Abstract: A method and apparatus for pretreatment of slider layer for extruded handrails has a slider layer source, a means of conveying the slider layer to a heating module which subjects the slider layer to an elevated temperature for a residence time, and a means of conveying the slider layer to an extrusion die head. One or more control feeders may be implemented for maintaining portions of the slider layer in a substantially tension-free loop as the slider layer is conveyed from the slider layer source to the extrusion die head. A cooling zone may be included to ensure adequate cooling between the heating module and the extrusion die head. Means for reducing heat transfer between the extrusion die head and the slider layer is also provided.

Abstract: The invention concerns a simple mechanical arrangement for controlling a multi-regime continuously variable transmission. The transmission in question comprises a variator (10) and a gearing arrangement including a low regime clutch (CL) and a high regime clutch (CH). Engaging the low regime clutch places the transmission in the low regime. Engaging the high regime clutch places it in the high regime. The control system comprises a control part (such as a lever) which is movable by the user along a control path from a low ratio end to a high ratio end. The position of the control part dictates variator ratio and transmission ratio. The system further incorporates a low regime clutch control device which engages the low regime clutch when the control part is between the low ratio end of its path and a low clutch transition point, and which releases the low regime clutch when the control part is between the low clutch transition point and the high ratio end of its path.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for controlling a variator in a continuously variable transmission such as a vehicle transmission. The arrangement comprises a user operable ratio control part such as a lever (50) and a device for operatively coupling the ratio control part to a movable torque transfer part of the variator such as its rollers (18). The coupling device is, in the particular embodiment described, a hydro-mechanical arrangement. By moving the user operable ratio control part (50), the user exercises control over the variator ratio. In accordance with the invention the arrangement further comprises a torque release device such as a valve (60) which is operable by the user to decouple the ratio control part from the movable torque transfer part. By doing so, the torque release device offers functionality which is in some ways analogous to that of a clutch in a conventional stepped ratio vehicle transmission.

Abstract: A drive arrangement is disclosed for a motor vehicle power take off (PTO). The arrangement comprises a PTO shaft 104,158,207 of a known type intended for coupling to a power driven implement. An input shaft is arranged to be coupled to a rotary driver such as an engine. A continuously variable transmission such as 10 is coupled between the input and PTO shafts to transfer drive between them at a continuously variable ratio. In accordance with the invention, the continuously variable transmission is constructed and arranged such as to regulate torque and to automatically accommodate changes in speed at the PTO Shaft by virtue of changes in its drive ratio.

Abstract: A method of operating an engine is provided. The engine may include a housing having a combustion chamber, a piston disposed adjacent the combustion chamber, a crankshaft connected to the piston, an intake valve associated with the combustion chamber, and an exhaust valve associated with the combustion chamber. The method may also include opening the intake valve after a power stroke of the piston begins and closing the intake valve before the exhaust stroke ends. Furthermore, the method may include causing the exhaust valve to be open for part of an intake stroke of the piston and closing the exhaust valve at least about 30 degrees of crankshaft rotation after the intake stroke begins.

Abstract: A system and method for saving and/or restoring a self-describing data structure in various formats is provided. The method includes the steps of executing a data structure engine and an export/import module in a computer system; said export/import module obtaining at least one description set for at least one container data structure from said data structure engine; creating a header for each element in the data structure; declaring the structure by writing its type in a format-specific syntax; outputting each property in the structure and outputting child structures to form an external representation of the self-describing data structure.

Abstract: A variator transmission comprises an input shaft (18), an input disc (10) mounted on the input shaft for rotation therewith and an output disc (12) facing the input disc and arranged to rotate coaxially therewith, the input and output discs defining between them a toroidal cavity. Two rollers (14, 16) are located in the toroidal cavity and first and second roller carriage means are provided upon which the first and second rollers respectively are rotatably mounted and end load means (34, 36) urge the rollers into contact with the input and output discs to transmit drive. The two roller carriage means are mounted on opposite sides of the pivotal axis of a lever (50) and the pivotal axis of the lever (50) is movable in the radial direction with respect to the rotational axis of the input and output discs.

Abstract: A continuously variable ratio transmission (CVT) comprises a ratio varying unit (“variator”), a first epicyclic (18) having two inputs (A2, S2) connected to opposite sides of the variator (V), a second. epicyclic (16) having an input (C1) driven by a prime mover (12) and components (A1, S1) connected to opposite sides of the variator, a final drive shaft (14), a low regime clutch (L) for selectively connecting the output of the first epicyclic to the final drive shaft in low regime and a third, mixing, epicyclic (20) connected to the output (C2) of the first epicyclic (18) and connected or connectable (F, R) to the variator and being connectible with the final drive shaft in high regime by way of a high regime clutch (F). The high and low regimes are coincident at least one variator ratio (or, more preferably, the operation ranges overlap) and the variator operates in opposite directions in the low and high regimes.

Abstract: A method of determining whether a guarded term is represented in a message comprises associating a portion of the message with the guarded term and evaluating a cost of the association. A method of generating a collection of guarded terms that represents an original term comprises generating a plurality of variations of the original term, evaluating similarity of each of the plurality of variations with respect to the original term and determining whether the similarity meets a predetermined criterion.

Abstract: A method of controlling distribution of content in a message sent by a message sender comprises receiving an indication from the message sender that the message is to be protected, identifying content in the message to be protected, adding the identified content to a database of protected content, and determining whether subsequently received content in a subsequently received message is associated with the identified content. A system for controlling distribution of content in a message sent by a message sender comprises a processor configured to receive an indication from the message sender that the message is to be protected, identify content in the message to be protected, add the identified content to a database of protected content, and determine whether subsequently received content in a subsequently received message is associated with the identified content.

Abstract: A method of operating an engine is provided. The engine may include a housing having a combustion chamber, a piston disposed adjacent the combustion chamber, a crankshaft connected to the piston, an intake valve associated with the combustion chamber, and an exhaust valve associated with the combustion chamber. The method may also include opening the intake valve after a power stroke of the piston begins and closing the intake valve before the exhaust stroke ends. Furthermore, the method may include causing the exhaust valve to be open for part of an intake stroke of the piston and closing the exhaust valve at least about 30 degrees of crankshaft rotation after the intake stroke begins.

Abstract: A surgical arm system for holding and positioning one or more instruments during a surgical procedure includes at least one quick connect mechanism that beneficially allows for simple and expeditious, yet reliable disassembly and reassembly of the arm by any member of a surgical team without difficulty and without requiring additional tools, but while still ensuring that, following reassembly, the arm is structurally sound, properly dimensioned, and capable of functioning in a highly reliable manner.

Abstract: Disclosed is a surgical arm system for holding and positioning one or more instruments during a surgical procedure. The surgical arm includes at least one quick connect mechanism that beneficially allows for simple and expeditious, yet reliable disassembly and reassembly of the arm by any member of a surgical team without difficulty and without requiring additional tools, but while still ensuring that, following reassembly, the arm is structurally sound, properly dimensioned, and capable of functioning in a highly reliable manner.

Abstract: Disclosed is a surgical arm system for holding and positioning one or more instruments during a surgical procedure. The surgical arm includes at least one quick connect mechanism that beneficially allows for simple and expeditious, yet reliable disassembly and reassembly of the arm by any member of a surgical team without difficulty and without requiring additional tools, but while still ensuring that, following reassembly, the arm is structurally sound, properly dimensioned, and capable of functioning in a highly reliable manner.