Abstract: An electrical steering propeller for a seagoing high-speed ship having a polyphase electric motor which is mounted under the stern of the ship via a shaft which can rotate and preferably has two parts in a gondola-like housing, and can be supplied with electrical drive power via a slipring arrangement, and can be rotated via drive motors, wherein the steering propeller is mounted in the stern of the ship via a flat collar bearing (7) in the vicinity of the outer skin (6), in particular above the waterline, with the slipring arrangement (8) being accommodated in the upper part (3) of the shaft (2,3) at the level of the annular bearing (7), and with the drive motors for the rotary movement (9) being physically small and being arranged at least partially in the interior of the collar bearing (4).

Abstract: An improved and simplified marine power steering device that provides assist by selectively operating an electric motor driven hydraulic motor to provide the assist. This eliminates pumps that are constantly driven by the watercraft engine. Also the entire assist unit is formed as a single assembly to minimize the hydraulic conduits and their assembly.

Abstract: In an outboard motor, a fuel tank is disposed inside an engine cover so as to extend vertically along an axial direction of a crankshaft and arranged in a space in the engine cover in front of the engine on a hull side. The fuel tank is clamped and supported from the vertical direction by a lower engine cover section of the engine cover and an engine starting device disposed above the engine.

Abstract: A recreational flotation device (10) is provided which is designed to support a user (S) floating in water while affording a convenient holder for beverage containers. The device (10) comprises an elongated body (12) formed of synthetic resin material and having a density such that the body will float in water (e.g., extruded polyethylene). The body (12) presents a pair of opposed butt ends (14, 16), with at least one of the butt ends (14,16) being recessed to define a receptacle (18) integral with the body (12) for receiving a beverage container (24) therein. A preferred alternative device (110) is provided wherein the body (112) includes a pair of differently dimensioned receptacles (118,120) respectively located at the ends (114, 116) and integrally formed with the body (112).

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for making a spark plug, in particular, for making a high-performance spark plug having a center electrode having a firing end made of Pt, Ir, Rh, Pd, Re, Os, Ru or alloy thereof, with its firing end diameter of about 0.3-1.0 mm. One of the embodiments provides a method comprising the steps of: extending a metal strip from an end of the metal shell; positioning a spacer above a firing end of the center electrode; preliminarily bending the metal strip toward the spacer so as to form an arc portion in the metal strip; and then precisely forming a gap-distance between the metal strip and the firing end of the center electrode by applying a force to the metal strip.

Abstract: Field emitter display (FED) assemblies and methods of forming field emitter display (FED) assemblies are described. In one embodiment, a substrate is provided having a column line formed and supported thereby. A plurality of field emitter tip regions are formed and disposed in operable proximity to the column line. At least some of the regions define different pixels of the display. A continuous resistor is interposed between the column line and at least two different pixels. In another embodiment, a column line is formed and supported by a substrate. A plurality of field emitter tip regions are formed and disposed in operable proximity to the column line. The regions define different pixels of the display. A single current-limiting resistor is operably coupled with the column line and at least two different pixels. In yet another embodiment, a series of column lines are formed over a substrate.

Abstract: An arc tube and method of fabricating the arc tube for a discharge lamp. The arc tube includes an arc tube main body 10 at which a sealed glass bulb 12 serving as a discharge portion sandwiched by pinch seal portions is formed at a portion of a glass tube W along the longitudinal direction thereof, and a cylindrical shroud glass 20 which is welded on and integrated with the arc tube main body 10 so as to cover the sealed glass bulb 12, the front and rear end portions of the shroud glass 20 may be joined, for example, by welding on shroud glass welded portions with circular cross sections provided at the front and rear end sides of the arc tube main body 10, respectively.

Abstract: To ensure frequency stability of a radio frequency in a radio communication apparatus for generating the radio frequency synchronizing with a transmission path frequency of digital data transmitted from a wire digital transmission path and so on. Concerning influence of a difference of a transmission path frequency that obstructs stability of a radio carrier frequency, the difference of a transmission path frequency 12b is compared with a high-stability radio reference clock 22a, the difference frequency 17a is detected by a counter 71, and frequency offset of a radio-station-transmission signal of a local oscillator 61 is made on the basis of the differential frequency. By the operation, the influence of the difference of the transmission path frequency that obstructs the stability of the radio carrier frequency 63a can be compensated.

Abstract: Composition toy including at least one main template, e.g. a body shape and at least one secondary template, e.g. clothing. The main template is provided with first magnetic attraction elements and the secondary template is provided with second attraction elements. The first and the second attraction elements are configured in order to determine a magnetic attraction between the main and secondary templates. The attraction elements are placed at specific points on the templates which orient the templates to each other.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a block set for educational purposes. The block set features that a plurality of block units of the same color are integrated so as to build a block bar, and two or more block bars respectively of different colors are crosswisely combined to build a block bar combination, and two or more block bar combinations interconnect one another to thereby build a variety of structures having two or more colors, wherein the block bars of the same color are symmetrically disposed. The block set thus allows a user to learn a structural stability of the structures, a sense of balance, symmetry, a sense of harmony, etc. in a natural manner, through processes of building the variety of structures and repetition of those processes.

Abstract: A toy turtle is provided with a head, a tail, front right and left flippers, and rear right and left flippers extending from a body. A battery driven gear motor within the body causes linkage in the body to drive the front flippers back and forth, propelling the turtle through the water. The rear flippers are selectively positionable by the user to act in combination either as a rudder, controlling the direction in which the turtle swims when the flippers are positioned asymmetrically, or to control the turtle's swimming speed by increasing or reducing drag when the flippers are positioned symmetrically.

Abstract: A toy balloon valve adapter is provided for mounting over an existing balloon valve and for enabling the existing balloon valve to mate sealingly with different size balloons. The toy balloon valve adapter includes a continuous wall defining a balloon neck supporting member having a perimeter relatively different in size from a perimeter of the balloon neck supporting valve head of the toy balloon valve. The balloon neck supporting member includes a first end and a second end, wherein one of the first end and the second end is a relatively larger end and the other is a relatively smaller end. The toy balloon valve adapter also includes a cavity defined by the continuous wall and located between the first end and the second end for receiving and containing the valve head of a toy balloon valve.

Abstract: This comprises a mechanical system (1) and a pneumatic system (3) that are interconnected to perform three phases. In the first one a walking mechanism is activated consisting of an oscillating plate (77) connected to the doll's legs. The second phase takes place when the doll is supplied with air and water through the mouth (43), connected by tubes (44) to a pneumatic accumulator (24) and an output valve (45) capable of being manually placed in an opened or closed position. During this phase, the doll repeatedly moves its hand towards its crotch, while it changes from walking to a restless movement, accomplished thanks to the alternating axial movement from a moveable toothed crown (12) and to the dissipation of energy in an arm clutch (29). The third phase consists in the ejection through the output valve (45) of a squirt of pressurized water, previously stored in the pneumatic accumulator.

Abstract: There is provided a circular knit brassiere having a body portion with a pair of breast cups and a pair of side panels. Each side panel is connected to a different breast cup. The brassiere has different degrees of stretchability in each breast cup and side panel as compared to the center region of the brassiere. Tighter stitches with shorter stitch lengths than in the center region are used in the breast cups, thereby providing support for the breasts. Looser stitches, with longer stitch lengths than in the center region, are used in each side to provide improved flexibility and comfort to the wearer.

Abstract: Layers of material deposited exhibit both a local and a global pattern. The local pattern is a function of the underlying wafer surface, but the global pattern is a function of the equipment in which the layer was deposited. Accurate reconstruction of the surface topology of a layer on a product wafer is achieved despite the local pattern by determining the surface topology of a blanket layer on a blank wafer, measuring the thickness of the layer at a few selected locations on a product wafer, calculating scaling coefficients representing deviations of the measured thickness from the blanket layer topology, and then multiplying the blanket layer topology by the scaling coefficients. The surface reconstruction results from modifying the surface topology of the blanket layer so that it has the same thickness at the measured locations as does the product wafer layer.

Abstract: An eyeglass lens processing apparatus for processing a periphery of an eyeglass lens, includes: a lens rotation shaft which holds and rotates the lens, the shaft being rotatable about a first axis; a piercing tool which pierces a hole in the lens; a holder which rotatably holds the piercing tool; and inclination means for relatively inclining the holder with respect to the lens rotation shaft to change inclination of a rotation axis of the piercing tool with respect to the first axis.

Abstract: A method for preparing a semiconductor die for analysis comprises providing a semiconductor die having a connector on one side and an opposite, backside surface to be analyzed, providing a polishing pad for polishing the backside surface of a semiconductor die, providing a rotatable spindle for securing the polishing pad, and providing a constant force actuator on the spindle, the constant force actuator being adapted to provide constant force between the polishing pad and the backside surface of the die. The method then includes contacting the backside die surface with the polishing pad, rotating the spindle and polishing pad, and polishing the backside surface of the die while maintaining the substantially constant force of the polishing pad on the die backside surface with the constant force actuator.

Abstract: Agglomerate abrasive grain is disclosed. The agglomerate abrasive grain can be incorporated into abrasive products such as coated abrasives, bonded abrasives, nonwoven abrasives, and abrasive brushes. A method of making agglomerate abrasive grain is also disclosed.

Abstract: A slurry feeding apparatus includes closed slurry bottle, piping, wet nitrogen generator, wet nitrogen supply pipe, suction and spray nozzles, temperature regulator, flow rate control valves, slurry delivery pump and controller for controlling the operation and flow rate of the slurry delivery pump. While a wafer is being polished by a CMP polisher, the controller continuously operates the pump. On the other hand, while the polisher is idling, the controller starts and stops the pump intermittently at regular intervals. No stirrer like a propeller is inserted into the slurry bottle, but the slurry is stirred up by spraying the slurry through the spray nozzle.

Abstract: A platen is disclosed. The platen includes a support surface for supporting a portion of a linear polishing belt during a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) operation. The platen also includes a plurality of fluid outlets oriented throughout the support surface. The orientation defines an asymmetric pattern where each of the plurality of fluid outlets is capable of outputting a controlled fluid toward an underside of the linear polishing belt.

Abstract: An angular substrate polishing method includes the steps of holding an angular substrate having a surface to be polished within a guide ring of a substrate holding head; pressing the substrate surface to be polished, and also one surface of the guide ring, against a polishing pad; and independently rotating the polishing pad and the substrate-holding head together with the substrate it holds while pressing the polishing pad-contacting surface of the guide ring against the polishing pad, to thereby polish the substrate surface. During the polishing step, a pressing force is applied to the guide ring which is separate from the pressing force applied to the substrate, enhancing the flatness of the polished substrate.

Abstract: The invention includes a semiconductive processing method of electrochemical-mechanical removing at least some of a conductive material from over a surface of a semiconductor substrate. A cathode is provided at a first location of the wafer, and an anode is provided at a second location of the wafer. The conductive material is polished with the polishing pad polishing surface. The polishing occurs at a region of the conductive material and not at another region. The region where the polishing occurs is defined as a polishing operation location. The polishing operation location is displaced across the surface of the substrate from said second location of the substrate toward said first location of the substrate. The polishing operation location is not displaced from said first location toward said second location when the polishing operation location is between the first and second locations.

Abstract: A polishing puck assembly is provided for use in polishing a fiber optic connector. A slidable weight rests on the fiber optic connector to urge the ferrule of the fiber optic connector to extend below a bottom surface of the puck assembly. The puck assembly can be manipulated relative to polishing material to polish the end of the fiber optic connector. The polishing material can be circular in shape and held by a palette defining one or more circular pockets for holding the polishing material. Different polishing material can be positioned in the different pockets. A circular guide can be utilized in the circular pocket wherein the guide includes a circular opening with a center offset from a center of the circular guide.

Abstract: A dressing block for dressing or finishing a work surface has an abrasive surface with abrasive parallel ribs. The ribs of the dressing block are for slidingly engaging a work surface having a pattern of protuberances separated by intersecting recesses. The abrasive surface of the ribs and the grooves between the ribs slidingly engage the protuberances and the recesses to dress the work surface. The user slides the dressing block relative to the work surface in a first direction to engage a first set of the recesses. The user then slides the dressing block in a second direction to engage the second set of recesses.

Abstract: A glide/burnish suspension assembly processes magnetic memory storage disks by “flying” a glide/burnish slider across the surface of a rotating disk. A glide/burnish suspension assembly as described herein includes mounting holes and a tooling hole that are compatible with existing Type-2/Type-4 glide/burnish testing fixtures. The glide/burnish suspension assembly includes a stainless steel loadbeam that is compatible with Type-8/Type-20 designs, i.e., the loadbeam is configured to provide the structural support and rigidity required for use with smaller glide/burnish sliders. In this respect, the loadbeam can accommodate 70%, 50%, 30%, and possibly smaller glide/burnish sliders. The glide/burnish suspension assembly facilitates the continued use of “older” Type-2/Type-4 fixtures to perform gliding and/or burnishing of disks using the “newer” Type-8/Type-20 loadbeams designed to support 30% sliders.

Abstract: A power tool comprising a body (20), a motor and a roller (38), characterized in that the motor acts as the roller (38).

Abstract: A finishing machine having a sandpaper positioning function includes a frame, a rotation wheel rotatably mounted on the frame, a sandpaper bonded on the rotation wheel, and an O-ring mounted on the rotation wheel and urged on the sandpaper. The rotation wheel has a periphery formed with an annular flange radially extending inward. The annular flange has an inner periphery formed with an annular groove. The O-ring is inserted into the annular groove of the rotation wheel and urged on the annular flange of the rotation wheel so as to position the sandpaper rigidly and stably.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for recirculating air in a controlled ventilated environment. In one example, recirculation of air from one or more rooms in a multiple room ventilated environment having a common source of supply air is controlled such that minimum ventilation and thermal load requirements for each room are satisfied independently, so as to facilitate a reduction in the amount of fresh outside air required for the environment. In another example, the controlled airflows in each room may be based additionally on respective air quality levels of the air drawn from each room. In one aspect, if contaminants are detected in one or more rooms of the ventilated environment, the amount of air recirculated from a contaminated room back to the environment may be controlled based on a detected level of the contaminant and a dilution ratio of any returned contaminated air to the total uncontaminated air supplied to the environment.

Abstract: A crop chaffer for combines features air jets which deliver an air blast to the grain and chaff. The air jets and sifting screens are arranged in a cross sectionally “stair step” pattern in which the tread of each stair is the screen and the riser of the each stair has the air jet located thereon. The air jets do not allow grain passage, while the apertures in the screens do not produce a strong current of air. The chaffer is divided into individually separable and replaceable elements, thus greatly easing the burden of changing chaffers in the combine.

Abstract: A system and method provides an interactive puzzle to a user and scores the attempted solutions to the puzzle. Portions of a representation of a puzzle object are successively provided to a user over time and a user is allowed to attempt to solve the puzzle by guessing the puzzle object. If the attempt succeeds, a score is provided that is higher the faster the solution is reached. If the attempt fails, the user may make other attempts until a short time after the entire puzzle has been provided, at which time a minimum score is assigned. Another puzzle is provided after a different puzzle is scored. Points for a user are cumulated and may be redeemed for cash, discounts or other prizes, either upon request or automatically on or near a predetermined date.

Abstract: A system is described for facilitating an Internet-based game of chance, particularly a computer-based version of a punchboard game having a grid with prizes associated with the various grid locations. The user can pay a central controller for each selection by providing a credit card number, or through other Internet transaction means. The central controller sends the user a fresh virtual punchboard (i.e. a game in which no selections have yet been made). The user selects a grid location, encrypts it, and then transmits it to the central controller. The central controller then generates prize values for the grid that it sent to the player. The user's computer stores the locations of each prize and determines whether the player's selection was a winner. If he has won, the player sends the decryption key to the central controller to decrypt his grid selection and authenticate his selection. The central controller then initiates a payment to the user.

Abstract: A game machine comprises shift and display means for shifting and displaying a plurality of rows each having a plurality of symbol marks thereon; prize winning state determining means for determining a prize winning state based on random number lottery; stop control means for controlling the stop of the shift and display means to have a predetermined set of symbol marks shifted and displayed on the basis of the prize winning state determined by the prize winning state determining means; notifying means for notifying a game player of notifying information in notifying states including a current notifying state and subsequent notifying states following the current notifying state, while the game player is enjoying games including a current game and subsequent games following the current game; and subsequent notifying state determining means for determining and selecting in advance the subsequent notifying states on the basis of the current notifying state.

Abstract: A gaming system includes a communication network, a portable data storage device having information associated with a player stored therein and a plurality of gaming units communicatively coupled to the communication network. Each of the gaming units includes an interface for reading and for storing information within the portable data storage device. The gaming system also includes a network computer communicatively coupled to the communication network and the plurality of gaming units. The network computer is programmed to enable the player to play a group of the plurality of gaming units in a particular sequence based on the information associated with the player stored within the portable data storage device.

Abstract: An advertisement distribution system includes servers and a terminal. The servers prepare distribution information containing game information and advertisement information and transmits the prepared distribution information to the terminal. The terminal displays a game screen using the game information included in the distribution information, and also displays the advertisement information included in the distribution information on the game screen.

Abstract: A gaming system is provided in which a plurality of gaming terminals have gaming outcomes that are provided in response to a game outcome seed sent, to the gaming terminals, from a central computer. The game outcome seeds are individualized in the sense that not all gaming terminals in the system use the same seed at the same time. Preferably, seeds are addressed to individual gaming terminals or groups of terminals. Seeds may be transmitted to terminals in response to seed requests output by terminals. In one approach, seeds are generated as needed and/or substantially continuously. In another approach, batches, pools or lists of seeds are generated and a seed request is responded to by drawing a seed from a pre-defined list, until the list is depleted, whereupon a new list or batch is generated. In one approach, one or more lists are generated for each type of game or pay table.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing disengagement of an axially movable and rotatable flexible core of a flexible shaft attachment, which has a driven end and a handpiece end, and the driven end has a ferrule for attachment to a rotary power tool. The rotary power tool has an exteriorly threaded hollow output shaft with a first predetermined interior depth for receiving the base end of tool bits that can be used with the power tool, and the flexible shaft attachment has a drive cap attached to the output shaft, and the drive cap has an aperture sized and shaped for receiving the core in fixed rotating engagement. The apparatus includes a generally cylindrical stop plug having an open end portion and a closed end portion, and a cylindrical chamber extending from said open end portion to said closed end portion. The open end portion has an outward extension adapted to engage the end of the output shaft and be held in place by the attached drive cap, and the chamber is capable of receiving the core therein.

Abstract: Wheel bearing unit for motor vehicles, comprising a roller bearing and a constant-velocity joint arranged inside the roller bearing. The outer part of the constant-velocity joint is situated opposite the inner ring flange of the bearing with clearance, and the outer part has an axially aligned extension section, in the area of which torque is transmitted. Only the extension section has radially directed projections, which project into recesses of the inner ring or the inner ring flange.

Abstract: Apparatus for amusement, unusually capable of causing the user to interact while it is in operation, comprising a structure capable of rotating about an axis and a support for receiving at least one user associated with the structure in its rotary motion about an axis. The structure comprises at least one target. In addition to this, activating mechanism operatively associated with the support to receive at least one user are provided, the activating mechanism being capable of causing the support to receive at least one user to move along at least one direction jointly with the said structure. A device for projecting detection mechanism against the target operatively connected to the support to receive at least one user can be activated by the user himself.

Abstract: Golf balls having a core including a material formed from a controlled-isomer polybutadiene, a crosslinking agent, and a free-radical initiator, or a reaction product thereof, and a cover having a plurality of dimples disposed about the core, wherein the controlled-isomer polybutadiene includes at least about 10 percent to 80 percent trans-isomer and no more than about 5 percent vinyl-configuration polybutadiene and wherein the controlled-isomer polybutadiene has both an absolute molecular weight of at least about 250,000 and a polydispersity of no more than about 3 prior to crosslinking. In particular, golf balls having a compression below about 80 without significant loss of resilience can be advantageously prepared with such materials. Methods of preparing such golf balls are also recited.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-piece solid golf ball comprising a core consisting of an inner core and an outer core, and one or more layers of cover, wherein the inner core has a diameter of 30 to 39.5 mm and a center hardness in JIS-C hardness of 55 to 70, and is formed from press molded rubber composition comprising polybutadiene, a co-crosslinking agent, an organic peroxide and a filler, and the JIS-C hardness at a distance of 15 mm from the center point of the inner core is higher than the center hardness by 5 to 20; the outer core has a thickness of 0.3 to 2.0 mm and a surface hardness in JIS-C hardness of 75 to 90, and is formed from press molded rubber composition, and the surface hardness of the outer core is higher than the center hardness of the outer core is higher than the center hardness of the inner core by 10 to 35; and the cover contains thermoplastic resin as a base resin, and the outmost cover layer has a thickness of 1.5 to 2.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core and a cover layer, wherein the cover layer provides one or more deep dimples that extend through the cover layer to and/or into a layer or component underneath is disclosed. The cover may be a single layer or it may include multiple layers. If the cover is a multi-layer cover, the dimples extend to or into at least the first inner cover layer, and may extend to and/or into two or more inner cover layers. If the cover is a single layer, the dimples extend to and/or into the core. The cover layer(s) may be formed from any material suitable for use as a cover, including, but not limited to, ionomers, non-ionomers and blends of ionomers and non-ionomers. The dimples may be spherical or non-spherical, and the portion of the dimple that extends to or into the next inner layer may be the same or different shape as the outer portion of the dimple. Optionally, a moisture barrier layer may be present between the core and/or the cover layer(s).

Abstract: A ball hitting practice apparatus for use by a hitter is provided. The ball hitting practice apparatus includes a substantially rigid member having a first end and a second end, a hinge capable of suspension from a frame and attached near the first end of the rigid member such that the rigid member rotates about a substantially horizontal axis, and a ball mounting assembly suspended from the second end of the rigid member. Methods for using and making the ball hitting practice are also provided.

Abstract: A portable and adjustable basketball hoop apparatus includes a backboard with a hoop connected to a front thereof. An elongate clamping arm is pivotally coupled to a back of the backboard for pivoting between clamped and released configurations. A rear support member of the clamping arm and the back of the backboard are capable of sandwiching an upstanding structure therebetween in the clamped configuration. A lower end of the clamping arm may be releasably coupled to the upstanding structure with a ratcheted strap assembly whereby to secure the backboard thereto in the clamped configuration. The clamping arm may be released from the upstanding structure in the released configuration whereby to adjust the backboard longitudinally along the upstanding structure.

Abstract: Changeover clutch discs for a direct coupling clutch and a change-speed clutch, respectively, are disposed in two stages in a radial direction across a movable element which can move in axial directions of an input shaft. A carrier and the movable element are brought into meshing engagement with each other such that the movable element does not rotate relative to the carrier. The changeover clutch discs mesh with clutch discs which are disposed on the input shaft and a casing, respectively. A coned disc spring and an electromagnetic actuator are disposed such that operating directions of the spring and the actuator are opposed to each other. The coned disc spring keeps the direct coupling clutch in a normally engaged condition with its biasing force, and the electromagnetic actuator brings a change-speed clutch into engagement after it has released the engagement of the direct coupling clutch by virtue of its thrust.

Abstract: An over-running clutch assembly comprises an outer race having a cylindrical inner surface and an inner race having a cammed outer surface coaxial with the cylindrical inner surface and defining a gap therebetween and a roller clutch disposed within the gap; a biasing element biases the roller clutch to a disengaged position; and an actuator selectively overcomes the biasing element to engage the roller clutch and lock the inner and outer races to prevent relative rotation therebetween. The actuation disk and the case end includes a first portion adapted to provide initial axial surface to surface contact between the actuation disk and the case end when the actuation disk contacts the case end and a second portion adapted to provide an surface to surface contact only after deflection of the actuation disk under the force of the actuator, thereby providing a spring back response when the actuator is de-energized.

Abstract: A rear axle assembly for a primary front wheel drive motor vehicle includes two electromagnetic clutches and a geared differential. A first electromagnetic clutch provides torque to the geared differential which, in turn, provides drive torque to two axles. The geared differential includes a second electromagnetic clutch operably disposed between the differential cage and the output shafts (axles). Activation of the first electromagnetic clutch provides controlled application of torque to the rear differential and activation of the second electromagnetic clutch progressively inhibits differentiation of the geared differential.

Abstract: A speed change gear for an automatic transmission includes: 1) an input portion for inputting a rotation from a power source; 2) an output portion disposed substantially coaxially with the input portion; 3) three planetary gear sets for providing a plurality of power conductive paths to an area defined between the input portion and the output portion; and 4) a first clutch, a second clutch, a third clutch, a first brake and a second brake selectively connected and disconnected in such a manner that the three planetary gear sets change a rotation from the input portion at a corresponding gear change ratio by selecting one of the power conductive paths. The three planetary gear sets is constituted of a speed reduction planetary gear set for continuously reducing the inputted rotation and outputting the thus reduced rotation, a double sun gear planetary gear set, and a single pinion planetary gear set.

Abstract: A wind-driven rotor is connected to a generator via a multi-stage planetary transmission arrangement and a spur gear stage. The rotor is supported in the housing of the transmission, and an annular gear carrier with an annular gear is arranged directly on the rotor. The transmission represents a compact drive with a high transmission ratio for driving generators by wind power and makes assembly simple.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a lock-up clutch disposed in a drive system of an automotive vehicle which includes a lean-burn engine provided with a turbocharger. The apparatus is arranged to place the lock-up clutch in a fully engaged state and/or a slip control state while a running condition of the automotive vehicle is in a predetermined engaging area or slip control area of the lock-up clutch. The apparatus includes an engaging area changing device operable to change the engaging area of the lock-up clutch, on the basis of a turbocharging pressure established by the turbocharger, and/or slip-control-area changing means for changing the slip control area, on the basis of the turbocharging pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a lock-up clutch disposed in a drive system of an automotive vehicle which includes a lean-burn engine provided with a turbocharger. The apparatus is arranged to place the lock-up clutch in a fully engaged state and/or a slip control state while a running condition of the automotive vehicle is in a predetermined engaging area or slip control area of the lock-up clutch. The apparatus includes an engaging-area changing device operable to change the engaging area of the lock-up clutch, on the basis of a turbocharging pressure established by the turbocharger, and/or slip-control-area changing means for changing the slip control area, on the basis of the turbocharging pressure.