Abstract: A rotary cone bit, having a functionally-engineered surface of this invention, comprises a bit body having at least one leg extending therefrom, and a cone that is rotatably disposed on the leg. The cone typically comprises a plurality of cutting elements that project outwardly therefrom. The cutting elements comprises a cermet material selected from the group consisting of refractory metal carbides, nitrides, borides, carbonitrides and mixtures thereof. A functionally-engineered material is disposed over a surface portion of at least one of the cutting elements to form a wear resistant surface thereon. The wear resistant surface has a hardness that is different than that of the underlying cutting element. The wear resistant surface is provided by forming a conformable material mixture by combining one or more powders selected from the group consisting of cermets, carbides, borides, nitrides, carbonitrides, refractory metals, Co, Fe, Ni, and combinations thereof, with an applying agent.

Abstract: Valve boxes of this invention comprise a housing including an inner chamber that extends axially through the housing from a housing base. The housing chamber includes a diameter that is defined by a housing sidewall surface that extends outwardly from the base, forming a chamber opening. The chamber opening includes a seal surface that is positioned radially inwardly towards the chamber. The valve box further includes a lid that is positioned over the housing chamber opening. The lid includes a concave center section and a seal surface disposed radially therearound. The lid seal surface is positioned radially towards the chamber, and is placed opposite the chamber opening seal surface. An annular seal is interposed between the housing chamber and lid seal surfaces.

Abstract: Faceless PSA label constructions of this invention comprise a flexible substrate having a release surface, and a layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive disposed on the release surface. A nonblocking continuous film that, in combination with the pressure-sensitive adhesive is sufficiently self supporting, is disposed over a surface of the layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive to render the pressure-sensitive adhesive tack free. The continuous film is selected from the group of film-forming polymers consisting of polyamide resins, polyester resins, polyurethane resins, polyacrylate resins, vinyl acetate resins and mixtures thereof having a tensile strength of at least 200 psi, and a percent elongation of at least 50. The continuous film can be applied sequentially or simultaneously with the PSA. For purposes of simultaneous application it is desired that the continuous film be formed from a material having a hot melt viscosity that is within a factor of about two times a hot melt viscosity for the PSA.

Abstract: Prelaminate pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) constructions comprise, a first substrate, a coating or release material on a surface of the first substrate, a PSA layer disposed on the coating of release material, and a detackified layer (DL) disposed on a surface of the PSA layer to form a continuous film covering the PSA layer. In first and second embodiments of the construction the DL is activatable to form a tacky layer on top of the PSA layer for lamination with a second substrate. In a third embodiment, the DL includes constituents that when activated migrate into the PSA layer to expose the PSA layer tacky surface for lamination with a second substrate. The prelaminate PSA constructions are completely nonblocking to a minimum 24 hour blocking temperature of about 50° C. at pressure of about 40 kilopascals, thereby allowing such prelaminate PSA construction to be collected, stored, and or transported before being laminated without adhesive interference occurring between continuous layers.

Abstract: Seals of this invention comprise an annular elastomeric ring-shaped body having a dynamic surface disposed along a first body portion, the dynamic surface comprising at least two surface elements that project outwardly therefrom to provide multiple barriers to fluid and debris migration thereacross when placed into contact with a rock bit rotary dynamic surface. The seal dynamic surface includes a recessed portion disposed between the surface elements, and a static seal surface disposed along a second body portion. At least one of the surface elements includes a wear surface that is formed from a material that is more wear resistant than materials that are used to form a remaining portion of the seal. A preferred wear surface is one formed from a composite material comprising a fabric of nonelastomeric polymeric material that is bonded together with an elastomeric material.

Abstract: A axial to rotational motion actuator employs two sets of engaged helical splines on rotational collars provides a large degree of rotary actuation from a relatively short axial stroke to provides efficient non-binding and reduced effort actuator operation. This improved actuation movement makes the actuator assembly both more responsive to a hydraulic activating means, i.e., oil pressure, and enables packaging the actuator assembly in a compact size to optimize available space around a turbocharger and inside of an engine compartment.

Abstract: Turbocharger fatigue life monitors comprise at least one sensor that measures an actual operating condition of the turbocharger, e.g., turbine rotational speed or turbine inlet temperature. The device comprises a central processing unit for receiving information from each sensor and processing the information, using programs and predetermined turbocharger information, e.g., turbocharger material and stress data stored in one or more storage device in communication with the central processing unit, to provide an actual probability of turbocharger failure. The central processing unit compares the calculated probability of turbocharger failure to a predetermined specified probability of turbocharger failure stored in a storage device to determine whether turbocharger service is needed.

Abstract: A turbocharger for internal combustion engines having a valve mount cast or machined integral with the compressor housing and disposed along a compressor housing outside surface, the valve including a first air port in communication, through a restriction orifice, with the compressor volute and at least one of a second air port in communication with the first port, and a third port in communication with the compressor air intake. The mount includes attachments for a solenoid valve to the valve mount and a means for forming a leak-tight seal between the solenoid valve and the second and third air ports. A control system for actuating the solenoid allows venting of pressure from the second air port to the third air port for application in controlling a wastegate actuator or disengaging the wategate actuator by venting pressure from the first port to the second port.

Abstract: A variable geometry system for a turbocharger includes a sliding piston disposed within a turbine housing between a primary exhaust gas volute and turbine blades. The sliding piston is axially displaceable within the turbine housing to increase or decrease the volumetric flowrate of exhaust gas to the turbine. The sliding piston is positioned by an actuator having reciprocating movement translated through a rotating sleeve with a first pin engaging a helical slot for axial motion of the piston and a second pin engaging an alignment slot for maintaining axial alignment of the piston.

Abstract: A turbocharger with integrated Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) employs an EGR pump impeller mounted on a common shaft with the turbocharger compressor and turbine. The EGR pump is housed within an EGR extension in the bearing housing adjacent the compressor housing backplate. The recirculation extension includes an exhaust gas outlet for the pumped EGR and an exhaust gas inlet is incorporated in the backplate adjacent the EGR pump impeller.