Abstract: Techniques for reinforcing concrete using rebar are disclosed. Some example embodiments may include prestressed concrete structures reinforced by twisted, threaded reinforcing bars. An example reinforcing bar for a prestressed concrete structure may include an elongated, generally cylindrical rod; an external thread disposed on the generally cylindrical rod, the external thread formed from an elongated, generally nonlinear channel wrapped about a radial surface of the generally cylindrical rod in a generally helical fashion. A base portion of the nonlinear channel may be disposed substantially against the radial surface of the generally cylindrical rod and/or an upstanding portion of the nonlinear channel may extend generally orthogonally from the radial surface of the generally cylindrical rod.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a reinforced vertical multi-sided monopole tower for supporting equipment including a multi-sided monopole, a plurality of holes on three equally spaced sides of the multi-sided monopole tower and tower reinforcement apparatus mounted to the holes. The tower reinforcement apparatus includes bolts supporting a first flat bar and a second flat bar on each side of the tower. The upper end of the first flat bar abuts a lower end of the second bar and a plate is bolted over adjacent ends connecting the first and second flat bar such that the first and second flat bars are sandwiched between the plate and a side of the perimeter of the monopole.

Abstract: Automatic packaging machine, comprising a tubular forming element (1) into which the product (6) to be packaged is introduced and around which at least one layer of plastic film (2) for forming the packages (13) is wrapped; this machine comprises: forming means (7) for wrapping the film (2) around said tubular element (1) so that at least two strips (2?,2?) of said film are superimposed in the longitudinal direction (L); means (9, 91) for feeding said film (2) along said tubular element (1); at least one welding bar (11) able to perform a longitudinal weld of said superimposed strips of the film (2); said bar (11) is able to move at least in a transverse direction (T) towards or away from said tubular forming element (1); and movable units (14, 14?, 14?, 114) for transversely welding and cutting the film (2) in tubular form leaving said tubular forming element (1), said movable units (14, 14?, 14?, 114) being positioned downstream of said longitudinal welding bar (11) on at least two diametrically opposite si

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for treating packaging elements, in particular in the form of bottles or similar containers (2), comprising a transport route formed by a transporter (5), on which transport route the packaging elements (2) are moved at least by means of a sub-area of the packaging elements having a packaging element opening (2.1) within a sterile interior (3) bounded from the surroundings by an enclosure (9).

Abstract: A wrapping machine includes a fixed inner hoop having a non-circular shape. The wrapping machine also includes a rotatable outer hoop rotatably connected to the outer surface of the inner hoop and having a shape that matches that of the inner hoop, thereby allowing the outer hoop to maintain a proximal relationship with the outer surface of the inner hoop during rotation. The wrapping machine further includes at least one cantilevered support mounted on the outer hoop, the cantilevered support having at least one spool holder for rotatably mounting a spool of wrapping material thereon, and a driving mechanism operatively connected to the outer hoop for rotating the outer hoop. The non-circular shape of the wrapping machine is advantageous in that it is better adapted to wrap square or rectangular loads.

Abstract: A device and a method for applying elastic film sleeves to containers, including a plurality of revolving stretching units for receiving and stretching the film sleeves so that the containers can be slid into the film sleeves. The stretching units include spreading fingers driven by servo motors, such that the stretching of the film sleeves can be optimized independently of a circulation speed of the stretching units and flexibly adapted to different film types and container sizes.

Abstract: A device for delivering buffer solution into a buffer cartridge comprises a needle assembly and a pusher. The septa of a buffer cartridge and an anesthetic cartridge are advanced onto a transfer needle, and the pusher advances a plunger into the buffer cartridge to deliver buffer through the transfer needle into the anesthetic cartridge. A separate exhaust needle allows excess anesthetic from the anesthetic cartridge to be exhausted. A compression member is usually provided to maintain a force against the plunger on the buffer cartridge to pressurize and stabilize the contents during sterilization and/or storage.

Abstract: A wrapping machine for wrapping a product with a plastic film including a supporting frame with which a ring arrangement is associated that rotates around a wrapping axis of the film and around the product. The supporting frame further supports a carriage arranged for supporting a reel of the film and for supporting a first roller and a second roller for unwinding and stretching the film. A first motor and a second motor are mounted on the supporting frame and coupled, respectively, with the first roller and the second roller.

Abstract: A flexible bag for protecting luggage includes a bag that can secure the luggage, then be opened to allow for removal and inspection, then allow for reinsertion of the luggage, and finally be re-secured.

Abstract: A method for increasing the density of packaged micrometric powders. The method steps include filling a flexible container with a desired amount of micrometric powder, deaerating the flexible container and contained powder to remove substantially all air therein and achieve a desired vacuum, increasing the density of the contained micrometric powder to achieve a desired density and shape using a molding and at least one force concentrating device. The container includes a single layer of co-extruded polymeric material capable of achieving a hermetic seal even in the presence of an amount of powder contamination at the closure area. The level of vacuum may be chosen to achieve the desired malleability of the resulting compressed micrometric powder. Additional steps include sintering the densitized powder to remove substantially all impurities from the powder.

Abstract: A method for arranging eggs in a container. Eggs placed in receptacles of the container come to a resting orientation, by virtue of eh contouring of the receptacle, such that a long axis of the first egg is tilted toward a rear portion of the container at nearly uniform angles slightly offset from a vertical axis, and parallel side-to-side. Using features of the container, movement of eggs from their resting orientation, as well as twisting (spinning) about their long axes is resisted during marking, shipping or handling. The orienting of eggs in the receptacles or compartments thereof may be aided by use of an egg orienter. Tilting of the eggs may be facilitated by using receptacles or compartments which are asymmetrically contoured with respect to the vertical axis.

Abstract: A Method of Processing a Container and Base Cup Structure For Removal of Vacuum Pressure A plastic container (10) has a wall extending to a lower portion including a pressure panel (20). The panel (20) is transversely oriented and can move from a downwardly inclined position providing a geometrically unstable configuration to an upwardly inclined position providing a geometrically stable configuration to control pressure change in the container. This movement may be provided by suitable actuating means such as rod (22). In the unstable configuration a base cup 50 or any other suitable holder can support the container and enable it to be conveyed in a container handling or processing system.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a slicing machine (1) for cutting rows of slices (A) from several pieces of food product, and a loading unit (2) comprising a set of array-forming conveyor belts (7a, 7b, 7c) arranged in parallel, a device for aligning each of the array-forming conveyor belts (7a, 7b, 7c) with the slicing machine (1) for receiving successive rows of slices (A) arranged in a direction transverse to the forward movement direction while the array-forming conveyor belt is made to move forward synchronously with the operation of the slicing machine (1) until forming a partial array of slices (A) on each array-forming conveyor belt, and a transfer device for transferring a complete array of slices (A) formed by the partial arrays from the array-forming conveyor belts (7a, 7b, 7c) to a moving conveying surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for producing containers for liquid (10) comprising a shaping unit (2), for shaping plastic preforms (10) into plastic containers (20), and a filling unit (4) for filling the plastic containers with a liquid medium, wherein the filling unit (4) lies downstream in a transport direction (R) of the plastic containers relative to the shaping unit (2). The shaping unit (2) has a feeding region (22) for feeding the plastic preforms (10) and a discharging region (24) in order to discharge the plastic containers (20) from the shaping unit (2).

Abstract: A center pivot swingarm for racehorse harnesses is disclosed: In one preferred embodiment of the present invention a horse harness comprises a saddle for extending around the sides and the top of a horse, the saddle having a topmost portion, a swingarm having a top portion connecting a pair of arms extending in opposing directions around the sides and the top of the horse, over the saddle, the top portion of the swingarm is pivotally connected to the topmost portion of the saddle to enable the saddle to rotate relative to the swingarm, and a pair of hitches, each hitch formed as part of, or connected to, each of the pair of arms, for connecting with a shaft of a sulky or cart; in another embodiment of the present invention, a method of transmitting force between a sulky or a cart to a horse is disclosed; in another embodiment a method of training horses or horseracing is disclosed.

Abstract: A hoof boot for use on a horse that provides efficient locomotion through loose soils is disclosed. The hoof boot includes lugs of a particular shape and angle on the sole of the boot that displace the loose soil providing efficient movement for the horse through loose soils.

Abstract: An air filter is provided for a motor vehicle with an air supplying inlet and an air discharging outlet and with at least one air guiding structure arranged downstream of the inlet that is configured to change the flow direction of supplied air.

Abstract: An air cleaner arrangement or assembly is provided. The air cleaner arrangement includes a serviceable filter cartridge. The air cleaner assembly also includes an arrangement for positioning the filter cartridge into a preferred, sealing, orientation and for securing the filter cartridge in that location. Preferred serviceable filter cartridges are provided, as well as methods of assembly and use.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention may include filters and methods for imparting structural support to a pleated filter material. According to an example embodiment, the method includes forming a filter structure from one or more sections of pleated filter media, wherein the filter structure comprises one or more filter pleats. The method also includes extruding a banding material to form one or more radial support regions in at least circumferential contact with at least one of an inner or an outer surface of the filter structure, and maintaining spacing between the one or more filter pleats of the filter structure with the one or more radial support regions.

Abstract: A lawn edger includes a support shaft having an upper end and a lower end. An arm support surface is supported on the support shaft and a cutting blade is operably coupled to the lower end of the support shaft. An engine is supported on the support shaft between the upper end and the lower end and is operably coupled to the cutting blade. The lawn edger further includes a control grip supported on the support shaft between the arm support surface and the engine. The control grip is operably coupled to the engine and includes a user input to control operation of the engine.

Abstract: A self-propelled forage harvester is provided having a frame, a chopping drum, an accelerator arranged downstream of the chopping drum and a channel between the chopping drum and the accelerator. The channel has a section in which a conditioning unit or a hollow shell can be selectively inserted. The conditioning unit and the hollow shell are jointly supported on a pivot arm pivotable by way of a displacement drive about a pivot axis running horizontally and transverse to the forward direction. The conditioning unit is mounted on the pivot arm rotatably about an axis parallel to the pivot axis. The conditioning unit cooperates with the frame by way of a positive guide, which has the effect that the conditioning unit rotates about the axis in the same direction as the pivot arm.

Abstract: A harvesting machine includes a harvesting header with a header frame, a flexible cutterbar assembly attached to the header frame along the length thereof and configured to cut a crop, and a conveyor assembly positioned behind the cutterbar assembly and operable to receive severed crop material from the cutterbar assembly. The conveyor assembly includes a fore-and-aft draper with a draper frame swingably supported on the header frame at a pivot where the draper frame projects forwardly from the pivot, such that the draper frame is operable to swing relative to the header frame. The fore-and-aft draper includes a draper belt supported on the draper frame to present a rearwardly moving run for conveying the crop rearwardly.

Abstract: A grass treatment device (100) is provided, which comprises a frame (101), at least one roller (104) mounted to the frame and configured to contact a grass surface and a grass treatment tool (105) mounted to the frame substantially adjacent the roller and configured to treat the grass surface. The grass treatment device (100) comprises a rotating assembly (108) mounted substantially adjacent the roller (104) and having a plurality of bristle members (110), and driving means (114) operably connecting the rotating assembly to the roller. The driving means comprises a gear mechanism having a first driving gear (115) attached to an axis of the roller and a first driven gear (116) attached to an axis of the rotating assembly, whereby motion of the roller (104) is translated to the rotating assembly (108).

Abstract: The improvements relate to a thread (1) with an aluminium core (2) and a textile covering (3), the aluminium core (2) having a diameter of 51 to 1000 micrometres. Another improvement consists of said thread (1) being used as a covering for a textile fibre (4), of any length, for forming a rope (5) which can be used in the formation of fabrics for forming screened meshes for the insulation from electromagnetic waves in buildings.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for removing and drawing a synthetic thread to form a fully drawn yarn. The thread is formed by joining a plurality of extruded filaments and is guided by contact on the circumference of heated guide jackets of several driven galette pairs. In order to obtain a gentle and highly homogenized treatment of the filaments, the thread is guided in an S-shaped or Z-shaped thread course by a first galette pair having two guide jackets driven in opposite directions during the removal from a spinning zone and before the drawing. Thus, both sides of the thread can be brought directly into circumferential contact with the guide jackets for in order to heat the thread.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine wherein a thermo potential heat flow in combustion is maximised by providing a feedback of an optimised amount of thermo potential heat flow that is modulated in the exhaust media, into the air intake, and a method of providing feedback comprises producing a shock wave of pulse of exhaust media and pulse of intake air on the opposite side of a high temperature sustainable wire screen modem thereby transferring the thermo potential heat energy flow from the exhaust media to the air intake.

Abstract: A combined emission control device and exhaust gas heat exchanger for connection to the exhaust gas flow from an engine of a motor vehicle is disclosed having a number of exhaust gas transfer passages and a number of coolant passages so as to permit heat to be transferred from exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust gas heat exchanger to coolant used to supply heating for a cabin of the motor vehicle. The exhaust gas heat exchanger includes a tapping to permit cooled exhaust gas to be extracted for use in a Low Pressure Exhaust Gas Recirculation system. The exhaust gas heat exchanger thereby provides dual functionality being able to recuperate heat for use in a cabin heater and cool exhaust gas for use in the Low Pressure Exhaust Gas Recirculation system.

Abstract: A method for catalytic oxidation of NO to NO2 in the sulfur-containing exhaust gases of lean-burn engines, such as diesel engines is disclosed. The catalysts are oxide perovskites with a credible likelihood of being sulfur-tolerant.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling the regeneration process of a LNT device for the treatment of exhaust produced by an internal combustion engine. The method includes, but is not limited to storing a plurality of parameters in the form of preset values which relate to admissible regenerating conditions, receiving a regeneration request, measuring the current values of the parameters to define the current operating conditions of the engine and the LNT device, comparing the current values with the preset values of a corresponding parameter to evaluate if the current operating conditions of the engine and of the LNT device satisfy the admissible regenerating conditions for carrying out the regeneration process, and inhibiting the regeneration process if at least one current value of a corresponding parameter does not satisfy the admissible regenerating conditions for carrying out the regeneration process.

Abstract: Method for the on-board diagnosis of an exhaust gas post-treatment device for a combustion engine, wherein the exhaust gas post-treatment device has means for converting an exhaust gas component and wherein sensor means are provided downstream of the exhaust gas post-treatment device, wherein the exhaust gas component is acquired by the sensor means and that by means of the quantity of the acquired exhaust gas component the quality of the means for converting the exhaust gas component is derived, wherein a signal of the sensor means is transmitted to a system for the on-board diagnosis.

Abstract: An object is to prevent a large quantity of unburned HC components from being released to the outside until a diesel oxidation catalyst reaches an activation temperature after early post-injection. In the present invention, by reducing a throttle opening of a variable throttle mechanism 77 provided in an oil passage 72, or increasing a set value of an oil pressure level detected in an oil pressure sensor 78 provided on the downstream side of the variable throttle mechanism 77, power of an oil circulation pump 74 is increased before a start point t1 of the early post-injection. With this arrangement, by increasing a load of a diesel engine 10 to increase a temperature rise gradient of exhaust gas at the stage of increasing the temperature of the diesel oxidation catalyst, the unburned HC component released until the diesel oxidation catalyst 50 reaches the activation temperature is reduced.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a sensor module includes a sensor probe that has at least two arms coupled together at a central location with each of the at least two arms extending radially outwardly away from the central location. Each of the at least two arms includes one of a plurality of openings and an elongate opening extending radially along the arm. The at least two arms define fluid flow channels therein. The sensor module also includes at least one extractor coupled to the probe. The at least one extractor includes a fluid flow channel that is communicable in fluid receiving communication with fluid flowing through the fluid flow channel of at least one of the at least two arms. Further, the sensor module includes at least one sensor that is communicable in fluid sensing communication with fluid flowing through the at least one extractor.

Abstract: An abnormality detection apparatus for a particulate filter that is provided in an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine and traps particulate matter in exhaust gas. The abnormality detection apparatus includes: a sensor that is provided downstream of the particulate filter and detects the particulate matter; a removal device that removes the particulate matter trapped in the particulate filter based on an output of the sensor; and a determination device that determines whether the particulate filter is in an abnormal state based on a first stabilization time that has elapsed until the output of the sensor becomes stable after completion of removal of the particulate matter performed by the removal device.

Abstract: Disclosed is an exhaust gas purification system for a working machine. The system is provided with a filter for capturing particulate matter contained in exhaust gas from an engine, a differential pressure sensor for detecting a differential pressure between an exhaust upstream side and an exhaust downstream side of the filter, and a controller having a regeneration determination unit for determining whether or not a time, at which forced regeneration is needed, has been reached. The controller includes one that has a variation determination unit for determining whether or not a state quantity relevant to an operation of the engine, for example, an engine speed has varied abruptly and that, when the state quantity is determined to have abruptly varied, performs processing to invalidate the determination by the regeneration determination unit during a predetermined time in which an effect of the state quantity is considered to diminish.

Abstract: An exhaust-gas aftertreatment device is provided, comprising a control unit for controlling a diaphragm pump that draws a urea/water solution out of a circuit and pumps it, via a pressure filter, to a metering unit comprising an atomizing nozzle for atomizing the urea/water solution into an exhaust-gas stream. The metering unit may also comprise a metering valve, including an atomizing nozzle, a pressure and temperature sensor, a heating means and a return baffle.

Abstract: A catalyst supported on a substrate includes a heater embedded in a sub-region of the substrate to heat a local region of the catalyst. The amount of ammonia stored on the catalyst may be determined and controlled through conductivity measurements in the locally heated portion of the system described.

Abstract: An exhaust purification system of an internal combustion engine has a selective reduction type NOX catalyst device which can hold ammonia and a storage reduction type NOX catalyst device which is arranged at an upstream side of the selective reduction type NOX catalyst device, which makes an air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas which flows into the storage reduction type NOX catalyst device change from a lean air-fuel ratio to a rich air-fuel ratio for starting an ammonia generation period, and which makes an air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas which flows into the storage reduction type NOX catalyst device change from a rich air-fuel ratio to a lean air-fuel ratio for ending the ammonia generation period.

Abstract: Provided is a diesel engine which can efficiently regenerate a diesel particulate filter. The control for regeneration using an ECU includes a first regeneration by burning particulate matter at slightly more than 300° C. for 20 minutes when the accumulation of particulate matter exceeds a first threshold; a second regeneration by burning particulate matter at approximately 560° C. for 30 minutes by an additional injection to remove particulate matter other than ash when the accumulation of particulate matter exceeds the first threshold for a first predetermined period of time, or every 100 hours; and a third regeneration by burning particulate matter at approximately 600° C. for 15 minutes by an additional injection to remove particulate matter other than ash when the accumulation of particulate matter exceeds a second threshold and an emergency regeneration switch is pushed, or after 50 hours since the second or third regeneration and the emergency regeneration switch is pushed.

Abstract: Provided are exhaust systems and components suitable for use in conjunction with gasoline engines to treat gaseous emissions such as hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxides. Layered three-way conversion (TWC) catalysts comprise an outer layer whose rhodium is supported by an oxygen storage component, such as a ceria-zirconia composite, and the outer layer is substantially free from alumina as a support. The rhodium-containing layer can be free of all other precious metals, such as platinum and palladium. A lower palladium layer is provided where the palladium is supported by a refractory metal oxide. The lower palladium layer can be free of rhodium and platinum and can contain an oxygen storage component that is the same or different from that in the rhodium-containing layer. Methods of making and using these catalysts are also provided.

Abstract: An exhaust gas apparatus of an internal combustion engine is capable of suppressing the sound pressure level from being increased by the air column resonance in the tail pipe. The exhaust gas apparatus being provided with an exhaust gas pipe at the downstream side of an internal combustion engine in the exhaust gas direction of an exhaust gas flow, the exhaust gas pipe having an upstream opening end at one end portion thereof and connected with a sound deadening device at the upstream side in the exhaust gas direction of the exhaust gas flow, and a downstream opening end at the other end portion thereof for exhausting the exhaust gas flow to the atmosphere.

Abstract: The invention relates to a switch and control device for setting the power or torque transmission in a hydrodynamic machine, comprising at least one primary wheel and a secondary wheel, which together form a working space that can be filled with a working medium—comprising a housing that is composed of a main body and two shells; at least one electronic component that is at least indirectly used for controlling and/or monitoring the hydrodynamic machine or a predetermined state of said machine; at least one control valve that can be actuated by means of the electronic component in order to control a working medium flow in the hydrodynamic machine or into or out of the hydrodynamic machine.

Abstract: An advancing assembly for underground powered shield support having at least one floor skid for supporting the powered shield support, an advancing beam and a substantially perpendicularly arranged lift cylinder for lifting the floor skid relative to the advancing beam during an advancing movement. The lift cylinder has a cylinder foot supported above the advancing beam and a cylinder head buttressed on a bridge and hydraulically displaceable relative to the cylinder foot. In order to improve a powered shield support and in particular the advancing assembly of a powered shield support, the lift cylinder is a double lift cylinder having a first cylinder stage, comprising the cylinder head, and a second cylinder stage, wherein a compression spring is arranged between the cylinder stages.

Abstract: A system and associated devices that can be used to transform vibrational energy absorbed by the wheels of an automobile into captured energy for use by the automobile. A method to charge an automobile's electric battery without burning fuel and in a shorter time period than prior approaches. A method to assure a smooth drive for an automobile by reducing vibrations associated with the automobile. An apparatus that provides for the vector superposition of the magnetic fields from a plurality of adjacent permanent magnets and maximizes radial magnetic flux density within coil windings for optimal power generation and energy conversion efficiency of an automobile. A system, method, and apparatus for compressing air resulting from the passage of a automobile over a roadway, thereby providing generation of power for the automobile.

Abstract: A heavy door open and close system is provided using a pneumatic cylinder utilizing on board vehicle air. The system includes a hydraulic cylinder which is adapted to lock the door in either an open or closed position. A manual activation system uses a hydraulic valve to unlock the hydraulic cylinder and a pneumatic valve to actuate the pneumatic cylinder to open or close the door. An emergency pneumatic actuation system is also provided for use when the system loses the use of on board air of the vehicle.

Abstract: A hydraulic system is adapted to recover potential and kinetic energy of a work attachment of a work machine. A valve arrangement may configure the hydraulic system in various modes. The hydraulic system may provide suspension and/or actuation for the work attachment. The energy of the work attachment may move a rod of a first cylinder. The rod may pressurize fluid within the first cylinder. The pressurized fluid may flow from the first cylinder through a valve and into an accumulator. The first cylinder may amplify pressure of the fluid. The pressurized fluid in the accumulator may actuate the first cylinder. The movement of the rod of the first cylinder may cause simultaneous actuation of a second cylinder. A controller may monitor pressures and positions of components of the hydraulic system and control the valve arrangement.

Abstract: A compressed gas operated instrument incorporating a connector for a compressed gas cartridge to which the compressed gas cartridge is connectable in sealed manner by means of a supply channel for the compressed gas flowing out of the compressed gas cartridge is provided which incorporates a regulating valve in the supply channel for governing the compressed gas stream through the supply channel. The regulating valve comprises a valve body which is sealed in a valve chamber with respect to a wall of the valve chamber by means of a first seal and is mounted in the valve chamber in displaceable manner. The valve body is connected on the upstream side thereof in sealed manner to a connector element by means of a second seal and also be displaceable with respect to the connector element by displacement thereof in the valve chamber.

Abstract: A fixed/variable hybrid system has modified constant flow open center hydraulic valves (“fixed/variable valves”), including an open center core, spools, a power core, and a tank galley. A small fixed displacement pump provides fluid at a constant rate to the open center core. A variable displacement piston pump provides fluid directly to the power core as needed. Activation of spools partially restricts the open center core causing an increase in fluid pressure that is communicated to the variable displacement piston pump's load sense signal port, causing the pump to increase fluid flow and pressure to the power core. Activated spools direct pressurized fluid from the power core to the applications through selected hydraulic ports. Activated spools also direct fluid flow from selected hydraulic ports via the tank galley to a hydraulic tank. Pumping the majority of fluid only on an as-needed basis results in significant efficiencies.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic torque converter having a pump wheel accommodated in a housing, a turbine wheel, which can be driven by the pump wheel, and a torsional vibration damper, where the torsional vibration damper has a damper input drive component and a damper output drive component, which can rotate to a limited degree with respect to the damper input drive component to oppose the action of at least two damper stages which are operatively connected in series and which each have at least one energy storage element, where the torsional vibration damper also has an intermediate damper component, which is arranged operatively between the damper stages and which directly or indirectly accommodates a vibration absorber, where the energy storage elements of the damper stages are substantially arranged on a common radius, where the vibration absorber is arranged adjacent to the torsional vibration damper in the axial dimension.

Abstract: A shape memory alloy actuator includes a shape memory alloy wire portion, a non-deformable portion, a wire portion which is formed by the shape memory alloy wire portion and the non-deformable portion, and which is inserted into a tube member, a movable body which is movable in a direction in which the length of the shape memory alloy wire portion changes, an elastic member which exerts an external force in a direction in which, the shape memory alloy wire portion elongates, and a fixed member to which, one end of the tube member and one end of the shape memory alloy wire portion are fixed. One end of the non-deformable portion which forms the wire portion is connected to the movable body, and the tube member includes therein the shape memory alloy wire portion, and includes therein at least a part of the non-deformable portion.

Abstract: An actuator 10 includes a main body 14 having a displacement unit 11 and electrodes 12 and 13 configured to apply a voltage to the displacement unit 11, the displacement unit being made of a mixture of a silicone-containing elastomer and an ionic liquid, and being displaced by applying a voltage between the electrodes; and a displacement transmission unit 15 configured to be displaced in an out-of-plane direction by displacement of the displacement unit 11.