Abstract: An automatic transmission is comprised of a housing and a hub rotatable about a shaft at differing speeds and having an axial assembly gap therebetween. The axial assembly gap defines an annular flow path in fluid communication with a source lubrication path and a lubrication-requiring mechanism. A lubrication control device is disposed in the annular flow path. The device includes a washer in constant contact with the housing and having a radial slot to permit a prescribed flow of lubricant through the annular flow path to the lubrication-requiring mechanism. The device further includes a belleville spring wherein a small diameter end is in contact with the hub and a large diameter end is piloted by a seating on the washer, wherein the belleville spring provides spring adjustability to accommodate the variable axial assembly gap.

Abstract: Methods for inhibiting complement activation using antisense oligonucleotides, preferably modified oligonucleotides. These compounds may be used therapeutically to treat undesirable complement-mediated events such as inflammation.

Abstract: A powertrain having an engine and a continuously variable transmission provides a continuously variable drive ratio between the engine and the transmission output. The transmission includes a continuously variable unit (CVU) and a planetary gear arrangement. The CVU is of the traction type. The planetary gear arrangement has a compound planetary gear set, two simple planetary gear sets, and two torque transmitting mechanisms. The compound gear set is disposed adjacent the CVU and has members connected with the input and the output of the CVU. The two simple planetary gear sets are disposed axially between the compound planetary gear set and transmission output shaft. The sun gear member of the compound planetary gear set is rotatably supported on a single shaft that passes axially therethrough and transmits power from the engine to the carrier assembly member of the compound planetary gear set and one input member of the CVU.

Abstract: A pneumatic throttle system for maintaining sufficient exhaust pressure to maintain exhaust flow through an EGR system. The throttle system includes an apertured throttle plate positioned to selectively restrict the flow of exhaust gasses exiting the engine. Movement of the plate is controlled by a pneumatic piston assembly connected thereto. The piston assembly includes a piston movably mounted within a gas-tight chamber. The piston head functionally divides the chamber into two variable-volume portions. The first chamber portion is pneumatically connected to the intake manifold, while the second portion is pneumatically connected to the exhaust manifold. The gas pressure in one chamber portion relative the other determines the relative volume of each chamber portion according to P1V1=P2V2. The piston moves within the chamber to satisfy the above relationship.

Abstract: A pair of rotary pistons each have a drive shaft connectable therewith through respective one-way mechanisms. Each of the clutch mechanisms has a wrapped spring member surrounding the shaft and a linearly moveable piston to effect an operative connection between the wrapped spring and the shaft. Each linearly moveable piston controls fluid flow to one of the rotary pistons such that the linearly moveable piston will enforce actuation of the wrapped spring prior to the introduction of fluid pressure at the respective rotary piston.

Abstract: Oligomeric compounds are described wherein said compounds comprise modified oligonucleotides (P═S) which modulate complement activity. Methods and processes for the uses of such oligomeric compounds are also described. The oligomeric compounds may be used therapeutically to modulate complement activity in order to inhibit undesirable complement mediated events, such as for example, to treat inflammation, and/or to activate complement.

Abstract: A digital storage system of the Winchester or hard disk drive type has the annular, hard aluminum disks mounted coaxially around the drive motor. A central fixed aluminum shaft has the motor stator coils centrally mounted on it, and an aluminum disk mounting sleeve is mounted to the shaft by bearings located above and below the motor stator. To accommodate the difference in thermal coefficients of expansion between the steel cylinder forming the outer periphery of the motor's rotor and the aluminum disk assembly, the outer steel cylinder of the motor rotor is bonded to the aluminum disk sleeve by means of an elastic adhesive, which permits relative expansion between the steel and aluminum parts occasioned by changes in temperature of the drive. The rotor, including its permanent magnets and outer steel cylinder, is mounted from the inner surface of the aluminum disk mounting sleeve, with the rotor in operating proximity to the stator.