Abstract: A constant-velocity joint includes an outer race, inner race, end cap, and seal. The outer race defines a cavity, an opening to the cavity, and a through hole configured to receive a fastener. The inner race is disposed within the cavity and is rotatably connected to the outer race via a plurality of ball bearings. The end cap is secured to the outer race and covers the opening. The seal is disposed between the outer race and the end cap. The seal defines a channel that is in fluid communication with the cavity and the through hole. The channel is configured to vent air between the cavity and through hole.

Abstract: A driveshaft includes a shaft defining a passageway and a constant velocity joint defining an interior and having a cover defining a hole. A grommet is disposed in the hole and defines a fluid passage into the interior. The CV joint is coupled to the shaft such that the shaft is disposed against the grommet with the passageway and the fluid passage in fluid communication to vent air from the interior into the passageway.

Abstract: A center-bearing assembly includes an annular housing having a circumferential wall with a lip extending radially inward and includes a flange outboard of the circumferential wall. A roller bearing is sized to encircle a vehicle driveshaft and is disposed within the housing between the lip and the flange. An annular retainer is connected to the flange and includes an annular notch configured to shear in response to impact to the driveshaft allowing the bearing to release from the housing.

Abstract: A center-bearing assembly includes an annular housing having a circumferential wall with a lip extending radially inward and includes a flange outboard of the circumferential wall. A roller bearing is sized to encircle a vehicle driveshaft and is disposed within the housing between the lip and the flange. An annular retainer is connected to the flange and includes an annular notch configured to shear in response to impact to the driveshaft allowing the bearing to release from the housing.

Abstract: A driveshaft assembly of a vehicle includes a yoke assembly having a shaft extending between a yoke and a flange. The yoke assembly further includes a bearing having an inner race integrally formed on an outer surface of the shaft, an outer race circumscribing the inner race, and a plurality of rotating elements rollably engaging between the inner and outer races. A tube is attached to the flange.

Abstract: A vehicle has a transfer case that is configured to receive power from a transmission, and transfer the power to one or both of a front axle and a rear axle. The transfer case has an output, such as an output rod, that delivers the power to a differential on one of the axles. A driveshaft has a single constant-velocity joint thereon. A first shaft of the driveshaft is directly connected to the output of the transfer case by a fixed connection, such as a spline connection, that inhibits axial slipping. The first shaft is connected on its other end to the constant-velocity joint. A second shaft of the driveshaft is connects to the constant-velocity joint to the differential. The driveshaft can also have a clamp at the splint to inhibit axial slipping at the spline connection.

Abstract: A method and system for predicting prospective behavior of a manufacturing process are described. Measured values of multiple variables, including at least one dependent variable, are received. A partial least squares (PLS) regression approach is used to estimate an unknown future value of the at least one dependent variable at a future point in time in a current batch run.

Abstract: A cooling apparatus and method for providing a cooling air flow in a region of a constant velocity joint. The constant velocity joint has a housing comprising a first housing portion and a second housing portion. The first and second housing portions are coupled together by fasteners. The cooling device comprises a load-distributing portion and a fan-blade portion. The load-distributing portion is located between a head of each fastener and either the first or second housing portion, with each fastener inserted into a respective hole in the load-distributing portion. The load-distributing portion distributes a load applied by the fasteners to the first or second housing portion. The fan-blade portion is coupled to the load-distributing portion. The fan-blade portion is configured to create a current of air when the constant velocity joint housing rotates.

Abstract: Systems and methods for manufacturing a substantially impermeable concrete wall that may be used, for example, in fluid storage tanks to improve leak resistance to pressurized gases or fluids and reduce manufacturing costs.

Abstract: An cooling apparatus and method for providing a cooling air flow in a region of a constant velocity joint. The constant velocity joint has a housing comprising a first housing portion and a second housing portion. The first and second housing portions are coupled together by fasteners. The cooling device comprises a load-distributing portion and a fan-blade portion. The load-distributing portion is located between a head of each fastener and either the first or second housing portion, with each fastener inserted into a respective hole in the load-distributing portion. The load-distributing portion distributes a load applied by the fasteners to the first or second housing portion. The fan-blade portion is coupled to the load-distributing portion. The fan-blade portion is configured to create a current of air when the constant velocity joint housing rotates.

Abstract: A method and system for predicting prospective behavior of a manufacturing process are described. Measured values of multiple variables, including at least one dependent variable, are received. A partial least squares (PLS) regression approach is used to estimate an unknown future value of the at least one dependent variable at a future point in time in a current batch run.

Abstract: A system to obtain an enhanced-transport format combination (E-TFC) for transmitting a scheduling information (SI) in a soft handoff (SHO) to a serving enhanced Data Channel (E-DCH) cell in a heterogeneous Network (HetNet). The system comprises receiving an E-TFC selection power backoff (ESPB) value from an active macro-cell, the active macro-cell being the service E-DCH cell; determining the E-TFC based on an indicated power of a serving grant minus the received ESPB value and a set of E-TFC power offset value received from the active macro cell, if an MAC-e/i data PDU to be transmitted is multiplexed with the SI; otherwise, determining the E-TFC based on the indicated power of the serving grant and the set of E-TFC power offset value; and transmitting the MAC-e/i PDU to the active macro cell using the indicated power of the serving grant and an enhanced dedicated channel selected based on the determined E-TFC.

Abstract: A bow taper having a clamping and cut-off station wherein the tape is pulled from a clamping and cut-off station to an extended position to provide a length of tape extending between said clamping and cut-off station to said extended position, and is clamped via a clamp in the station so that when the tape is applied to a case positioned to be taped by said taper on a leading corner of the case that is adjacent to said extended position tension is applied to a free span of tape between the leading corner and the clamp, cutting off tape adjacent to said clamping and cut-off station to leave a free end and releasing said clamp from clamping said tape.

Abstract: A bow taper having a clamping and cut-off station wherein the tape is pulled from a clamping and cut-off station to an extended position to provide a length of tape extending between said clamping and cut-off station to said extended position, and is clamped via a clamp in the station so that when the tape is applied to a case positioned to be taped by said taper on a leading corner of the case that is adjacent to said extended position tension is applied to a free span of tape between the leading corner and the clamp, cutting off tape adjacent to said clamping and cut-off station to leave a free end and releasing said clamp from clamping said tape.

Abstract: A gripping system uses a pin mounting block having at least one passage for accommodating holding pins of a holding pin member that cooperate with a dome to hold a laminate ply there between, the improvement being a releasable latch positioned to engage the pin member and hold the pin member in an operative positions and being releasable to release the pin member. Various forms of pin members may be used. In a preferred form, a gripper is provided positioned adjacent to holding pins and moveable between a retracted position and an operative position wherein the gripper member grips the laminate ply.

Abstract: A case forming machine is disclosed wherein a pusher engages a trailing panel of a case with its bottom flaps folded to closed position and provided the sole means for moving the case from the folding station through a bottom taping systems thereby eliminating the need for the conventional belt drive used to move the case through the taping station.

Abstract: A gripping system uses a pin mounting block having at least one passage for accommodating holding pins of a holding pin member that cooperate with a dome to hold a laminate ply there between, the improvement being a releasable latch positioned to engage the pin member and hold the pin member in an operative positions and being releasable to release the pin member. Various forms of pin members may be used. In a preferred form a gripper is provided positioned adjacent to holding pins and moveable between a retracted position and an operative position wherein the gripper member grips the laminate ply.

Abstract: An original (full size) image is automatically represented by a thumbnail (reduced size) image on a Web page. A user selects the original image that will be represented by the thumbnail image. The thumbnail image is produced and placed into a Web page that is being created or edited. While viewing the Web page, selection of the thumbnail image causes a hyperlink to the original image that is automatically associated with the thumbnail image to be traversed, so that the original image is retrieved and displayed. An auto thumbnail tool dialog box enables the user to define the size of the thumbnail image and to optionally select a border and/or a beveled edge for the thumbnail image. The coloring and the pattern of the border may also be optionally selected by the user.

Abstract: A ride attraction includes a vehicle having a seat mover for use by physically disabled passengers. A swing arm is pivotally attached to a jack post in the boat, with an extension arm attached to the swing arm. The physically disabled passenger is moved to a loading position on a seat supported by a dolly. The extension arm of the seat mover engages the seat. The seat is locked onto the extension arm and unlocked from the dolly. The jack post lifts the seat high enough to clear the side of the vehicle. The seat is swung into position in the vehicle and lowered on the jack post, and then locked into position in the vehicle. Accordingly, the physically disabled are provided access to theme park ride attractions.

Abstract: A vented slip joint assembly includes a first shaft with a first end having an externally splined portion. A second internally splined shaft is drivably connected at a first end to the first shaft. A seal sealingly engages the first shaft and the first end of the second shaft. A vent is provided in the first shaft to provide fluid communication to the second end of the first shaft.