Abstract: Flywheel diagnostic systems and methods may be advantageously employed on machines having flywheel assemblies to preserve the integrity of the flywheel and/or related components in the event of a malfunction. Feedback regarding flywheel or machine operating parameters may be used to determine the possibility of a malfunction. Remedial actions may be taken in response to the indication of a possible malfunction. For example, a cooling system may be operated to reduce the temperature of the flywheel, thereby to preserve flywheel integrity. Additionally or alternatively, the flywheel may be coupled to a CVT to actively slow flywheel rotation. For other malfunctions, the flywheel may be disengaged from the CVT to prevent damage to flywheel components that may result from further overspeeding of the flywheel.

Abstract: A digital file is associated with a header in which identification data for a physical key is stored. The digital file content is encrypted, and may not be decrypted by a receiving computer unless a removable physical key that can be associated with the receiving computer includes identification data which matches the identification data stored in the file header. The digital content encrypted in the file may be compressed, and the header may also be encrypted. When the header is encrypted, the receiving computer may decrypt only the header unless the identification data of the header matches the identification data for a removable physical key. Improved security and reduction of pirating of the digital content are therefore provided.

Abstract: An engine exhaust heat recovery system includes an engine exhaust heat conduit that interacts with a two-phase fluid that exists in liquid and gaseous states within a single closed loop. A first heat exchanger, which may be a boiler, interfaces with and receives heat from the engine exhaust conduit. Exhaust heat energy converts the fluid from the liquid state into the gaseous state for transfer into a heat expander situated downstream of the first heat exchanger. The heat expander utilizes the gaseous heat energy to rotate a flywheel, and a system of clutches is situated and adapted to permit the flywheel to transfer mechanical energy for subsequent, selective production of work upon demand. In one disclosed embodiment, the heat expander may be a high-speed turbine with a rotary power shaft coupled to a transmission and a plurality of clutches adapted to engage and actuate the flywheel.

Abstract: A kinetic energy system incorporates multiple flywheels, each flywheel situated and adapted to develop and store kinetic energy, and to subsequently impart that energy to move a work machine. Each flywheel is controlled by an ECM to operate in a selective sequence with respect to any of the other flywheels. Each flywheel has its own individual external gear and clutch unit adapted to be in communication with a commonly shared continuously variable transmission. The plurality of flywheels may be operated sequentially to develop store, and dispense kinetic energy equivalently to that of a substantially larger unitary flywheel. In the disclosed embodiment and method of operation, the flywheel system may be employed with a traditional internal combustion engine to produce a hybrid motive source, with capability for effectively meeting transient load demands of an off-road work machine.

Abstract: A control mechanism for use with a safety valve adapted to seal a wellbore is described. The control mechanism comprises at least one valve actuator for engaging with the safety valve, the at least one actuator being moveable, in use, between a valve open position in which the safety valve is open and a valve closed position, in which the safety valve is closed. The control mechanism further comprises biasing apparatus adapted to bias the at least one valve actuator to the valve closed position, wherein, in use, the at least one valve actuator extends from the safety valve up to a wellbore wellhead. In one described embodiment, the safety valve is moved between the open and closed positions by movement of the at least one valve actuator with respect to the wellbore.

Abstract: A navigation system for an automotive vehicle capable of communicating with a remote communication device includes a host communication device connected to the remote communication device over a communication network to transmit voice data. A hands free communication unit having a speaker and a microphone is configured to connect with the host communication device so as to communicate with the remote communication device through the speaker and microphone. The vehicle navigation system also includes a voice recognition engine in communication with the hands free communication unit through a voice data link. A route generation unit is connected to the hands free communication unit and the voice recognition engine. The hands free communication unit is capable of transmitting the voice data originating from the remote communication device to the voice recognition engine over the voice data link.

Abstract: A well barrier for sealing a downhole conduit is described. The well barrier includes a housing defining a throughbore having a longitudinal axis, a valve actuator and a flapper valve. The flapper valve includes a flapper attached to the valve actuator. The flapper valve and the valve actuator are axially movable with respect to the housing in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. The flapper is adapted to move from one of a throughbore open and throughbore closed positions to the other of said open and closed positions when the actuator and flapper valve move a predetermined axial distance.

Abstract: A suspension assembly for a land vehicle comprises a spindle defining a steering axis for the land vehicle and configured to pivotably couple to a ground contact; an upper pivotable member having an inboard end configured to pivotably couple to the land vehicle and an outboard end pivotably coupled to the spindle; a lower pivotable member having an inboard end configured to pivotably couple to the land vehicle and an outboard end pivotably coupled to the spindle; a resilient member having an upper end configured to pivotably couple to the land vehicle and a lower end pivotably coupled to the spindle; a caster adjustment mechanism adjusting the position of one of the upper pivotable member and lower pivotable member relative to the spindle to thereby adjust caster; and a camber adjustment mechanism adjusting the position of one of the upper pivotable member and lower pivotable member relative to the spindle to thereby adjust camber.

Abstract: A system for transferring spinal cord signals comprises a superior electrode and an inferior electrode. The superior electrode interfaces with a first portion of a spinal cord of a human body; and the inferior electrode interfaces with a second portion of the spinal cord. The superior electrode has at least one superior contact for receiving signals from the first portion of the spinal cord to transmit to the inferior electrode; and the inferior electrode has at least one inferior contact for transmitting signals received from the superior electrode to the second portion of the spinal cord.

Abstract: A system for mapping terrain using at least one machine traveling along the terrain includes at least one controller. The at least one controller is configured to determine a plurality of machine parameters of the at least one machine as the at least one machine travels along the terrain. The plurality of machine parameters include a steering parameter and a speed of a component of the at least one machine. The at least one controller is also configured to determine, based on the determined machine parameters, a geometry and a grade of at least one path on the terrain along which the at least one machine travels. The at least one controller is further configured to create, based on the determined geometry and grade, a map indicating the at least one path.

Abstract: A virtual vehicle interface system for use in a motor vehicle. The system can include a screen having a screen region and an image module that is operable to display an image of a portion of the motor vehicle on the screen region. The image can display a feature of the motor vehicle and an information tag can also be displayed and be proximate to the feature. The screen and the image module are operable to rotate the image of the motor vehicle and display different views of the motor vehicle using a remote control device or by pressing an object such as an individual's finger onto and moving it across the screen. In addition, a change of a setting and/or state of the motor vehicle can be altered by activating the information tag.

Abstract: Designs to package a magneto-elastic torque sensor in an automotive transmission, such as front wheel drive (FWD) automatic transmissions, for volume production applications are provided.

Abstract: A control system is disclosed. The control system includes a first set of operator input devices and a laser target located on a first machine. The control system also includes a first laser measurement system located on a second machine and configured to measure a distance to the laser target. The control system further includes a communications system configured to selectively communicate a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation. In the first mode of operation, the second machine follows the first machine based on the measured distance. In the second mode of operation, the second machine moves based on a signal from the first set of operator input devices.

Abstract: A media content delivery interface for delivering media content based on a geographic location of a user. The media content delivery interface may include a mapping device configured to receive a positioning signal and determine a geographic location of a media playing device based on the positioning signal, a processor configured to receive the geographic location from the mapping device and generate a search signal for searching a media database for a media file having a geographic property related to the geographic location, and a distribution device coupled to the processor, configured to selectively distribute the searched media file from the media database to the media player device.

Abstract: An improved final drive is disclosed. The axle includes a double reduction gearbox for off-road machines, which, unlike currently available double reduction gearboxes, contains no planetary gear sets. The improved drive axle contains spur gears having pockets adapted to contain brake disc packs. The pockets may permit utilization of a plurality of brake packs within the gearbox without requiring additional space or enlargement of the gearbox housing. Use of spur gears may thus enable use of fewer gear parts, while use of multiple brake packs may enhance final drive brake capacity, improve longevity of the brake packs, and lengthen brake servicing cycles.

Abstract: A tensioning apparatus for applying a substantially constant tension to a workover riser (12) includes a first portion (40) adapted to be coupled to a workover riser, a second portion (44) adapted to be coupled to a marine riser (14) and tensioning means (46) for providing relative movement between the first portion and the second portion to, in use, tension, the workover riser.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a vehicle transmission having a clutch assembly with a plurality of corrugations formed with respect to a hydraulic feed path for an apply piston.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a navigation system and process for providing a second route to a user of the system when a first route determined by the system passes through an area that has a safety level that is less than a predefined and desired safety level.

Abstract: A mobile device connection system may identify a mobile device of a present driver and prioritize a wireless connection between the identified mobile device and a built-in hands-free device located in a motor vehicle. In one embodiment, the mobile device connection system may include a sensor and a controller. The sensor may be configured to sense an identity of a driver when the driver is within a proximity of the motor vehicle and generate a signal based on the sensed identity. The controller may be coupled to the sensor, and it may be configured to identify the mobile device based on the signal from the sensor, search and detect the identified mobile device, and establish a wireless connection between the detected mobile device and the built-in hands-free device.

Abstract: An apparatus kit which releases the dogging function of a panic device without the use of a key or other external device comprising: an end cap button; connecting adjustable rod; and an adaptable linkage to the existing dogging mechanism of the panic devise.