Abstract: A method for the recovery of hydrogen sulphide and other acid gas fractions from sour wellsite gas in hydrocarbon production is provided. The selected acid gas fractions are absorbed into a noncorrosive and transportable solvent solution at the wellsite, the rich solvent solution being transported to a central plant location where it is desorbed from the solvent solution for further handling or processing. The lean solvent solution can then be recycled. Multiple acid gas fractions could be recovered from the sour gas in question using a single appropriate solvent solution. Carbon dioxide could be absorbed and desorbed at the wellsite rather than at the central plant location. Clean gas is yielded at the natural gas into solvent wellsite for downstream processing or sale.

Abstract: Apparatus and method of controlling strip geometry in casting strip having a rolling mill. A target thickness profile is calculated as a function of the measured entry thickness profile of the strip while satisfying profile and flatness parameters. A differential strain feedback from longitudinal strain in the strip is calculated by a control system by comparing the exit thickness profile with the target thickness profile, and a control signal is generated to control a device capable of affecting the geometry of the strip processed by the hot rolling mill. A feed-forward control reference and/or sensitivity vector may also be calculated as a function of the target thickness profile, and used in generating the control signal sent to the control device. The control device may be selected from one or more of the group consisting of a bending controller, gap controller and coolant controller.

Abstract: Compact tube and pipe expanders and flaring tools requiring reduced actuation force by a user. A flaring tool includes a flaring block and a yoke clampable to the flaring block by a clamping mechanism. The yoke includes a housing having a threaded release portion movable between a first position and a second position. A flaring cone of the yoke has a tapered flaring surface adapted to engage an internal surface of a tube and deform at least the engaged portion of the tube against the flaring block into a flared condition. A threaded feed screw is operatively coupleable to the flaring cone to move the flaring cone into engagement with the internal surface of the tube to deform it. The tool has a handle to rotate the feed screw.

Abstract: A forging mold includes a female mold and a male mold coupling with the female mold. The female mold includes an external mold defining an accommodating groove for receiving an internal mold and a pressing block therein, and a first fixing hole penetrating through the external mold and connected with the accommodating groove. The pressing block has a gap opened at a bottom portion thereof and adjacent to the internal mold. The internal mold has a base body and a blocking protrusion protruded from a bottom portion of the base body to be pressed in the gap. A first fixing element is screwed into the first fixing hole of the external mold with a distal end thereof resisting against the pressing block to further press the pressing block towards the internal mold so as to secure the internal mold and the pressing block in the accommodating groove.

Abstract: A battery unit is housed in a metallic battery case. In the battery unit, current collectors having bent portions on both sides are fixed to face surfaces of an electrode plate group of a prismatic battery. The portions of the battery case, which correspond to the bent portions, are pressed in a thickness direction. Under the pressure, a short circuit inspection for a short circuit between the battery case and the current collectors of the battery unit is executed. When a projected object exists on the bent portion, a short circuit is generated between the battery case and the current collector by pressing so that a short circuit failure caused by a shape of the current collector can be detected.

Abstract: In a crossbow-style tube bender, a curved bending mandrel having a channel into which the tube in bent to form the bent tubing length has at least one relief surface forming a localized recess or depression in the surface of the channel. A forming bar or cross bar adapted to cooperate with a bending mandrel has on a first side of the forming bar a least one first pair of forming mandrels configured for a first tubing size, and on a second side of the forming bar has at least one second pair of forming mandrels configured for a second tubing size. The bender has a quick connect-disconnect mechanism permitting quick disconnection from and connection to the forming bar to utilize either the at least one first or at least one second pairs of forming mandrels.

Abstract: A sensor kit comprising a sensor for detecting an analyte, a sensor housing and a calibration chamber. The calibration chamber comprises a first compartment containing a first calibration solution and a second compartment containing a source of the analyte to be detected. A dividing material is located between the first and second compartments enabling them to be mixed on breakage or removal of the dividing material. Further compartment(s) containing further source(s) of the analyte may optionally be provided. Calibration can carried out by (a) taking a reading of the analyte concentration of the first calibration solution, (b) mixing the contents of the first and second compartments by breaking or removing the dividing material, and (c) taking a reading of the analyte concentration of the resulting mixture. Steps (b) and (c) can be repeated for further compartment(s) to provide further reading(s) if desired.

Abstract: An apparatus for electrical inspection is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an inert gas delivery system that delivers inert gas near a microscope imaging element and electrical test probes. A gas supply provides an inert gas such as argon or nitrogen. The inert gas displaces oxygen to prevent premature oxidation of the test probes. In one embodiment, one or more delivery tubes deliver inert gas to the measurement area.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a dispenser of the type having an actuator that is movable over a variable stroke distance includes dispensing a quantity of viscous material from the dispenser by moving the actuator over one of a plurality of stroke distances, weighing the quantity of viscous material, repeating the acts of dispensing and weighing for each of the plurality of stroke distances, and displaying the weight of each of the dispensed quantities to a user using a user interface device.

Abstract: A device for taking pressure readings on a HVAC system includes a first needle connectable in communication with the HVAC system for taking a first pressure reading thereof. The first needle is mounted within a first gauge and configured to self-calibrate. The device further includes a second needle connectable in communication with the HVAC system for taking a second pressure reading thereof that is independent of the first pressure reading. The second needle is mounted within a second gauge and configured to self-calibrate. A first stepper motor actuates the first needle and a second stepper motor actuates the second needle. A microcontroller controls the first and second stepper motors to move the needles to a plurality of respective positions and thereby visually confirm calibration.

Abstract: Intrinsically calibrating friction mensuration device has a drive unit with controllable motive member, configured to receive a controllable propulsion force, and to apply tractive force to a test piece on a surface. A force engine couples to the motive member, and applies the controllable propulsion force. The device includes a controller imposing a propulsion control signal actuating the force engine to produce the propulsion force. A force sensor is between the drive unit and the test piece, producing a force signal responsive to a sensed force between the drive unit and the test piece. The drive unit can self-propelled or stationary. A method includes applying an increasing tractive force to a test piece at rest; measuring the tractive force; identifying the maximum tractive force applied at incipient motion; identifying the transition between the resting test piece and incipient motion; determining the SCOF; continue motion and determine the DCOF.

Abstract: An inlet liner is provided for use in an inlet assembly of a chromatograph system. The inlet liner has an elongate tube that extends along a longitudinal axis and defines a bore that extends along the longitudinal axis and has an inner bore surface. At least one projection extends from the inner bore surface into the bore. Chromatograph systems are provided including the exemplary inlet liner(s). Methods are also provided for analyzing a sample containing a matrix in a chromatograph system having an inlet assembly connected to a chromatograph column. The method includes positioning an exemplary inlet liner in the inlet assembly, flowing the sample through the inlet liner, and adhering a portion of the matrix to a projection surface of at least one projection of the inlet liner.

Abstract: A density measuring system, including a container into which a gas is injected, provided with a heating element to which a variety of different voltages is applied; an equation storage device storing a density calculating equation that has, as independent variables, electrical signals obtained from the heating element when each of the plurality of different voltages is applied and has the density as a dependent variable; and a density calculating portion calculating a measured value for the density of the gas that is injected into the container, through substituting measured values for the electrical signals from the heating element into the independent variables of the density calculating equation.

Abstract: A method for leak testing of hand-held piston stroke pipettes and a corresponding leak testing apparatus (1) for performing the method. Essential to the system is a holder (8) for the sealed connection of a pipette tip (3) to the leak-testing apparatus. A line system (9) with connecting sections of the leak-testing apparatus forms a specific connection volume. The pipette tip (3) is evacuated to a measuring pressure below atmospheric pressure. With the vacuum pump (5) disconnected and the connection volume sealed off, the pressure is measured after a specific time interval, and any possible rise in pressure is determined. An indication of the serviceability of the pipette (2) is generated from the pressure rise determined.

Abstract: A fuel vapor leak detection device for detecting a leakage of fuel vapor includes a pump which pressurizes or depressurizes insides of a fuel tank and a canister, a motor which drives the pump, an electrical current detector which detects a current value applied to the motor, a switching valve, and a controller. The switching valve includes an air passage having a narrowing part therein and communicating with atmosphere, a first passage connecting to the pump, a canister connection passage connecting to the canister, and a second passage connecting to the pump. The controller controls a switching operation of the switching valve based on the current value detected by the electrical current detector to select one of a communication between the air passage and the first passage, and a communication between the canister connection passage and the second passage.

Abstract: A rotary rheometer is disclosed that includes improved control logic. This logic can provide continuously sampled force control logic, compliance control logic, adaptive control logic, anti-windup logic, and/or inertial correction logic.

Abstract: A multi-dimensional liquid analysis system includes a flow splitter for separating mobile phase outflow from a first dimension liquid analysis system into first and second liquid split outlet flows. Volumetric flow rate control of the split outlet flows is provided by a flow control pump which withdraws one of the split outlet flows from the flow splitter at a controlled withdrawal flow rate to define the other split outlet flow rate as the difference between the outflow rate from the first dimension system and the withdrawal flow rate. In this manner, accurate and consistent flow division can be accomplished, which is particularly useful for multi-dimensional liquid analysis.

Abstract: A method of detecting a fault of a frequency sensor having a bias resistor and associated with a rotary member. The following steps are performed while the rotary member is stationary: injecting into the bias resistor of the sensor inverted alternating signals (S1, S2) comprising at least one first alternation (A1) and at least one second alternation (A2), the first alternation being of amplitude greater than the amplitude of the second alternation; and detecting a frequency of an output signal (S?) from the sensor. A measurement circuit implementing the method is also provided.

Abstract: An air flow measurement device arranged in an intake passage includes a bypass passage having an inlet from which a part of a main flow of an intake air is introduced, and an outlet from which the introduced intake air flows out. A sensor is located in the bypass passage to generate an electrical signal, and the bypass passage communicates with the intake passage through a hole portion. The outlet is open toward a downstream side of the intake passage in a flow direction of the main flow of the intake air. The hole portion is located within an outlet projected area that is provided by projecting an open area of the outlet in straight and toward upstream in the flow direction of the main flow on a projection surface perpendicular to the flow direction of the main flow.

Abstract: An abnormality determination apparatus for a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine equipped with a duel-injection system that has two fuel systems for injecting and supplying fuel to each of cylinders, which determines whether there is an abnormal variation in air-fuel ratio among the cylinders, includes: an abnormal variation determining unit that determines whether there is an abnormal variation in a period during which fuel is separately injected by both the two fuel systems; and an abnormality estimating unit that estimates which one of the fuel systems has an abnormality on the basis of a fuel injection distribution ratio of both the fuel systems in the period.

Abstract: An apparatus of estimating fuel injection state of a fuel injection system have at least three injectors. The first and second injectors have fuel pressure sensors respectively. The third injector has no fuel pressure sensor. The apparatus detects an injected cylinder waveform to the first injector when the first injector injects fuel. The apparatus detects a first non-injected cylinder waveform to the second injector when the first injector injects fuel. The apparatus calculates correlations between the injected cylinder waveform and the first non-injected cylinder waveform. The apparatus acquires a second non-injected cylinder waveform detected by the first or second fuel pressure sensor when the third injector injects fuel. The apparatus estimates fuel injection state injected from the third injector based on the second non-injected cylinder waveform and the correlations.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to accurately detect an abnormality in an EGR device for an internal combustion engine with a supercharger, or more specifically, the inability of an EGR valve to fully close due, for instance, to trapped foreign matter. To achieve the object, the present invention provides an abnormality detection device for the EGR device. The abnormality detection device includes an O2 sensor which is installed in an EGR path and disposed on the exhaust path side relative to the EGR valve, and an A/F sensor which is installed in the exhaust path and disposed downstream of a connecting portion between the exhaust path and the EGR path. The abnormality detection device uses a signal output from the O2 sensor and a signal output from the A/F sensor to judge whether the EGR device is abnormal.

Abstract: An autonomous energy generation system, in particular designed as an integrated miniaturized energy generation system based on MEMS technology, has a piezoelectric energy converter for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy, and has at least one piezoelectric element into which mechanical force (in particular deformation force) induced by a fluid flow can be coupled. The piezoelectric element is excited to vibrate mechanically. An integrated circuit (ASIC) is used for managing the energy provided by the piezoelectric energy converter.

Abstract: A replaceable wheel lock-up indicator attaches to an outer edge of a rim of a wheel of a vehicle. The indicator has a mount for mounting the indicator to the outer edge and a neck for extending a highly visible resilient planer flag beyond a plane defined by a sidewall of the tire. The mount comprises a fluid passageway and a fluid drain for draining melt water away from the mount. The neck has an angle sufficient to position the flag substantially parallel to the plane defined by the sidewall permitting a planer indicator surface to be viewed by a driver seated in the driver's cabin of the vehicle. The indicator surface is contrasted against the sidewall of the tire for increasing visibility thereof.

Abstract: In a thermal sensor with a detection part and a circuit part formed on the same substrate, an insulating film for protection of the circuit part causes problems of lowering in sensitivity of a heater, deterioration in accuracy due to variation of a residual stress in the detection part, etc. A layered film including insulating films is formed on a heating resistor, an intermediate layer is formed thereon, and a layered film including insulating films is formed further thereon. The intermediate layer is specified to be a layer made up of any one of aluminum nitride, aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, titanium nitride, tungsten nitride, and titanium tungsten. This configuration enables the layered film on the upper part of the detection part to be removed using the intermediate layer as an etch stop layer, which solves problems of lowering in sensitivity, a variation in residual stress, etc. resulting from these.

Abstract: A method of determining level of a liquid between empty and full conditions within a container includes: providing first and second elongate capacitors, each capacitor being independently capable of measuring the liquid level at least between the empty and full conditions within the container, with the second capacitor being longer than the first capacitor; determining first and second capacitance values for the first and second capacitors, respectively, based on the liquid level height; and dividing the first capacitance value by a difference between the second and first capacitance values to thereby obtain a liquid level value independent of the dielectric constant.

Abstract: A gauge protector extends about an exterior surface of the gauge. A first relatively soft zone of the protector protects the gauge from damage by shock or impact. A second relatively hard zone of the protector is located adjacent to the first relatively soft zone and is resistant to abrasion for protecting the gauge from damage by contact with abrasive surfaces.

Abstract: A device for measuring forces generated by an unbalance of a rotor, said device comprising a stationary frame, a first bearing, measuring shaft mounted rotatably about its shaft axis in the first bearing, a mounting means provided on the measuring shaft designed for attachment of the rotor, wherein the rotor is designed to be balanced in at least one compensating plane, a second bearing pivotally supporting the first bearing about a pivot axis which intersects the shaft axis and being supported on the stationary frame, a first force sensor for measuring forces generated by the unbalance of the rotating rotor and acting about the pivot axis, and a second force sensor for measuring forces generated by the unbalance of the rotating rotor and acting on the measuring shaft and on the second bearing in a direction intersecting the shaft axis.

Abstract: An inertial force sensor is composed of a plurality of arms and an oscillator having a base for linking the arms, in which a trimming slit is formed on a part of the arm except for a ridge portion, thus controlling damage to a tuning fork arm to be caused by the trimming.

Abstract: The present invention has three aspects: 1. A concept for a force-balanced accelerometer in which the proof mass is levitated inside an enclosure and has an electrically conductive path to the enclosure. 2. A planar Implementation of the invention. 3. Implementation of the invention using MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical System) technology.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor includes a transceiver block having a transceiver device for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, and a circuit board mounted with an electronic circuit for processing ultrasonic signals transmitted and received through the transceiver device. A housing of the ultrasonic sensor includes a storing portion having an opening. The circuit board is stored within the storing portion, and the opening of the storing portion is closed by the transceiver block.

Abstract: An EMAT that generates horizontally polarized shear ultrasonic waves is combined with a PZT that generates longitudinal ultrasonic waves to provide simultaneous or sequential inspection of a test component material for improved accuracy in estimating properties of the material or detecting and estimating the dimensions of defects in the material. The transducer combination is constructed so that the EMAT and PZT elements are concentric and therefore interrogate approximately the same volume of the test component material. Nonferromagnetic insulators, such as elastomers, are installed on the bottom surface of PZT component to increase the transmission and reception the ultrasonic waves into the test component. Ferromagnetic, acoustic-absorbing materials are installed on the top surface of the EMAT coil component to minimize generation of ultrasonic waves in the bias magnet.

Abstract: A laser vibrometer makes non-contact measurements of vibrations of a target. A laser produces a laser beam, and a beamsplitter splits the laser beam into a reference beam and a first target beam. A first frequency shifter/splitter splits the first target beam into a pair of target beams each having a frequency different than a frequency of the other target beams. The target beams are reflected from the target to a detector, and the reference beam is combined with the target beams such that the detector receives the target beams and reference beam together.

Abstract: A pressure sensor is disclosed. The pressure sensor comprises a sensor chip having a depressed portion and a diaphragm defining a bottom of the depressed portion, a support member defining a pressure transmission passage communicating with the depressed portion, and a gel member continuously filling the depressed portion and at least a part of the pressure transmission passage. The sensor chip is bonded to a mounting surface of the support member with an adhesive. An edge of an open end of the pressure transmission passage on the mounting surface faces an surrounding region of the depressed portion of the sensor chip.

Abstract: In a device for taking pressure readings on a HVAC system, a first gauge is connectable in communication with the HVAC system for taking a first pressure reading thereof. A second gauge is connectable in communication with the HVAC system for taking a second pressure reading thereof that is independent of the first pressure reading. A backlight display of each gauge is configured to illuminate the face of each gauge in a respective color that conveys the type of refrigerant in the HVAC system. An integrated circuit is coupled to the gauges to change the colors of the backlight displays.

Abstract: A gauge includes a housing and a fitting having an inlet, an internal flow path, and an outlet. A sensor is in fluidic communication with the internal flow path and measures a characteristic of a fluid in the flow path. A control unit is in electrical communication with the pressure sensor, receives an output from the pressure sensor and generates a command based on the output received. A stepper motor has a rotor shaft with an indicator needle operatively connected thereto, and is in electrical communication with the control unit. A power supply is in electrical communication with the pressure sensor, the motor and the control unit for supplying power thereto. The control unit transmits the command to the stepper motor, which receives the command from the control unit and drives the rotor shaft according to the command, displaying the sensed characteristic via the needle.

Abstract: A pressure monitoring system and method for aseptically measuring the pressure of a fluid. A port communicates with a fluid cavity. A flexible barrier, which may be made from a thermoplastic elastomeric material, is integrally bonded to the port, sealing the port. A pressure gauge is coupled to the port over the barrier. Pressure of the fluid within the fluid cavity is measured by the pressure gauge via the barrier.

Abstract: Apparatus for fatigue or mechanical friction damping measurement testing a specimen the apparatus including a body having opposing arms defining between them a space for receiving the specimen, one of the opposing arms having a fixture for securing the specimen, another of the opposing arms having a further fixture for securing the specimen, the fixture and the further fixture being adjustable to increase or decrease the relative distance therebetween, wherein the body includes an assigned vibration location to which excitation signals are applied during testing.

Abstract: A method and testing apparatus including first and second load adjusting mechanisms for cyclically applying and reducing first and second tensile loads on a specimen and first and second controllers connected to the first and second load adjusting mechanisms for independently cycling the loads which are additive. Cycling the first and second loads for peak loading and over-peak loading the specimen respectively and controlling first and second loading rates and first and second dwell periods of first and second cycles for peak loading and over-peak loading respectively. The second load adjusting mechanism may include an inflatable over-peak device resting on a plate mounted to a frame of the apparatus. The device includes a hollow housing for supporting the second load, an inflatable bladder within the housing, and a bladder lower portion extending out of an opening at a bottom of the housing when the bladder is inflated.

Abstract: A fluid meter includes a housing which comprises a cavity that defines a flow bore through which a fluid to be metered is directed, a rotor which is rotatably supported in the cavity and is set into rotation by the fluid flowing through the flow bore, a first magnet which is connected to the rotor, a second magnet which is magnetically coupled to the first magnet, a cap member which is positioned over the first magnet and separates the second magnet from the cavity, and a rotary encoder which is operatively coupled to the second magnet. Rotation of the rotor is magnetically transmitted through the cap member from the first magnet to the second magnet and is detected by the rotary encoder.

Abstract: A binding force testing device for testing the binding force of a hinge, includes a control chassis for controlling the binding force testing device; a platform mounted on the control chassis; a support mounted on the control chassis above the platform; a first driving device mounted on the support; a main holder mounted on the first driving device facing the platform; and a second driving device mounted on the support and connected to the first driving device. The first driving device drives the main holder to move relative to the platform in a first direction; the second driving device drives the first driving device to move relative to the platform in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

Abstract: A tactile sensor may include at least one light source and multiple light sensors within a common, protective housing. Each light sensor may be oriented to detect light originating from the light source. The housing may include flexible material that deforms in response to force applied to an external surface of the housing. In turn, this may cause changes in the intensity of light that is detected by the light sensors. A signal processing system may generate information that is representative of the magnitude of the applied force in at least two orthogonal directions based on the intensity of light detected by the light sensors. Each light sensor may be contained within a cavity in the housing. The cavity may be configured such that its geometry affects the sensitivity of the light sensor to the applied force.

Abstract: An optical measurement instrument includes: an excitation light source (120) arranged to produce an excitation beam for at least one of samples to be measured and a detector (132) arranged to detect an emission beam emitted by one of the samples to be measured and to produce a detection signal responsive to the detected emission beam. The optical measurement instrument further includes an arrangement for controlling temperature of the samples to be measured. The arrangement includes: one or more temperature sensors (176) for producing one or more temperature signals responsive to temperature of a measurement chamber (170) of the optical measurement instrument, one or more heating resistors (171-175) arranged to warm the measurement chamber, and a controller (177) arranged to control electrical power supplied to the heating resistors on the basis of the one or more temperature signals.

Abstract: A dummy for testing whether sizes of receiving spaces for receiving electrical elements in an enclosure are suitable or not. The dummy includes a frame and a handle attached to the frame. The frame includes a bottom wall. A number of wheels are rotatably attached to opposite ends of the bottom wall. Thereby, the frame is slidably received in the enclosure. A width and a height of the frame are respectively equal to minimum values of a width and height of one of the receiving spaces.

Abstract: A flexible wire assembly of a compact structure that can transmit the torque for a high speed rotation even in a bent condition is provided. The flexible wire assembly (A) includes a flexible outer tube (1), in which a flexible inner wire (2) having its opposite ends defining rotation input and output ends (2a and 2b), respectively, is rotatably supported by means of a plurality of rolling bearings (3). Spring elements (4I and 4O) are employed for applying preloads to those rolling bearings (3). The use is also made of a speed reducing mechanism (22) for reducing in speed and outputting rotation of the inner wire (2). The spring elements (4I and 4O) includes inner ring spring elements (4I) and outer ring spring elements (4O) that are alternately arranged over the length of the inner wire (2).

Abstract: A power transmission apparatus includes a drive shaft, a driven shaft, a first transmission device, a first one-way power transmission mechanism, a second transmission device, a second one-way power transmission mechanism, and a controller. The first transmission device is to change power of the drive shaft. The first one-way power transmission mechanism is to transmit power changed by the first transmission device only in one direction to the driven shaft. The second transmission device is to change power of the driven shaft. The second one-way power transmission mechanism is to transmit power changed by the second transmission device only in one direction to the drive shaft. The controller is configured to change ratios of the first transmission device and the second transmission device. The controller is configured to make the ratio of the first transmission device larger than the ratio of the second transmission device.

Abstract: A linear actuator with a reversible electric motor (3,11,26,27,34), which over a transmission (4,12,24,25,35) drives a non-self locking spindle (5,14,22,23,36), by which a tube-shaped positioning element can be moved axially, in that it with one end is connected to a spindle nut (6,15) on a spindle (5,14,22,23,36). The actuator comprises a quick release (9,13) for releasing the tube-shaped positioning element (7,16,28,29,37) from the electric motor (3,11,26,27,34) and the part of the transmission (4,12,24,25,35) that lies from the motor (3,11,26,27,34) to the quick release (9,13) such that the spindle (5,14,22,23,36) is set to rotate by the load on the tube-shaped positioning element (7,16,28,29,37). The actuator further comprises braking means for controlling the speed of the tube-shaped positioning element (7,16,28,29,37) during the outer load, when the quick release (9,13) is activated.

Abstract: An output sprocket wheel attachment structure includes a coned disk spring fitted with an output power shaft is abutted with and positioned by a stepped portion. An output sprocket wheel spline-fitted with spline grooves formed at an outer side portion of the output power shaft with respect to the stepped portion is pressed by the coned disk spring. A cap nut which engages with male threads formed at an end portion of the output power shaft is restricted and fixed at a bottom face thereof by and to an axial end of the output power shaft. Movement in an axial direction of the output sprocket wheel pressed by the coned disk spring is restricted by an opening end portion of the cap nut.

Abstract: A transmission includes first and second rotating shafts arranged in parallel and multiple gear sets including gears fixed to the first rotating shaft and rotatable gears rotatably supported on the second rotating shaft. Each gear set includes first and second engagement units engaged with first and second engagement-target portions formed on end surfaces of each rotatable gear and transmitting torque in first and second rotational directions; and a shift mechanism axially and independently moving the first and second engagement units. Each one of the first and second engagement units has a slanted portion allowing the engagement unit to withdraw from the rotatable gear when the other one of the engagement units is disengaged and torque transmitted in a corresponding direction is input. Each one of the first and second engagement unit of each gear set moves integrally with the other one of the engagement units of an adjacent gear set.

Abstract: A drive arrangement for a motor vehicle includes two driven axles, wherein at least one of the axles can be connected and disconnected, with a variable speed transmission having at least one input shaft, two driven shafts, each driven shaft driving a respective axle, and several forward gears and optionally one reverse gear which can be switched via gear wheels and synchronous couplings. The drive arrangement can be easily switched between different drive modes by dividing the variable speed transmission into two sub-transmissions, of which one sub-transmission drives exclusively a first axle via a portion of the forward gears and the one driven shaft and the second sub-transmission drives both driven shafts via the remaining portion of the forward gears and optionally the reverse gear.