Abstract: The present invention relates to a torsional damper for an electrically-variable transmission. The torsional damper is equipped with a lock-out clutch to directly couple the engine to the input shaft of the transmission. The electric motors provided with the electrically-variable transmission can serve to effectively cancel out engine compression pulses when the springs of the torsional damper are locked out. The present invention also includes damper springs of variable rates to effectively attenuate distinctive or inconsistent torque fluctuations when the engine is operating in displacement-on-demand mode.

Abstract: A seven-speed transmission includes an input shaft, an output shaft, and three planetary gear sets. An interconnecting member continuously connects members of the second and third planetary gear sets. Six torque-transmitting mechanisms are provided between the planetary gear sets and a transmission housing. The six torque-transmitting mechanisms are engaged in combinations of two to establish seven forward speed ratios and a reverse speed ratio between the input shaft and the output shaft. A unique engagement sequence is provided for the torque-transmitting mechanisms to minimize sun gear loading.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and agonist/antagonist compounds for modulating nuclear receptor coactivator binding. The invention includes a method for identifying residues comprising a coactivator binding site for a nuclear receptor of interest. Also included is a method of identifying agonists and/or antagonists that bind to a coactivator binding site of a nuclear receptor of interest. Agonists and antagonists of coactivator binding to nuclear receptors also are provided. The invention is exemplified by identification and manipulation of the coactivator binding site of the thyroid receptor (TR), and compounds that bind to this sites. The methods can be applied to other nuclear receptors including RAR, RXR, PPAR, VDR, ER, GR, PR, MR, and AR.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and agonist/antagonist compounds for modulating nuclear receptor coactivator binding. The invention includes a method for identifying residues comprising a coactivator binding site for a nuclear receptor of interest. Also included is a method of identifying agonists and/or antagonists that bind to a coactivator binding site of a nuclear receptor of interest. Agonists and antagonists of coactivator binding to nuclear receptors also are provided. The invention is exemplified by identification and manipulation of the coactivator binding site of the thyroid receptor (TR), and compounds that bind to this sites. The methods can be applied to other nuclear receptors including RAR, RXR, PPAR, VDR, ER, GR, PR, MR, and AR.

Abstract: The present invention provides new methods, particularly computational methods, and compositions for the generation of nuclear receptor synthetic ligands based on the three dimensional structure of nuclear receptors, particularly the thyroid receptor (herein referred to as “TR”). Also provided are crystals, nuclear receptor synthetic ligands, and related methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides new methods, particularly computational methods, and compositions for the generation of nuclear receptor synthetic ligands based on the three dimensional structure of nuclear receptors, particularly the thyroid receptor (herein referred to as “TR”). Also provided are crystals, nuclear receptor synthetic ligands, and related methods.

Abstract: A drive connection between an engine and transmission has an internally splined flywheel drivingly connected to the engine and an externally splined driven member connected to the transmission and engaging the flywheel spline. A retainer ring includes a tab member which is disposed in a slot in the flywheel to maintain the spline connection. The tab has an area which is deformable after assembly to engage a recess formed in a wall of the slot to resist relative rotation between the retainer ring and the flywheel.

Abstract: A clamping assembly with at least two clamping members with inner surfaces facing towards each other and outer surfaces facing away from each other, a bolt passes through holes formed in the clamping members, the bolt including a bolt head and a threaded section, the inner surfaces including means for gripping work surface, such that when the bolt is tightened, work pieces are clamped together.