Abstract: The device for crossing obstacles for a motorized vehicle includes a chassis connected to n (n?3) wheels on each side, and a driver suitable for rotating the wheels. Each side of the chassis includes a mechanism comprising n?1 arms hingedly connected two-by-two about a shared pivoting axis on which the n wheels are distributed, respectively a front wheel, n?2 intermediate wheels, and a rear wheel. The mechanism allows each wheel to pivot relative to the axis of each adjacent wheel.

Abstract: An eddy-current actuated balancer includes a barrel having a locating wall at one end thereof; two balancing wheels mounted around the barrel and carrying a respective counterweight at the border, a washer set between the balancing wheels, an elastic ring and a lock ring and a pulsed magnetic field generator mounted on each balancing wheel. The balancing wheels, the washer and the elastic ring are clamped between the locating wall of the barrel and the lock ring. Each pulsed magnetic field generator is controlled to generate a pulsed magnetic field acting upon the associating balancing wheel during its rotation for inducing an eddy current that causes the associating balancing wheel to make an angular displacement relative to the barrel for balance adjustment.

Abstract: A dual-mass flywheel is provided for a vehicle drivetrain having an internal combustion engine and a transmission. The dual-mass flywheel includes a primary mass adapted for connection to the engine and a secondary mass operatively connected to the primary mass and adapted for connection to the transmission. The clutching mechanism is configured to lock the secondary mass to the primary mass up to a threshold speed of the engine to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) during start up of the engine. The clutching mechanism is also configured to release the secondary mass from the primary mass above the threshold speed. A motor vehicle employing the disclosed dual-mass flywheel is also provided.

Abstract: A solution is provided for tuning the frequency of a rotating body. A sectioned tuning ring is mounted to a flange coupling that couples a first part and a second part of a rotating body together. The sectioned tuning ring adjusts the frequency of the rotating body. The sectioned tuning ring can be bolted on to the rotating body as it is in an operating position within the machine, thus eliminating the need to remove the rotating body from the machine.

Abstract: Rolling element bores are provided in the outer circumferential portion of a disk-like main body. Each rolling element bore has an arcuate outer rim. Rollers each have a groove formed on the peripheral edge and extending along the entire circumference of the roller. The outer rim of each rolling element bore engages with the groove of the associated roller so that the roller is loosely fitted in the rolling element bore. Shafts are respectively formed on both sides of each roller. The shafts project from the center of the roller. An elastic ring is mounted on each shaft. Annular guide plates are respectively mounted on both sides of the disk-like main body so that the shafts of the rollers are supported by the guide plates.

Abstract: A dynamic damper device includes a variable inertial mass device that variably controls inertial mass of a damper mass, an elastic body that connects a rotary shaft rotated by power transmitted thereto and an input member of the variable inertial mass device, and a variable damping force device that variably controls a damping force to the elastic body. Accordingly, the dynamic damper devices have the advantageous effect that vibrations can be appropriately reduced.

Abstract: An apparatus for damping torsional vibration in a shaft, having a plurality of retainer pockets spaced from each other in the direction of the shaft's axis of rotation and connected for contemporaneous rotation with the shaft, and a plurality of disks each disposed within one of the retainer pockets, each retainer pocket having a circular track wall, each disk being free to shift perpendicular to the shaft's axis of rotation to engage and move along the circular track wall in response to the vibration, wherein each circular retainer pocket has a center that is at a predetermined radial offset distance relative to the shaft's axis of rotation and the respective radial offsets are angularly spaced from each other about the shaft's axis of rotation.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method and apparatus for regulating active damping in a hybrid vehicle powertrain. The method includes: monitoring the damping command sent to the active damping system; determining a mean reference point, which may be a filtered value of the damping torque command; determining if the unfiltered damping torque command value switches from one side to the other of the mean reference point; if a switch is detected, determining if the size of the switch exceeds a predetermined minimum; if it does, then increasing a total number of switches; determining if the total number of switches exceeds a switch threshold; if the total number of switches exceeds the switch threshold, determining if the current damping torque exceeds a damping torque threshold; and decreasing the damping torque if the total number of switches exceeds the switch threshold and the current damping torque exceeds the damping torque threshold.

Abstract: A torsional vibration damper includes a one-piece integral hub and annular inertia mass assembly. Between the hub and the inertia mass are intermediate rings connected integrally with the mass and the hub connected integral spokes. Elastomeric members are compression fitted within spaces formed between the hub and the mass.

Abstract: A motor for a treadmill, containing at least a housing (1), a stator (2), a rotor (3) having a rotating shaft (4), a front end cover (9), a rear end cover (5), and a flywheel (13). The front end cover (9) and the rear end cover (5) are disposed on both ends of the housing (1), respectively. The stator (2) and the rotor (3) are disposed in the housing (1). A front end of the rotating shaft (4) extends from the housing (1). The flywheel (13) is disposed on the front end of the rotating shaft (4). The rotating shaft (4) is connected to the flywheel (13) via key (14). A sleeve (12) is fit on the front end of the rotating shaft (4). The sleeve (12) abuts against the flywheel (13). A locking device is disposed at the end of the rotating shaft (4) and tightly fixes the flywheel (13).

Abstract: A torsional vibration damper includes a one-piece integral hub and annular inertia mass assembly. Between the hub and the inertia mass are intermediate rings connected integrally with the mass and the hub connected integral spokes. Elastomeric members are compression fitted within spaces formed between the hub and the mass. With this design, the damper can be formed from a polymeric material with an embedded annular weight.

Abstract: A flywheel includes a hub portion concentrically defined around a center of the flywheel. A body portion located peripherally around the hub portion has a driver-side face and a driven-side face. A plurality of passageways in the body portion extend through the flywheel and fluidly connect the driver-side face with the driven-side face. Each of the plurality of passageways is adapted to receive a flow of lubricant spilling onto the driver-side of the body portion when the flywheel is rotating, and to expel lubricant out of the driven-side face of the body portion.

Abstract: A wheel, such as a traction wheel, with a momentum enhancing apparatus. The momentum enhancing apparatus may selectively enhance the wheel's ability to maintain its angular velocity at relatively high speeds, while having a reduced effect on the angular velocity of the wheel at relatively slow speeds. The momentum enhancing apparatus may include one or more bodies that either translate radially between the hub and the rim of the wheel to change the mass moment of inertia of the wheel, or rotate with the wheel and transfer the momentum of the bodies to the wheel under increasing loads. Methods of using such apparati and vehicles equipped with such apparati are also enclosed.

Abstract: A flywheel suitable for use with fluid, and a method of using same, wherein the flywheel comprises a receptacle for receiving the fluid and wherein the receptacle comprises an outer wall and an inner wall, the inner and outer wall forming a cavity for holding the fluid when the flywheel is in operation.

Abstract: A damper for shafts includes an elastomeric ring having a plurality of holes therethrough and an inertia ring having two portions such that the portions encapsulate the elastomeric ring and secure the elastomeric ring in a position. The inertia ring includes openings corresponding to the plurality of holes in the elastomeric ring. A first housing portion configured to receive first fasteners through a first set of openings in the elastomeric ring and the inertia ring to secure the first housing portion to a second housing portion. The first and second housing portions form a surface to receive an inner portion of the elastomeric ring such that the inertia ring floats on the elastomeric ring without the inertia ring contacting the first and second housing portions.

Abstract: There is provided a differential propulsion mechanism including two or more concentric and mutually counter-rotating first wheels (4, 6, 8, 10), mutually reacting and balancing the torque of a motor drive (20) interacting with the wheels. The motor drive has a stator attached to one of the first wheels to power a first wheel over a first track (12, 14, 16, 18), a rotor coupled to a mechanical link, at least indirectly connecting the rotor with a second of the two or more first wheels to power the second wheel over a second track, and a concentric connecting device affixed for coupling a payload thereto or for coupling the mechanism itself to another device.

Abstract: A force generator for an active vibration control (AVC) system provides a mass located upon an inner circular member which is movable within an outer circular member to simultaneously complete one revolution about its axis as it orbits within the outer circular member to compensate for sensed vibrations. A crank mounts the inner circular member and a counterweight. The crank is rotated by a prime mover such as an electric motor. The mass will therefore generate a sinusoidal inertial force in a straight line. Multiple systems are suitably arranged to be used in conjunction with one another to provide a wide range of inertial force outputs.

Abstract: A damper spring device is provided with a first spring and a second spring retained by a stopper in such a manner that the second spring is compressed by a preload. The preload on the second spring is greater than a preload on the first spring. The first spring and the second spring have load-deflection characteristics such that the first spring deforms when an axial load acting in the direction of compression of the first spring is not greater than a load at which a strand of the first spring is at least partially compacted and that the first spring and the second spring deform when the axial load is greater than the load at which the strand of the first spring is at least partially compacted.

Abstract: Mass portions of torsional dampers are annular surrounding corresponding elastic portions. The mass portion of the torsional damper has a first inclined face formed such that the elastic portion deforms in a sheared manner as the mass portion rotates in a rotational direction with respect to a companion flange and the elastic portion partially deforms in a compressed manner as the mass portion rotates in a direction other than the rotational direction. The mass portion of the torsional damper has second inclined faces formed such that the elastic portion deforms in a sheared manner as the mass portion rotates in the direction of the rotational axis of the companion flange and the elastic portion partially deforms in a compressed manner as the mass portion rotates in a direction other than the direction of the rotational axis.

Abstract: A bamboo wind power megawatts producer is provided in which the surfaces of rotor blades capture and compress the laminar flowing wind through the turbulent rotor vortex wherein great amounts of energy are extracted from the wind in volumetric quantities within the confines of the housing assembly for rotating the power generators to produce great quantities of megawatts of electric currents after which the exhausted wind is dumped to the low pressure area leeward of the operating rotor assembly.

Abstract: A pressure washer system includes a combustion engine having a power takeoff. The center of the power takeoff defines an axis of rotation. The pressure washer system further includes a centrifugal clutch coupled to the power takeoff. The clutch comprises a flywheel having a center of mass positioned along the axis of rotation. The pressure washer system also includes a water pump coupled to the clutch output shaft.

Abstract: A force transmission device, in particular or power transmission between a drive engine and an output, comprising a damper assembly with at least two dampers, which can be connected in series, and a rotational speed adaptive absorber, wherein the rotational speed adaptive tuned mass damper is disposed between the dampers at least in one force flow direction through the force transmission device.

Abstract: At a procedure for determining at least one misfiring cylinder (1, 2, 3, 4) of a combustion engine (12) with an even number n of at least four cylinders (1, 2, 3, 4), whereby at least each cylinder (1, 2, 3, 4) is assigned to its own angle segment of a work cycle of the combustion engine (12) and whereby uneven running values (luts) are determined for each cylinder (1, 2, 3, 4), the uneven running values (luts) are evaluated with regard to the fulfillment of a condition (1., 2., 3., 4.), which is set depending on the length of the angle segment or a part or a multiple of it and which corresponds with a default misfiring pattern of the combustion engine (12).

Abstract: There is provided a self torque-balancing differential mechanism (2), including two concentric counter-rotating wheels, rotatable about a central shaft (24), mutually reacting and balancing a torque of a motor drive (20) interacting with the wheels, the motor drive being concentrically or eccentrically attached to one of the wheels to power the wheel and an element coupled thereto. The motor drive has a rotor (12) connected with a second of the two wheels, to power the second wheel and the element coupled thereto. The motor drive is electrically fed via two slip-ring contactors (26, 28), and the central shaft has a carrier (22) for coupling another device thereto.

Abstract: A vibration damper for controlling the torsional and bending vibrations in a rotating shaft is provided. The vibration damper includes a hub, an inertia element, and an elastic element that possess a first shear modulus in a first direction and a second shear modulus in a second direction. The hub is adapted to be coupled to the shaft for rotational movement. The inertia element is concentric with the hub and has a mass. The elastic element is adapted to non-rigidly couple the hub and the inertia element. The elastic element may be a non-isotropic composite material having a plurality of fibers dispersed therein.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling shut down of a multiple cylinder internal combustion engine include a mechanical energy storage device to decelerate an engine crankshaft to a stopping position desirable for restarting of the engine. Energy stored during shut down may be used to adjust or reposition the crankshaft to one of a plurality of angular orientations advantageous for restarting, and/or used to rotate the crankshaft during restarting of the engine. A flywheel having a variable mass, such as provided by two or more segments, which may be fixedly or selectively coupled to one or more springs may be used to selectively store and release energy.

Abstract: A crankshaft set of a two-cylinder engine that is equipped with a flywheel may include a crankshaft that is mounted on an engine block, a first crank pin that is formed at one end of the crankshaft and is connected to a first piston through a connecting rod, a second crank pin that is formed at the other end of the crankshaft and is connected to a second crank pin through a connecting rod, and a flywheel that is disposed between the first and second crank pins and is integrally formed with the crankshaft. Accordingly, the twist and vibration characteristics are improved because the flywheel is disposed between the adjacent crank pins.

Abstract: A vibration suppressor system includes an annular electric motor system which independently controls rotation of at least two masses about the axis of rotation to reduce in-plane vibration of the rotating system. A method of reducing vibrations in a rotary-wing aircraft includes independently controlling a relative angular position of a multiple of independently rotatable masses to reduce vibrations of a main rotor system.

Abstract: A spherical flywheel is described and specified that stores rotational energy more efficiently than cylindrical flywheels. The spherical flywheel is composed of multiple layers of material with the densest material at the surface. The flywheel surface is dimpled with a pattern similar to golf ball surfaces, to minimize aerodynamic drag.

Abstract: A system for a flywheel assembly for use in conjunction with an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The flywheel assembly includes a flywheel in rotational association with a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine. The flywheel assembly further includes a cooling fan mounted over the flywheel, and capable of rotation therewith. The cooling fan and the flywheel are secured in a constant axial position relative to the crankshaft by virtue of a drive-cup and a retaining nut. Further, the flywheel includes a plurality of integrally formed, intersecting support ribs, for providing excellent dynamic stiffening (e.g., damping) capabilities to the flywheel assembly for substantially reducing and/or eliminating radiated noise.

Abstract: One embodiment includes an insert including a body portion; a plurality of tabs extending from the body portion, wherein the tabs are tapered; and wherein the insert is constructed and arranged to provide damping.

Abstract: An engine balancing device is provided that is adapted to be coupled to an axial end of a crankshaft of an engine. The engine balancing device comprises a generally disk shaped main body and at least one balance tab. The generally disk shaped main body includes a hub portion with a centrally located crankshaft mounting bore configured and arranged to receive the crankshaft therein. The at least one balance tab is disposed on the main body and configured and arranged to be selectively removed to adjust a dynamic balance of the engine.

Abstract: A flexplate (10) that is configured for attachment to an engine crankshaft and a transmission, includes a generally circular plate (12) having a mounting portion (20) disposed generally centrally on the plate (12). An outer rim portion (16) is disposed peripherally around the plate (12), and a transition portion (18) is disposed between the mounting portion (20) and the outer rim portion (16). At least one counterweight (50) is disposed on the transition portion (18) of the plate (12). The flexplate (12) has only one axis of symmetry (B-B) that lies along a plane defined by the plate (12).

Abstract: F&C engine includes a central shaft mounted a cylindrical cam, that formed with two pieces of different diameter steel tubes, as the inner and outer walls, the upper end of the outer wall, placed a driving flange, to drive the engine timing devices. on the two layer walls (for light duty or small engine the single layer wall is acceptable) with pairs of peak and valley channel, a overdrive clutch; inside the cam contained a dynamotor to form a hybrid; a magnetic clutch, for engaging or disengaging the cylindrical cam; a driving plate for driving the devices that not related to the engine timing; a cylinder to produce power and transfer the power to the cam through a push rod; a guide plate to guide the push rod; many support rollers for supporting the cam; a tubular case with foot for contain and support the engine.

Abstract: A viscous damper having an annular inertial mass body received in a case together with a damping liquid, and a hub for fixing the case on the rotary shaft of an internal combustion engine. The case including a case main body of substantially U-shaped cross section, and a cover for liquid-tightly closing an opening directed to one axial side of the main body, and defining a sealed chamber in the inside. The inertial mass body is made by superposing and joining a plurality of annular plates. By thrust bearings attached in holes in the annular plate on body axial sides of the inertial mass body and by a journal bearing attached in a recessed groove in the inner periphery of the inertial mass body, the inertial mass body is supported both axial sides and radially and disposed for peripheral rotation in the sealed chamber.

Abstract: A wheel, such as a traction wheel, with a momentum enhancing apparatus. The momentum enhancing apparatus may selectively enhance the wheel's ability to maintain its angular velocity at relatively high speeds, while having a reduced effect on the angular velocity of the wheel at relatively slow speeds. The momentum enhancing apparatus may include one or more bodies that either translate radially between the hub and the rim of the wheel to change the mass moment of inertia of the wheel, or rotate with the wheel and transfer the momentum of the bodies to the wheel under increasing loads. Methods of using such apparati and vehicles equipped with such apparati are also enclosed.

Abstract: An engine suitable for a motor vehicle, preferably a motorcycle, and a related transmission is provided. The transmission is provided with a hydrostatic device and a planetary transmission leading to a driven shaft. In order to optimize the engine with regard to construction and function the hydrostatic device of the transmission cooperating with the internal combustion engine is in an effective connection to the planetary transmission.

Abstract: A crash management system for implementation in a flywheel energy storage system (FESS) is provided. Implementation of such a system entails designing an FESS rim that is highly failure resistant, and designing the FESS such that if one, some, or even all of its components fail, they are physically prevented from accumulating and releasing enough energy to cause rim burst, thus leaving the rim intact and capable of safely remaining spinning even after one or more FESS component failures have occurred.

Abstract: A counter weight flywheel includes an inner cylindrical body and an outer cylindrical body disposed between an upper faceplate and a lower faceplate. A shaft tube is positioned in the inner cylindrical body, and plural tensile bars are inserted in the inner cylindrical body, respectively having one end secured on the fixing members of the shaft tube and the other end fixed on the inner wall of the outer cylindrical body. Plural reinforcing bars and plural reserve tubes are respectively fixed between the inner and the outer cylindrical body. A counter weight area formed between the inner and the outer cylindrical body is filled up with concrete or iron sand, and the inner cylindrical body has its interior forming a hollow area. Thus, the counter weight flywheel is made by combining iron plates and concrete or iron sand.

Abstract: A hermetic compressor with a connecting rod that can be assembled with a crankshaft and a piston while the piston is in a cylinder integrally formed with a frame. The hermetic compressor includes the frame formed with a hollow portion, a drive unit disposed on the frame, a cylinder integrally formed with the frame, the piston disposed within the cylinder, a crankshaft, and a connecting rod. The piston linearly reciprocates within the cylinder. The crankshaft has a main shaft portion adapted to rotate by a drive force of the drive unit, an eccentric shaft portion provided at one end of the main shaft portion, and a weight balance portion provided between the main shaft portion and the eccentric shaft portion. The main shaft portion is rotatably supported in the hollow portion. The eccentric shaft portion is positioned eccentrically relative to the main shaft portion. The weight portion is adapted to compensate for a rotating imbalance caused by the eccentric shaft portion.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a connecting rod that connects a crankpin and a piston. The connecting rod has first and second connecting rods, and a guide piston is disposed at a connecting portion between the first and second connecting rods. Deformed portions are formed on a lower end portion of a guide piston and on a balancer weight portion of a crankshaft in order to reduce the whole length of the connecting rod, whereby a bottom dead center of the guide piston is set to a lower position. The engine has improved thermal efficiency by reducing the distance between the crank portion and the piston, increasing the speed of behavior of the piston at a position near a top dead center to reduce thermal energy loss, and preventing generation of knocking.

Abstract: A rotatable member is adapted for dynamic balancing by the addition of balancing weights in the form of high speed projectiles fired at the member during rotation in timed relationship with the rotation of the member so as to impact the member at specific circumaxial locations required for balancing the member. The member has an annular groove for receiving the projectiles and securing the same at the desired locations. The groove has a cross sectional configuration slightly smaller than that of the projectile in at least one direction of measurement so as to engage and capture the projectile in retention in the groove.

Abstract: A flywheel for use with an automotive engine includes a central plate having an annular periphery surrounded by a ring gear. The ring gear includes an outer circumference having a plurality of radially-outwardly extending gear teeth and an inner circumferential surface. The ring gear is disposed about the annular periphery of the central plate. An adhesive is disposed between the inner circumferential surface of the ring gear and the annular periphery of the central plate fixedly securing the ring gear continuously about 360 degrees to the central plate.

Abstract: A two-piece flywheel for use with an automotive engine includes a central plate having an annular periphery surrounded by a ring gear. The ring gear includes an outer circumference having a plurality of radially-outwardly extending gear teeth and an inner circumference. The inner circumference of the ring gear is seam welded continuously about 360 degrees to the annular periphery of the central plate.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive device, comprising a hydraulic motor (10), a rotating body (20) connected to the drive shaft (11) of the hydraulic motor (10), functioning, by itself as a flywheel, and having an internal gear (21) formed on the output side thereof, a rotation transmitting device (1) having a gear mechanism for transmitting the rotating force of the rotating body (20) to an output shaft gear (50) by allowing counter gears (30) to mesh with the internal gear (21) and the outer shaft gear (50) to mesh with the counter gears (30), and an output shaft connected to the output shaft gear (50). Whereby, since a variation in rotating speed of the hydraulic motor (10) can be absorbed by the rotation transmitting device (1), the hydraulic motor (10) can be used directly as the drive source of a vehicle such as a car and a truck.

Abstract: An integrated speed changer assembly for increasing or decreasing the rotational speed of the output of an engine, or other prime mover, to that required by the input of a process machine. The assembly includes a housing, a flywheel assembly, an internal ring gear and a pinion. The housing has a shaft opening and a flywheel opening. The flywheel assembly is coupled to the crankshaft of an engine and positioned to substantially cover the flywheel opening of the housing. In an integrated speed increaser embodiment, the internal ring gear is coupled to the flywheel assembly and has ring gear teeth on its inner surface and is positioned concentric with the flywheel assembly for rotation therewith. The pinion has a driven shaft that extends axially and which projects through the shaft opening of the housing. The pinion has pinion gear teeth on its outer surface which are suited for meshing engagement with the ring gear teeth of the internal ring gear.

Abstract: A weight 4 which is held by a weight holder 3 in a balancer has a pressing face 4b? which is pressed against a guide face 12a provided along the circumferential direction of rotation of the weight holder 3 by centrifugal force generated by rotation of a rotary body. When the rotary body rotates, the weight 4 which is pressed against the guide face 12a via the pressing face 4b? changes its position relative to the rotary body in the circumferential direction of rotation, whereby the weight 4 is disposed in a position in which it suppresses whirling motion of the rotary body. The guide face 12a and pressing face 4b? are inclined relative to the axial direction of rotation so as to tend to outward side in the diametrical direction of rotation as tending to one side in the axial direction of rotation. The weight 4 is pressed against a receiving portion 7a? by component of the centrifugal force, in which the component acts along the guide face 12a and pressing face 4b?.

Abstract: An auxiliary bearing assembly for selectively engaging a shaft, preferably in an energy storage flywheel system, is configured to include a vibration damping seal, and an axial preload spring. The vibration damping seal damps out vibrations from the rotating group, following engagement of the auxiliary bearing assembly, while the rotating group is spinning down. The axial preload spring absorbs any differential thermal expansion or contraction that may occur between components.

Abstract: A flexplate comprising a single integral body portion having a generally circular shape. One or more borings are formed in the body portion for receiving an end of a crankshaft of the engine on a first side of the body portion and for receiving a torque converter of an unrelated transmission on a second side of the body portion. Apertures may be formed in the body portion and positioned on the flexplate for alignment with corresponding apertures on a flange mounted to the end of the crankshaft and apertures on the torque converter.

Abstract: In a flywheel 2, a central part of a thin plate portion 3 having a flywheel mass provided on an outer peripheral side of the plate portion is joined to an end surface of a crankshaft 1 through a plurality of bolts 7 disposed annularly at intervals. Within a contact zone of a substantially polygon defined by linking each center of the bolts 7 with straight lines excluding the bearing surfaces of the bolts 7, the plate portion 3 has a non-contacting part S2 in a followed fashion set not to contact with the end surface of the crankshaft 1, and the area of the non-contacting part S2 is set to be 40% to 75% of the whole area of the contact zone.