Abstract: A wheel end assembly having a dual wheel configuration includes independently rotating wheel hubs to reduce tire wear. The wheel end includes a first planetary gear assembly with a sun gear driven by a differential side gear and a ring gear for driving one wheel hub. A second planetary gear assembly with a sun gear driven by a differential side gear and a ring gear drives another wheel hub. A differential assembly is coupled to the first and second sun gears to allow the first and second wheel hubs to rotate relative to one another as the vehicle executes turning maneuvers.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of bacteriology. More particularly, the present invention provides methods and compositions for increasing the effectiveness of existing antibacterial agents and methods of overcoming bacterial resistance. Specifically, the invention provides methods of enhancing the action of an antibacterial agent by use of an antibiotic potentiator. Compositions of antibiotic potentiators including an acyl hydrazide, an oxy amide, and an 8-hydroxy quinoline also are disclosed.

Abstract: A hydraulic vehicle braking system includes a housing that contains a hydraulic fluid. A braking application includes using the hydraulic fluid to provide a braking force. In one example, increasing the pressure within the housing increases the braking force. One example includes a plurality of vanes that move within the hydraulic fluid. Changing an orientation of the vanes adjusts the resistance and the amount of braking force. Increased pressure and increased resistance to the movement of the vanes within the fluid causes a braking member and associated driveline components to slow down to achieve a desired deceleration of the vehicle. In one example, a fluid accumulator is associated with the housing to receive at least some of the hydraulic fluid during a braking application. The accumulator preferably is pressurized using a gas that facilitates returning the hydraulic fluid to the brake housing after a braking application has ended.

Abstract: A system for controlling the temperature of a vehicle drive train component utilizes coolant that is normally used to cool an engine on the vehicle. At least one flow passageway is associated with the drive train component housing. Coolant from the radiator is selectively allowed to flow through the passageway where it absorbs heat from within the drive train component. The fluid is then returned to the radiator where heat can be dissipated in a conventional manner. A suitably programmed controller preferably controls the amount of coolant fluid flow through the component and controls a fan assembly associated with the radiator to ensure appropriate cooling of the fluid to achieve desired engine cooling and drive train component cooling.

Abstract: A system for cooling vehicle driveline components, such as axles or wet disc brake assemblies utilizes evaporative cooling effects of liquid applied to an exterior surface on the housing. A liquid supply is coupled with an outlet and a controller determines when cooling is needed. Liquid is applied onto the housing from the outlet as cooling is needed. One example includes a plurality of fluid collectors on a portion of the housing exterior to increase the amount of liquid maintained on the housing to increase the evaporative cooling effect.

Abstract: A system for controlling the temperature of a vehicle driveline component assembly includes using forced air to cool lubricant within the assembly. As heat builds up during braking applications, for example, a controller determines when additional cooling may be needed. An air source is activated to induce air flow through at least one flow passage supported relative to the housing so that the air flowing through the passage can absorb heat from the lubricant. In one example, the air flow passage is supported within the component housing. In another example, the air flow passage is associated with a heat exchanger supported external to the component housing in a strategic location on the vehicle or the housing, for example. A pump responsible for causing the air flow preferably also causes lubricant flow in a desired manner to facilitate heat dissipation.

Abstract: An axle assembly includes braking components that generate heat during braking applications. The axle assembly includes a housing defining a housing cavity and a rotating component mounted for rotation relative to the housing. A heat dissipation member is mounted along an external surface of the housing. Fluid flow cooperates with the heat dissipation member to cool axle components. The axle assembly preferably includes wet disc brakes having a brake housing defining a brake cavity in fluid communication with the housing cavity. The heat dissipation member preferably includes internal passages in communication with the housing and brake cavities. A pumping mechanism generates fluid flow through the internal passages and through the brake and housing cavities to dissipate heat generated during braking.

Abstract: A vehicle driveline component temperature control assembly utilizes compressed air or another fluid to cause air flow across an external portion of the driveline component. The airflow facilitates heat transfer or heat dissipation from within the driveline component to assist in maintaining the temperature of the component within an acceptable range. A supply of compressed air or other fluid communicates with at least one discharge device supported on an external housing of the driveline component. The discharge device includes at least one manifold having at least one opening through which the compressed air is delivered to create an airflow across the external surface of the housing. In one example, each discharge device comprises multiple, generally C-shaped manifolds that are secured in place and supported on the external surface of the housing. The inventive arrangement is particularly useful for off-highway vehicle driveline components such as axle and wet disc brake assemblies.

Abstract: A temperature controlling assembly includes a thermoelectric device that is supported on or in a selected driveline component, such as an axle assembly or a brake assembly. The thermoelectric device preferably is controlled to operate in a first mode to remove heat from the selected component. In one example, fluid within a wet disc brake assembly is cooled using the thermoelectric device. In another mode of operation, the thermoelectric device provides heat to a selected lubricant. A controller monitors the temperature of the chosen component and causes the thermoelectric device to operate in the appropriate mode to maintain the component temperature within a desired range.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a driveline assembly including the steps of inserting a first member within a second member, heating the first member to a temperature greater than that of the second member and inserting both members into a die. The inner surface of the die includes an interlocking torque transferring profile. Fluid pressure is applied to the inner diameter of the inner member to expand both members into the profile on the inner surface of the die. The inner and outer members are than removed from the die and cooled such that both members are at a common temperature. Because the inner member was at an elevated temperature, and thereby expanded a greater amount than the outer member, cooling of the members results in a clearance between the members that provides for relative axial movement between the inner and outer members.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the fields of bacteriology and mycology. More particularly, the present invention provides novel inhibitors of multidrug transport proteins that may be used in combination with existing antibacterial agent and/or antifungal agents to increase the toxic effects of the antimicrobial agents. More specifically, the present invention provides methods and compositions for enhancing the antibacterial action of fluoroquinolones by administering fluoroquinolones in combination with an inhibitor of multidrug transporters and of enhancing the antifungal action of azole antifungal agents by administering an azole antifungal agent in combination with an inhibitor of multidrug transporters. Compositions comprising indole, urea, quinoline or aromatic amide based inhibitors also are disclosed.

Abstract: Featured is a device and a method using such a device for training skaters, particularly ice skaters. According to the method for training a skater there is provided a support frame and a harness that is secured to the support frame. The skater is secured to the support frame by means of the harness so that the point of attachment between the support frame and the harness is a distance above the head of the skater. Further the support frame being provided is configured and arranged so as to extend about and from the skater when the skater is secured to the support frame. The support frame is moved, responsive to a skating motion of the skater, with respect to a surface upon which the skater is skating. In more particular embodiments, the support frame includes a plurality or more of support members that are arranged so as to form a structure about the skater to which is secured the harness.

Abstract: A wheel end assembly having a dual wheel configuration includes independently rotating wheel hubs to reduce tire wear. The wheel end includes a first planetary gear assembly with a sun gear driven by a differential side gear and a ring gear for driving one wheel hub. A second planetary gear assembly with a sun gear driven by a differential side gear and a ring gear drives another wheel hub. A differential assembly is coupled to the first and second sun gears to allow the first and second wheel hubs to rotate relative to one another as the vehicle executes turning maneuvers.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting wheel slippage uses a turn sensor to detect a vehicle turning radius in order to predict the difference in wheel speed between wheels on the outside of the turning radius and wheels on the inside of the turning radius. The turn sensor detects the turning radius of the vehicle and signals a controller. The controller utilizes the signal from the turn sensor to predict a difference in wheel speeds between the wheel to the inside of the turn and the wheel to the outside of the turn. One of the driven axles includes wheel speed sensors mounted at opposite ends of the axle. The controller receives signals from each of the wheel speed sensors to determine an actual differential wheel speed. The predicted speed differential is compared to the actual speed differential and any difference between the two indicates wheel is slippage.

Abstract: A driveline assembly including first and second members disposed along an axis and an intermediate member engaged to the first and second members along the axis such that the first, second, and intermediate members move axially relative to each other. The first and second members include an interconnection with the intermediate member to transmit torque from the first member through the intermediate member to the second member. The interconnection between the members is formed by interlocking profiles disposed on the outer diameter of the first and second members that corresponds to an interlocking profile on the inner diameter of the intermediate member. The interconnection between the first and second members with the intermediate member includes a sleeve to substantially fill any gaps to prevent relative rotation between the members.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds which, when used in combination with antifungal azoles, offer enhanced antifungal therapy. More particularly, these compositions (including carbazoles or triptycenes) can convert fungistatic drugs such as fluconazole into fungicidal drugs.

Abstract: A differential mechanism is provided for a dual wheel assembly including a spindle having a drive axle defining a first rotational axis. First and second wheels are supported on the spindle adjacent to one another. The wheels are driven by the drive axle and are rotatable relative to one another about the first rotational axis. A gear assembly having a second rotational axis transverse to the first rotational axis mechanically couples the wheels. A biasing assembly engages the gear assembly thereby preventing relative rotation between the wheels when a torque is applied to one of the wheels below a desired amount from a road input. That is, the biasing assembly and gear assembly cooperate with one another to lock the first and second wheels together so that they are driven together about the first rotational axis by the drive axle. This is desirable when the vehicle is traveling a straight path to provide maximum traction.

Abstract: A drive axle assembly includes a supplemental brake force assembly that utilizes a variable viscosity fluid. The assembly includes a housing defining a cavity and a drive component mounted for rotation relative to the housing. Rotating plates are mounted for rotation with the drive component and a Theological fluid is enclosed within the housing to surround the rotating plates. A current source generates current within the fluid to vary the viscosity. At higher traveling speeds, no current is applied to the fluid so the viscosity of the fluid is low, which reduces drag against the rotating plate. However, when a braking even occurs, current is applied to the fluid to increase viscosity and generate a supplemental braking force. The assembly is preferably incorporated into a wet disc brake with a plurality of non-rotating plates positioned in an alternating dispersal between the rotating plates.

Abstract: An improved dry disc brake has its housing positioned radially inwardly of its rotating member. In this way, the interface between the pads and the rotor is sealed from the environment. Further, there are two braking surfaces on the rotating member at opposed ends of the housing. Since the braking heat is spread across two surfaces, the system is better able to take heat away from the braking operation. The use of external facing fins adds even more capacity to take heat away.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the fields of bacteriology and mycology. More particularly, the present invention provides novel inhibitors of multidrug transport proteins that may be used in combination with existing antibacterial agent and/or antifungal agents to increase the toxic effects of the antimicrobial agents. More specifically, the present invention provides methods and compositions for enhancing the antibacterial action of fluoroquinolones by administering fluoroquinolones in combination with an inhibitor of multidrug transporters and of enhancing the antifungal action of azole antifungal agents by administering an azole antifungal agent in combination with an inhibitor of multidrug transporters. Compositions comprising indole, urea, quinoline or aromatic amide based inhibitors also are disclosed.