Abstract: An electric motor including a motor casing, a shaft having an axis of rotation, a first end and a second end, a first main bearing for rotatably supporting the shaft at the first end within the motor casing, a second main bearing for rotatably supporting the shaft at the second end within the motor casing, and a grounding bearing for conducting a bearing current between the shaft and the motor casing.

Abstract: A blender includes a housing, a water heater supported within the housing, the water heater including an enclosure having an upper portion and a lower portion, a plurality of fluid ports, a heating coil, and a one-way air valve located on the upper portion of the enclosure. The heating coil is primarily located in the lower portion of said enclosure.

Abstract: A method of operating a blender having a rotatable cutting blade in a food preparation chamber includes providing a sensing light assembly, generating at least one sensing light beam below the food preparation chamber, inserting a cup containing food to be blended into the food preparation chamber, generating an error signal if a foreign object crosses the sensing light beam, and preventing or stopping rotation of the cutting blade in response to the error signal.

Abstract: An electric motor including a motor casing, a shaft having an axis of rotation, a first end and a second end, a first main bearing for rotatably supporting the shaft at the first end within the motor casing, a second main bearing for rotatably supporting the shaft at the second end within the motor casing, and a grounding bearing for conducting a bearing current between the shaft and the motor casing.

Abstract: A method of operating a blender having a rotatable cutting blade in a food preparation chamber includes providing a sensing light assembly, generating at least one sensing light beam below the food preparation chamber, inserting a cup containing food to be blended into the food preparation chamber, generating an error signal if a foreign object crosses the sensing light beam, and preventing or stopping rotation of the cutting blade in response to the error signal.

Abstract: An easily assembled blender with an internal frame holding a cupholder elevator assembly, a mix motor assembly, a food preparation chamber, a water heater assembly and a steamer assembly. The water heater and steamer assemblies are preferably on modular trays that slide into the internal frame. The water heater preferably also serves as a hot water reservoir and, to avoid overheating, has its heating coil located near its bottom. To resist scale deposits, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tubing is preferably used to transport steam from the steamer to the food preparation chamber. To expedite manufacture, a spring-biased idler assembly with a drive belt for the cupholder elevator assembly preferably snaps into a lower receiving port on the internal frame. Crisscrossing infrared light beams are preferably placed at the entrance of the food preparation chamber to detect whether the cup entering the chamber is the correct size and detect whether any foreign object is below the food preparation chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed are pressurized surface treatment compositions which impart a microbicidal benefit to treated surfaces which compositions comprise (or in certain preferred embodiments may consist essentially of, or may consist of): a zinc ion source material which releases zinc ions into the treatment composition, preferably a source of Zn++ ions, at least lower alkyl aliphatic monohydric alcohol which independently of other constituents present exhibits a microbicidal effect, a propellant; and, water. The compositions may further optionally include one or more further optional constituents such as a detersive surfactant and/or minor amounts of one or more constituents which impart one or more advantageous technical or aesthetic benefits to the compositions, including one or more detersive surfactants wherein the compositions have pH of at least 5.

Abstract: Disclosed are pressurized surface treatment compositions which impart a microbicidal benefit to treated surfaces which compositions comprise (or in certain preferred embodiments may consist essentially of, or may consist of): a zinc ion source material which releases zinc ions into the treatment composition, preferably a source of Zn++ ions, at least lower alkyl aliphatic monohydric alcohol which independently of other constituents present exhibits a microbicidal effect, a propellant; and, water. The compositions may further optionally include one or more further optional constituents such as a detersive surfactant and/or minor amounts of one or more constituents which impart one or more advantageous technical or aesthetic benefits to the compositions, including one or more detersive surfactants wherein the compositions have pH of at least 5.

Abstract: Disclosed are pressurized surface treatment compositions which impart a microbicidal benefit to treated surfaces which compositions comprise (or in certain preferred embodiments may consist essentially of, or may consist of): a zinc ion source material which releases zinc ions into the treatment composition, preferably a source of Zn++ ions, at least lower alkyl aliphatic monohydric alcohol which independently of other constituents present exhibits a microbicidal effect, a propellant; and, water. The compositions may further optionally include one or more further optional constituents such as a detersive surfactant and/or minor amounts of one or more constituents which impart one or more advantageous technical or aesthetic benefits to the compositions, including one or more detersive surfactants wherein the compositions have pH of at least 5.

Abstract: Disclosed are pressurized surface treatment compositions which impart a microbicidal benefit to treated surfaces which compositions comprise (or in certain preferred embodiments may consist essentially of, or may consist of): a zinc ion source material which releases zinc ions into the treatment composition, preferably a source of Zn++ ions, at least lower alkyl aliphatic monohydric alcohol which independently of other constituents present exhibits a microbicidal effect, a propellant; and, water. The compositions may further optionally include one or more further optional constituents such as a detersive surfactant and/or minor amounts of one or more constituents which impart one or more advantageous technical or aesthetic benefits to the compositions, including one or more detersive surfactants wherein the compositions have pH of at least 5.

Abstract: An easily assembled blender with an internal frame holding a cupholder elevator assembly, a mix motor assembly, a food preparation chamber, a water heater assembly and a steamer assembly. The water heater and steamer assemblies are preferably on modular trays that slide into the internal frame. The water heater preferably also serves as a hot water reservoir and, to avoid overheating, has its heating coil located near its bottom. To resist scale deposits, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tubing is preferably used to transport steam from the steamer to the food preparation chamber. To expedite manufacture, a spring-biased idler assembly with a drive belt for the cupholder elevator assembly preferably snaps into a lower receiving port on the internal frame. Crisscrossing infrared light beams are preferably placed at the entrance of the food preparation chamber to detect whether the cup entering the chamber is the correct size and detect whether any foreign object is below the food preparation chamber.

Abstract: Sprayable, pressurized, liquid, inanimate surface treatment compositions comprise: a zinc source material which releases zinc ions into the treatment composition, at least one alcohol which independently of other constituents present exhibits a microbicidal effect, at least one quaternary ammonium compound which provides a microbicidal benefit, propellant, water, optionally but very preferably at least one detersive surfactant, further optionally one or more further constituents which impart one or more advantageous technical or aesthetic benefits to the compositions, wherein the compositions are at a pH such that the surface treatment compositions exhibit a microbicidal or germicidal or antimicrobial effect on treated inanimate surfaces, characterized in exhibiting a microbicidal benefit when tested against one or more challenge microorganisms, preferably against poliovirus type 1 (Sabin) [(“PV1”)], according to one or more of the following standardized test protocols: ASTM E1052 Standard Test Method for Eff

Abstract: Disclosed are pressurized surface treatment compositions which impart a microbicidal benefit to treated surfaces which compositions comprise (or in certain preferred embodiments may consist essentially of, or may consist of): a zinc ion source material which releases zinc ions into the treatment composition, preferably a source of Zn++ ions, at least lower alkyl aliphatic monohydric alcohol which independently of other constituents present exhibits a microbicidal effect, a propellant; and, water. The compositions may further optionally include one or more further optional constituents such as a detersive surfactant and/or minor amounts of one or more constituents which impart one or more advantageous technical or aesthetic benefits to the compositions, including one or more detersive surfactants wherein the compositions have pH of at least 5.

Abstract: Sprayable, pressurized, liquid, inanimate surface treatment compositions comprise: a zinc source material which releases zinc ions into the treatment composition, at least one alcohol which independently of other constituents present exhibits a microbicidal effect, at least one quaternary ammonium compound which provides a microbicidal benefit, propellant, water, optionally but very preferably at least one detersive surfactant, further optionally one or more further constituents which impart one or more advantageous technical or aesthetic benefits to the compositions, wherein the compositions are at a pH such that the surface treatment compositions exhibit a microbicidal or germicidal or antimicrobial effect on treated inanimate surfaces, characterized in exhibiting a microbicidal benefit when tested against one or more challenge microorganisms, preferably against poliovirus type 1(Sabin) [(“PV1”)], according to one or more of the following standardized test protocols: ASTM E1052 Standard Test Method for Effi

Abstract: The electrically variable transmission family of the present invention provides low-content, low-cost electrically variable transmission mechanisms including first, second and third differential gear sets, a battery, two electric machines serving interchangeably as motors or generators and five or six selectable torque-transfer devices. The selectable torque transfer devices are engaged to provide an EVT with a continuously variable range of speeds (including reverse), four or more mechanically fixed forward speed ratios and at least one mechanical reverse speed ratio. The torque transfer devices and the first and second motor/generators are operable to provide six operating modes in the electrically variable transmission, including battery reverse mode, EVT reverse mode, reverse and forward launch modes, continuously variable transmission range mode, fixed forward mode and mechanical reverse mode.

Abstract: The present invention provides a transmission pump bearing assembly having an integral seal. The apparatus preferably includes an outer race retained by a pump body such that the outer race is fixed relative thereto. An inner race is disposed radially within the outer race, and is engaged by a damper hub such that the inner race rotates along with the damper hub. The inner race includes a radially recessed portion adapted to accommodate a seal and maintain tight clearance to control leakage. A plurality of bearing members are disposed radially between the inner race and the outer race. The seal disposed within the radially recessed portion of the inner race is configured to engage the pump body and thereby seal an interface between the inner race and the pump body such that leaked hydraulic fluid is restricted from passing therebetween. A bearing cage is configured to axially retain and/or to maintain circumferential spacing of the plurality of bearing members.

Abstract: An improved hybrid transmission including two electric motor/generator modules and a plurality of planetary gear sets operatively connectable to the motor/generators and to an engine is provided. Novel structural and packaging schemes enhance the function and efficiency of the transmission. More precisely, the present invention relates to an improved apparatus for applying an adjustable load to internal rotating components of the hybrid transmission to maximize efficiency thereof.

Abstract: A pumping system for a transmission system having a single pump functionally connected to a mechanical power source and an electrical power source is provided. The connections between the pump and the mechanical power source and electrical power source include at least one roller clutch, which permits only one of the power sources to drive the pump at any given time. Additionally, the functional connections, which may be chains, provide that the pump and the electrical power source may be located non-coaxial with the center axis of the transmission system, as may be preferred for improved packaging. The dual-chain and roller clutch pumping system is appropriate for gasoline/ electric hybrid vehicles where pumping may be necessary when the engine is off and limited packaging space is available in the transmission housing.

Abstract: A dog clutch operable as an engine/motor disconnect clutch within a gasoline/electric transmission system is provided. The clutch is housed on the main shaft of the transmission. The main shaft is divided into a first main shaft portion releasably connected to a first electric motor/generator and a first gear set and a second main shaft portion connected to a second electric motor/generator and second gear set. The clutch includes a hydraulically actuatable piston slidably located coaxially with the first main shaft portion and second main shaft portion. The first main shaft portion is spring-biased and juxtaposed with the piston. A member of the first gear set is releasably engaged with the first main shaft portion which, through the second main shaft portion, is engaged with a member of the second gear set.

Abstract: A support structure for a rotor within a transmission system is provided. The cantilevered support structure is umbrella-shaped to create an area of space between the rotor and the main shaft where other vehicle components, such as a gear set or system of clutches, may be packaged. The cantilevered support structure may be a true cantilever or a steady-rested cantilever. The support structure maintains the rotor at a distance from the transmission main shaft to maintain torque within the system while compacting packaging requirements. A second cantilevered support structure is wineglass-shaped to create a second area of packaging space between the rotor and the main shaft. The support structures may be telescoped to further compact the transmission.