Abstract: A variable turbine geometry assembly is provided for controlling flow of exhaust gas to a turbine wheel of a turbocharger. The variable turbine geometry assembly includes a base structure, vanes, vane levers, and an adjustment ring. The vanes are distributed circumferentially around the base structure and are pivotable relative to the base structure to vary an effective inlet area. The vane levers are for pivoting the vanes. The vane levers each include an inner portion coupled to one of the vanes and an outer portion extending from the inner portion. The adjustment ring is selectively rotatable about a central axis to pivot the vanes. The adjustment ring includes apertures that are each associated with and have received therein the outer portion of one of the vane levers. The outer portion of each of the vane levers includes an outer surface that is non-parallel with the central axis.

Abstract: A pivot shaft assembly for a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry (VTG) is provided. The pivot shaft assembly may include a pivot shaft, a pivot fork extending from the pivot shaft, a VTG lever disposed on the pivot shaft, and a retention collar axially coupled to the pivot shaft such that the VTG lever is axially aligned with the retention collar and the pivot shaft.

Abstract: A variable turbine geometry assembly is provided for controlling flow of exhaust gas to a turbine wheel of a turbocharger. The variable turbine geometry assembly includes a base structure, vanes, vane levers, and an adjustment ring. The vanes are distributed circumferentially around the base structure and are pivotable relative to the base structure to vary an effective inlet area. The vane levers are for pivoting the vanes. The vane levers each include an inner portion coupled to one of the vanes and an outer portion extending from the inner portion. The adjustment ring is selectively rotatable about a central axis to pivot the vanes. The adjustment ring includes apertures that are each associated with and have received therein the outer portion of one of the vane levers. The outer portion of each of the vane levers includes an outer surface that is non-parallel with the central axis.

Abstract: A vane pack assembly (25) for a variable geometry turbocharger (10) including a an upper vane ring (28) and a lower vane ring (30) and a plurality of single-axle, self-centering adjustable guide vanes (26) disposed in a turbine housing (20). The plurality of guide vanes (26) include a post (50) having a vane (52) formed integrally therewith. Each post (50) includes a convex self-centering pivot feature (56a, 56b) at one end adapted to seat in a complementary shaped concave self-centering pivot recess (48) of the lower vane ring. The vanes (52) are positioned between the upper and lower vane rings (28, 30) and pivot to control exhaust flow to a turbine wheel. The self-centering pivot features compensate for movement or deformation of the turbine housing (20) and vane rings (28, 30) due to the effects of differential thermal expansion.

Abstract: A pivot shaft assembly for a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry (VTG) is provided. The pivot shaft assembly may include a pivot shaft, a pivot fork extending from the pivot shaft, a VTG lever disposed on the pivot shaft, and a retention collar axially coupled to the pivot shaft such that the VTG lever is axially aligned with the retention collar and the pivot shaft.

Abstract: A number of variations may include a product comprising: a vane lever comprising a first end; a second end; a top surface; and a bottom surface; and an opening defined by an inner surface which extends through the top surface and the bottom surface of the second end, and wherein at least a portion of the inner surface comprises a non-cylindrical, multi-lobed shape.

Abstract: A number of variations may include a product comprising: a vane lever comprising a first end; a second end; a top surface; and a bottom surface; and an opening defined by an inner surface which extends through the top surface and the bottom surface of the second end, and wherein at least a portion of the inner surface comprises a non-cylindrical, multi-lobed shape.

Abstract: A vane pack assembly (25) for a variable geometry turbocharger (10) including a an upper vane ring (28) and a lower vane ring (30) and a plurality of single-axle, self-centering adjustable guide vanes (26) disposed in a turbine housing (20). The plurality of guide vanes (26) include a post (50) having a vane (52) formed integrally therewith. Each post (50) includes a convex self-centering pivot feature (56a, 56b) at one end adapted to seat in a complementary shaped concave self-centering pivot recess (48) of the lower vane ring. The vanes (52) are positioned between the upper and lower vane rings (28, 30) and pivot to control exhaust flow to a turbine wheel. The self-centering pivot features compensate for movement or deformation of the turbine housing (20) and vane rings (28, 30) due to the effects of differential thermal expansion.

Abstract: A heat isolating actuator linkage (805, 905) that includes a rod end housing (810, 910) including a bearing opening (814, 914) with a rod end ball (812, 912) disposed therein. A race insert (816, 916) is disposed between the rod end housing (810, 910) and the rod end ball (812, 912). A threaded portion (818, 918) extends from the rod end housing (810, 910) and may comprise male or female threads. A shield (830, 930) extends from the rod end housing (810, 910). The shield (830, 930) is integrally formed with the rod end housing (810, 910). The shield (830, 930) extends around a majority of the rod end housing (810, 910) and may extend to one side of the bearing opening (814, 914). Alternatively, a first portion (932) of the shield may extend towards one side of the bearing opening (914) and a second portion (932) of the shield may extend towards the other side.

Abstract: A gradient-adjustable skate park system and methods for using the same are provided. In accordance with some embodiments, a skate park system comprises a plurality of structures, wherein each structure of the plurality of structures includes one or more features for allowing a skateboarder to perform at least one skateboarding trick, a plurality of raising mechanisms coupled beneath at least a portion of the plurality of structures, and a processor that is configured to control the plurality of raising mechanisms to decline the plurality of structures by a predetermined angle.