Abstract: A lifting system may comprise a rod comprising a threaded portion and a lifting bracket assembly configured to be moved up and down the threaded portion. The lifting bracket assembly may comprise a bushing component, a lifting bracket comprising a receiving portion that includes a receiving hole, and a threaded component configured to be inserted over the bushing component. The receiving portion may be configured to be inserted over the bushing component via the receiving hole.

Abstract: In some implementations, a retention apparatus for retaining a rod in a cylinder rod may include a first retention component and a second retention component. The first retention component may be configured to retain the rod in the cylinder rod. The first retention component may comprise a first surface and a second surface. The portion, of the first surface, may be a threaded surface and may be adjacent to the second surface. The portion may be configured to be threaded onto the cylinder rod to cause the second surface to retain the second retention component in the cylinder rod and to cause the second retention component to engage the rod. The second retention component may be configured to engage the rod.

Abstract: A lifting system may comprise a rod comprising a threaded portion and a lifting bracket assembly configured to be moved up and down the threaded portion. The lifting bracket assembly may comprise a bushing component, a lifting bracket comprising a receiving portion that includes a receiving hole, and a threaded component configured to be inserted over the bushing component. The receiving portion may be configured to be inserted over the bushing component via the receiving hole.

Abstract: A hobbing or gear cutting machine uses a rotary tool to rotate a cutting tool around a central axis of the cutting tool. The cutting tool has zero lead cutters, that is, the cutting tool is non-helical. A head holds the rotary tool and moves the cutting tool longitudinally along the central axis of the cutting tool. A workpiece holder holds a workpiece to be machined into a gear proximate the cutting tool. The workpiece holder selectively rotates the workpiece in conjunction with the longitudinal movement of the cutting tool via the head to cut both straight and helical gears from the workpiece.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) includes an input arrangement associated with an input shaft and an output arrangement associated with an output shaft. An input sprocket and an output sprocket are connected via a chain. An input cone member is connected to the input shaft, disposed within a central opening of the input sprocket, and frictionally engages an inner periphery of the input sprocket such that rotation of the input cone causes the input sprocket to rotate. An output cone member is connected to the output shaft, disposed within a central opening of the output sprocket, and frictionally engages an inner periphery of the output sprocket such that rotation of the output sprocket causes rotation of the output cone member.

Abstract: A fixture assembly for a work piece is provided. The fixture assembly includes a strap assembly including a plurality of straps. One or more parameters associated with each of the plurality of straps is configured to be dynamically adjusted in such a manner that the plurality of straps cooperatively interact with a surface of the work piece. The strap assembly is configured to secure the work piece by providing a clamping force thereon based on an arrangement of the strap assembly.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a gear-cutting tool is disclosed. The gear-cutting tool includes a base portion and cutter teeth extended from the base portion. Each cutter tooth includes a cutting tip portion. The method initiates with hardening the gear-cutting tool with a first hardening process. Thereafter, coating the cutter teeth with a wear resistant material and then hardening the cutting tip portion of each of the cutter teeth with a second hardening process. In the second hardening process, the heat treat is directed to penetrate through the wear resistant material. This process imparts the heat treatment to the wear resistant material and the cutting tip portion of the cutter teeth of the gear-cutting tool.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing waste material from flutes of a rotating hob includes an elongated handle disposed alongside the hob; and a brush wheel disposed at a first end of the handle. The brush wheel includes bristles that are disposed in abutment with at least one flute of the hob.

Abstract: A hobbing or gear cutting machine uses a rotary tool to rotate a cutting tool around a central axis of the cutting tool. The cutting tool has zero lead cutters, that is, the cutting tool is non-helical. A head holds the rotary tool and moves the cutting tool longitudinally along the central axis of the cutting tool. A workpiece holder holds a workpiece to be machined into a gear proximate the cutting tool. The workpiece holder selectively rotates the workpiece in conjunction with the longitudinal movement of the cutting tool via the head to cut both straight and helical gears from the workpiece.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) includes an input arrangement associated with an input shaft and an output arrangement associated with an output shaft. An input sprocket and an output sprocket are connected via a chain. An input cone member is connected to the input shaft, disposed within a central opening of the input sprocket, and frictionally engages an inner periphery of the input sprocket such that rotation of the input cone causes the input sprocket to rotate. An output cone member is connected to the output shaft, disposed within a central opening of the output sprocket, and frictionally engages an inner periphery of the output sprocket such that rotation of the output sprocket causes rotation of the output cone member.

Abstract: A load monitoring system for a lifting system that includes a lifting device is provided. The load monitoring system includes a lifting link assembly and a controller. The lifting link assembly includes a link body, a strain sensor, and a radio frequency identification (RFID) device. The link body is structured and arranged to couple the lifting device to a load. The strain sensor is fixed to the link body and is configured to generate a signal corresponding to the load. The RFID device is fixed to the link body and is configured to receive the signal. Further, the controller is in communication with the RFID device, and is configured to receive the signal from the RFID device and initiate a safe lifting protocol in response to the signal attaining a pre-determined threshold value.