Abstract: In a swash plate hydraulic pump or motor structured so that a convex arc surface on the back surface of a swash plate is supported on a concave arc surface of a swash plate support via a bearing in a manner enabling the arc surface to swing in the circumferential direction that follows the arc path. A restricting pin is included for restricting movements of the bearing. The assembly structure prevents the restricting pin from coming out of the swash plate and the swash plate support. One end of the restricting pin is supported rotatably on a side surface of the swash plate. An intermediate portion of the restricting pin is engaged in an engagement hole formed in a holder of the bearing in a loosely fitting manner. Finally, the other end of the restricting pin is inserted into a support rod supported rotatably around its axis on the swash plate support to permit movement of the restricting pin in a pin axial direction.

Abstract: A system for preloading piezoelectric actuators includes a fixture, a preloading mechanism configured to apply a mechanical force to a piezoelectric element supported by the fixture, and a sensor configured to sense an electrical property induced by the mechanical force in an electrical circuit having the piezoelectric element therein. A control device is coupled with the sensor and configured to generate a signal based on the sensed electrical property. A method of setting or testing preload includes applying a mechanical force to a piezoelectric element, and correlating an electrical property induced by the mechanical force with a magnitude of the mechanical force. Closed loop control allows preload to be set highly accurately.

Abstract: A screed heating arrangement is provided for a screed assembly that is towed behind a paving machine. The screed heating arrangement includes at least one electric heater bonded to an upper surface of a screed plate.

Abstract: Engineers have determined that the performance of fuel injectors, including those used in common rail fuel injection systems, can be increased, and undesirable emissions reduced, by controlling the mass flow rate of fuel injected into a combustion chamber during an injection event. While a number of fuel injectors have been developed that have limited rate shaping capabilities, the ability to produce some front end rate shapes has not been possible. In an effort to increase rate shaping capabilities, the present invention includes a valve assembly having at least one valve member that is movable between a plurality of positions to control fluid communication between a number of fluid inlets and outlets.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for controlling the engine speed of an engine. A throttle receives an operator input indicative of a desired engine speed. A first sensor is coupled with the throttle, and transmits a throttle signal indicative of a position of the throttle. A minimum speed governor is coupled with the first sensor to receive the throttle signal. The minimum speed governor determines a rate of change of the throttle signal, and transmits a minimum engine speed signal indicative of a desired minimum engine speed of the engine as a function of the rate of change of the throttle signal.

Abstract: A system and method for compiling a service history for a machine. A transmitter is attached to a serviceable part for a machine. When the part is installed, the transmitter relays an identification which is received by a receiver preferably attached to the machine. A processor stores the identification and associated machine data to build the service history. The service history data may be relayed to a remote storage system for storage and display.

Abstract: A work machine is operably coupled to an interchangeable hydraulically-driven implement via at least one hydraulic line. When changing the hydraulically-driven implement, high pressure trapped within the hydraulic line may cause difficulties in disengaging the attached hydraulically-driven implement from a body of the work machine. The present invention relieves the pressure in the hydraulic line by energizing at least one electronically controlled valve while an engine of the work machine is inactive. The valve is operably coupled to an electrical actuator and is moveable between, at least, a first position and a second position. When the valve is in the first position, the hydraulic line is fluidly connected to a low pressure line. A control system includes a pressure release controller that is operably coupled to energize the electrical actuator and move the valve to the first position when the engine is inactive.

Abstract: A pre-stressed piezoelectric actuator is comprised of a plurality of layers. The layers include at least one electrically-active ceramic layer, a reinforcing substrate, and a top layer. Preferably, the top layer is comprised of a copper material having at least one lead integrally formed therewith, the lead being available for attaching the device to a voltage source. The copper layer further has a plurality of apertures defined therein to compensate for the stiffness of the copper and to allow the copper layer to deform. The layers are bonded by a thermally-activated adhesive. When the layers and adhesive are heated and cooled, the higher coefficients of thermal expansion in the substrate and top layers stresses the ceramic and causes the device to cool into an arcuate shape.

Abstract: Each cylinder of an internal combustion engine includes a combined gas exchange valve and fuel injector with a port control valve. The port control valve operates to open either an intake passage or an exhaust passage. The operation of the combined device is controlled by a pair of electrical actuators. The device is hydraulically actuated.