Abstract: A distribution station includes a mobile trailer, a pump on the mobile trailer, a manifold on the mobile trailer and connected with the pump, a plurality of hoses connected with the manifold, a plurality of valves on the mobile trailer, each of the valves situated between the manifold and a respective different one of the hoses, a plurality of guided wave radar level sensors, each of the guided wave radar level sensors being associated with a respective different one of the hoses, and a controller configured to communicate with the guided wave radar level sensors and operate the valves responsive to signals from the guided wave radar level sensors.

Abstract: A method of assembling a bearing assembly includes fitting a first ring onto a first end of a gear shaft. A second ring is fed into a slot in the first ring. The second ring is driven through the slot in the first ring. The second ring is positioned within the first ring. The second ring is positioned about the gear shaft such that a first end and a second end of the second ring are covered by a solid portion of the first ring.

Abstract: Systems and methods for manufacturing seals (e.g., metal end cap (MEC) seals) having inner and/or outer surfaces that include grooves are provided. In particular, seal mold assemblies may include removable, flexible, non-metallic annular mold inserts (e.g., sleeves) that may be inserted into annular mold cavities of inner and outer annular mold rings. As such, the mold inserts may be used interchangeably and modularly to create many different types of grooved seals, without the need to use different inner and outer annular mold rings. Using mold inserts in this manner eliminates the need for secondary machining processes on the inner and/or outer surfaces of the grooved seals, thereby reducing overall manufacturing costs and time as well as providing greater consistency and repeatability between manufactured grooved seals.

Abstract: This rotary flexure bearing consists of concentric inner and outer hubs connected by compound flexure stages. These compound flexure stages provide the angular compliance required for bearing rotation as well as compliance for flexure foreshortening while holding a constant axis of rotation over the entire range of motion. This design offers large angular displacement, low operating stress, low operating torque, and high stiffness in the five noncompliant degrees of freedom. The rotary flexure bearing described herein has applications in precision mechanics, particularly opto-mechanics. Specific applications include but are not limited to wafer and reticle alignment stages used in microlithography systems, mirror pointing and scanning mechanisms used in tactical and spaceborne systems, as well as flip-in mechanisms used in multiple field of view optical systems.

Abstract: A system for transferring torque between modules in a concentrating solar collector array. A trough collector system includes at least two modules, each module including a reflector having a reflective surface shaped to concentrate incoming radiation onto a linear tube, and a structural lattice attached to the reflector. The modules are constrained to rotate about a common axis. A torque transfer connection directly connects the three-dimensional structural lattices of the two modules at a location removed from the axis of rotation. Torque is thus transmitted between the modules by a force couple acting on the module. Also described are a method of transferring torque between adjacent trough collector modules, and a three-dimensional structural lattice configured for use in the system and method. Mechanisms for accommodating thermal expansion and contraction of the array are described. A drive system is described that imparts torque to a module near an edge of the module.

Abstract: A stator blade carrier, particularly for a gas turbine, is provided. The stator blade carrier includes a number of axial segments and is intended to attain a particularly high degree of operational reliability and long service life. To this end, two neighboring axial segments are connected to a number of tie rods, each enclosed by a support tube, wherein a spherical disk is arranged on at least one end of the respective support tube and mounted in a conical socket supported on the respective axial segment.

Abstract: A releasable squeegee assembly for coupling to a surface maintenance machine and including a compliant bushing and an over-center lever attached to a pull rod and compliant spring. The compliant bushing is compressed via said over-center lever with said compliant spring providing a spring force. A bushing sleeve is provided to limit the degree of compression of said compliant bushing by the over-center lever. A method of coupling a squeegee assembly to a surface maintenance machine is also provided.

Abstract: An elastic joint, in particular for a wheel suspension of a motor vehicle. The joint includes an inner armature, an outer armature surrounding the inner armature, wherein the armatures define an axial direction and two radial directions perpendicular to the axial direction as well as perpendicular to each other and disposed in a circumferential plane, and an elastomeric body for the mutual elastic retention of the armatures, wherein the elastomeric body consists of at least four connecting columns respectively extending from the inner armature to the outer armature.

Abstract: A coupling adapter including a side wall and a plurality of circumferentially spaced retaining fins supported by the side wall and extending radially inwardly in order to provide a variable diameter interference fit with an elongated member.

Abstract: A flexible bushing arrangement (30; 30?) has an inner bushing (32; 32?), an outer bushing (34; 34?) which surrounds the inner bushing and delimits an annular space (36; 36?, 36?) therewith, and a resilient connecting body (38; 38) which is arranged in the annular space (36; 36?, 36?) and connects the two bushings (32, 34; 32?, 34?) to each other. In end regions of the annular space (36; 36?, 36?) spacers (40, 42; 40?, 42?) are arranged which allow only limited radial relative movements of the two bushings (32, 34; 32?, 34?) in relation to each other. Each of the spacers (40, 42; 40?, 42?) is constructed in one piece with one of the bushings (32, 34; 32?, 34?) and is arranged in such a way that it may only act on the other bushing (34, 32; 34?, 32?) via the connecting body (38, 38?). Each of the spacers (40, 42) is constructed in the manner of a toothed ring.

Abstract: A torque arm for securing the position of a power train relative to a motor vehicle includes a first mount and a second mount. The first mount and the second mount are spaced by a body portion. The first mount is formed by a continuous ring defining a first central opening and is integral with the body portion. The second mount is formed by a loop defining a second central opening and the loop extends from the body portion at an opposite end of the body portion from the continuous ring.

Abstract: Round bearings comprise (i) an outer bush, (ii) a bearing element based on polyisocyanate polyadducts and (iii) a hollow inner bush. A surface of the outer bush and/or the hollow inner bush that is adjacent to (ii) the bearing element containing thermoplastic polyurethane.

Abstract: A first annular frame is formed on the bottom surface of an engine cover. A mount rubber of columnar shape is inserted into the first annular frame. Projections of the mount rubber are fitted into holes of the first annular frame. A through hole is formed in the mount rubber. An engagement projection is formed on the inner surface of the through hole. An adapter has a small-diameter part formed in the vicinity of the top end and a predetermined distance away from the top end toward the root thereof. The adapter has a flange formed below the smaller-diameter part. The top end part of the adapter is inserted into the through hole of the mount rubber to fit the engagement projection into the small-diameter part and bring the flange into abutment on the bottom surface of the mount rubber.

Abstract: A mounting bracket and insert for use in mounting mountable devices to a mounting pole including a first section and a second section, each of said first and second sections having a concave surface, each concave surface having at least a one longitudinally extended groove, the first and second sections being joinable to one another, with such joining forming a cylindrical area between the first and second sections, said cylindrical area formed by said concave surfaces, and at least a pair of inserts, each insert having a convex surface sized to fit within the concave surface of one of the two sections, the convex surface of each insert having at least one protrusion aligned along the longitudinal axis of the insert and shaped to fit into at least one groove of the concave surfaces of the sections is described.

Abstract: A two-stage, bi-directional shift lever vibration isolator. A shift lever has a sleeve whereinside is a lever vibration isolator which includes a damping body having an axial bore and an outer surface characterized by an hour-glass cross-section composed of convex and concave surfaces; a transmission shift shaft attachment housing located in the bore; an upper washer connected to the housing and abutting an upper end of the damping body; and a lower washer connected to the housing and abutting a lower end of the damping body. The upper and lower washers are sized to provide a predetermined perimeter separation with respect to the sleeve. The hour-glass cross-section of the damping body provides bi-directional natural frequency of vibration and stiffness.

Abstract: A mechanical attachment for a two-stage, bi-directional shift lever vibration isolator. A shift lever has a sleeve which receives thereinside a lever vibration isolator which includes a damping body having an outer surface characterized by an hour-glass cross-section; an attachment housing within the damping body; and upper and lower washers connected to the housing. An attachment bore passes laterally through the housing and is lined by a layer of the damping body. The attachment bore is disposed in the center of recessed surfaces of the hour-glass cross-section. An attachment pin passes through the attachment bore and the sleeve. The shift lever vibration isolator is freely slidable on the attachment pin, facilitated by a clearance between the attachment pin and the bore lining layer.

Abstract: A speed reduction gear train comprising a sun gear, an annular gear, and planet gears meshing with the sun gear and the annular gear and mounted in a cage having axial housings between pairs of adjacent planet gears. The cage is connected to a cage carrier having axial arms received in the housings by radial pins disposed in the midplane of the cage by means of spherical finger connections allowing the cage carrier to tilt and to move axially relative to the cage.

Abstract: The vehicular shift lever has rubber bushes tightly fastened to the external surface of a lever axle and a cover pressed over the external side of the rubber bush. The shift lever includes: first and second rubber bushes fastened to the top and bottom of the lever axle with a preset interval therebetween; a plurality of protruders formed radially at the external circumferential surface of one or more rubber bushes; and a third rubber bush installed at the external side of the protruder with the internal and external sides thereof being attached to the external surface of the protruder and the internal surface of the cover, respectively. This reduces the amount of material required for the rubber bushes, and effectively absorbes vibration and decreases noise.

Abstract: A projecting portion 52 which becomes convex in radial direction is formed in a rubber elastic body 5 for connecting together an inner cylindrical body 3 mounted to a shaft portion 21a of a lower shift lever member 21 by external interfit and an outer cylindrical body 4 mounted to a cylindrical portion 22a of an upper shift lever member 22 by internal interfit. Formed in an inner peripheral surface of the outer cylindrical body 4 is a recessed portion 42 which becomes concave with clearances C1 and C2 of respective given amounts left between the recessed portion 42 and the projecting portion 52. This makes it possible to manufacture a shift lever bush 1 having a two-stage spring characteristic at low cost.

Abstract: In order to provide watertight properties between a spring socket (1) and a release socket (2) for a plug of a push-pull connector, a bellows expansion joint (5) is provided between the spring and release sockets. When the two sockets are spaced apart, the bellows expansion joint is in the rest (non-stressed) position. When the release socket is driven closer to the spring socket, a stress is exerted on the bellows expansion joint (6, 7). This helps to force back the release socket. By this structure, improvements are shown in the vibration resistance and, at the same time, in the watertightness of the plug of a push-pull connector.

Abstract: A pivot bushing for a suspension system has an inner metal and an outer metal with an elastomeric bushing disposed between the metals. The outer metal has one end which is partially closed by an inwardly curved portion and one end which is open. The assembly of the bushing is through the open end. Once assembled the open end is closed by placing a cover over the open end and crimping the cover to a flange formed at the open end. In another embodiment, the cover is inserted into the outer metal and the outer metal is crimped to secure the cover in place.

Abstract: An attachment extends between an outer sleeve and an inner riser pipe where the pipe penetrates the keel of a platform. In one version, the attachment is a conically-shaped with a small diameter ring that engages the riser pipe and a large diameter ring that engages the outer sleeve. This attachment has elements that are very flexible in bending but relatively stiff and strong in axial load. Other versions include flat rings where lateral load is taken directly into tension and compression in the beams, allowing for relatively high lateral load transfer. Both the conically-shaped attachment and the flat ring have a number of variations that provide low bending stiffness but high axial stiffness of the elements. Depending on whether resistance to axial loads, lateral loads, or resistance to combination of both loads is desired, the attachment and the flat ring may be used alone or in combination.

Abstract: A method of making a connector hub to mate with tubular frame members, for use in constructing a free span building. The method includes constructing multiple slots, each slot having an open end, a closed end, and a longitudinal axis; and for each slot; disposing a tooth on either side of the longitudinal axis; and making the area of the connector material in shear to the area of the tubular frame member in tension, as an approximate ratio of the unit strength of the material of the tubular frame member in tension to the unit strength of the material of the connector in shear.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating securing a component to a stationary bracket, including a mount recess formed in the component, a mount hole formed in the bracket, a sleeve fixed to the mount recess through an elastic bushing, a bolt extending through the mount hole and engaged in the sleeve, a projection positioned on the sleeve, and a guide provided on the bracket. The projection and the guide cooperate to align a threaded bore of the sleeve with the mount hole of the bracket when the component is mounted to the bracket.

Abstract: This device is for the tight crossing of a partition or bulkhead by a mobile member. The object of the invention is to supply a device permitting the transfer of simultaneous, complex mechanical movements through a tight partition, whilst maintaining the seal of the partition. This object is achieved with the aid of a device having at least one shell or sleeve (4) mounted on a partition so as to pivot about a pivoting axis perpendicular to the crossing axis of the partition by the member and the displacement direction of the member. The member passes in the interior of the sleeve. A plate (12) is tightly traversed by the member (10) and mobile with the member for its displacements in the displacement direction. First and second tight membranes (14 and 16) tightly connect the plate (12)/sleeve (4) and sleeve (4)/partition (8).

Abstract: A shaft coupling structure for male and female shaft components of a vehicular propeller shaft includes a sleeve shaft having a substantially rigid first end, an annular flange formed therearound at a central location at which the sleeve shaft connects to a tube member, and a reduced diameter portion which extends from the flange into the tube portion. A plurality of splines are formed in the axial direction of the sleeve shaft and are interposed between an inner wall of the rigid first end and a stub yoke which is inserted into the first end for co-rotation therewith. Further, a grease cap, or other lubrication device may be provided at an end of the reduced diameter portion. Also, around the reduced diameter portion, between the inner wall of the tube and the outer side of the reduced diameter portion, a vibration damping device, as well as an insertion guide device may be provided for improving smoothness and reducing operational noise for the shaft coupling structure.

Abstract: An installation ring, for a pressurized fluid buffer device such as a shock absorber or the like is formed of a single piece of base material having a uniform thickness. The ring may be initially formed as a flat article having surface contours formed by pressing or the like to provide a central longitudinally extending raised area and raised longitudinal edges. When the flat article is subject to bending processing into an annular shape for installation around an eye bush, opposed edges thereof meet at a position which is selected as an attachment position for a base portion of the buffer device. Thus, attachment of end portions of the installation ring and attachment of the buffer device thereto mat be accomplished in a single step.

Abstract: An isolation apparatus reduces vibrations and destructive twisting forces otherwise transmitted between an automotive vehicle body and roof. A striker isolator and a roof pivot isolator are provided. Furthermore, a hinge isolator is provided between a pair of foldable roof sections. These isolators are ideally suited for use in combination with convertible roofs.

Abstract: A link assembly connectable to a member and adapted for rotary motion and conical deflection relative to the connectable member generally consisting of an elongated rigid member having an opening therethrough for receiving said connectable member therein. A bushing disposed in said connectable member opening, the bushing being formed of a thermoplastic polyurethane material and having an opening therethrough providing an interior, cylindrical wall therein. The interior cylindrical wall having a plurality of dimples therein.

Abstract: An end attachment assembly for a twisted rope torsion bar includes an anchor nut and an internal elastomeric bushing cooperatively mating with the nut. The elastomeric bushing is molded onto the end of the twisted rope torsion bar. The torsion bar is fabricated of a lightweight glass fiber/epoxy composite material. The elastomeric bushing has external splines cooperating and mating with splines on the inner bore of the anchor nut. The end attachment assembly compresses the end of the twisted rope torsion bar to reduce stress concentration and prevent separation, i.e. the application of torque to the anchor nut transmits a like amount of torque to the elastomeric bushing to compress and more firmly grip the twisted rope torsion bar. The elastomeric bushing is compressed radially inwardly by the cam shape of the mating splines. Advantageously, the elastomeric bushing proportionally increases the grip on the end of the torsion bar so that the joint is made tighter and tighter under increased torque.

Abstract: A joint prosthesis for replacing a damaged or diseased joint between two or more skeletal members, including a distal joint component formed with a sleeve connected to a stem adapted to mount to one skeletal member, a proximal joint component having a housing connected to a stem adapted to mount to an adjoining skeletal member, and a hinge element comprising a hollow cylinder, a pin disposed within the cylinder and a layer of elastomeric material bonded therebetween. The joint components are pivotally interconnected by inserting the cylinder of the hinging element for rotation within the sleeve of the distal joint component, and fixing the ends of the pin of the hinging element to the housing of the proximal joint component so that the distal joint component is pivotal about the hinging element relative to the proximal joint component.

Abstract: A coaxial joint for joining inner and outer cylindrical members permitting rotational and/or linear movement between them, comprises an outer bushing sleeve non-rotatably receivable within the outer cylindrical member, an inner bushing sleeve formed with a central bore for receiving the inner cylindrical member; a first group of longitudinally-extending, circumferentially-spaced ribs formed between the inner and outer sleeves; and a second group of such ribs formed in staggered relationship with respect to the first group on the outer face of the outer sleeve and effective, when forcibly received within the outer cylindrical member, to distort inwardly the portions of the outer sleeve between the first group of ribs and thereby to minimize the distortion of the inner sleeve.

Abstract: A shift lever is composed of a lower lever section connected to a control rod of a transmission, and an upper lever section formed with a hollow cylindrical portion and provided with a shift lever knob. The lower lever section is formed with an elongate end portion which is being inserted in the hollow cylindrical portion of the upper lever section. Additionally, lower and upper elastomeric insulators spaced from each other are securely mounted on the elongate end portion of the lower lever section. The lower elastomeric insulator is securely connected to the upper lever section cylindrical portion, while the upper elastomeric insulator is adapted to form a clearance between it and the upper lever section cylindrical portion, thereby avoiding contact between the upper elastomeric insulator and the upper lever section cylindrical portion upon the shift lever being not operated.

Abstract: In order to provide a pin for connecting machine parts with one another, which is of optimally light weight, the pin is of a compound structure comprising a core of filler-reinforced synthetic plastics resin and a metallic envelope. As filler there are used quartz sand or carbon fibers. The envelope is preferably seated on the core under circumferential tensile bias. The manufacture of the pin takes place, for instance, by pressing the filler and a matrix resin system directly into a suitably prepared envelope.

Abstract: In order to provide a pin for connecting machine parts with one another, which is of optimally light weight, the pin is of a compound structure comprising a core of filler-reinforced synthetic plastics resin and a metallic envelope. As filler there are used quartz sand or carbon fibers. The envelope is preferably seated on the core under circumferential tensile bias. The manufacture of the pin takes place, for instance, by pressing the filler and a matrix resin system directly into a suitably prepared envelope.

Abstract: A connector for joining structural components which may be subjected to bending, shear, tensional and/or torsional forces at the joint is comprised of a fixture member spanning the joint between the structural components for coupling the same along a longitudinal connector axis generally normal to the joint, socket members disposed within each of the components to be joined and through which the fixture member passes, the sockets defining a shear pocket configured to receive a resilient shear cushion. The fixture member is preferably a compressive fixture member and includes resilient compression cushion members disposed intermediate the length thereof outwardly proximate the shear pocket and inwardly proximate adjustable compression members for establishing a compressive force across the joint. A bending cushion may be disposed at the joint between the structural components.

Abstract: A shaft with rubber rollers designed to be made in a simple and inexpensive manner. The rollers are made separately with a helical spring or split clamping sleeve vulcanized in them during manufacture. The required number of rollers are ground to size and placed in an assembly block in the required spaced and axially aligned relationship, and the shaft is forced through the central apertures of the rollers.

Abstract: In a resilient coupling of the kind comprising an inner shaft nested concentrically within an outer shaft by means of a sleeve unit of elastomeric material for transmission of torque between the shafts there is provided a buffer unit mounted within the outer shaft to transit torque between the shafts only when a certain degree of torsional deflection is exceeded by the sleeve unit.

Abstract: A strut rod mounting assembly of the type which utilizes a pair of resilient bushings disposed on opposite sides of a vehicle frame member. A terminal end of the strut rod passes through a frame member opening and openings in the bushings with an alignment cup interposed between each bushing and the frame member. Each alignment cup includes a first cylindrical flange closely received in the frame member opening for piloting the cup itself and a second cylindrical flange closely received over an axial portion of the associated bushing outer periphery. This second cylindrical flange acts to pilot the associated bushing and thereby eliminates the need for internal piloting and pivoting means which adds high load forces on the bushing inside diameter, causes bushing pinching and abraiding and reduces the mounting assembly overall life.

Abstract: A releasable stabilizer is disclosed for adjustable positioning along a drill string. The stabilizer includes a body positionable around the drill string; a coil spring mounted within the tubular body with the spring having a first and second end; anchoring apparatus mounted with the body to prevent the first end of the string from moving circumferentially around the drill string; and a rotating apparatus mounted with the body for moving the second end of the spring circumferentially around the drill string and anchoring the second end after the spring has gripped the drill string sufficiently tight to secure the body to the drill string while permitting the second end to be released when desired.

Abstract: A pivot pin construction for pivot joints, particularly universal joints wherein an inner and an outer member are provided in the construction. A spacing is provided between the inner and outer members and a resilient mass is secured in the spacing. The spacing between the inner and outer members is enlarged at the axial ends thereof so that when the pivot pin is displaced, the volume of the displaced resilient mass in one plane plus the volume of the displaced resilient mass in an adjacent plane is absorbed by the volume between the two surfaces in the respective plane.

Abstract: An elastic connection of an axial joint with the connecting linkage of a motor vehicle steering gear, comprises a housing which has an opening at each end with one end opening into a spherical cavity for supporting the ball head of an axial joint and the opposite end opening into a cylindrical cavity. The cylindrical cavity contains an inner metal sleeve which is adapted to be connected to a connecting linkage which is held in position by an elastic bearing bushing which is firmly adhered thereto, such as by vulcanizing. The outer periphery of the elastic bushing is secured to a steering part secured in the cylindrical recess of the housing. The inner sleeve includes an annular collar adjacent the opening at the cylindrical recess end of the housing at a location adjacent the end which is formed with a downturned flange of both the housing and the outer bearing sleeve part.

Abstract: A device for elastically supporting an upper structure on a frame and thus reducing the vibration which is transmitted from the frame to the upper structure.

Abstract: An elastic pivotal bearing support of a structural part carrying out exclusively angular movements, particularly in individual wheel suspensions of motor vehicle wheels, which absorbs forces directed axially and/or radially to the pivot axis and which transmits the same into a frame; the pivot bearing support is thereby equipped with two coaxial sleeves, namely, an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve which are under radial prestress from the presence of a rubber-elastic material with a layer thickness sufficient to absorb shocks; one sleeve is connected with the frame and the other with the structural part, whereby the two sleeves immovably adhere at the contact surface of the rubber-elastic material during pivotal movements of the structural part; at least one axial collar is provided which is moved along with the structural part and at least one further corresponding axial collar is provided which is moved along with the frame; a layer of rubber-elastic material of shock-absorbing thickness is arranged between