Abstract: A power train control system for a mobile machine is disclosed. The power train control system has a power source configured to produce a power output, a transmission device operatively connected to receive the power output and propel the mobile machine, and a control module. The control module is configured to receive an indication of a power demand, receive an indication of a current travel speed of the mobile machine, and reference the power demand and the current travel speed with a power train efficiency map to determine a desired power source speed. The power train control system is also configured to control operation of the transmission device to bring a speed of the power source within a predetermined amount of the desired power source speed.

Abstract: A valve actuation system for a combustion engine is provided. The valve actuation system may have an engine valve movable between first and second spaced apart end positions. The valve actuation system may also have a first cam element mechanically coupled to move the engine valve, and a first hydraulic slave piston operatively connected to the engine valve to move the engine valve independent of movement of the first cam element. The valve actuation system may further have a high pressure rail fluidly connected to the first hydraulic piston, and a control valve disposed between the high pressure rail and the first hydraulic piston to regulate movement of the engine valve.

Abstract: A pipestring (12) wherein the leading coupling portion (221) of a first pipe segment (141) and the trailing coupling portion (242) of a second pipe segment (142) are coupled together. A leading seal part (341) is installed in the leading coupling portion (221) of the first pipe segment (141) and a trailing seal part (362) is installed in the trailing coupling portion (242) of the second pipe segment (142). The seal parts (341, 362) interface to form a fluid seal between the composite pipe segments (141, 142), and also to provide an electrically conductive path between their electrical lines (461, 462).

Abstract: A rotor assembly having a seal member in the root section of a rotor blade is disclosed. Various construction details are developed for blocking the flow of gases between adjacent rotor blades. In one detailed embodiment, a deformable seal member formed of a high temperature material is disposed between the root sections of adjacent rotor blades and engages the blades under operative conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides tools and methods designed to aid in the placement of artificial facet joints at virtually all spinal levels. One aspect of the present invention is a measurement tool for installing an artificial cephalad facet joint including a fixation measurement element and a support arm element. This measurement tool assists in the selection and/or configuration of an artificial cephalad facet joint for implantation in a patient. Another aspect is a measurement tool for installing a caudad facet joint including a stem element and a trial caudad bearing surface element. This measurement tool assists in the selection and/or configuration of a caudad facet joint for implantation in a patient. Yet another aspect is a measurement tool holder including a measurement surface connected to a holder element. This tool holder assists in determining the measurements obtained with the caudad facet joint measurement tool.

Abstract: The present invention provides tools and methods designed to aid in the placement of artificial facet joints at virtually all spinal levels. One aspect of the present invention is a measurement tool for installing an artificial cephalad facet joint, the tool including a trial marker having a portion configured to be placed in a hole; and a trial body comprising a bore therethrough for slidaby receiving a portion of the trial marker. In some embodiments, the trial body further comprises an arm extending generally radially outward from the bore and configured to contact an opposing spinal prosthesis component. The trial body may further comprise a lower portion configured to be placed in the hole. The trial marker and the trial body are configured to cooperate to indicate a relative positioning between them. This measurement tool assists in the selection and/or configuration of an artificial cephalad facet joint for implantation in a patient.

Abstract: An adaptable spinal facet joint prosthesis, including a pedicle fixation element; a laminar fixation element; and a facet joint bearing surface having a location adaptable with respect at least one of the pedicle fixation element and the laminar fixation element. The invention also includes a method of implanting an adaptable spinal facet joint prosthesis including the steps of determining a desired position for a facet joint bearing surface; and attaching a prosthesis comprising a facet joint bearing surface to a pedicle portion of a vertebra and a lamina portion of a vertebra to place the facet joint bearing surface in the desired position. The invention also provides a facet joint prosthesis implant tool including a tool guide adapted to guide a vertebra cutting tool; and first and second fixation hole alignment elements extending from the saw guide. The invention also provides systems for treating spinal pathologies that include intervertebral discs in combination with spinal and facet joint prostheses.

Abstract: The present invention provides tools and methods designed to aid in the placement of artificial facet joints at virtually all spinal levels. One aspect of the present invention is a measurement tool for installing an artificial cephalad facet joint including a fixation measurement element and a support arm element. This measurement tool assists in the selection and/or configuration of an artificial cephalad facet joint for implantation in a patient. Another aspect is a measurement tool for installing a caudad facet joint including a stem element and a trial caudad bearing surface element. This measurement tool assists in the selection and/or configuration of a caudad facet joint for implantation in a patient. Yet another aspect is a measurement tool holder including a measurement surface connected to a holder element. This tool holder assists in determining the measurements obtained with the caudad facet joint measurement tool.

Abstract: A particulate trap regeneration system is provided. The system may include a particulate trap configured to remove one or more types of particulate matter from an exhaust flow of an engine. The system may also include a regeneration device configured to reduce an amount of particulate matter in the particulate trap. The system may further include a controller configured to activate the regeneration device in response to the first to occur of at least three trigger conditions.

Abstract: A valve actuation system for a combustion engine is provided. The valve actuation system may have an engine valve movable between first and second spaced apart end positions. The valve actuation system may also have a first cam element mechanically coupled to move the engine valve, and a first hydraulic slave piston operatively connected to the engine valve to move the engine valve independent of movement of the first cam element. The valve actuation system may further have a high pressure rail fluidly connected to the first hydraulic piston, and a control valve disposed between the high pressure rail and the first hydraulic piston to regulate movement of the engine valve.

Abstract: An apparatus and method using GPS for dynamically adjusting side-to-side positioning of a farm implement along a geographical path. The apparatus includes a global positioning system (GPS) antenna disposed on the farm implement, a GPS receiver coupled to the GPS antenna for determining a location of the GPS antenna, and a dual guidance computer for comparing the location to stored geographical coordinates of a desired path for providing a guide signal for offsetting the lateral position of an adjustable hitch or angling a wheel or ground rudder in a steerable implement for guiding the implement along the path; and a range extent signal for maintaining the offset of the hitch or steering angle of the implement within its dynamic range.

Abstract: An adaptable spinal facet joint prosthesis, including a pedicle fixation element; a laminar fixation element; and a facet joint bearing surface having a location adaptable with respect at least one of the pedicle fixation element and the laminar fixation element. The invention also includes a method of implanting an adaptable spinal facet joint prosthesis including the steps of determining a desired position for a facet joint bearing surface; and attaching a prosthesis comprising a facet joint bearing surface to a pedicle portion of a vertebra and a lamina portion of a vertebra to place the facet joint bearing surface in the desired position. The invention also provides a facet joint prosthesis implant tool including a tool guide adapted to guide a vertebra cutting tool; and first and second fixation hole alignment elements extending from the saw guide. The invention also provides systems for treating spinal pathologies that include intervertebral discs in combination with spinal and facet joint prostheses.

Abstract: A pipestring (12) wherein the leading coupling portion (221) of a first pipe segment (141) and the trailing coupling portion (242) of a second pipe segment (142) are coupled together. A leading seal part (341) is installed in the leading coupling portion (221) of the first pipe segment (141) and a trailing seal part (362) is installed in the trailing coupling portion (242) of the second pipe segment (142). The seal parts (341, 362) interface to form a fluid seal between the composite pipe segments (141, 142), and also to provide an electrically conductive path between their electrical lines (461, 462).

Abstract: A rotor assembly having a seal member in the root section of a rotor blade is disclosed. Various construction details are developed for blocking the flow of gases between adjacent rotor blades. In one detailed embodiment, a deformable seal member formed of a high temperature material is disposed between the root sections of adjacent rotor blades and engages the blades under operative conditions.

Abstract: A power train control system for a mobile machine is disclosed. The power train control system has a power source configured to produce a power output, a transmission device operatively connected to receive the power output and propel the mobile machine, and a control module. The control module is configured to receive an indication of a power demand, receive an indication of a current travel speed of the mobile machine, and reference the power demand and the current travel speed with a power train efficiency map to determine a desired power source speed. The power train control system is also configured to control operation of the transmission device to bring a speed of the power source within a predetermined amount of the desired power source speed.

Abstract: A method of controlling an engine having a valve actuation system is provided. The engine is started. A first parameter indicative of a first temperature of the engine is sensed. A second parameter indicative of a second temperature of the engine is sensed. The valve actuation system is disabled to prevent the implementation of a variation on conventional engine valve actuation timing in response to each of the first and second temperatures being below a predetermined value.

Abstract: Ceramic membranes with integral seals and support, and related electrochemical cells and cell stacks. The membrane comprises a thin electrolyte layer supported on a porous electrode layer which in turn is supported on a thick ceramic support layer, preferably a ceramic electrolyte support. The support layer is divided into a plurality of self-supporting thin membrane regions by a network of thicker integrated support ribs. The thin electrolyte layer and thick ceramic support layer preferably define a sealing perimeter surrounding the porous electrode layer.

Abstract: An engine valve actuation system is provided. An intake valve is moveable between a first position where the intake valve prevents a flow of fluid relative to the intake valve and a second position where the intake valve allows a flow of fluid relative to the intake valve. A cam assembly is configured to move the intake valve between the first position and the second position. A fluid actuator having a chamber is adapted to selectively prevent the intake valve from moving to the first position. A fluid supply system is adapted to deliver fluid to the chamber of the fluid actuator. A pressure sensor is operatively engaged with the fluid supply system and is adapted to sense the pressure of the fluid within the fluid supply system.

Abstract: A turbine blade tip plenum has means for preferentially directing or diverting cooling air from a cooling passageway network to cool areas subject to extreme heat.

Abstract: An apparatus and method using GPS for dynamically adjusting side-to-side positioning of a farm implement along a geographical path. The apparatus includes a global positioning system (GPS) antenna disposed on the farm implement, a GPS receiver coupled to the GPS antenna for determining a location of the GPS antenna, and a dual guidance computer for comparing the location to stored geographical coordinates of a desired path or providing a guide signal for offsetting the lateral position of an adjustable hitch or angling a wheel or ground rudder in a steerable implement for guiding the implement along the path; and a range extent signal for maintaining the offset of the hitch or steering angle of the implement within its dynamic range.