Abstract: A clutch includes a stationary housing member, a rotating member supported for rotation with respect to the stationary housing member, and a planetary gear assembly operably interconnecting the rotating member to an output shaft. The planetary gear assembly reduces the magnitude of speed transmitted to the output shaft. An actuating mechanism is used to switch the rotating member between a disengaged position where the rotating member rotates freely with respect to the stationary housing member and an engaged position where the rotating member is grounded to the stationary housing member. The actuating mechanism includes a magneto rheological fluid and a plurality of actuation coils. An electric current is supplied to the creating a magnetic flux. When a current is applied to the coils, the rotating member is placed in the engaged position and when there is no current in the coils, the rotating member is in the disengaged position.

Abstract: An engine assembly having an engine block with at least one cylinder disposed therein, a fuel injector for periodically injecting fuel into the cylinder, a vertically disposed pushrod, a rocker arm disposed for periodic movement and having a first end disposed adjacent the fuel injector and a second end disposed adjacent the pushrod, a camshaft having a cam, and a leaf spring cam follower operatively coupled between the cam and the pushrod. The cam follower has a first portion which supports a cam roller and a second portion which makes contact with the pushrod. The first and second portions of the cam follower, which are spring-biased with respect to each other, may comprise, respectively, a rigid curved member and a flexible, substantially planar member.

Abstract: A camshaft in an internal combustion engine encounters various torques during operation which produce torsional vibrations leading to excessive noise and reduced gear life. An active inertia absorbing system includes a camshaft gear integrally formed with a carrier. The carrier has a plurality of bores having a predetermined diameter. A plurality of weights are positioned within the bores and have a predetermined diameter less than the predetermined diameter of the bores so that the weights are free to move within the bores. The mass of the carrier and the weights establish an inertia which acts in opposition to the torques applied to the camshaft for absorbing the torsional vibrations of a camshaft.

Abstract: Cushioned swing circuits sometimes have a restricted passage between the motor conduits to allow the implement controlled by the swing circuit to coast to a stop. However, opening and closing of the restricted passage was manually controlled, thereby requiring an additional manipulative step by the operator. The present cushioned swing circuit includes a cushion valve moveable to an open position to establish communication through vent line means when a pressure differential greater than a predetermined level is generated in one of the motor conduits connecting a directional control valve to a hydraulic motor. The cushion valve is retained in the open position for a predetermined limited time after the pressure differential drops below the predetermined level so that the inertia generated pressure in the circuit is dissipated through the vent line means.