Abstract: A noise reduction structure is provided for use with a meshing gear assembly, such as in a power take-off unit for selectively providing power to one or more rotatably driven accessories. The meshing gear assembly includes meshing input and output gears that are supported within a housing and are rotatably driven during use. A helical coil wrap spring extends about and is frictionally engaged with a portion of the output gear. A first end of the wrap spring extends outwardly therefrom to form a control tang that extends adjacent to an abutment surface provided on the housing of the power take-off unit. As a result, the wrap spring is prevented from rotating relative to the housing as the output gear is rotatably driven.

Abstract: A thermally-conductive interface interposable intermediate a first heat transfer surface and an opposing second heat transfer surface to provide a thermal pathway therebetween. The interface includes a thermally-conductive compound formed into a layer which is conformable between the first and second heat transfer surface. The compound is an admixture of: (a) a liquid resin constituent; and (b) a particulate filler constituent. The liquid resin constituent may be an ethylene-propylene copolymer (EPM) or a terpolymer (EPDM) of ethylene and propylene and a diene which may be ethylidene norbornene (ENB) or dicyclopentadiene (DCPD).

Abstract: A relief valve assembly including a valve member, having inlet and outlet bores, for sliding movement within a valve body bore portion, having a cylindrical sleeve portion, journalled via a cylindrical sleeve bearing for substantially the entire axial extent thereof, with a valve member head portion having a plurality of equally spaced apertures, connecting the inlet bore and a sleeve portion central cavity with the outlet bore. An annular resilient seal, having a flat-faced sealing surface is retained in the valve member head portion for sealingly engaging a valve body valve seat portion. A compression member, for biasing the valve member to a closed position, is operatively interposed between an adjustment member piston portion and a valve member sleeve cavity, the adjustment member having an adjustment stem for external adjustment of the compression member. A radial end thrust bearing, is interposed between the compression member and the adjustment member.

Abstract: A cryogenic coupling device includes a valved receptacle and a valved nozzle. Rollers in an outer collar of the receptacle are received in helical channels along a collar of the nozzle. A notch or detent in each of the channels provides a vent position to vent fluid before the nozzle is fully disconnected from the receptacle. Interface seals on the nozzle include first and second annular seals that function as ice and containment scrapers, as well as fluid seals. The nozzle has a rotatable handle assembly, isolated from the fluid path, which provides easy connect and disconnect of the nozzle from the receptacle. The handle assembly includes a thermal break, and is easily removable from the nozzle, along with other parts of the nozzle and receptacle, for service and maintenance.

Abstract: A thermally-conductive compound for forming a layer which is conformable between a first heat transfer surface and an opposing second heat transfer surface to provide a thermal pathway therebetween. The compound is an admixture of a thermal grease component and a dispersed constituent forming discrete domains within the grease component, the domains being form-stable at normal room temperature in a first phase and conformable between the first and second heat transfer surface in a second phase, and the domains having a domain transition temperature above normal room temperature from the first phase to the second phase. The dispersed constituent may be a fusible, i.e., low temperature melting, metal or metal alloy.

Abstract: A rotary fluid pressure device having a housing member, a manifold assembly, an internally generated rotor type gerotor set, an end plate, and a rotatably journaled torque transfer shaft interconnected with the gerotor set and extending within the housing member and manifold assembly. The gerotor set having at least an internally toothed stator member and a rotating rotor member disposed within the stator member. The rotor member having a first and second axial end surface and external teeth which interengage with the internal teeth of the stator to define a plurality of expanding and contracting volume chambers. The rotor member also having a plurality of circumferentially spaced laterally directed fluid paths fluidly connecting the manifold assembly with a plurality of circumferentially spaced radiating fluid paths which directly connect with the volume chambers. The fluid pressure device further including a plurality of coupling members for interconnecting the components.

Abstract: This invention generally concerns electronically controlled hydraulic valves for use in electro-hydraulically controlled transmissions. The proportional pressure control valve 20 includes a hollow cage 42 pierced by cage tank ports 52, cage clutch ports 54, and cage pump ports 56. The cage pump ports 56 receive fluid from a pump. The cage clutch ports 54 supply fluid to a hydraulic actuator. The cage tank ports 52 return fluid from the valve 20 to a tank from where fluid circulates back to the pump. Main spool 112 controls fluid flow between cage clutch ports 54 and cage pump ports 56 or cage tank ports 52. An electro-magnetically operated pilot valve regulates fluid pressure applied to a control pressure surface 138. A feedback pressure passage 126, having feedback restriction orifice 128, restrains the rate fluid flows between the cage clutch ports 54 and the feedback pressure surface 114.

Abstract: A multi-function spray nozzle for engine applications useful as a cooling device to introduce a fluid into the fluid stream of the engine, and as a cleaning device to introduce a fluid to clean internal components of the engine. The nozzle includes a multi-layered arrangement of etched plates defining flow paths for the first and second fluids. Non-radial feed slots direct the first fluid into a cylindrical swirl chamber. The swirling fluid exits the swirl chamber through a spray orifice or a prefilmer, depending on whether the nozzle is configured as a simplex or prefilmer nozzle. Other non-radial feed slots direct the second fluid inward, downstream of the first fluid, to create a fine dispersion of droplets for fluid stream cooling purposes. During cleaning, only the first fluid is introduced through the nozzle, which results in a larger droplet size suitable for cleaning purposes of the internal components of the engine.

Abstract: A linear motor is provided which includes members for engaging a magnet rail to prevent bending of the magnet rail. Such members may include a wheel or sliding block, for example. The members exert a force proximate an upper edge of the magnet rail to counter potential bending of the magnet rail during operation of the motor, and thereby avoid substantial variations in the air gaps. Furthermore, an armature yoke is provided which includes at least one partial tooth at one end of the armature yoke for reducing an end effect cogging of the linear motor armature in relation to a magnet rail along which the armature will run. In addition, an armature yoke is provided which includes multiple segments which are held end-to-end via fasteners. Such fasteners may serve as part of the magnetic flux path. A support strip may be provided to reduce bowing.

Abstract: A fuel injector for gas turbine engines includes an inlet fitting, a housing stem, and a spray nozzle. A pair of fuel passages in the stem deliver fuel in a primary (continuous) flow and a secondary (non-continuous or reduced) flow to primary and secondary discharge orifices in the nozzle. The fuel passages are defined by inner and outer concentric conduits, with the primary flow directed through the inner conduit, and the secondary flow directed through the outer conduit. Fins are provided unitary with the inner conduit along the length of the housing stem, and are fixed at their radial outer ends to the outer conduit. The fins provide structural support and thermally connect the inner and outer conduits. During low power operation, the fins transfer heat energy between the outer conduit to the inner conduit to cool the outer conduit and thermally protect the fuel in the secondary fuel passage.

Abstract: Fitting connections for corrugated metal tubing. The connection includes a body having an externally-threaded end, a nut or other fastener which is threadably engageable with the body end, and a collet which is receivable coaxially within the fastener. The collet is formed as a series of individual, arcuate tangs which are joined together by a retaining collar, the collar allowing the segments to be resiliently opened within the fastener so as to allow the crests of the tubing to pass therethrough. The fitting may be pre-assembled with the collet segments being received coaxially within the fastener with the collar extending rearwardly from the fastener, and with the fastener then being partially threaded onto the fitting body.

Abstract: A closed crankcase emission control assembly for an internal combustion engine includes a filter assembly comprising a housing and a replaceable filter element. The filter element includes a ring of filter media; a first annular end cap sealed to one end of the media ring; a second end cap sealed to another end of the media ring; a cup-shaped valve pan fixed to the second end cap and which together therewith defines a sump container; and an opening with a lip seal in the valve pan which closely receives a standpipe from the housing to allow continuous drainage of oil collected by the filter element. The filter housing includes an inlet port to receive blow-by gasses from the engine crankcase, and an outlet port to provide the substantially oil and particulate free gasses to an induction system (e.g. a turbocharger) and back to the engine crankcase.

Abstract: A water separator is formed in two pieces, one of which is unitary (in one piece) with the intake air scoop, and the other of which is unitary (in one piece) with the air cleaner housing, or cowl therefore. An inlet scoop piece includes an enlarged rib defining an internal enlarged channel. A drain tube extends downwardly from the annular rib. An outlet scoop piece includes an internal lip, projecting co-axial with the body of the water separator. The inlet scoop piece alternatively can include both the enlarged rib portion and the internal lip. The outlet scoop piece has a forward-facing receiving channel, outwardly surrounding the lip, which receives a forward facing mouth of the inlet scoop to properly align the inlet scoop with the outlet scoop. Attachment flanges are provided on each piece to connect the inlet scoop with the outlet scoop.

Abstract: In a pilot-operated valve having a valve body, including inlet and outlet portions controllably interconnected via a main piston bore portion; a main piston movable within the main piston bore; an operator portion; an operator assembly including a movable plunger assembly; and an actuating mechanism for actuating the plunger assembly, wherein the improvement comprises a further bore located within the valve body and a manually-operated override assembly retained therein, including a stem having a tool actuating portion; a cam portion extending radially into the operator bore portion and, upon a first predetermined rotation physically actuating the plunger assembly; and an actuating surface extending tangentially into the main piston bore portion which, upon a second rotation physically actuates the main piston. A method of actuating the manual override assembly is also set forth.

Abstract: A fuel injector for a gas turbine engine has an inlet fitting, a fuel nozzle, and a housing stem with a pair of fuel conduits fluidly interconnecting the nozzle and fitting. The fuel nozzle includes an annular secondary fuel passageway directing fuel from one fuel conduit to an annular discharge orifice at a discharge end of the nozzle. The secondary fuel passageway is defined between an outer, annular fuel conduit portion and a primary adapter. The primary adapter has an outer surface with a distinct, radially-outwardly-projecting annular shoulder to restrict flow through the secondary passageway and provide substantially uniform distribution of flow through the passageway downstream of the shoulder, for improved combustion and flame stability.

Abstract: A fluid-actuated cylinder includes a piston rod with a circumferential groove. A split ring, with predetermined linear expansion properties, is cooled to a temperature below the temperature of the rod, and the ring halves are located in the groove. The ring is then equalized with the temperature of the rod, and expands into compression against the sidewalls of the groove. An interference fit is provided with the groove, which prevents axial and rotational movement of the ring with respect to the piston rod. The expansion also prestresses the piston rod between the groove sidewalls. The split ring is then connected to an annular flange on a ring-shaped piston to fix the piston with respect to the piston rod. The piston rod assembly is then located in a cylinder housing, with the piston providing a fluid seal with the cylinder walls as the piston rod reciprocates.

Abstract: A linear motor is provided which includes members for engaging a magnet rail to prevent bending of the magnet rail. Such members may include a wheel or sliding block, for example. The members exert a force proximate an upper edge of the magnet rail to counter potential bending of the magnet rail during operation of the motor, and thereby avoid substantial variations in the air gaps. Furthermore, an armature yoke is provided which includes at least one partial tooth at one end of the armature yoke for reducing an end effect cogging of the linear motor armature in relation to a magnet rail along which the armature will run. In addition, an armature yoke is provided which includes multiple segments which are held end-to-end via fasteners. Such fasteners may serve as part of the magnetic flux path. A support strip may be provided to reduce bowing.

Abstract: A hydraulic system includes a storage tank, a cover assembly and a filter assembly for filtering hydraulic fluid, gasses and air. The tank includes an opening and an attachment ring bounding the opening. The cover assembly has an inlet port and is removably connected to the attachment ring to support and enclose the filter assembly in the tank. The filter assembly includes a filter element having a filter media ring for filtering hydraulic fluid, and an annular breather filter surrounding the filter media ring at one end of the ring for filtering vent gas and air. The filter element is supported in a diffuser tube received in the tank opening. The diffuser tube includes a stand-off ring with a convoluted groove or channel to provide a vent path between the diffuser tube and the tank opening to direct vent gasses and ambient air through or around the breather filter.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for an actuator provides staged operation during extend and retract. A pair of reversible pumps are conjointly driven by a reversible motor. A relief valve in the retract circuit directs fluid to tank when fluid pressure increases above a predetermined value. An unloader valve in the extend circuit is responsive to pressure at a first stage pump to direct flow to tank when the pressure increases above a second predetermined value. A non-return check valve connected between the pumps in the extend circuit closes the flow circuit to the second stage pump during high loads, so that the flow from the second stage pump goes to tank, and the return flow from the actuator goes only to the first stage pump. The non-return check valve is responsive (via a signal line to the retract circuit portion) to the pressure in the extend and retract circuit portions.

Abstract: Seal for the static or dynamic sealing of joints, machine parts or other components or structures such as may be found in choke, kill, or other auxiliary line strings for marine oil or gas well risers, hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders or other actuators. The seal may have a U-cup or solid geometry profile including a secondary sealing lip on both the inner and outer diameter thereof which functions as a wiper for the exclusion of outside contaminants, such as seawater, from joint sealed.