Abstract: Apparatus for transmitting torque between the output shaft of the engine and the input shaft of the transmission in a motor vehicle has a fluid coupling with a housing secured to the output shaft and containing an impeller, a runner and, if necessary, a guide wheel. The runner is connected to a hub on the input shaft by a carrier for a torsionally elastic damper having coil springs which receive torque from the housing. The damper is in series with a clutch which can be operated to bypass the fluid coupling.

Abstract: A lamp holder is disclosed comprising a body (30) for receiving one end of a lamp (50), and a collar (20) which is arranged to fit over part of the lamp and to screw onto the body, the collar being provided with a seal (24) which is arranged so as to be urged against the lamp as the collar is screwed onto the body, wherein the seal (24) is formed integrally with the collar (20).

Abstract: A device for producing an operative connection between an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle and a downstream transmission is described. The device is a substitute for a torque converter and can be designed as a wet clutch or a torsion damper. The installation space between the internal combustion engine and the transmission does not have to be redesigned. The only requirement for the installation of the device is to replace the transmission/engine control software.

Abstract: An airbag inflator diffusion system having a thin profile is disclosed. The diffusion system includes an airbag inflator that is inserted into a sleeve. The sleeve has overlapping longitudinal edges positioned so that the sleeve tightly circumscribes the inflator. Engagement tabs are formed in one longitudinal edge of the sleeve and fold through perforations formed adjacent the other longitudinal edge. Upon activation of the inflator, the sleeve expands radially forming an exhaust passage through which exhaust gas may travel. The folded engagement tabs and their corresponding perforations limit the radial expansion of the sleeve.

Abstract: Apparatus for transmitting torque between the output shaft of the engine and the input shaft of the transmission in a motor vehicle has a fluid coupling with a housing secured to the output shaft and containing an impeller, a runner and, if necessary, a guide wheel. The runner is connected to a hub on the input shaft by a carrier for a torsionally elastic damper having coil springs which receive torque from the housing. The damper is in series with a clutch which can be operated to bypass the fluid coupling.

Abstract: A method and a device are described for influencing the flow in a torque converter. The peripheral velocity of the fluid on its way to the open end of the transmission input shaft is made to approach the respective peripheral velocity of the converter housing.

Abstract: The rotary housing of a hydrokinetic torque converter, which can be utilized in the power train of a motor vehicle—for example, in conjunction with a continuously variable transmission—contains a torque monitoring device which is installed in such a way that it does not take up any, or any appreciable, additional space, especially in the axial direction of the housing. The torque monitoring device can serve to transmit torque between the lockup clutch and the output element of the torque converter. Additional features reside in the provision, configuration and manner of mounting of an auxiliary mass, and in the provision of a member for centering the piston of the lockup clutch in the housing as well as a member for centering the housing on the output element of a prime mover.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved apparatus and method for forming a retractable tower or column. The present invention includes pointed hooks wherein the hooks are attached to each section of a section chain, one in a horizontal direction and one in an off-set manner. The section chains are placed on a take up mechanism in an operable position and then raised utilizing a motor. As the section chains are raised, they are guided by a guide tower, rollers, shims, and gear racks into a position whereby hooks from adjacent sections of the section chains form coupled engagements. The coupled engagement of the hooks of the sections of each adjacent section chains thereby form the column.

Abstract: The invention relates to hydrodynamic torque converter comprising a pump wheel which is arranged inside of a housing, a turbine wheel, a stator, a torque converter lock-up clutch and a torsional vibration damper. The turbine wheel has a turbine hub which is axially and rigidly mounted on a drive hub of the torque converter in an axial direction to the drive hub by means of at least one axial bearing. The turbine hub is mounted in a radial direction by means of a radial bearing. A connection with circumferential backlash is provided between the turbine hub and the drive hub by means of a disengaging gear. The invention also provides a rotationally fixed connection by means of an engaging gear located between the input component of the torsional vibration damper and the turbine hub, whereby the engaging gear and the disengaging gear are arranged on an essentially same axial position and radially within one another.

Abstract: A hydrokinetic torque converter in the power train between the engine and the wheels of a motor vehicle has a rotary engine-driven housing which is of one piece with a pump and contains a rotary turbine having a hub which drives the input shaft of a transmission. A lockup clutch can be engaged, either entirely or with slip, to transmit torque from the housing or from the pump to the hub of the turbine. Such clutch can employ flat or conical friction linings and/or friction surfaces, for example, a friction lining on the shell of the turbine and a friction surface on a wall of the housing. The shell of the turbine in the torque converter employing such clutch is movable axially to advance the friction lining into or from engagement with the friction surface. Alternatively, the lockup clutch can be installed in a torus which is defined by the turbine and the pump of the torque converter, and such clutch can be cooled by one or more streams of a hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to hydrodynamic torque converter comprising a pump wheel which is arranged inside of a housing, a turbine wheel, a stator, a torque converter lockup clutch and a torsional vibration damper. The turbine wheel has a turbine hub which is axially and rigidly mounted on a drive hub of the torque converter in an axial direction to the drive hub by means of at least one axial bearing. The turbine hub is mounted in a radial direction by means of a radial bearing. A connection with circumferential backlash is provided between the turbine hub and the drive hub by means of a disengaging gear. The invention also provides a rotationally fixed connection by means of an engaging gear located between the input component of the torsional vibration damper and the turbine hub, whereby the engaging gear and the disengaging gear are arranged on an essentially same axial position and radially within one another.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for assembly of a hydrokinetic torque converter which comprises a hydraulic pump, a turbine, a stator, a driven hub, and a housing that is driven by the output element of an engine of a motor vehicle, and which functions to transmit torque to the hydraulic pump is disclosed. In such a torque converter the housing is coaxial with the pump and the turbine, and further defines an interior chamber, which encloses the turbine as well as a bypass or lockup clutch cooperating with a torsion damper having an input member and an output member.

Abstract: The rotary housing of a hydrokinetic torque converter, which can be utilized in the power train of a motor vehicle—for example, in conjunction with a continuously variable transmission—contains a torque monitoring device which is installed in such a way that it does not take up any, or any appreciable, additional space, especially in the axial direction of the housing. The torque monitoring device can serve to transmit torque between the lockup clutch and the output element of the torque converter. Additional features reside in the provision, configuration and manner of mounting of an auxiliary mass, and in the provision of means for centering the piston of the lockup clutch in the housing as well as means for centering the housing on the output element of a prime mover.

Abstract: The hydrodynamic torque converter (1) comprises a pump wheel (4) in a casing (2,3), a turbine wheel (5) and a turbine distributor (6). There is also a bypass coupling (70) including an axially moving piston, a torsional oscillations absorber (40) with input and output parts rotating relative to each other in opposition to force accumulators. Its turbine wheel comprises a hub (13) housed axially on the torque converter output hub (15). A connection with the rotational clearance, the splines (32,34), is provided between the two hubs. A fixed connection, by splines (34,41a) is between the input part of the absorber and the turbine wheel hub. The two sets of splines are in the same axial position radially one in the other.

Abstract: The rotary housing of a hydrokinetic torque converter, which can be utilized in the power train of a motor vehicle—for example, in conjunction with a continuously variable transmission—contains a torque monitoring device which is installed in such a way that it does not take up any, or any appreciable, additional space, especially in the axial direction of the housing. The torque monitoring device can serve to transmit torque between the lockup clutch and the output element of the torque converter. Additional features reside in the provision, configuration and manner of mounting of an auxiliary mass, and in the provision of a member for centering the piston of the lockup clutch in the housing as well as a member for centering the housing on the output element of a prime mover.

Abstract: The rotary housing of a hydrokinetic torque converter, which can be utilized in the power train of a motor vehicle--for example, in conjunction with a continuously variable transmission--contains a torque monitoring device which is installed in such a way that it does not take up any, or any appreciable, additional space, especially in the axial direction of the housing. The torque monitoring device can serve to transmit torque between the lockup clutch and the output element of the torque converter. Additional features reside in the provision, configuration and manner of mounting of an auxiliary mass, and in the provision of a device for centering the piston of the lockup clutch in the housing as well as a device for centering the housing on the output element of a prime mover.

Abstract: The rotary output element of a hydrokinetic torque converter can receive torque with limited play from the turbine or directly from the housing by way of a damper which operates in series with a lockup clutch. The lockup clutch can be engaged to transmit torque from the housing of the torque converter to the damper and the latter then transmits torque to the output element.

Abstract: A hydrokinetic torque converter in the power train between the engine and the wheels of a motor vehicle has a rotary engine-driven housing which is of one piece with a pump and contains a rotary turbine having a hub which drives the input shaft of a transmission. A lockup clutch can be engaged, either entirely or with slip, to transmit torque from the housing or from the pump to the hub of the turbine. Such clutch can employ flat or conical friction linings and/or friction surfaces, for example, a friction lining on the shell of the turbine and a friction surface on a wall of the housing. The shell of the turbine in the torque converter employing such clutch is movable axially to advance the friction lining into or from engagement with the friction surface. Alternatively, the lockup clutch can be installed in a torus which is defined by the turbine and the pump of the torque converter, and such clutch can be cooled by one or more streams of a hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: A system and method for providing interactive multimedia services to subscriber premises utilizing wireless distribution within the subscriber premise. The service is provided via a communications link delivering to the subscriber premises broad band digital information including video and audio from a plurality of information providers and control signals in a multiplexed form. This multiplexed signal is then separated and processed on premise and distributed in a two-way fashion using frequency hopping code division multiple access (CDMA) spread spectrum using radio frequency signals preferably at UHF. Upstream control signals from the user installation are communicated from the individual user terminals in the same wireless manner.

Abstract: A force or torque transmitting apparatus which transmits torque from the output element of a prime mover to the input element of a transmission or another driven unit in a motor vehicle by way of a hydrokinetic torque converter and/or by way of a lockup clutch. When the vehicle embodying the apparatus is coasting, the housing of the torque converter is engaged only by the friction lining on the axially movable piston of the lockup clutch when the latter is engaged, either entirely or with slip. Thus, it is not necessary to provide one or more thrust bearings between the piston of the lockup clutch and the housing of the torque converter.