in order to suspend a magnetic member fixed to the floor board by a magnetic force. The magnetic member is provided with a thin magnetic pole through a non-magnetic member, and a control electromagnet having a yoke located in proximity to the thin magnetic pole is provided to control a horizontal position of the floor board. A vibration detector is provided to detect vibration of the floor board, and a vibration monitor is used to decide whether or not vibration detected by the vibration detector is within an allowable range of a machine mounted on the floor board and output an operation enable signal only when vibration is within the allowable range.

Abstract: A pneumatic, rotary, rack and pinion actuator with counter-pressure actuated damping device. The actuator comprises first and second rack and piston assemblies reciprocable inside corresponding pneumatic cylinders, which engage on the opposite sides of a pinion and output shaft. Each rack and piston assembly is provided with an axially extending duct opening at opposite ends into a drive chamber and a counter-pressure control chamber, respectively; counter-pressure control and damping means are provided in the piston-assemblies and cylinders, comprising a throttling valve opening into the control chamber and a check valve in said ducts; a thrust pin member protrudes in the control chamber and into the duct end to open the check valve and feed in a controlled manner pressurised air from the drive chamber into the control chamber, before each rack and piston assembly reaches the end of its stroke.

Abstract: In a heavy structure e.g. a bridge which includes an element liable to low frequency vibration during erection, i.e. when the structure is unstable, another element which is an integral structure part after erection is used as the mass of a dynamic absorber for damping this vibration. In the example given, a launch rail (46) for erecting a bridge across a river is cantilevered out over the river, after which a support leg (50) is extended by means of an integral jack to engage the ground and form a stable structure. The support leg includes a lower part (54) which is suspended during erection from the upper part of the leg through a gas spring, with the gas spring and the mass of the lower part together constituting a dynamic absorber for the lauch rail during erection. After erection, structural loads are transmitted directly to the lower leg part via a trunnion.

Abstract: An improved durable and damage resistant carry-on case having a built-in travel cart capable of being towed by itself or with several pieces of luggage. The handle of the cart can be retracted for convenient storage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle drivetrain. The drivetrain includes an input shaft means and a fluid torque converter having a cover, an impeller and a turbine. A starter ring gear is secured to the torque converter cover to be engaged by a starter pinion. A coupling having first and second inertia masses operatively connects said input shaft means to the cover of the torque converter. An input isolator is disposed between the first and second inertia masses for permitting relative movement therebetween. A cranking clutch includes a driveplate and a Belleville spring, the Belleville spring biasing the driveplate against the torque converter cover and reducing the likelihood of the starter pinion disengaging prematurely from the starter ring gear during the engine start procedure.

Abstract: A lock-up clutch for a flow converter having pump and turbine blades which are hydraulically coupled, in which a ring piston is located between the converter cover and the turbine blades. The ring-piston and converter cover have mating conically shaped friction surfaces, thereby leaving a wedge-shaped space between the converter cover the turbine blades and the friction surface of the ring piston. An annular damper unit located in the wedge-shaped space has a plurality of damper elements which are coupled to the turbine vanes by fingers extending from the turbine vanes.

Abstract: A neutral-reverse shift control actuator is provided in a countershaft transmission. The actuator is operatively connected through a resilient detent mechanism to a forward shift control mechanism. During a neutral-reverse shift maneuver, the drive connection partially manipulates the forward synchronizer, such that synchronization between the input and output shaft is achieved during a reverse shift maneuver.

Abstract: A clutch cover assembly comprising, in addition to a clutch cover containing a pressure plate and a diaphragm spring, a spring washer in location and retainment such that it provides cushioning against clutch engagement shock. In a recess in the pressure plate adjacent the diaphragm spring, the spring washer is supported on opposite corresponding sides on annular fulcra, which in clutch disengagement are staggered laterally of the spring washer and remote from each other. During clutch engagement, the spring washer deforms elastically as it transmits the impelling force of the diaphragm spring in tandem therewith, flexing on the fulcra and therein cushioning the clutch-engaging force of the diaphragm spring. One of the annular fulcra is along a curved bottom surface of the clutch pressure plate recess, and as the load from the diaphragm spring on the spring washer increases, the fulcrum locus of contact thus shifts along the washer, approaching the other annular fulcrum.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing a coin drop mechanism and a coin box from burglary includes a metal hollow casing, a metal mounting plate, and a plurality of carriage bolts and nuts. The coin drop mechanism has a plate member which is mounted to a front panel of a vending machine, slot machine and the like. The coin box has a front wall mounted to the front panel. The hollow casing has a planar wall, and an opening formed in the planar wall of the hollow casing. The mounting plate has a first hole and a second hole. The plate member of the coin drop mechanism and the front wall of the coin box are lockably installed to the first and second holes of the mounting plate.