Abstract: A cartridge assembly for a railroad retarder control system. The cartridge assembly includes a body having a top and a valve base and defining a bore. The bore has first and second bore diameters, and the body defines pilot air passages, an upper air passage, and a lower air passage. A traveling member is positioned within the bore and has first and second traveling diameters corresponding to the first and second bore diameters of the body, respectively. The traveling member is axially moveable within the bore between open and closed positions via pressure differentials within the pilot air passages. The traveling member is closer to the top of the body in the open position than in the closed position. The traveling member has a base seal configured to engage with the valve base in the closed position to prevent air from flowing between the upper and lower air passages.

Abstract: A system is provided for controlling operation of an engine brake system of an engine in a vehicle. The system includes a controller having an over-speed condition detection unit and an operation mode transition unit. The over-speed condition detection unit is configured to detect an over-speed condition based on a current engine speed and a fuel cut limit speed, the fuel cut limit speed being a predetermined engine speed at which fuel supplied to the engine is suspended. The operation mode transition unit is configured to control the operation of the engine brake system by transitioning the controller between a plurality of brake operation modes based on at least one transition parameter.

Abstract: A torque coupling system including an input shaft, a main cam affixed to the input shaft, a clutch housing that surrounds the input shaft and provides an inter space, a scoop plate affixed to the clutch housing, an external housing that encloses the clutch housing and provides an outer space, and a main clutch that is articulable between a disconnected drive mode and a all-wheel drive mode. In the disconnected drive mode the main clutch disengages the input shaft from the clutch housing and the main cam rotates with the input shaft to transfer lubricant from the inner space to the outer space while in the all-wheel drive mode the main clutch engages the input shaft with the clutch housing and the scoop plate rotates with the clutch housing to scoop the lubricant from the outer space to inner space through the catch tank.

Abstract: A transmission includes a housing, and a transmission input member. A torque converter includes a pump and a turbine. The turbine of the torque converter is connected to the transmission input member. A lock-up clutch selectively connects the pump and the turbine. A cover is connected to and rotatable with the pump. The cover at least partially defines an interior of the torque converter. A torque converter input member passes through the cover. A one way clutch interconnects the torque converter input member and the cover. An engine brake friction clutch is disposed within the interior of the torque converter. The engine brake friction clutch selectively interconnects the torque converter input member and the cover in torque communication to transfer a braking torque therebetween.

Abstract: A cooling system in a vehicle includes a cooling fluid pump (3) that circulates cooling fluid in the cooling system, a cooler (5) for the cooling of the cooling fluid, and a valve (10) to lead cooling fluid to the cooler (5) for cooling or to a return line (13) without cooling. A first circuit (6) includes cooling channels (6a) for the cooling of the combustion engine (1) and a second circuit (17) for the cooling of a hydraulic retarder. The first circuit (6) leads cooling fluid from the cooling fluid pump (3) to a first inlet (10c) at the valve (10). The second circuit (17) leads cooling fluid to a second inlet (10d) at the valve (10). In operating conditions in which the hydraulic retarder is not activated, the valve (10) blocks the second inlet (10d) and thus the circulation of cooling fluid through the second circuit at the same time that it receives cooling fluid from the first circuit (6) through the first inlet (10c).

Abstract: A hydrodynamic machine for producing a braking torque, the hydrodynamic machine comprising: a toroidal working chamber including a first bladed wheel and a second bladed wheel arranged concentrically with the first bladed wheel; and a hydraulic system including an open loop and closed loop control unit, a working medium accumulator, a line system, a pump operable to produce a volume flow circulation of a working medium through the line system and the toroidal working chamber, a heat exchanger, and a pressure control valve operable to control or adjust the baking performance or the braking torque.

Abstract: Apparatus for housing a rotatable component and exchanging heat and methods for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The apparatus includes a first casing and a second casing spaced apart from the first casing and defining a gap therebetween. The apparatus also includes a cooling fluid manifold coupled to a source of a cooling fluid, and a stack of plates coupled to the first and second casings and extending therebetween to fill the gap. The first and second casings and the stack of plates define at least a portion of a pressurized containment area therein. Further, the stack of plates includes a bore in which the rotatable component is received and defines process fluid flowpaths configured to direct process fluid to and/or from the rotatable component. The stack of plates is in fluid communication with the cooling fluid manifold and transfers heat from the process fluid to the cooling fluid.

Abstract: Provided is an automobile capable of improving ride quality and adjustment stability. To this end, the automobile according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: an actuator; a first stabilizer bar which has one end coupled to one end of the actuator; a second stabilizer bar which has one end coupled to the other end of the actuator; and a decoupler which couples at least one of one end of the first stabilizer bar and one end of the second stabilizer bar to the actuator.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic heater includes an inlet port for receiving a stream of fluid from an external source and an outlet port for discharging a stream of heated fluid from the hydrodynamic heater. A hydrodynamic chamber operates to selectively heat fluid present within an interior region of the hydrodynamic chamber. The hydrodynamic chamber includes an inlet port located proximate a center of the interior region of the hydrodynamic chamber and an outlet port located along an interior wall of the hydrodynamic chamber. The hydrodynamic chamber inlet port is fluidly connected to the inlet port of the hydrodynamic heater. The hydrodynamic heater includes a control valve fluidly connected to the hydrodynamic chamber outlet port and the hydrodynamic heater outlet port. A fluid metering device connected in series with the control valve is fluidly connected to the hydrodynamic chamber outlet port and the hydrodynamic heater outlet port.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an axial engagement-controlled variable damper comprising a rotor assembly coupled to a rotor shaft and disposed about an axis of rotation and a stator, coaxially aligned with the rotor assembly. The axial engagement-controlled variable damper may further comprise a flux sleeve, axially movable relative to the rotor assembly between at least a first position and a second position. The flux sleeve may comprise a circumferential flange portion disposed radially between the rotor assembly and the stator, and may be configured to alter magnetic coupling between the stator and the rotor assembly in response being moved axially. The axial-engagement controlled variable damper may be configured to generate a first drag torque in response to the flux sleeve being in the first position and a second drag torque in response to the flux sleeve being in the second position.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an axial engagement-controlled variable damper comprising a rotor assembly coupled to a rotor shaft and disposed about an axis of rotation and a stator, coaxially aligned with the rotor assembly. The axial engagement-controlled variable damper may further comprise a flux sleeve, axially movable relative to the rotor assembly between at least a first position and a second position. The flux sleeve may comprise a circumferential flange portion disposed radially between the rotor assembly and the stator, and may be configured to alter magnetic coupling between the stator and the rotor assembly in response being moved axially. The axial-engagement controlled variable damper may be configured to generate a first drag torque in response to the flux sleeve being in the first position and a second drag torque in response to the flux sleeve being in the second position.

Abstract: This fluid-type retarding device includes: a rotating disk provided to a rotating shaft; a rotating housing that includes paired disk portions and a cylinder portion connecting outer circumferential portions of the disk portions so as to surround the rotating disk, and is rotatably supported with the rotating shaft; and a friction brake that presses a friction member against the rotating housing at the time of braking to bring the rotating housing to a stop. On at least one surface of the rotating disk, a disk vane extending from an inner circumference of the surface toward an outer peripheral side is formed, and on an inner surface of each of the paired disk portions corresponding to the disk vane, a housing vane extending from an inner circumference to an outer periphery is formed. Furthermore, working fluid is accommodated within the rotating housing.

Abstract: A motor vehicle drive train including a hydrodynamic retarder (1) that comprises a revolving bladed impeller (10) and a stationary or counter-rotating bladed turbine (11) which jointly form a working chamber (12) that can be filled with a working medium to switch on the retarder (1) is disclosed. The hydrodynamic retarder (1) can be mechanically disengaged from the drive train by a disconnect clutch (2). A fill level monitoring device (14) can detect the current fill level of the working medium in the working chamber (12), while a disconnect clutch-blocking device (9) is effectively connected in a communicating or mechanical manner to the fill level monitoring device (14) and prevents the disconnect clutch (2) from engaging in accordance with the detected fill level.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic retarder having a rotor (2) and a stator (1). The rotor (2) and the stator (1) are arranged radially relative to one another. An interruption mechanism is provided for interrupting the fluid coupling between the rotor (2) and the stator (1).

Abstract: A rotary damper includes a housing having an outer cylinder, an inner cylinder coaxially disposed inside the outer cylinder, and a bottom plate closing one end side of the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder, to form an annular liquid chamber with a viscous fluid therein, and a rotor including a cylindrical blade portion rotatably received in the liquid chamber. An annular locking groove extends circumferentially in a first portion at an outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder, or a second portion facing the first portion on an inner peripheral surface of the blade portion. A locking convex portion projects from the other of the first portion or the second portion, and locked in the locking groove. An annular inside seal member is interposed between the inner cylinder and the blade portion, and an annular outside seal member is interposed between the outer cylinder and the blade portion.

Abstract: A rotary damper includes: a shaft having a hollow portion; a pair of side panels; a case provided between the pair of side panels; a vane provided on the shaft so as to divide a first chamber and a second chamber; a liquid chamber defined within the hollow portion; a first partition wall and a second partition wall housed in the hollow portion; a first side valve chamber that is defined by the first partition wall; a second side valve chamber that is defined by the second partition wall; a first side port that connects the first side valve chamber to a second liquid chamber; a second side port that connects the second side valve chamber to the second liquid chamber; a first side damping valve capable of opening and closing the first side port; and a second side damping valve capable of opening and closing the second side port.

Abstract: A rotary damper includes: a shaft capable of rotating about a central axis; a pair of side panels that support the shaft rotatably; a case provided between the pair of side panels such that an operating chamber is defined in an interior thereof; a vane provided on the shaft such that a tip end thereof slides against an inner periphery of the case, thereby dividing the operating chamber into a first chamber and a second chamber; and a damping valve provided in the shaft to apply resistance to a flow of a fluid traveling between the first chamber and the second chamber.

Abstract: A cooling system has a drive motor which is to be cooled by a cooling medium. A cooling medium circuit conducts the cooling medium. A hydrodynamic machine comprising a working space can be filled with a working medium. The working medium is the cooling medium, and the hydrodynamic machine has a seal which is cooled and/or lubricated by the cooling medium. A cooling medium pump for circulating the cooling medium is in the cooling medium circuit. A pick-off is in the cooling medium circuit in the region of the cooling medium pump. Via the pick-off, the cooling medium is branched out of the cooling medium circuit. The branched-off cooling medium is conducted directly through or past the seal to cool and/or lubricate the latter, and the cooling medium which is conducted through or past the seal is supplied to the cooling medium circuit upstream or downstream of the working space.

Abstract: A brake assembly integrates both an impeller brake and a friction brake into an integrated brake assembly that provides for retarding and/or friction braking in response to a single braking action on a single brake assembly by the operator. In neutral, the impeller brake and the friction brake are disengaged from a brake hub. In a first braking position under a first applied fluid pressure, the brake hub engages the impeller brake for retarding axle rotation. In a second braking position under a second applied fluid pressure, the brake hub frictionally engages the friction brake for frictionally braking axle rotation.

Abstract: A damper includes a vessel for accommodating a viscous fluid in its interior; hampering walls for hampering the flow of the viscous fluid; a partitioning member which partitions each of interior portions into two chambers and is provided rotatably; a communicating hole formed in the partitioning member so as to allow the two chambers to communicate with each other via a variable passage whose passage cross-sectional area changes; a flow limiter to limit the flow of the viscous fluid in the chamber into the chamber through the communicating hole, when the internal pressure of the viscous fluid accommodated in the chamber has exceeded a fixed value on the basis of the rotation of the partitioning member; and a resilient structure to resiliently urge the partitioning member in a direction with respect to the vessel.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic retarder having a first blade wheel and having a second blade wheel concentric thereto, together forming a hydrodynamic circuit grouped about a common rotary axis. Each blade wheel is made of a base body and a blade arrangement fixed thereto including a plurality of blades. The hydrodynamic circuit is supplied by a fluid inlet, while the fluid removal from the hydrodynamic circuit is performed by a fluid outlet. The fluid inlet has an inlet spiral enabling tangential fluid flow and the fluid outlet has an outlet spiral enabling tangential fluid flow. At least one inlet spiral is associated with a flow guide guiding the fluid into the hydrodynamic circuit with at least one axial component.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for controlling the power transmission of a hydrodynamic retarder, comprising a rotating bladed rotor and a bladed stator or a bladed counter-rotor rotating against the direction of rotation of the rotor, which form together a working chamber which selectively can be filled with a working medium via an inlet and can be drained via an outlet; whereas the working chamber is filled with a working medium in braking mode, and a braking torque is generated with the hydrodynamic retarder and in a non-braking mode the working chamber is emptied of working medium down to a certain residual amount and substantially no braking torque is generated with the hydrodynamic retarder.

Abstract: A damper includes a housing, a cap, a rotor portion, and blade portions projecting from the rotor portion. The blade portions include deformation portions in which the blade portions expand the diameter in one rotational direction in response to a resistance received from a viscous fluid, and in which the blade portions reduce the diameter in the other rotational direction. The blade portions engage a ring member provided on an inner circumference of the housing at a time of diameter expansion, and drag the ring member around.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rotary damper comprising a hollow housing (10) which is opened at its one end and completely closed at the other end by an end wall (11), a bearing (13) formed at the end wall (11), a shaft (20) fitted to the bearing (13), a plug (30) made of metal, having an aperture (31) supporting the shaft (20) and closing an opening in the housing (10), partitions (40) arranged inside the housing (10) for rotation in accordance with rotation of the housing (10), a viscous liquid filling chambers (71 and 72) defined by the partitions (40), and metal vanes (51 and 52) arranged in the chambers (71 and 72) for rotation in accordance with the rotation of the shaft (20), wherein the vane (51 and 52) includes a check valve, the check valve includes a valve body (84), and the valve body (84) includes a stop 84c made of resin and arranged between the plug (30) and the vanes (51 and 52).

Abstract: A damping assembly for a pivoting stowage bin includes a rotary hydraulic damper that is mounted on the pivot axis of the stowage bin. The rotary hydraulic damper includes a damper body that receives a rotor having at least one vane moved through contained hydraulic fluid. Preferably, an exterior bearing surface on the damper precludes the active damping elements from radial loads, while a distributed attachment of the rotor to the pivoting bin enables reduced torque loads. The damper can include an integrated flow-control valve for controlling the opening rate of the pivoting bin as well as an integrated mechanical stop for the bin.

Abstract: A brake assembly integrates both an impeller brake and a friction brake into an integrated brake assembly that provides for retarding and/or friction braking in response to a single braking action on a single brake assembly by the operator. In neutral, the impeller brake and the friction brake are disengaged from a brake hub. In a first braking position under a first applied fluid pressure, the brake hub engages the impeller brake for retarding axle rotation. In a second braking position under a second applied fluid pressure, the brake hub frictionally engages the friction brake for frictionally braking axle rotation.

Abstract: A damping mechanism that includes a housing with an inner circumferential surface defined by an assembly outer race, an axle shaft that is rotatable with respect to the housing, and a transmission assembly operatively associated with the axle shaft and disposed within the housing. The transmission assembly includes an assembly intermediate race. A fluid space that includes fluid therein is defined between the assembly intermediate race and the inner circumferential surface of the assembly outer race. A vane is disposed between the assembly intermediate race and the inner circumferential surface of the assembly outer race. The vane includes a restriction space defined therein. When the axle shaft rotates in the first direction, the transmission assembly transmits rotation from the axle shaft to the vane, and when the axle shaft rotates in the second direction, the transmission assembly transmits less rotation to the first vane than when the axle shaft rotates in the first direction.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic retarder having a first blade wheel and a second blade wheel concentric thereto, forming a hydrodynamic circuit grouped about a common rotary axis. Each blade wheel includes a base body and a blade arrangement fixed thereto including a plurality of blades each connected to receptacles in the base body. A first ring segment of at least one blade wheel includes at least one first blade having a flow edge facing the other blade wheel in each case, said edge having at least one extension running in a substantially straight line between the radial outer end thereof and the radial inner end thereof, and at least one second blade is provided in a second ring segment of the blade wheel, the blade having a retraction both opposite the flow edge facing the other blade wheel in each case, and opposite a protrusion protruding in the direction of the other blade wheel.

Abstract: A rotary vane magnetorheological energy absorber, which enables a longer stroke capability in a more compact configuration than conventional magnetorheological devices, is disclosed. This novel device design is attractive for applications where long stroking capability, high force dynamic range, device size, and device weight are important. The improved magnetorheological energy absorber comprises an internal or external flow valve and a hollow body enclosing fixed and rotary vanes as well as magnetorheological fluid. Fluid flow in the valve is restricted as a solenoid is activated, thus adjusting the capability of the device to react torque. Various flow valve configurations are disclosed, as well as various motion translation mechanisms for translating linear motion to rotary motion for use of the rotary vane magnetorheological energy absorber.

Abstract: The rotary damper for controlling helicopter motions includes an outer canister with an inner paddle wheel receiving cavity which receives an inner paddle wheel with upper and lower elastomeric tubular intermediate members between the inner paddle wheel and the outer canister. The canister and inner paddle wheel form neighboring variable volume chambers in liquid communication through liquid damping conduits. A clockwise rotation of the inner paddle wheel about the center of rotation axis relative to the outer canister pumps damper liquid from a second variable volume chamber through a first liquid conduit towards a first variable volume chamber, and a counterclockwise rotation of the paddle wheel relative to the outer canister pumps the damper liquid from the first variable volume chamber through the first liquid conduit towards the second variable volume chamber with the elastomeric tubular intermediate members providing for the relative rotation and containing the damper liquid in the damper.

Abstract: A damping device comprises an axle, a housing, a unidirectional member, and a damping oil. The unidirectional member in cross section is formed like a T-shape, and a top portion thereof is formed as an arc to cooperate with the housing's inner wall. Where the unidirectional member contains a U-shaped slot is defined oil holes interlaced with the gap of the first slot wall. The lifting of the cover generates little damping and the closing thereof generates a variable and yet optimal damping. The undersized unidirectional member also adds strength to the structure. The diminished cross-section of the unidirectional member contributes to a smaller U-shaped slot.

Abstract: A damper assembly incorporating a bushing adapted to rotate within a wall structure and engage a post on a bin or other element to be controlled. The bushing defines a hub of an integral, coaxial rotor which rides within a fluid containing housing. The bushing and rotor rotate concurrently about a common axis during rotation of the bin or other device being controlled. The drag on the rotor thereby slows the rotation of the engaged post and the associated bin or other structure being controlled.

Abstract: A system comprises a progressive cavity pump including a helical rotor disposed within a mating stator. In addition, the system comprises a rod string having a longitudinal axis, a first end, and a second end coupled to the rotor. Further, the system comprises a rotation retarding device coupled to the first end of the rod string, wherein the rotation retarding device retards the rotation of the rod string relative to the stator. Still further, the system comprises a lifting device coupled to the rotation retarding device, wherein the lifting device is operable to apply an axial lifting force to the rotor.

Abstract: A bicycle trainer is disclosed. The bicycle trainer includes a supporting frame, a roller, a runner and at least one vane. The supporting frame suspends at least one bicycle wheel. The roller is connected to the supporting frame via a shaft member. The roller is driven by the bicycle wheel. A runner is coaxially connected to the roller via the shaft. The vane is pivotally connected to an edge of the runner.

Abstract: A system for stabilizing a water brake including at least two rotor disks, a chamber of the water brake for containing water positioned between the at least two rotor disks, a pressure measuring device for measuring a partial pressure in the chamber, and an air injection device for injecting air into the chamber to increase the partial pressure in the chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automotive drive, comprising a cooling circuit with a coolant, a retarder having a rotor and a stator that together form a toroidal working chamber, with the coolant being the working medium of the retarder. The retarder has an inlet for feeding the working medium from the cooling circuit and an outlet for discharging the working medium into the cooling circuit. The present automotive drive is characterized by the following features: the retarder has an additional evacuation outlet, which communicates with the cooling circuit so as to carry the working medium; a leakage pump is interposed in the connection between the evacuation outlet and the cooling circuit.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic retarder with tangential inflow and outflow is formed with at least one radial recess (3), in the stator, which extends radially outward when viewed in the radial direction. The at least one radial recess (3) is arranged so as to enable one of back-feed and back-filling of the oil, emerging through the tangential outlet, into the pressure space.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic retarder having a first blade wheel and having a second blade wheel concentric thereto, together forming a hydrodynamic circuit grouped about a common rotary axis. Each blade wheel is made of a base body and a blade arrangement fixed thereto including a plurality of blades. The hydrodynamic circuit is supplied by a fluid inlet, while the fluid removal from the hydrodynamic circuit is performed by a fluid outlet. The fluid inlet has an inlet spiral enabling tangential fluid flow and the fluid outlet has an outlet spiral enabling tangential fluid flow. At least one inlet spiral is associated with a flow guide guiding the fluid into the hydrodynamic circuit with at least one axial component.

Abstract: A rotational damper comprises a stator and a rotor that is rotatably supported in the stator, the rotor having a first friction element (31, 31 A . . . 31 F), wherein the volume between the stator and the rotor is filled with a viscous fluid. According to the invention, the rotor has a second friction element (32, 32A . . . 32F), which is supported coaxially in relation to the first friction element and rotationally coupled thereto, and which can be axially displaced relative to the first friction element. Due to the two-piece design of the friction element and the ability for axial displacement of the two friction elements, the entire effective surface of the friction element in the viscous fluid, and thus the frictional resistance and the damping characteristics of the rotational damper, can be varied. For this purpose, the second friction element preferably comprises a plurality of segments (5, 5A . . . 5F), which immerse into the first friction element and can be displaced by means of an actuator (4, 4A .

Abstract: A four chamber hydraulic steering damper where a two sided rotary vane moves working fluid from one side of each vane to the adjacent side of the same vane when rotated in synchronism with the steering mechanism. The working fluid is directed through narrow passageways that may be metered and/or valved. Each chamber may have a unique or similar pressure relief area creating varying dampening through the steering rotation. The damper may be affixed to the steering shaft directly or by linkage to the steering shaft or another moving component of the steering assembly.

Abstract: Described is a rotary damper comprising a partition wall to partition space formed between a rotor and a housing to house said rotor and to form a fluid chamber to be fluid-filled; and a vane to be disposed in said fluid chamber; and a plug to close an opening of said housing; wherein said plug has a flange to be used for mounting which protrudes from an outer circumferential surface of said plug and a stepped portion to enable part of a roller caulking an edge of said opening of said housing to revolve and travel along a peripheral edge of said housing so that said plug having said flange is coupled to said housing by caulking an edge of said opening of said housing.

Abstract: A torsional vibration damper having a stator and a rotor provided with stator vanes and rotor wanes, respectively, which are arranged so as to form a plurality of work chambers fillable with damping medium and alternately changing their volumes during oscillation of the rotor. A damping device is provided in the rotor and has a compensation space in flow communication with the work chambers. The damping device has a throttle point configured so as to allow the compensation space to be pressurized by a relatively low pressure.

Abstract: An improved curtain rolling buffer apparatus mainly includes a rolling means mounted to a left end of the track to allow the curtain hanging below the track to be extended by pulling once and retracted by pulling another time. A buffer means is located on the right end of the track and has a bushing housing a spring. When to extend or retract the curtain, the spring is turned clockwise and extended outwards, and runs idle outside an axle, and the elastic force of the spring is small than the pressure of lube oil so that the curtain is easier to be extended. On the contrary, when the spring is turned counterclockwise, it is tightened and drives the bushing to rotate together.

Abstract: A one-way damper includes a cylindrical housing, a viscous fluid contained within the housing, a rotor rotatably disposed in the housing, and a valve body. The rotor has a center part for forming a rotational center, and a control wall extending radially outwardly from the center part for dividing an inside of the housing. The control wall has a distribution path. The valve body has a holding part for holding the center part, and a free edge part extending from one side of the holding part for opening-and closing the distribution path. A seal member prevents the viscous fluid from leaking between the housing and the rotor.

Abstract: An adequate rotation angle is ensured and any member is not damaged due to fluid resistance even with use of highly viscous fluid. A rotating shaft (2) is provided inside a casing (1) having first divider walls (5) provided on its inner periphery and in direct or indirect contact with the rotating shaft. Second divider walls (4) are provided on an outer periphery of the rotating shaft and in either direct or indirect contact with the casing. A flow passage (4a) is provided in the second divider wall for fluid communication between the pressure chambers. A check valve mechanism has curving portions (6a) moving on and along the periphery of the rotating shaft and valving portions (6b) each joining to the curving portion. The curving portion is supported between the rotating shaft and the first divider wall. The flow passage is opened/closed depending upon a direction of fluid flow.

Abstract: A damper device includes a check valve operated to apply braking force to a rotary shaft having wing portions when rotated in a cylinder in one direction and, when the rotary shaft is rotated in the opposite direction, the check valve is not operated. Movement restricting flow passages for restricting the movement of a viscous fluid between front and rear-side oil chambers divided by the wing portions are formed between an inner wall of the cylinder and the wing portions, and a selective communication passage having the check valve is formed between the wing portions and one of two side walls forming the oil chambers, such that the side wall and the check valve can be rotated along with the rotation of the wing portions, thereby avoiding rotation of the check valve in contact with the inner wall of the cylinder, for pronged service life of the damper device.

Abstract: A rotary damper is provided which can include a valve (6) which automatically varies a flow rate of a viscous fluid passing through fluid passages (5a, 5b) in correspondence with variation in load. The valve (6) comprises a leaf spring. The flow rate-adjusting portion (6g) constituting the valve (6) is provided so as not to close the fluid passages (5a, 5b) when no load is applied and bends so that its one surface side projects when no load is applied and becomes deformed in a direction in which the fluid passage (5b) is closed when receiving pressure of the viscous fluid on its one surface side. The flow rate of the viscous fluid passing through the fluid passage (5b) is adjusted depending on a degree of deformation of the flow rate-adjusting portion (6g) corresponding to magnitude of pressure of the viscous fluid applied to one surface side of the flow rate-adjusting portion (6g).

Abstract: A hydrodynamic brake which comprises a stator and a rotor, arranged to form a toroidal space, and blades on the rotor and the stator extend into the space. A medium which is intended to be supplied to the toroidal space to effect a braking action. A first pipe circuit for transferring the medium from an outlet from the toroidal space to an inlet to the toroidal space. A second pipe circuit for transferring the medium from a storage space to the toroidal space. The second pipe circuit transfers the medium to the toroidal space via a second inlet which is arranged separately relative to a corresponding first inlet to the first pipe circuit.

Abstract: A damper that is mounted to a printed circuit board of an automobile's climate control system includes a tactile feel and torque control mechanism for the user as the user controls the temperature and climate within the interior of an automobile. The damper incorporates a plurality of detents that engage with a plurality of ribs or similar protrusions for providing the desired tactile feel and torque control in the control knob of the climate control system. The printed circuit board used with the automobile's climate control system has an integrated polymer thick film (PTF) circuit that replaces the traditional circuit board technology, thereby eliminating the need for separately mounted potentiometers and resistors as those items can be printed onto the polymer circuit. The printed circuit board is less expensive to manufacture over existing circuit board technology, is easier to assemble, results in fewer parts, and is environmentally friendly as no soldering of components is required.

Abstract: An adequate rotation angle is ensured and any member is not damaged due to fluid resistance even with use of highly viscous fluid. A rotating shaft (2) is provided inside a casing (1) having first divider walls (5) provided on its inner periphery and in direct or indirect contact with the rotating shaft. Second divider walls (4) are provided on an outer periphery of the rotating shaft and in either direct or indirect contact with the casing. A flow passage (4a) is provided in the second divider wall for fluid communication between the pressure chambers. A check valve mechanism has curving portions (6a) moving on and along the periphery of the rotating shaft and valving portions (6b) each joining to the curving portion. The curving portion is supported between the rotating shaft and the first divider wall. The flow passage is opened/closed depending upon a direction of fluid flow.