Abstract: A steering system for a vehicle includes a fluid pump, an actuator in selective fluid communication with the fluid pump, a hydrostatic steering system and an electro-hydraulic steering system. The hydrostatic steering system includes a fluid controller having a first proportional valve in fluid communication with the fluid pump and a fluid meter in fluid communication with the first proportional valve and the actuator. The electro-hydraulic steering system includes a second proportional valve in selective fluid communication with the fluid pump and the actuator. The second proportional valve is disposed in parallel to the first proportional valve. The electro-hydraulic steering circuit further includes a load-reaction switching valve assembly disposed in series with the first proportional valve of the hydrostatic steering system. The load-reaction switching valve allows fluid communication between the actuator and the fluid controller when the first proportional valve is in a neutral position.

Abstract: A fluid controller includes a valve housing having an inlet port, a return port, first and second control ports and a load sense port. The fluid controller further includes a fluid meter in selective fluid communication with the valve housing and a valve assembly adapted to provide selective fluid communication between the valve housing and the fluid meter. The valve housing includes a main flow path and a load sense flow path. The main flow path is adapted to provide selective fluid communication between the inlet port and the first control port. Fluid in the main flow path passes through the fluid meter. The load sense path is adapted to provide selective fluid communication between the load sense port and the main flow path. The load sense flow path includes a variable load sense orifice that substantially closes prior to a maximum rotational displacement of the valve assembly.

Abstract: A steering system for a vehicle includes a fluid pump, an actuator in selective fluid communication with the fluid pump, a hydrostatic steering system and an electro-hydraulic steering system. The hydrostatic steering system includes a fluid controller having a first proportional valve in fluid communication with the fluid pump and a fluid meter in fluid communication with the first proportional valve and the actuator. The electro-hydraulic steering system includes a second proportional valve in selective fluid communication with the fluid pump and the actuator. The second proportional valve is disposed in parallel to the first proportional valve. The electro-hydraulic steering circuit further includes a load-reaction switching valve assembly disposed in series with the first proportional valve of the hydrostatic steering system. The load-reaction switching valve allows fluid communication between the actuator and the fluid controller when the first proportional valve is in a neutral position.

Abstract: A torque generator is disclosed. The torque generator includes a valve arrangement including a spool valve and a valve sleeve. A torsion bar biases the valve arrangement toward a neutral position.

Abstract: An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a steering system having first and second steering circuits in fluid communication with a fluid actuator wherein the steering circuits are disposed in parallel to each other. The second steering circuit includes a proportional valve having a load-sense feature in selective fluid communication with a load-sense connection and the first steering circuit. The load-sense feature is open to the first steering circuit when the proportional valve is in a neutral position and closed to the first steering circuit when the proportional valve is moved to a first or second steering position. When the proportional valve is actuated from the neutral position to the first or second steering position the movement of the proportional valve closes the load sense feature from the first steering circuit and operates to deactivate the first steering circuit.

Abstract: A rotary fluid pressure device includes a housing section defining an inlet port and a return port. A valving assembly is in fluid communication with the inlet port and the return port. A first fluid meter defines a plurality of volume chambers that are in fluid communication with the valving assembly. A second fluid meter defines a second plurality of volume chambers in selective fluid communication with the valving assembly. A drive assembly is engaged with the first fluid meter and the second fluid meter. The drive assembly has a drive shaft and a drive collar. The drive shaft has a first axial end portion engaged with the first fluid meter and an oppositely disposed second axial end portion, the drive collar is removably coupled to the second axial end portion of the drive shaft. The drive collar is engaged with the second fluid meter.

Abstract: A fluid controller includes a valve housing having an inlet port, a return port, first and second control ports and a load sense port. The fluid controller further includes a fluid meter in selective fluid communication with the valve housing and a valve assembly adapted to provide selective fluid communication between the valve housing and the fluid meter. The valve housing includes a main flow path and a load sense flow path. The main flow path is adapted to provide selective fluid communication between the inlet port and the first control port. Fluid in the main flow path passes through the fluid meter. The load sense path is adapted to provide selective fluid communication between the load sense port and the main flow path. The load sense flow path includes a variable load sense orifice that substantially closes prior to a maximum rotational displacement of the valve assembly.

Abstract: A torque generator is disclosed. The torque generator includes a valve arrangement including a spool valve and a valve sleeve. A torsion bar biases the valve arrangement toward a neutral position.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell comprising, a housing having a channel extending there through and an opening formed in the housing for receiving an electrode cartridge, an inlet allowing water to pass into the channel, an outlet allowing water to pass from the channel, and a removable electrode cartridge comprising, a support member, having a outer side an inner side, the support member being adapted to close off the opening in the housing when the electrode cartridge is received in the opening, and a series of separate spaced electrode plates supported by the support member, each electrode plate having a terminal which extends through the support member from the inner side to project from the outer side.

Abstract: A steering system includes a steer-by-wire (SBW) valve, a main steering pump, a steering actuator, and a steering control unit (SCU). The SCU is in fluid communication with the actuator via a pair of fluid conduits, and includes upper and lower portions. The upper portion contains a first solenoid valve and a cross-over check valve assembly. The lower portion contains a fluid control valve. An ECU generates a steering input signal in response to steering wheel rotation, and transmits the signal to the SBW valve. The SCU controls the first solenoid valve to deliver fluid from the lower portion to the actuator via the cross-over valve assembly in an emergency steering mode, and also controls the first solenoid valve to prevent flow into the actuator and allow recirculation of fluid within the lower portion in a torque feel mode.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for removing barrel nuts used for securing a plurality of studs to a turbine blade. Each stud is individually coupled to a respective barrel nut such that each barrel nut is anchored to a root end of the turbine blade. The barrel nut is heated to a predetermined temperature using a controller and a thermocouple. An adhesion between the barrel nut and the turbine blade is overcome and the barrel nut is extracted from the turbine blade. The barrel nut is removed from the turbine blade by connecting an extractor assembly or barrel nut removal device. This is accomplished from an interior surface of a root end of the turbine blade such that this method allows one to remove and replace barrel nuts while the turbine blade remains attached to the hub.

Abstract: A fluid controller includes a first fluid meter defining a first plurality of volume chambers and a second fluid meter defining a second plurality of volume chambers. A selector assembly, disposed between the first fluid meter and the second fluid meter, includes a selector plate defining a bore and a selector valve disposed in the bore. The selector valve is adapted for rotational movement between a first position and a second position and includes a first face and an oppositely disposed second face. The selector valve defines a plurality of thru-passages that extend axially through the first and second faces and that is adapted to provide fluid communication between the first and second volume chambers in the first position. The selector valve defines a groove disposed on the second face. The groove recirculates fluid from the second plurality of volume chambers when the selector valve is in the second position.

Abstract: A steering system includes a steer-by-wire (SBW) valve, a main steering pump, a steering actuator, and a steering control unit (SCU). The SCU is in fluid communication with the actuator via a pair of fluid conduits, and includes upper and lower portions. The upper portion contains a first solenoid valve and a cross-over check valve assembly. The lower portion contains a fluid control valve. An ECU generates a steering input signal in response to steering wheel rotation, and transmits the signal to the SBW valve. The SCU controls the first solenoid valve to deliver fluid from the lower portion to the actuator via the cross-over valve assembly in an emergency steering mode, and also controls the first solenoid valve to prevent flow into the actuator and allow recirculation of fluid within the lower portion in a torque feel mode.

Abstract: An implantable endoprosthesis is adapted to articulate with one or more prosthesis surfaces, and is at least partially formed from a material having high wear resistance, which may be a polymeric material such as ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), polyetherether ketone (PEEK), and the like, or a metallic material, such as a cobalt-chrome alloy, or a ceramic material, such as alumina or zirconia. The body member of the endoprosthesis may be formed from a composite material, and includes at least a first component formed from a first material having increased wear resistance as compared to that of a second material forming a second component of the body member. The second material is generally more resilient as compared to the first material.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing seafood, poultry, and other animal products combines UV-treated water, antimicrobial ice, antimicrobial dip in ozonated water, spray washing apparatus, and individual unit packaging to reduce microbial flora on animal food products and promote extended shelf life.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for processing seafood, meat, and poultry includes a pre-rinse spraying using water solutions containing an antimicrobial agent, and then subjection to pressurized water solution at pressures greater than atmospheric pressure for a selected period to reduce microbial flora on the product prior to freezing or other packaging.

Abstract: A fluid controller includes a first fluid meter defining a first plurality of volume chambers and a second fluid meter defining a second plurality of volume chambers. A selector assembly, disposed between the first fluid meter and the second fluid meter, includes a selector plate defining a bore and a selector valve disposed in the bore. The selector valve is adapted for rotational movement between a first position and a second position and includes a first face and an oppositely disposed second face. The selector valve defines a plurality of thru-passages that extend axially through the first and second faces and that is adapted to provide fluid communication between the first and second volume chambers in the first position. The selector valve defines a groove disposed on the second face. The groove recirculates fluid from the second plurality of volume chambers when the selector valve is in the second position.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable with optical fibers stranded around a central strength member, and surrounded outer jacket made of a low coefficient of friction material and thinly constructed to show the profile of the stranded shape of the optical lines through the jacket, to thereby form a textured surface.