Abstract: A flexible wire support structure extends between an axle and an inverter for an electric vehicle. The inverter is fixed relative to the vehicle body and the axle is moveable relative to the inverter during vehicle use. A wire extends between the inverter and the axle through a channel defined by the wire support structure. The wire support structure is attached at opposite ends to a first and second support structure, each of which allow pivoting of the flexible wire support structure in response to movement of the axle relative to the inverter. The wire support structure has a limited bend radius in response to movement of the axle, and blocks the wire extending within the support structure from being bent to a tight radius, thereby protecting the wire.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in gaming activities, such as in a slot machine. A first grid comprising a plurality of elements overlayed a second grid comprising a plurality of elements is presented. At least some of the elements of the first grid and the second grid are marked. Marked elements of first grid are then used to form a subportion, the subportion boundary enclosing an area and having a correspondingly marked element of the first grid at each corner. Payouts are issued for marked elements and element combinations of the second grid within the subportion. The payouts may be administered according to a pay table.

Abstract: A flexible wire support structure extends between an axle and an inverter for an electric vehicle. The inverter is fixed relative to the vehicle body and the axle is moveable relative to the inverter during vehicle use. A wire extends between the inverter and the axle through a channel defined by the wire support structure. The wire support structure is attached at opposite ends to a first and second support structure, each of which allow pivoting of the flexible wire support structure in response to movement of the axle relative to the inverter. The wire support structure has a limited bend radius in response to movement of the axle, and blocks the wire extending within the support structure from being bent to a tight radius, thereby protecting the wire.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in gaming activities, such as in a slot machine. A first grid comprising a plurality of elements overlayed a second grid comprising a plurality of elements is presented. At least some of the elements of the first grid and the second grid are marked. Marked elements of first grid are then used to form a subportion, the subportion boundary enclosing an area and having a correspondingly marked element of the first grid at each corner. Payouts are issued for marked elements and element combinations of the second grid within the subportion. The payouts may be administered according to a pay table.

Abstract: A pumpless lubrication system for a power transfer assembly equipped with a hypoid gearset having a ring gear and a hollow pinion unit. Lubricant splashed from one of the ring gear and the pinion unit is collected in a collection reservoir and directed through a conduit unit into the hollow pinion unit. The lubricant is delivered to a torque transfer coupling for lubricating and cooling a multi-plate clutch pack.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in gaming activities, such as in a slot machine. A first grid comprising a plurality of elements overlayed a second grid comprising a plurality of elements is presented. At least some of the elements of the first grid and the second grid are marked. Marked elements of first grid are then used to form a subportion, the subportion boundary enclosing an area and having a correspondingly marked element of the first grid at each corner. Payouts are issued for marked elements and element combinations of the second grid within the subportion. The payouts may be administered according to a pay table.

Abstract: A method for joining components of a vehicle drive axle assembly. The method includes heating an axle housing to a first predetermined temperature and cooling a pinion cartridge to be installed with the housing to a second predetermined temperature. Removing the axle housing from exposure to the first predetermined temperature and removing the pinion cartridge from the second predetermined temperature and rapidly installing the pinion cartridge within the axle assembly before the axle assembly and the pinion return to ambient temperature provides a frictional fit, joining the two components without use of additional fastening devices.

Abstract: A multi-speed transfer case equipped with a planetary reduction gearset and a range clutch disposed between an input shaft and an output shaft. A clutch actuation mechanism controls actuation of the range clutch to establish distinct ratio drive connections between the input shaft and the output shaft.

Abstract: A pumpless lubrication system for a power transfer assembly equipped with a hypoid gearset having a ring gear and a hollow pinion unit. Lubricant splashed from one of the ring gear and the pinion unit is collected in a collection reservoir and directed through a conduit unit into the hollow pinion unit. The lubricant is delivered to a torque transfer coupling for lubricating and cooling a multi-plate clutch pack.

Abstract: A vehicle powertrain system and powertrain actuator therefor is provided. The powertrain actuator selectively couples a first rotatable member to a second rotatable member to transfer torque therebetween and selectively decouples the first rotatable member from the second rotatable member to prevent the transfer of torque therebetween. The powertrain actuator includes a tubular cam assembly having a tubular first member and a tubular second member. The tubular first and second tubular members have end surfaces that interact with one another upon energizing a unidirectional solenoid. Upon a first energization of the solenoid, the first and second tubular members interact to operably couple the first and second rotatable members to allow torque to be transferred therebetween, and upon a second energization of the solenoid, the first and second tubular members interact to selectively decouple the first the second rotatable members to prevent the transfer of torque therebetween.

Abstract: An integrated pinion/bearing/coupling (PBC) assembly for use with a hypoid gearset in power transfer assemblies of motor vehicles having mounting features and venting features, The integrated PBC assembly includes a hollow pinion unit made of steel and including a pinion shaft segment and a pinion gear segment, and a coupling unit having a hub segment made of aluminum. A brazing sleeve is used to braze the aluminum hub segment of the coupling unit to the steel pinion shaft segment of the pinion unit.

Abstract: A multi-speed transfer case equipped with a planetary reduction gearset and a range clutch disposed between an input shaft and an output shaft. A clutch actuation mechanism controls actuation of the range clutch to establish distinct ratio drive connections between the input shaft and the output shaft.

Abstract: A vehicle powertrain system and powertrain actuator therefor is provided. The powertrain actuator selectively couples a first rotatable member to a second rotatable member to transfer torque therebetween and selectively decouples the first rotatable member from the second rotatable member to prevent the transfer of torque therebetween. The powertrain actuator includes a tubular cam assembly having a tubular first member and a tubular second member. The tubular first and second tubular members have end surfaces that interact with one another upon energizing a unidirectional solenoid. Upon a first energization of the solenoid, the first and second tubular members interact to operably couple the first and second rotatable members to allow torque to be transferred therebetween, and upon a second energization of the solenoid, the first and second tubular members interact to selectively decouple the first the second rotatable members to prevent the transfer of torque therebetween.

Abstract: Reel-based wagering games and associated methods and gaming apparatuses are disclosed. Examples of reel-based wagering games comprise a number of reels and multiple paylines or a multi-way payout scheme associated with the number of reels. Evaluation of payouts associated with the multiple paylines or the multi-way payout scheme starts with a first reel to stop and resets at a subsequent reel to stop when the subsequent reel does not result in a payout with previously stopped reels.

Abstract: An integrated pinion/bearing/coupling (PBC) assembly for use with a hypoid gearset in power transfer assemblies of motor vehicles having mounting features and venting features. The integrated PBC assembly includes a hollow pinion unit made of steel and including a pinion shaft segment and a pinion gear segment, and a coupling unit having a hub segment made of aluminum. A brazing sleeve is used to braze the aluminum hub segment of the coupling unit to the steel pinion shaft segment of the pinion unit. The PBC assembly can further include a constant velocity joint (CVJ) unit connected to, or formed as part of, the coupling unit.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention set forth systems, apparatuses and methods for providing an extended display of game indicia symbols for a gaming device. Accordingly, a gaming device can be configured to have a primary display area and a secondary display area, where the secondary display area is used to show extended portions of game indicia symbols apart from the symbols displayed on the primary display area. The symbols shown in the secondary game may be used to modify, enhance, or otherwise influence game play on the primary display.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems for awarding gaming payouts in slot games are provided. Embodiments are directed to initiating a reelspin and moving at least one modifying symbol to a new symbol location. If a predetermined symbol appears in the new symbol location as a result of the reelspin, the predetermined symbol is replaced with the modifying symbol.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in gaming activities, such as in a slot machine. A first grid comprising a plurality of elements overlayed a second grid comprising a plurality of elements is presented. At least some of the elements of the first grid and the second grid are marked. Marked elements of first grid are then used to form a subportion, the subportion boundary enclosing an area and having a correspondingly marked element of the first grid at each corner. Payouts are issued for marked elements and element combinations of the second grid within the subportion. The payouts may be administered according to a pay table.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems for awarding gaming payouts in slot games are provided. Embodiments are directed to initiating a reelspin and moving at least one modifying symbol to a new symbol location. If a predetermined symbol appears in the new symbol location as a result of the reelspin, the predetermined symbol is replaced with the modifying symbol.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in gaming activities, such as in a slot machine. A first grid comprising a plurality of elements overlayed a second grid comprising a plurality of elements is presented. At least some of the elements of the first grid and the second grid are marked. Marked elements of first grid are then used to form a subportion, the subportion boundary enclosing an area and having a correspondingly marked element of the first grid at each corner. Payouts are issued for marked elements and element combinations of the second grid within the subportion. The payouts may be administered according to a pay table.