Abstract: A gear reduction unit for coupling the output member of a prime mover to the input member of a device that is to be driven thereby. The gear reduction unit includes an input shaft, an output shaft, a primary gear set arranged between the input shaft and the output shaft, a secondary gear set arranged between the input shaft and the output shaft, and a gear selection device. The gear selection device is configured to selectively and alternately couple the input shaft to the output shaft for driving thereof by one of the primary gear or the secondary gear set.

Abstract: An architecture for coupling an output member from a prime mover to an input member of a device to be driven. The architecture includes a torque transfer device defining an indirect coupling for transferring torque therethrough, a direct drive connection member providing a direct coupling for transferring torque therethrough, and a dynamically controllable clutch that selectively and rotationally drives either the torque transfer device or the direct drive connection member. The torque transfer device is rotatably disconnected from the dynamically controllable clutch and undriven when the dynamically controllable clutch is driving the direct drive connection member.

Abstract: A digital water intrusion notification system comprising a water intrusion detection device, a digital data transmission device, and a software interface is disclosed. The digital water intrusion notification system preferably comprises a deployable moisture collection device to cover an area, a digital data transmission device to provide internal monitoring, relay to a computer system, and cellular connectivity, and a software interface to provide instant notification of alerts and automated dispatch of a service technician. Such a system can detect water intrusion in roofing applications or other large areas requiring sufficient leak detection coverage, and may be assembled in various orientations and compositions to suit the relevant application.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a fluid-cooled heat sink having a heat transfer base, a shroud, and a plurality of heat transfer fins in thermal communication with the heat transfer base and the shroud, where the heat transfer base, heat transfer fins, and the shroud form a central fluid channel through which a forced or free cooling fluid may flow. The heat transfer pins are arranged around the central fluid channel with a flow space provided between adjacent pins, allowing for some portion of the central fluid channel flow to divert through the flow space. The arrangement reduces the pressure drop of the flow through the fins, optimizes average heat transfer coefficients, reduces contact and fin-pin resistances, and reduces the physical footprint of the heat sink in an operating environment.

Abstract: An assembly kit and of method for modifying a standard torque converter assembly is provided. The assembly kit and method of modification results in a modified torque converter assembly that can withstand high horse power engine/transmission requirements with minimal additional/replacement parts and manufacturing steps.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a fluid-cooled heat sink having a heat transfer base and a plurality of heat transfer fins in thermal communication with the heat transfer base, where the heat transfer base and the heat transfer fins form a central fluid channel through which a forced or free cooling fluid may flow. The heat transfer pins are arranged around the central fluid channel with a flow space provided between adjacent pins, allowing for some portion of the central fluid channel flow to divert through the flow space. The arrangement reduces the pressure drop of the flow through the fins, optimizes average heat transfer coefficients, reduces contact and fin-pin resistances, and reduces the physical footprint of the heat sink in an operating environment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle mountable satellite antenna as defined in the claims which is operable while the vehicle is in motion. The satellite antenna of the present invention can be installed on top of (or embedded into) the roof of a vehicle. The antenna is capable of providing high gain and a narrow antenna beam for aiming at a satellite direction and enabling broadband communication to vehicle. The present invention provides a vehicle mounted satellite antenna which has low axial ratio, high efficiency and has low grating lobes gain. The vehicle mounted satellite antenna of the present invention provides two simultaneous polarization states. In one embodiment, an inverted L-shaped waveguide has a first wall extending vertically downward from a top surface. The top surface can include a ridge portion. The top surface includes a plurality of radiating elements for forming a radiating surface.

Abstract: A keyboard includes a keyboard membrane where the membrane comprises a top layer, a spacer layer and a bottom layer. The spacer layer has interconnecting voids that are connected to the atmosphere by a common vent. A patch made of a hydrophobic material prevents water entering the keyboard membrane via the vent, but allows the air pressure inside the voids to remain balanced with the atmospheric air pressure.

Abstract: In a sheet separating apparatus, for example an automated teller machine (ATM) in which banknotes are removed one by one from a stack (12) of banknotes, includes a vacuum pump (32), and suction unit (10A,B,C,D) connectable alternately between a vacuum enable port (30) of the vacuum pump (32) when a note is picked from the stack (12), and a vacuum release port (42) of the pump (32), when the note is released from the suction unit. Pre-filtered air from the vacuum pump (32) is therefore partially recycled, and dust is substantially excluded from the system.

Abstract: Cigar tobacco sheet of low density, smoking articles prepared therewith, and foamed intermediates therefor. Fine-bubble stable foams, wherein at least 80% of the bubbles are less than about 100 microns in normalized dimension are formed in a high shear system utilizing tobacco particles of generally smaller than 100-120 mesh. The foam is cast and dried to form reconstituted cigar tobacco sheet, utilized preferably for wrapper and/or binder in cigars, characterized especially by excellent taste.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the preparation of controlled and reduced density reconstituted tobacco materials comprising injection of inert gas into a low moisture tobacco composition maintained at an elevated temperature and paste-like consistency. Preferably, the inert gas is heated to a temperature within about 40.degree.C of the composition prior to injection, and extruder means comprising high and low pressure zones is employed, with the point of gas injection selected to lie within the low pressure zone of the extruder or at the inlet port of a gear pump positioned after the extruder. Reconstituted tobacco materials (usually of sheet configuration) produced are characterized by even texture, uniform appearance, steady burning, and desirable taste, and can be prepared at densities lower than natural leaf.