Abstract: A subliner for use in a metal extrusion press, the subliner comprising an elongate annular body having an outer surface dimensioned for placement within an outer mantle, and an inner surface dimensioned to receive an inner liner. The subliner further comprises at least one heating element positioned longitudinally between the outer and inner surfaces of the elongate annular body for providing heat in at least one selected region of the subliner, in close proximity to the inner liner.

Abstract: Forging machine for the cold forging of deformed steel bars includes upsetting and clamping dies housed in the same casings. The dies bear a continuous cavity so as to enable forging of long products.

Abstract: A cylinder is formed in the lower portion of a cushion pad, and a piston coupled to an upper end of a rod is slidably contained in the cylinder. The rod is coupled to a rotary shaft of a servomotor. An oil pressure chamber is formed of an inner wall surface of the cylinder and a wall surface of the piston. The axial center of the oil pressure chamber is identical with the axial center of the rod. The pressure oil for alleviating an impact is filled in the oil pressure chamber. The pressure oil filled in the oil pressure chamber absorbs a force operating instantaneously at the cushion pad. According to this structure, the impact generated in a press machine can be alleviated.

Abstract: A method comprises steps of providing bar stock, cutting the stock to form a rod-shaped blank, and stamp-forming a ball section on a first end of the blank in a transfer die. The method further includes stamp-forming an apertured flattened section on a second end of the blank to form a final product in the transfer die, and axially striking opposing ends to accurately form a length of the blank. A related transfer die apparatus includes stations for cutting and then stamp-forming a ball section on a first end of the blank, and stamp-forming an apertured flattened section on a second end of the blank to form a final product.

Abstract: In a first forming step, a metal sheet placed on, and held by a provisional horizontal flat forming portion of a first forming die part is bent along a provisional bend forming portion of the first forming die part to execute bent-forming such that two arch parts of the metal sheet, having respective protuberances oriented in directions opposite from each other, with protuberance surfaces being butted against a provisional inclined flat forming portion of a second forming die part, and a provisional inclined flat forming portion of the first forming die part, respectively, are coupled with each other, thereby obtaining a provisional formed member comprising a provisional inclined flat portion without any warpage, formed continuously from a provisional horizontal flat portion via a provisional bend, and a flange portion formed continuously from the provisional inclined flat portion so as to form a target angle.

Abstract: An upper mold member 32 having an upstream upper punch 32a, an upper recess portion 32b and a downstream upper punch 32c that are serially arranged, from a feed upstream side of a sheet material W and a lower mold member 24 having an upstream lower punch 24a, a lower recess portion 24b and a downstream lower punch 24c that are serially arranged from the feed upstream side of the sheet material W are caused to displace towards a feed downstream side of the sheet material W while the upper mold member 32 and the lower mold member 24 sandwich the sheet material W between them. The productivity of a press apparatus can be improved and the cost can be reduced.

Abstract: A die assembly for use on a press and adapted to form a plurality of features on a strip of material. The die assembly includes a first die section and a second die section. The first die section is supported on the press and has a first tooling surface for forming a first feature. The second section is moveably supported on the press relative to the first section and has second and third tooling surfaces. The second tooling surface engages the first feature and locates the second die section relative thereto. The third tooling surface is for forming a second feature. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A roller cam with pairs of sliding surfaces and wear plates located in an upper plane and with pairs of laterally slanted sliding surfaces and pairs of laterally slanted guiding wear plates located in a lower plane. The guiding wear plates are longitudinally contained between end plates to avoid using screws, which might loosen under stress, to secure the wear plates. Adjusting setscrews are used to laterally adjust the guiding wear plates, and positive return members are used to provide a tool retracting force in addition to that provided by a retracting spring.

Abstract: An electrical diagnostic tool for in situ testing of a tone wheel sensor mounted in proximity of a rotatable tone wheel. The tone wheel sensor produces a periodic pulse train signal as the rotatable tone wheel is rotated. The tool has a signal conditioning block for receiving the periodic pulse train signal and generating therefrom a logic-level signal having a frequency. A digital counter has a plurality of outputs and is clocked by the logic-level signal. A plurality of LEDs controlled by the digital counter are used to determine the operational condition of the tone wheel sensor by sequentially illuminating the LEDs at the frequency and in accordance with a counting sequence of the digital counter.

Abstract: A glide head calibration technique uses two fly height calibrations on a disk media certifier. The first calibration point uses a spin down on bump technique at a first height, and the second calibration point uses a spin down on disk media roughness at a second lower height. With two height data points, a fly height curve of each glide head is approximated very accurately. Once the fly height curve is derived for each head, any fly height can be dialed-in by the disk media certifier for glide testing. This technique achieves glide fly heights between about 4 nm and 8 nm and does so with improved tolerances.

Abstract: A system for conditions favorable for the growth of fungus in a building or vehicle is described. One or more humidity sensors are places in areas, such as under sinks, in an attic spaces, etc. to detect excess humidity (due to leaks, condensation, etc.). In one embodiment, a monitoring computer compares humidity measurements taken from different sensor units in order to detect areas that have excess humidity. Thus for example, the monitoring computer can compare the humidity readings from a first sensor unit in a first attic area, to a humidity reading from a second sensor unit in a second area. For example, the monitoring computer can take humidity readings from a number of attic areas to establish a baseline humidity reading and then compare the specific humidity readings from various sensor units to determine if one or more of the units are measuring excess humidity. The monitoring computer flags areas of excess humidity for further investigation by maintenance personnel.

Abstract: A gas sensor includes a gas detector, a reference gas generator, and a circuit. The reference gas generator includes a heater and a gas releasing material. The gas releasing material is in proximity to the heater such that, when the heater is energized during calibration, the gas releasing material releases an overpressure of a reference gas to the gas detector and such that, when the heater is not energized, the gas releasing material releases no substantial overpressure of the reference gas to the gas detector. The circuit energizes the heater during calibration and is responsive to an output of the gas detector during the period when the gas detector is provided the reference gas so as to calibrate the gas sensor.

Abstract: There is provided a knocking sensor for an internal combustion engine improved so that electrical damage of a terminal plate in an annular combination member is more certainly prevented. Only two communicating passages separate from each other by substantially 180 degrees are formed in an annular weight of the annular combination member, and resin is filled into an annular space at an inner periphery of the annular combination member by using these two communicating passages. When a passage axis where the two communicating passages are positioned is made substantially orthogonal to a resin injection direction, the resin can be more effectively filled into the annular space.

Abstract: A method for measuring changes in the composition of fluids, for medical diagnostics or quality control of fluids, comprising: One) placing a drop of fluid upon a quartz crystal; Two) generating ultrasonic vibrations of a predetermined frequency in the crystal; with the vibrating wave directed into the drop of fluid in a vertical direction relative to the area of the crystal upon which the drop is placed; Three) measuring voltage changes over a bridge circuit connected to the crystal, over a time period during which total or partial evaporation of the liquid occurs; Four) comparing the measurement result to previously obtained results or to predetermined data; Five) detecting changes in the composition of the fluid, from the results.

Abstract: A particle size distribution monitor, comprising: a transducer adapted to be a source of ultrasonic energy and positioned in contact with a suspension containing a percent by volume of particles in a liquid, the transducer transmitting ultrasonic energy through the suspension wherein the energy comprises a wideband pulse containing a range of frequency components; a transducer adapted to be a receiver of ultrasonic energy and positioned in contact with said suspension to receive said wideband range of ultrasonic energy which has passed through the suspension; a first means adapted to accept a signal from said receiver and make an instantaneous determination of the attenuation of the wideband ultrasonic energy in passing through the suspension.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in sampling material on-line in a process system, comprising a sample collector (1) for receiving a sample of material, an elongate shaft (10) defining a passageway (14) carrying a measurement probe (11) for taking measurements from a colelcted sample, a pressurised fluid supply (31) connected to the passageway for delivering a pressurised fluid through the passageway to the sample collector for displacing the collected sample and a nozzle (33) provided at the distal end of the measurement probe (11) for distributing the pressurised fluid to the sample collector for displacing the collected sample from the sample collector (1).

Abstract: A sensor has a die (with a working portion), a cap coupled with the die to at least partially cover the working portion, and a conductive pathway extending through the cap to the working portion. The pathway provides an electrical interface to the working portion.

Abstract: Scanning probe techniques based on the measurement of impedance spectroscopy using a conductive an SPM tip is provided and applied to the study of local transport properties, especially at a grain boundary. The contributions of the grain boundaries and tip-surface interaction can be distinguished based on the analysis of the equivalent circuit. The technique is applicable for both the spatially resolved study of transport mechanisms of polycrystalline semiconductors and the tip-surface contact quality. A piezoresponse force microscopy technique yields quantitative information about local non-linear dielectric properties and higher order electromechanical coupled of ferroelectrics.

Abstract: A profiler or scanning probe microscope may be scanned across a sample surface with a distance between them controlled to allow the sensing tip to contact the surface intermittently in order to find and measure features of interest. The distance is controlled so that when the sensing tip is raised or lowered to touch the sample surface, there is no lateral relative motion between the tip and the sample. This prevents tip damage. Prior knowledge of the height distribution of the sample surface may be provided or measured and used for positioning the sensing tip initially or in controlling the separation to avoid lateral contact between the tip and the sample. The process may also be performed in two parts: a fast find mode to find the features and a subsequent measurement mode to measure the features. A quick step mode may also be performed by choosing steps of lateral relative motion to be smaller than 100 nanometers to reduce probability of tip damage.

Abstract: Disclosed is a leak detecting device for a fuel vapor treatment unit that purges a vapor gas generated through evaporation of fuel in a fuel tank (2) into an intake system (22) of an engine (21). The leak detecting device includes a valve (5) that can selectively seal the fuel vapor treatment unit; a pressure detecting sensor (8) that detects a pressure in the fuel vapor treatment unit; and a controller (10). The controller (10) is programmed to: issue a command to close the valve (5) with a view to sealing the fuel vapor treatment unit during stoppage of the engine (21); calculate deviation amounts (P-P0) of the detected pressures during stoppage of the engine (21) after the fuel vapor treatment unit has been sealed; integrate absolute values (|P-P0|) of the deviation amounts, and determine, based on an integrated value (s), whether or not there is a leak occurring in the fuel vapor treatment unit.

Abstract: Methodology for characterizing non-uniformity forces at a tire spindle, such as low and high speed radial force variations and high speed tangential force variations include the steps of measuring radial run out and radial or tangential force variations at high and/or low speeds. From such measurements, the contribution of a predetermined type of stiffness variation (e.g. radial, tangential, extensional, bending) to respective radial and/or tangential force variations can be determined. Signature analysis statistical methods may also be utilized to characterize such tire non-uniform forces for different steps and reference physical angles of a tire construction process. Based on the characterization of such tire non-uniform forces, additional process steps may further correspond to tire grading and/or sorting processes, physical tire modification processes and tire manufacturing processes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for remote tyre pressure monitoring that is secured onto a wheel surface. The apparatus as a unit comprises or includes a circuit including at least a sensor element to sense air pressure, signal processing circuitry, and data transmitting circuitry and an antenna. The apparatus also comprises or includes a housing at least partially contains the circuit. The housing retains the circuit and the housing and is itself engaged to the wheel surface by adhesive means.

Abstract: A method and device allows determination of the flow rate of solids material, under gravity, in an elongate vertical pipe; the device comprises a flow head chamber having an inlet end and an outlet end, an elongate tubular neck extending from the outlet end, the neck having an exit port remote from the outlet end, and the head chamber having an interior wall means converging from the inlet end to the outlet end, and the chamber being in flow communication with the elongate tubular neck such that in a vertically oriented configuration with the inlet end uppermost, the exit port lowermost and the elongate tubular neck disposed downwardly, solids material housed in the device may flow under gravity from the chamber into the elongate tubular neck towards the exit port; in one embodiment the device has plug means adapted to releasably engage the exit port to temporarily close the exit port; in another embodiment the chamber has a volume capacity for the solids material which permits the device to deliver at least

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for determining a parameter of interest of a formation fluid. The method comprises moving a tool attached to a tubular member along a borehole in a subterranean formation. The tool is used to determine the refractive index, pressure and temperature of a formation fluid sample, in situ, at a predetermined location along the borehole. A refractive index of a reference fluid is calculated at the sample conditions. The parameter of interest of the formation fluid is determined at the predetermined location from a comparison of the corresponding formation fluid refractive index and the reference fluid refractive index at the predetermined location. In another embodiment, the refractive index of a natural gas sample is determined and compared to the refractive index of pure methane, at downhole conditions, to indicate the dryness of the natural gas.

Abstract: A system for measuring air flow rate in a duct includes an air flow sensor and an air flow conditioning device for collecting and accelerating a portion of the total air stream to the sensor, which may be means as known in the art. The conditioning device includes two opposed converging walls defining a nozzle, preferably a venturi, the sensor being disposed in the throat of the nozzle. The surfaces of the venturi walls are textured to trip the boundary layer near the wall surface into turbulence to maintain attachment of flowing air to the walls even when the angle of attack of the air is significantly non-axial. The wall texturing may be random or may be an organized pattern. A further embodiment includes a second flow conditioner/sensor in parallel with the first whereby an averaged flow measurement is taken for a more accurate reading.

Abstract: Representative embodiments provide for a media level measurement apparatus, including a sensor to provide an ambient temperature signal, a controller, and a source configured to provide an electrical current. Also included are a thermistor device configured to provide a level signal corresponding to a level of a media in contact with a lengthwise portion of the thermistor device during an application of the pulse of electrical current, and a signal processor configured to provide a media level signal in accordance with the level signal and the ambient temperature signal. A method includes the steps of supporting a lengthwise portion of a thermistor device in contact with a media, applying an electrical pulse to the thermistor device, sensing a level signal from the thermistor device after a predetermined period of time, and providing a media level signal in corresponding to the level signal.

Abstract: The detecting system comprises a detecting circuit (1) made up of a transistor (T1) in current generator configuration, connected in series with a resistance (Rs) and a capacitor (13) of known capacitance (Cx), the resistance Rs representing the resistivity of the liquid existing between two electrodes (5, 6) plunged into the liquid. Thanks to the presence of the capacitor (13), it is possible to detect the liquid level in relation to the integral of the current that charges the capacitor (13), resistance Rs being such as to condition the charge time (Tp) of the capacitor (13). Accordingly, the variations in the voltage drop (Vp) on Rs caused by successive charges of the capacitor (13) with a current of time Tp represent corresponding values of the level of the liquid.

Abstract: A gyro-vibrator supporting mechanism for supporting a gyro-vibrator via a support section upon a substrate in a vibration unit in which a vibrator is installed, the gyro-vibrator having a drive section to which a Coriolis force is applied upon an angular rotation of the gyro-vibrator with the drive section vibrating in a first direction, the detection section vibrating in a second direction perpendicular to said first direction in response to said Coriolis force and in accordance with the magnitude of said Coriolis force for detecting the strength of the Coriolis force and said gyro-vibrator rotating about an axis in a third direction perpendicular to said first and second directions and including a support section for supporting said drive section and said detection section relative to the substrate, and wherein the supporting mechanism comprises a characteristic resonance frequency of vibration along at least one of the first and the second directions that is lower than a characteristic resonance frequency

Abstract: Provided are a gyro-sensor including a plurality of component units and a method of fabricating the gyro-sensor. The gyro-sensor includes: a substrate; a micro electro mechanical system structure including a surface including a predetermined area in which a cavity is formed and connected to an upper surface of the substrate to output a vibration signal proportional to an external rotation force; and a circuit unit positioned in the cavity, converting the vibration signal into a predetermined electric signal proportional to a circular angular velocity, and outputting the predetermined electric signal.

Abstract: Micromachined structures, such as fixed drive or sensing fingers of an inertial sensor, are anchored to a substrate using multiple anchors or elongated anchors in order to reduce the bending or twisting of the micromachined structure about the anchor point.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a Microelectromechanical System (MEMS) sensor includes a sensing material on a spring element. The sensor may also include a detector adapted to determine a resonant frequency associated with the spring element, wherein the resonant frequency changes upon the exposure of the sensing material to an analyte.

Abstract: Fluid monitoring methods, systems and apparatus are disclosed. Preferred embodiments comprise one or more mechanical resonator sensing elements such as flexural resonator sensing elements. In preferred embodiments the sensing elements comprises one or more embedded electrodes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting ultrasonic inspections of what would normally be inaccessible areas of objects for such properties as thickness, cracks, discontinuities, density, pits and holes. In addition, method and apparatus for improving ultrasonic inspections with a method for removing trapped gasses from the couplant. Also, a method and apparatus for conduction ultrasonic inspections of objects for multiple properties such as thickness, cracks, discontinuities density, pits and holes with at the sane time with a single transducer. Further more, a method and apparatus for conducting rapid ultrasonic inspections of concave surfaces of objects for multiple properties such as thickness, cracks, discontinuities density, pits and holes with a single transducer. This invention allows for the inspection of the entire surface of the object or specific defined areas.

Abstract: A process for producing a plate for a capacitive sensor element. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method includes forming a plate from a substantially pure aluminum oxide slurry, heating the plate a first time in an oven to sinter the plate, cooling the plate after the heating step, heating the plate a second time to smooth the plate, and cooling the plate after the second heating.

Abstract: A pressure sensor having a substrate, a counter-structure applied to the substrate, a dielectric on the counter-structure, a membrane on the dielectric, wherein the membrane or the counter-structure deflectable by a pressure applied, a protective structure, wherein the protective structure is isolated from the counter-structure or the membrane, wherein the protective structure is arranged with regard to the membrane or the counter-structure such that a capacity forms between the protective structure and the membrane or the protective structure and the counter-structure, and a provider for providing a potential at the protective structure differing from a potential at the counter-structure or the membrane.

Abstract: A method for inducing strain on a workpiece includes the step of providing a testing apparatus having a first set of teeth and a second set of teeth. The workpiece is placed adjacent to the first or second set of teeth. The second set of teeth is disposed on a movable carriage which linearly reciprocates thereby allowing the first and the second sets of teeth to engage and disengage each other. A commanded position by time is provided to the carriage while the actual position by time of the carriage is measured. The first set of teeth are in communication with at least one load cell such that when the first set of teeth engage the second set of teeth, the load applied by the carriage is measured. The actual position by time data and the load data are manipulated to produce vast information pertaining to the workpiece.

Abstract: The ability of a person to grasp an object and at the same time to feel, as well as to determine mechanical and geometric parameters of the comprehended object, makes him or her irreplaceable for many tasks, i.e. in production or in surgery. The translation of this ability into a technological system has often failed up to now due to lack of special adjusted sensors. The object of this invention is a sensory device, which fulfills the requirements for a tactile sensor system and at the same time affords a cost-effective and simple manufacturing alternative to other sensor principles. The layer structure of the sensor element is so constructed that by effect of an external force of the current by a resistive layer a path is disposed to narrowing or enlargement. The voltage drop over this resistive layer is dependent upon the acting external force and serves as signal sensor.

Abstract: A method of using an aseptic sampling arrangement. The sampling arrangement includes a septum cartridge and a securing element for use with a fluid enclosure. A locking arrangement is provided to allow selective access to the septum cartridge and the securing element. The sampling arrangement further includes a needle, a tube, and a collection bag. The sampling arrangement can be used to monitor the quality of a fluid product. The method of monitoring includes obtaining a fluid product sample from the fluid enclosure within the collection bag. The collection bag is then incubated for a period of time during which oxygen permeates the bag to simulate post-pasteurizing conditions and/or pre-pasteurizing conditions of the fluid product. The method further includes monitoring the level of contamination detected within the fluid product sample.

Abstract: A hand-held pipette includes a piston driven by an actuator assembly contained within a housing having first and second mutually spaced non-adjustable stops. The actuator assembly is subdivided into first and second sections respectively provided with first and second contact surfaces. The actuator assembly is arranged to reciprocate between a rest position at which the first contact surface is in contact with the first stop and the second contact surface is spaced from the second stop by a control distance, and an advanced position at which the second contact surface is in contact with the second stop and the first contact surface is spaced from the first stop, with the stroke of the actuator assembly and the stroke of the piston being equal to the control distance. A motor-driven mechanism is arranged to displace one section of the actuator assembly relative to the other section, resulting in a corresponding change to both the overall length of the actuator assembly and the control distance.

Abstract: Novel methods for measuring the soothing attributes of personal care compositions are disclosed. The methods disclosed are particularly suitable for measuring and comparing the soothing attributes of facial tissue to determine which facial tissue is most soothing to damaged skin. The methods include damaging the skin of a test subject to a predetermined amount, contacting a test tissue. In a preferred embodiment, the amount of skin damage on the skin is determined by the test subject.

Abstract: A hand-held probing adapter secures a measurement probing system having a probe body coupled to a probing tip member via at least a first coaxial cable. The adapter has a housing with an interior cavity exposed at opening in opposing ends of the housing. The housing has a first portion at one end of the interior cavity for receiving the probe body and a second portion at the other end of the cavity for receiving the probing tip member. The first portion of the housing has means for securing the probe body in the housing, such as rib and slot combination. The second portion also has means for securing the probe tip member in the housing, such as with a pin in the interior cavity of the housing engaging a slot in the probe tip member. A portion of the probe tip member is exposed at one of the openings in the housing. Compliant members disposed in the second portion of the interior cavity providing axial and lateral rotation movement of the probing tip member.

Abstract: A headlamp in which light source units are tilted about predetermined tilting center axes by means of an aiming mechanism interposed between a lamp body and the light source units. The aiming mechanism includes a tilting fulcrum (a ball and socket joint), aiming screws which are rotatably supported on the lamp body, and nut members which thread fit on the screws and mounted on the light source units movably in forward and backward in response to the rotations of the screws, so as to tilt the light source units about the tilting center axes. A leaf spring slide portion brought into elastic engagement with a guide groove is made of a polyacetal resin which is superior in resistance to wear. A nut member main body having a screw thread fitting portion is made of a nylon resin which is superior in resistance to heat. There is no permanent set on the slide portion and a slide contact surface does not wear, and no looseness is generated in the screw thread fitting portion of the nut member main body.

Abstract: A deflection compensation system for automobile drivetrain components is provided, wherein a shaft is able to continue in driving relationship to another shaft or coupler in driven relationship when their respective axes of rotation are misaligned. At least one of the shaft and the coupler is preferably supported independently of the other and provided with crown involute splines, whereby one of the shaft and coupler when out of relative alignment, continues to drive the other without the necessity of adding additional moving parts to the drivetrain component.

Abstract: A multiple speed transaxle includes first and second input shafts, first and second output shafts, a layshaft, an idler shaft, a first set of selectable torque paths between the first input shaft and first output shaft, a second set of selectable torque paths between the second input shaft and the second output shaft, the second set including the layshaft and idler shaft, and a selectable torque path between the first input shaft and second output shaft including the layshaft and idler shaft.

Abstract: A method for designing a synchronizer in a transmission which has a plurality of components each defined by one or more parameters is provided. The method includes selecting a first parameter having a relationship to the transmission. A second parameter is selected based off of a relationship to the first parameter. Then, the synchronizer components are designed while simulating a synchronization episode using the first and second parameters. The synchronization episode is divided into stages wherein for any given stage at least one component parameter is calculated or selected.

Abstract: The steering handlebar for outboard motor provided herein includes a power tilt and trim switch for adjusting a trim angle and a tilt angle of the outboard motor. The switch is advantageously mounted to the handlebar at a position that provides good operability. In one embodiment, the switch is mounted on a sideways-facing surface of the handlebar, forward of the accelerator grip. The switch does not rotate together with the accelerator grip of the handlebar, which results in the switch always being visible to the operator and easy to operate. Further, the lack of rotational coupling of these two components reduces wear on a lead wire of the switch, thereby prolonging the lifespan of the lead wire and the switch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a manipulating device (A) for producing Schönflies motions comprising a parallel array of at least two legs (B), each leg (B) including an actuator unit (C) having first and second ends and producing a pan-tilt motion, each leg (B) also including a passive unit (D) having first and second ends, the first end of the passive unit (D) being coupled to the first end of the actuator unit (C) such that the passive unit (D) reacts to the pan-tilt motion, a base (1) connected to the second end of each actuator unit (C), all second ends having a constant relative position with respect to one another; and a common end-effector (36) connected to the second end of all passive units (D) such that the common end-effector (36) is provided with a Schönflies motion by the legs (B).

Abstract: A telescoping steering column assembly includes upper and lower jackets having inner and outer surfaces and telescoping ends, respectively, and two sleeves disposed therebetween and having an annular cavity defined within each of the sleeves to hold bearings therewithin. One bearing is connected to the outer jacket and the other bearing is connected to the inner jacket. A method of making the assembly includes the steps of disposing the inner jacket within the outer jacket followed by disposing the sleeves therebetween and injecting a plastic material therethrough to form bearings. The plastic material is extracted from one of the apertures in each of the jackets to provide a sliding engagement between one of the bearing and the inner jacket and another bearing and the outer jacket.

Abstract: A disconnect mechanism is provided which, upon a suitable trigger event, such as excess temperature causes a camming element 40 having a tapered head 52 to move under the urging of a compression spring 60 such that the tapered head 52 becomes trapped between a rotating element 32 and a support 42. This gives rise to frictional inter-engagement which prevents further rotation of the rotating element 32 and thereby locks the rotating machine against further rotation. This in turn causes the shear region to fail thereby drivingly disconnecting the machine from its prime mover.

Abstract: A connecting rod unitarily formed in a powder metallurgy process provides a non-homogenous structure. The connecting rod has a piston end, a crankshaft end, and an interconnecting shank. The piston end, the crankshaft end, and the interconnecting shank are formed of a structural material.