Abstract: A measuring station includes a left set of electrodes, including at least two electrically independent electrodes arranged to contact the underside of a user's left foot, a right set of electrodes, including at least two electrically independent electrodes arranged to contact the underside of a user's right foot, a direct voltage source, a switch configured to activate and deactivate a DC configuration in which at least one electrode of at least one set of electrodes is connected to the direct voltage source.

Abstract: A device and corresponding methods for applying a coating material are disclosed. The method may include applying a first coating material on a threaded region of an opening in a multi-piece assembly, and inserting at least one fastener to the threaded region. The fastener may include a mating thread selectively secured to the threaded region of the opening to create a first friction interface between the fastener and the multi-piece assembly. The method may further include tensioning the fastener between a load surface of the multi-piece assembly and the mating thread. In one example, the load surface may define in part a second friction interface between the fastener and the multi-piece assembly that is spaced away from the threaded region such that the first coating material does not influence the second friction interface. In another example, the first coating material may be applied in a substantially uniform thickness.

Abstract: A device and corresponding methods for applying a coating material are disclosed. The method may include applying a first coating material on a threaded region of an opening in a multi-piece assembly, and inserting at least one fastener to the threaded region. The fastener may include a mating thread selectively secured to the threaded region of the opening to create a first friction interface between the fastener and the multi-piece assembly. The method may further include tensioning the fastener between a load surface of the multi-piece assembly and the mating thread. In one example, the load surface may define in part a second friction interface between the fastener and the multi-piece assembly that is spaced away from the threaded region such that the first coating material does not influence the second friction interface. In another example, the first coating material may be applied in a substantially uniform thickness.

Abstract: Exemplary connecting rods and methods of making a connecting rod are disclosed. A method of making a connecting rod may include the step of providing a connecting rod blank, where the connecting rod blank includes a crankshaft end and a piston pin end. The method may further include forming a crankshaft pin recess in the crankshaft end of the connecting rod blank and a piston pin recess in the piston pin end, and forming at least one lubrication recess in the piston pin end of the connecting rod blank. The lubrication recess and the piston pin recess may both formed concurrently.

Abstract: A linking arm conveying generally linear movement from a piston into generally radial movement of a crankshaft is disclosed. The linking arm includes a shaft extending between a piston pin end and a crankshaft pin end. The piston pin end defines a piston pin bore. A piston pin bore surface is defined by the piston pin bore, where the piston pin bore includes a non-circular transverse profile having at least two curved surfaces that each include a distinct radius, where the at least two curved surfaces are positioned in different locations around a periphery of the transverse profile.

Abstract: A loading device is provided, including a first member, a second member, a first clamping member, a second clamping member, and an actuator. The first member includes a first surface, where the first surface contacts a first side of a test piece. The second member includes a second surface, for contacting a second side of the test piece. The first clamping member includes a first clamping surface for contacting the second side of the test piece. The second clamping member is fixedly secured to the second member. The actuator exerts a predetermined force driving the second member in a first direction away from the first member, and a second direction towards the first member.

Abstract: A connecting rod and methods for making the same are disclosed. A connecting rod may include a shaft extending between a piston pin end and a crankshaft pin end. The piston pin end generally defines a bore opening extending along an axis. The connecting rod further includes a bore surface formed integrally with the piston pin end and extending about an inner circumference of the bore opening. The bore surface may define a plurality of dimples that extend axially along the bore surface. The bore opening further may further include profiled surfaces adjacent opposing ends of the bore opening.

Abstract: A loading device is provided, including a first member, a second member, a first clamping member, a second clamping member, and an actuator. The first member includes a first surface, where the first surface contacts a first side of a test piece. The second member includes a second surface, for contacting a second side of the test piece. The first clamping member includes a first clamping surface for contacting the second side of the test piece. The second clamping member is fixedly secured to the second member. The actuator exerts a predetermined force driving the second member in a first direction away from the first member, and a second direction towards the first member.

Abstract: A connecting rod and methods for making the same are disclosed. A connecting rod may include a shaft extending between a piston pin end and a crankshaft pin end. The piston pin end generally defines a bore opening extending along an axis. The connecting rod further includes a bore surface formed integrally with the piston pin end and extending about an inner circumference of the bore opening. The bore surface may define a plurality of dimples that extend axially along the bore surface. The bore opening further may further include profiled surfaces adjacent opposing ends of the bore opening.

Abstract: A connecting rod and methods of making a rod are disclosed. A method of making a connecting rod may include the step of providing a connecting rod blank, where the connecting rod blank includes a crankshaft end and a piston pin end. The method may further include forming a crankshaft pin recess in the crankshaft end of the connecting rod blank and a piston pin recess in the piston pin end, and forming at least one lubrication recess in the piston pin end of the connecting rod blank. The lubrication recess and the piston pin recess may both formed concurrently.

Abstract: A linking arm conveying generally linear movement from a piston into generally radial movement of a crankshaft is disclosed. The linking arm includes a shaft extending between a piston pin end and a crankshaft pin end. The piston pin end defines a piston pin bore. A piston pin bore surface is defined by the piston pin bore, where the piston pin bore includes a non-circular transverse profile having at least two curved surfaces that each include a distinct radius, where the at least two curved surfaces are positioned in different locations around a periphery of the transverse profile.

Abstract: A multi-layer radial lip seal assembly adapted to be retained to the housing of an automotive air conditioning compressor and to be disposed about a rotatable shaft extending through a chamber provided in the housing. The lip seal assembly includes a first seal member or disc of virgin FEP adjacent to a second seal member or disc of graphite-filled PTFE. A retainer is provided to support the first and second seal members and an elastomer is molded to the retainer and seals the seal members to the retainer. The first seal member acts to protect the second seal member during installation and quickly wears away, so that the second seal member becomes the primary seal member.