Abstract: A catalyst composition is provided that includes a catalytic metal secured to a substrate, and the substrate is mesoporous and has pores that are templated. A catalyst composition includes a catalytic metal secured to a mesoporous substrate. The mesoporous substrate is a reaction product of a reactive solution, a solvent, a modifier, and a templating agent. A method for controlling nitrous oxide emissions including the catalyst composition comprising introducing a regeneration fuel into an exhaust stream upstream relative to the catalyst composition and heating the exhaust stream upstream relative to the catalyst composition. When the regeneration fuel is introduced the air ? of an air/fuel mixture of a lean burn exhaust does not exceed 1.

Abstract: A method for regenerating a particulate filter may comprise calculating a soot layer state correction factor based on a rate of regeneration and a rate of particulate loading in the particulate filter and calculating an estimated soot load in the particulate filter based on a pressure drop of an exhaust gas flowing through the particulate filter and the calculated soot layer state correction factor. The method for regenerating the particulate filter may further comprise causing regeneration of the particulate filter when the estimated soot load is greater than or equal to a threshold value.

Abstract: A method includes determining a first NOx conversion efficiency (?) value and determining that a diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) level has increased a threshold amount. Further, the method includes determining a second NOx conversion ? value and comparing the first NOx conversion ? value and the second NOx conversion ? value, determining a NOx conversion ? change in response to comparing, and determining a DEF quality indicator in response to the NOx conversion ? change.

Abstract: In an exhaust purification system of an internal combustion engine, comprising a NOX catalyst device, which can satisfactorily store NOX in the exhaust gas when the concentration of oxygen in the exhaust gas is high and can release the stored NOX and purify the released NOX to N2 by reducing materials in the exhaust gas when the concentration of oxygen is decreased as a regeneration treatment, the regeneration treatment is carried out to change a combustion air-fuel ratio from a lean air-fuel ratio to a set rich air-fuel ratio, and N2O reducing material is supplied to the NOX catalyst device during at least one of a first period set within a period in which an air-fuel ratio in the exhaust gas within said NOX catalyst device changes from the lean air-fuel ratio to the set rich air-fuel ratio when the regeneration treatment is started and a second period set within a period after an air-fuel ratio in the exhaust gas within the NOX catalyst device becomes the stoichiometric air-fuel ratio when the regeneration

Abstract: A method and control system for controlling an engine during diesel particulate filter regeneration includes a diesel particulate filter (DPF) regeneration request module that generates a DPF regeneration request signal and an idle condition module that generates an idle condition signal when the engine is at an idle condition. A DPF regeneration control module initiates a timer in response to the DPF regeneration request signal and the idle condition signal. The DPF regeneration control module controls the engine oxygen level to a second level less than a first level corresponding to a non-idle speed level, and after a time period, controls the engine to generate oxygen at a third level greater than the second level.

Abstract: A breather device A1 for pressure relief includes a breather pipe 121 serving as a fixing part, and an inner pipe 122 serving as a communication part and is provided by the breather pipe 121 with fixation strength enough for securing the breather device A1 to a liquid tank 101. The inner pipe 122 has a vent hole P formed therein for provide fluid-communication between the inside of the liquid tank 101 and the outside thereof in a manner such that an inner surface forming the vent hole P is made of a resin.

Abstract: A liquid additive reservoir including a rigid casing delimiting a housing, and a fluid-tight flexible pouch mounted inside the housing of the casing and intended to contain the liquid additive, the flexible pouch being designed to be connected to the exhaust line of an internal combustion engine of a vehicle.

Abstract: A catalyst composition, a catalytic reduction system including the catalyst composition and a system using the catalytic reduction system are provided. The catalyst composition includes a templated metal oxide substrate and a catalyst material. The templated metal oxide substrate comprises yttrium and has a plurality of pores. Yttrium is present in an amount from about 0.05 mol percent to about 3 mol percent of the substrate. The catalyst material includes a catalyst metal disposed on the templated metal oxide substrate.

Abstract: A method for supplying reductant into an exhaust gas feedstream for an internal combustion engine includes storing a fuel/reductant blend in the fuel storage and delivery system, separating the reductant from the fuel/reductant blend, storing the reductant in a reductant storage tank, and injecting the reductant into the exhaust gas feedstream upstream of the aftertreatment device.

Abstract: A movable wall member, in form of an exhaust valve spindle (1) or a piston (7) for an internal combustion engine, comprises a base portion (17, 20) of an alloyed steel having a carbon-content in the range from 0.15 to 0.35% by weight, and an outer portion (14, 5) forming the surface of the wall member facing a combustion chamber. The outer portion is of a hot-corrosion-resistant alloy, which is nickel-based, chromium-based or cobalt-based. At least one buffer layer (18, 21) of an alloy is located in between the base portion and the outer portion. The alloy of the buffer layer is different from the alloyed steel of the base portion and different from the hot-corrosion-resistant alloy of the outer portion. The alloy of the buffer layer comprises from 0% to at the most 0.09% C in percent by weight of the buffer layer, and that the buffer layer has a thickness of at least 1.5 mm.

Abstract: A system and method to recapture energy of a hydraulic motor is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of pistons disposed about a periphery of a flywheel, wherein each piston is compressed by a roller during each revolution of the flywheel. As each piston is engaged and pushes against the roller, the piston is biased inward and forces hydraulic fluid out of the cylinder recapturing energy as pressure to the system when the flywheel is rotating under its own rotational inertia. In addition, the piston pushing against the roller causes the flywheel to continue to rotate. As the force acting on the piston causes the flywheel to rotate, the next piston starts to approach the position of the prior piston. This action continues as long as the fluid is under pressure when it enters each cylinder.

Abstract: A system for providing pressurized hydraulic fluid in a transmission of a motor vehicle includes a pump for providing pressurized hydraulic fluid having an inlet port and an outlet port. A bypass valve includes an inlet port in communication with the outlet port of the pump, a first outlet port in communication with the inlet port of the pump, and a second outlet port. The inlet port of the bypass valve is in communication with the second outlet port of the bypass valve when the bypass valve is in a first position and the inlet port of the bypass valve is in communication with the first outlet port of the bypass valve when the bypass valve is in a second position. A control device and accumulator are operatively associated with the bypass valve.

Abstract: An electro-hydraulic actuation system (901) includes an unbalanced hydraulic actuator (902) capable of motion in retraction and extension directions during movement of a load (904). A pump (204) provides a flow of fluid to the actuator. A displacement of the pump controls a velocity of the actuator during motion in the retraction and extension directions. An electric motor (202) drives the pump. Speed and direction of the electric motor affects the displacement of the pump. A controller (802) controls the speed and direction of the electric motor. A feedback device (228,248) is operable for sensing a system condition and for providing a feedback signal indicative of the sensed system condition to the controller. The controller is responsive to the feedback signal for determining an occurrence of an over-center load condition and for modifying the speed of the electric motor in response to the occurrence in an attempt to maintain the velocity of the actuator.

Abstract: A cup seal (21) of the invention includes an intermediate lip portion (21d), positioned between an inner lip portion (21b) and an outer lip portion (21c), provided in a base portion (21a). The intermediate lip portion (21d) is configured in such a way that first intermediate lip portions (21d1), communication passages (21d3), second intermediate lip portions (21d2), whose axial direction length is less than that of the first intermediate lip portions (21d1), and the communication passages (21d3), which have no lip portion, are cyclically disposed, in this order, in the peripheral direction. An easy elastic deformation portion of the base portion (21a) which elastically deforms easily is formed by the second intermediate lip portions (21d2) and communication passages (21d3) and, by the easy elastic deformation portion elastically deforming easily when supplying liquid, a flow passage with a larger passage area is formed.

Abstract: A system and method for waste heat recovery in exhaust gas recirculation is disclosed. The system includes an engine having an intake manifold and an exhaust manifold, an exhaust conduit connected to the exhaust manifold, and a turbocharger having a turbine and a compressor, the turbine being connected to the exhaust conduit to receive a portion of the exhaust gas from the exhaust manifold. The system also includes an EGR system connected to the exhaust conduit to receive a portion of the exhaust gas, with the EGR system including an EGR conduit that is connected to the exhaust conduit to receive a portion of the exhaust gas, a heat exchanger connected to the EGR conduit and being configured to extract heat from the exhaust gas, and a waste heat recovery system connected to the heat exchanger and configured to capture the heat extracted by the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A system to convert the heat collected by solar thermal collectors into electricity using a Rankine cycle generator with multiple working fluids and multiple temperature-level heat sources is disclosed.

Abstract: High-temperature solar thermal systems and methods are described. In one aspect, a system is described that includes a heat engine power conversion system, or a “heat engine,” with a fluid working medium. The heat engine includes a first input, a second input, and a heat exchanger. The first input receives heated high temperature tolerant particles, or “heated particles,” from a solar energy collection and distribution component that is coupled to the heat engine. The heat engine's second input receives the working fluid medium used to drive the power cycle in the heat engine. The heat exchanger transfers heat from the received heated particles to the working fluid medium, and thereby, energized the heat engine's power cycle.

Abstract: An eco-friendly linear solar heat generating system may employ a linear engine with a simple structure using solar heat is employed in place of a conventional Stirling engine with a complicated structure. Magnets and a coil are arranged in a piston and a cylinder, respectively, to thereby generate power in a highly efficient matter, improve installation stability, and enable easy maintenance and repair.

Abstract: The present technology is directed generally to rotary displacement systems and associated methods of use and manufacture. The systems can be used to compress and/or expand compressible fluids. In some embodiments, the rotary displacement systems include a chamber housing having a pressure-modifying chamber with a first port and a second port, a first passageway in fluid communication with the chamber via the first port, and a second passageway in fluid communication with the chamber via the second port. The systems can further include a shaft positioned within the chamber housing and rotatable relative to the chamber housing about a rotational axis, and a rotor comprising no more than two lobes.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a waste combustion method enabling to utilize efficiently heat energy of a large amount of a wet gas generated from a high temperature gas, which is discharged from a waste combustion furnace so as to be cooled and washed [Means for Solving Problem] A method of power generation by waste combustion comprising supplying the waste into a combustion furnace 1 for combustion, feeding a combustion gas from the combustion furnace 1 into a quenching vessel 4 containing a cooling/dissolving water and bringing the combustion exhaust gas into direct contact with the cooling/dissolving water and thus generating a wet gas wherein this wet gas G is supplied directly into a power generation system 10 employing a working medium, or a heat recovery medium, which has been exchanged with the wet gas G, is supplied into the power generation system 10, so that the power generation system is operated

Abstract: The present application describes a heat recovery steam generator. The heat recovery steam generator may include a superheater, a first turbine section, a first main steam line in communication with the superheater and the first turbine section, and a first prewarming line positioned downstream of the first main steam line such that a flow of steam from the superheater preheats the first main steam line without entry into the first turbine section.

Abstract: The present technology is directed generally to rotary displacement systems and associated methods of use and manufacture. The systems can be used to compress and/or expand compressible fluids. In some embodiments, the rotary displacement systems include a chamber housing having a pressure-modifying chamber with a first port and a second port, a first passageway in fluid communication with the chamber via the first port, and a second passageway in fluid communication with the chamber via the second port. The systems can further include a shaft positioned within the chamber housing and rotatable relative to the chamber housing about a rotational axis, and a rotor comprising no more than two lobes.

Abstract: An end cover assembly for a combustor includes a first plate receptive of one of more combustor fuel nozzles and a second plate. One or more intermediate plates are located between the first plate and the second plate and define one or more cavities to distribute fuel to one or more combustor fuel nozzles. The first plate, the second plate, and the one or more intermediate plates are secured in a stack.

Abstract: A combustion device used in gas turbine engines includes an annular combustor that contains the combustion process of air and fuel and then guides the hot gas products to a first stage turbine subsection of a gas turbine engine. The annular combustor has an inner/outer shell having corrugated surfaces that extend radially outward and inward across an entire hot gas stream inside the annular combustor. The corrugations twist about the engine centerline in a longitudinal direction of travel of the engine. The resulting flow path accelerates and turns the hot gas stream to conditions suitable for introduction into the first stage turbine blades, which eliminate the need for first stage turbine vanes. The annular combustor is configured with a system of fuel and air inlet passages and nozzles that results in a staged combustion of premixed fuel and air.

Abstract: Provided are a method and refrigeration appliance for making substantially-transparent ice. The refrigeration appliance includes a fresh food compartment in which a refrigeration temperature that is greater than 32° F. and less than 55° F. is maintained, and a water tray disposed within the fresh food compartment and including a bottom surface and an upwardly extending wall forming a reservoir for holding a volume of water. A plurality of fingers are supported adjacent to the water tray to be at least partially submerged in water within the water tray, and an evaporator is in thermal communication with the fingers for chilling an exposed surface of the fingers to a finger temperature that is less than 32° F. Water is introduced into the water tray, and an extent to which the fingers are submerged in the water is repeatedly adjusted.

Abstract: A condenser dryer includes a drying chamber for items to be dried; a process-air circuit including a fan; and a heat pump in which a refrigerant circulates. The heat pump has an evaporator and a condenser, with the evaporator or the condenser or both being a heat exchanger having level surfaces and including at least one endlessly folded, flattened tube to form a plurality of rows of meander stacks in laterally offset relationship.

Abstract: A relationship is developed between a discharge condition of a refrigerant leaving a compressor, and the suction superheat or refrigerant quality. By relying upon measurement and control of the discharge condition, the present invention is able to achieve very low suction superheat values. Controlling the operation to very low suction superheat values results in augmented refrigerant system performance.

Abstract: A system and a method for controlling an operation of a vapor compression system are disclosed, such that a performance of the system measured in accordance with a metric of the performance is optimized. A control signal is modified with a modification signal including a perturbation signal having a first frequency, wherein the control signal controls at least one component of the vapor compression system. A metric signal representing a perturbation in the performance of the system caused by the modification signal is determined, wherein the metric signal has a second frequency substantially equal to the first frequency. The control signal is adjusted based on a function of a phase between the perturbation signal and the metric signal, such that the performance is optimized.

Abstract: An air conditioner monitoring system includes: a plurality of air conditioners (10) each including a refrigerant circuit (11) for performing a vapor compression refrigeration cycle; a local controller (60) provided for each of sets of several ones of the air conditioners (10) for receiving data output by the each of sets of several ones of the air conditioners (10), and transmitting predetermined operation data; and a host controller (70) for receiving the operation data of the plurality of air conditioners (10) transmitted by the local controllers (60) through communication lines (53). The host controller (70) calculates air conditioning capability and power consumption of each of the air conditioners (10) in the each of sets of several ones of the air conditioners (10), and calculates energy utilization efficiency of each of the air conditioners (10).

Abstract: An air conditioner includes a refrigerant circuit, a switching valve, an outdoor fan and a controller. The refrigerant circuit sequentially circulates refrigerant through a compressor, an indoor heat exchanger, a decompression mechanism and an outdoor heat exchanger during a heating operation. The switching valve is connected to the refrigerant circuit to switch a flow direction of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor. The controller executes a defrosting operation control in which the outdoor fan is deactivated and the switching valve directs refrigerant discharged from the compressor towards the outdoor heat exchanger during a defrosting operation. The controller further maintains the switching valve so refrigerant discharged from the compressor is directed towards the outdoor heat exchanger and executes a fan defrosting operation control in which the outdoor fan is rotated for a predetermined period of time after completion of the defrosting operation when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

Abstract: An electronic defrost system consisting of a circuit board designed to implement defrost cycle of an air source heat pump outdoor coil during the off-cycle period. off-cycle is when the house thermostat is satisfied, heat pump is timed off for two minutes and then reactivated in regular defrost cycle if defrost sensor is calling for defrost. (Temp/off cycle). When sensor opens, heat pump will shut off for two minutes to allow pressure equalization. The automatic emergency heat is an option that can be selected. The automatic setting will activate the same circuit as the manual switch at the indoor house thermostat. Defrost control board designed to activate all heat strips during defrost cycle if desired.

Abstract: A refrigerant vapor compression system and a method of controlling the system are adapted for controlling the distribution of cooling capacity between two or more temperature controlled zones.

Abstract: A reversible system for recovery of heat energy by sampling and transfer of calories from one or more media into one or more other media of any type. The innovation is a new principle of refrigeration operation that makes it possible—with a nonreversible plate exchanger, a reversible plate exchanger, and a finned battery on an outside air circuit—to implement the following functions: total or partial restoration of calories on the nonreversible exchanger from the outside battery or from the reversible exchanger in evaporator mode, total or partial restoration of the calories on the reversible exchanger from the outside battery, refrigeration production on the reversible exchanger with total or partial evacuation of the calories on the nonreversible exchanger and/or on the outside battery.

Abstract: The invention relates to a condensate evaporator for a cooling device that comprises at least an evaporator and a compressor (10). The condensate evaporator comprises a receiving space (12) for the condensed water that occurs in the cooling device and is to be evaporated. The receiving space (12) is arranged in thermal contact with the compressor (10) and is heated by the waste heat of the compressor (10) in order to generate water vapor from the condensed water.

Abstract: Provided is a refrigeration appliance including a cabinet defining a fresh-food compartment and a freezer compartment. The refrigeration appliance includes a refrigeration system that is operable to provide a cooling effect to an interior of the fresh-food and freezer compartments. A pair of doors is pivotally connected to the cabinet with a hinge assembly for restricting access to the interior of the fresh-food compartment. Each door includes a side portion extending between an exterior face and an interior portion of the door. The side portions of the doors generally oppose each other when the doors are closed. A user interface is also provided to the side portion of at least one of the doors comprising an input device to be manipulated by a user for controlling a target temperature within at least one of the fresh-food and freezer compartments.

Abstract: A direct expansion ammonia refrigeration system and a method of direct expansion ammonia refrigeration is described and which includes a source of liquid ammonia refrigerant which is delivered in fluid flowing relation to a plurality of evaporator tubes which incorporate wicking structures, and which through capillary action facilitated by the wicking structures are effective for drawing liquid ammonia refrigerant along the inside facing surface of the evaporator tubes so as to substantially reduce any stratified and/or wavy flow patterns of the liquid ammonia refrigerant within the evaporator tubes. The invention further includes a novel accumulator vessel and heat exchanger vessel which are coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to the direct expansion ammonia refrigeration system and which facilitate the removal of water from the ammonia refrigerant in order to enhance the operation of the direct expansion ammonia refrigeration system.

Abstract: Provided are a hinge assembly that is pivotably supported to a hinge plate for pivotably supporting a door, and which is provided with an integrally coupled retaining lever that selectively fixes the hinge plate, and a refrigerator provided with the hinge assembly. The hinge assembly includes a fixing member, the hinge plate, and the retaining lever. The fixing member projects to an upper surface of a refrigerator main body. The hinge plate is pre-fixed to the refrigerator main body, with a portion of the fixing member inserted in one portion of the hinge plate and a refrigerator door pivotably mounted to another portion of the hinge plate. The retaining lever is pivotably coupled to the hinge plate, to selectively retain the hinge plate through rotating horizontally about the hinge plate.

Abstract: A system for producing liquefied and sub-cooled natural gas by means of a refrigeration assembly using a single phase gaseous refrigerant comprises at least two expanders; a compressor assembly; a heat exchanger assembly for heat absorption from natural gas; and a heat rejection assembly, in which the expanders are arranged in expander loops and the refrigerant to the respective expander is served in a compressed flow by means of the compressor assembly having compressors or compressor stages enabling adapted inlet and outlet pressures for the respective expander.

Abstract: Systems and methods of capturing and sequestering carbon dioxide, comprising mixing a substantially non-aqueous solvent and an alkali such that the solvent and alkali form a solvent suspension, mixing water and a flue gas containing carbon dioxide with the solvent suspension such that a reaction occurs, the reaction resulting in the formation of a carbonate, water and heat.

Abstract: A process is described for separating off a nitrogen-rich fraction from a feed fraction containing essentially nitrogen and hydrocarbons, wherein the feed fraction is separated by rectification into a nitrogen-rich fraction and a methane-rich fraction, the methane-rich fraction, for the purpose of cold generation at a pressure as high as possible, is vaporized against the feed fraction which is to be cooled and superheated and the nitrogen-rich fraction is compressed at least occasionally and/or at least in part and is fed to the rectification as reflux stream. According to the invention at least occasionally at least a substream (16) of the compressed (C) nitrogen-rich fraction (9?) is expanded (f) after condensation (E1) thereof and, for the purpose of cold generation, is at least in part, preferably completely, vaporized (E1).

Abstract: A process is described for separating off a nitrogen-rich fraction from a feed fraction containing essentially nitrogen and hydrocarbons, wherein the feed fraction is separated by rectification into a nitrogen-rich fraction and a methane-rich fraction and wherein the methane-rich fraction for the purpose of cold generation is vaporized and superheated at a pressure as high as possible against the feed fraction which is to be cooled. According to the invention the still liquid or partially vaporized methane-rich fraction (5?) is fed to a circulation vessel (D), only the liquid fraction of the methane-rich fraction (5?) occurring in the circulation vessel (D) is completely vaporized, preferably in natural circulation, and the top product (7) of the circulation vessel (D) is superheated (E1).

Abstract: A jewelry system for expressing a user's emotional state. The jewelry system includes a rotatable wheel and a stationary member having an aperture. The rotatable wheel has a number of emotional states indicated therein on its face. The stationary member and the rotatable wheel are substantially the same size so that when the stationary member is mounted over the rotatable wheel, the stationary member and rotatable wheel are substantially aligned. The stationary member covers the emotional states except for a selected emotional state that remains visible via the aperture. The rotatable wheel is capable of being rotated to display a selected emotional state through the aperture for viewing by the general public while other emotional states that are not selected remain concealed by the stationary member. The jewelry system might also include optional detachable charms.

Abstract: A jewelry system and method for expressing a user's emotional state. The jewelry system includes a body member having various emotional states that are visible on its face. The jewelry system also includes a smart bead for selecting any one of the emotional states. The selected emotional state expresses the user's current emotional state to the general public. The jewelry system further includes one or more detachable charms namely an affected loved one charm and a cause of grief charm.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a glass sheet includes a forming wedge with a pair of inclined forming surface portions converging along a downstream direction to form a root. The apparatus further includes an edge director intersecting with at least one of the pair of downwardly inclined forming surface portions, and a thermal shield configured to reduce heat loss from the edge director. Methods are also provided for reducing heat loss from the edge director with a thermal shield.

Abstract: A method of making a fused silica article having a combined concentration of protium and deuterium in a range from about 1×1016 molecules/cm3 up to about 6×1019 molecules/cm3. In some embodiments, deuterium is present in an amount greater than its natural isotopic abundance. The method includes the steps of providing a fused silica boule, diffusing at least one of protium and deuterium into the boule, and annealing the boule to form the fused silica article. A method of diffusing hydrogen into fused silica and a fused silica article loaded with hydrogen formed by the method are also described.

Abstract: A lightweight thin flexible latex glove article having a polymeric latex coating that penetrates the front portion of a knitted liner half way or more through the liner thickness and for at least a portion of the knitted liner, not penetrating the entire thickness. For example, the liner can be knitted using an 18-gauge needle with 70 to 221 denier nylon 66 multi-filament yarn. The polymer latex coating can be 0.75 to 1.25 times the thickness of the knitted liner. Over 30% reduction of glove thickness is achieved resulting in three times greater flexibility. The polymer latex coating may be foamed with 5 to 50 vol % air content. Open celled foamed latex coating may be coated with a dispersion of fluorochemical dispersion to prevent liquid permeation into the glove. The process can include steps to gel the latex emulsion at interstices of the yarn to prevent further penetration of the emulsion into the liner.

Abstract: A knitted glove and a method of making a knitted glove. The knitted glove comprising a plurality of glove components wherein at least one section of at least one of the components in the plurality of components comprises two yarns knitted simultaneously forming a plated structure and at least one reinforced region formed on the glove having at least three stitch courses.

Abstract: A combination locking arrangement includes a locking member, a locking lever connected to the locking member; and at least first and second tumbler discs rotatable about a tumbler disc axis. When each of the tumbler discs is rotated to an unlocking orientation, the locking lever engages aligned recesses in the tumbler discs, such that further rotation of the tumbler discs moves the locking member from the locking position to the releasing position. A dial is rotatable about the tumbler disc axis for selective rotation of the tumbler discs, and includes a drive portion rotationally secured in interlocking engagement with the first tumbler disc in one of a plurality of code selecting orientations. The locking lever includes a disc securing portion positioned to prevent axial disengagement of the first tumbler disc from the dial drive portion when the locking lever is engaged with the aligned recesses in the tumbler discs.

Abstract: A clutch for an electronic door lock includes a first shaft, a second shaft, a spring, a rheological fluid, and a plunger. The second shaft has an aperture therein and is axially co-aligned with the first shaft and is rotatably mounted adjacent the rotatable first shaft. The spring is disposed in the aperture in the second shaft. The rheological fluid is held within the aperture and is capable of changing viscosities in response to the application of an electrical current across the fluid. The plunger is biased by the spring into selective coupling engagement with the first shaft and is capable of selective motion into the aperture in response to contact by a camming surface of the first shaft due to relative rotation of the first shaft with respect to the second shaft.

Abstract: A bicycle lock device for public use is disclosed. The device is comprised of an enclosure, a retractable reel with a retractable cable, a lock/unlock device having a first member attached to the cable free end, and a second member secured in the enclosure, and a lock control device. The user accesses the device by inserting a payment such as a coin or credit card in a user interface of the device. If the payment is accepted, the user then enters a user-specified key code in a keypad on the lock control device. The lock control device unlocks the lock/unlock device. The retractable cable may then be extended. The user weaves the cable through the bicycle components and then enters the cable free end into the lock/unlock device, thereby locking the lock/unlock device and securing the bicycle. When the user later enters the key-code, the device unlocks the cable.