Abstract: A casing brush assembly comprises a mandrel, upper and lower stabilisers, a brush and a magnet assembly. The magnet assembly comprises a plurality of helically extending brush elements each of which is spaced from the underlying mandrel so that it can flex inwardly to accommodate variations in casing diameter. The thickness of the brush elements is relatively thin in the portions which connect the central regions to the ends of the brush with the result that the deflection of the brush elements is largely accommodated by the relatively thin regions. The magnet assembly includes three rings of magnets held in a non-magnetic cage and located beneath a thin cover of non-magnetic material. The assembly can be used in a non-rotating mode (in which the brush is free to rotate relative to the mandrel) or in a rotating mode in which the brush is rotationally fast with the mandrel.

Abstract: A field-installable rod guide for a rod moveable within an oilfield tubular having an interior tubular surface for driving a downhole pump to pump liquids to the surface through the oilfield tubular. The rod guide comprises a body including interfitting body members. An outer tapered surface on one body member is engaged by an inner taper-engagement surface on the other body member, to urge the body members toward a rod gripping position about the rod. The mechanism disclosed provides a particularly strong engagement with the rod, so that the rod guide may be used for either reciprocating or rotating rods. For rotating type rod guides, an outer sleeve may be included about the body.

Abstract: A method for stimulation of hydrocarbon production via imbibition by utilization of surfactants. The method includes use of fuzzy logic and neural network architecture constructs to determine surfactant use.

Abstract: Three Phase Downhole Separator Process (TPDSP) is a process which results in the separation of all three phases, (1) oil, (2) gas, and (3) water, at the downhole location in the well bore, water disposal injection downhole, and oil and gas production uphole.

Abstract: Lightweight composite particulates and their use in subterranean applications such as production enhancement and completion are provided. In one embodiment a method of forming a lightweight particulate suitable for use as proppant or gravel in a subterranean operation comprising the steps of forming a substantially homogeneous mixture of PET and a filler material; forming the homogeneous mixture into particulates suitable for use in a subterranean environment is provided. Other embodiments provide methods of treating, fracturing, and gravel packing a chosen zone in a subterranean formation.

Abstract: Methods of forming a high porosity propped fracture comprising: providing a slurry comprising a fracturing fluid, proppant particulates, and a weighting agent; introducing the slurry into a portion of a fracture within the subterranean formation; and, depositing the proppant particulates into the portion of the fracture within the subterranean formation so as to form a high porosity propped fracture. Methods of fracturing a subterranean formation to form a high porosity propped fracture comprising: creating at least one fracture within a portion of a subterranean formation; placing a slurry comprising a fracturing fluid, high density plastic particulates, and a weighting agent into at least a portion of the created fracture; and, depositing the high density plastic proppant particulates into a portion of the fracture so as to form a high porosity propped fracture. Slurries suitable for use in subterranean fracturing operations comprising: a fracturing fluid, proppant particulates, and a weighting agent.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to cementing operations and, more particularly, to foamed cement compositions, foaming and stabilizing additives, and associated methods. A foaming and stabilizing additive, that comprises a mixture of an alkali salt of an alkyl ether sulfate surfactant, wherein the alkali salt of the alkyl ether sulfate surfactant comprises a mixture of an alkali salt of a C6-10 alkyl ether sulfate surfactant, and an alkali salt of a C2-4 alkyl ether sulfate surfactant, an alkyl or alkene amidopropyl betaine surfactant, an alkyl or alkene amidopropyl dimethylamine oxide surfactant, sodium chloride, and water, is provided. Also provided are foamed cement compositions that comprise the foaming and stabilizing additive, and associated methods.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an expandable slotted tube fabricated from at least one tubular element and at least two annular elements connected to the opposite ends of the tubular element by means of butt joints wherein axially extending slots are formed at a uniform angular spacing around the periphery of the tube and in longitudinally overlapping relation characterized by cutting said annular elements in a pattern of overlapping positionally fixed slots in accordance with invariable parameters which are pre-determined relative to the dimensions of said annular elements and cutting in said tubular element a pattern of slots that is variable in accordance with measured parameters of the tube so as to achieve the required overlap between said positionally fixed and variable slots. A machine for carrying out the method is also described.

Abstract: A method of removably anchoring well tubing in a well bore may include selecting a well having a bore diameter and an anchor positioned therein. The anchor may have a housing defining an anchor diameter and extension members extending therefrom toward the bore diameter. The bore diameter and anchor diameter may be spaced apart a distance defining an annulus therebetween and extending along the well. A tool sized to cut substantially exclusively within the annulus may be selected. The tool may be positioned within the annulus, rotated, and advanced to drive past the housing to remove the extension members between the housing and the bore diameter to free the anchor.

Abstract: The present generally relates to apparatus and methods for instrumentation associated with a downhole deployment valve or a separate instrumentation sub. In one aspect, a DDV in a casing string is closed in order to isolate an upper section of a wellbore from a lower section. Thereafter, a pressure differential above and below the closed valve is measured by downhole instrumentation to facilitate the opening of the valve. In another aspect, the instrumentation in the DDV includes sensors placed above and below a flapper portion of the valve. The pressure differential is communicated to the surface of the well for use in determining what amount of pressurization is needed in the upper portion to safely and effectively open the valve. Additionally, instrumentation associated with the DDV can include pressure, temperature, seismic, acoustic, and proximity sensors to facilitate the use of not only the DDV but also telemetry tools.

Abstract: A sealing system for a flow tube keeps cement from getting around it to the flapper when the safety valve is in the open position. Seals are provided at opposed ends of the flow tube so that the power spring and the flapper will not get fouled with cement pumped through the flow tube in wells that are completed through a production string with the safety valve in place. The seals may be mounted to the flow tube or the surrounding body. A unique seal construction separates cement from the flapper behind the flow tube. The force acting on the flow tube to hold the valve open also helps to apply a force against the lower seal adjacent the flapper.

Abstract: A fluid recovery system 10 for collecting formation fluid at the surface of a well 12 includes a downhole jet pump 20 and a surface diaphragm pump 40 having a plurality of diaphragms 42. The jet pump includes a fluid nozzle 22, an intake 24 directing the formation fluid into a jet 26, a mixing tube 28 for mixing the power fluid and the formation fluid, and a diffuser 30 for converting the velocity of the mixed fluid to pressure. A flow meter 50 and a pressure sensor 52 monitor the quantity and pressure of the power fluid to the jet pump.

Abstract: A variety of approaches to reducing or eliminating “end effect” or the tendency of tubular ends to reduce in diameter after expansion are disclosed. Some involve pre-bending the ends outwardly while others involve removing material internally or/and externally near the ends. Yet other approaches feature weakening the ends in other ways including penetration of the tubular material using openings of various shapes including slots or/and holes where the openings are between the tube ends or where they can extend on one or both ends all the way to the end of the tubular. Inserts that are softer than the tube material can be placed near the ends. If there is an end effect, then the protruding material can be pushed out of the way or broken off.

Abstract: There are disclosed methods and apparatus for expanding downhole tubing. In one embodiment, there is disclosed a method of expanding tubing comprising providing an assembly 40 comprising a section of expandable tubing (42) and an expansion device in the form of an expansion mandrel (44) located at least partially externally of the tubing (42), running the assembly (40) into a bore, translating the expansion mandrel (44) relative to the tubing (42) to expand an end section of the tubing (42), and further translating the expansion mandrel (44) relative to the tubing (42) to expand a further section of the tubing (42).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in a subterranean well is described. The apparatus typically includes a mandrel and a packing element. The mandrel may have an outer surface and a non-circular cross-section and a the packing element may be arranged about the mandrel, the packing element having a non-circular inner surface matching the mandrel outer surface such that concentric rotation between the mandrel and the packing element is precluded. The apparatus may include slips having cavities to facilitate removal of the apparatus. The apparatus also may include a valve for controlling fluid flow through a hollow mandrel. The valve may include a flapper having at least one tab to engage at least one recession in the mandrel such that rotation between the mandrel and the valve is precluded when the valve is in a closed position. The apparatus may further include a central member which is releaseably attached to the mandrel by a release mechanism.

Abstract: A cultivator sweep assembly having a sweep adapted for releasable attachment to a shank of a mobile agricultural apparatus. The sweep assembly includes a sweep having a more narrow profile, and a coupling attached to a tapered end portion of the shank and disposed between the sweep and the supporting shank. The sweep includes a stem portion that defines a housing configured to frictionally receive and engage the tapered end portion of the shank. The end portion of the shank having the coupling attached thereto is slidably received within the housing until a projection of the coupling is received through a top opening of the housing. The projection received through the top opening indicating that the end portion of the shank is sufficiently received within the housing of the sweep, and that the sweep is mounted to the shank with sufficient force.

Abstract: A modular transfigurable drilling rig comprises one or more transfigurable containers with drilling equipment to form an operational drilling rig. The transfigurable containers include a first and second load bearing support and a load bearing bottom disposed between the first and second load bearing supports, thereby forming a space. The container includes drilling equipment rotatably attached to the load bearing supports or the load bearing bottom. The drilling equipment is disposed within the space. The drilling rig further includes one or more connectors adapted to engage at least two transfigurable containers together. The drilling rig further includes piping adapted to connect the drilling equipment together, cabling adapted to provide communication between the drilling equipment, and a power source connected to the drilling equipment, wherein the power source is adapted to provide power to the drilling equipment.

Abstract: In a method and device for drilling, in particular percussion drilling or rotary percussion drilling, holes in soil or rock material, wherein a borehole is formed by a percussive and/or rotational movement carried out by a drill bit (1) mounted on a drill rod assembly (4) and an envelope tube and/or a jacket tube (15, 18) is introduced into the borehole, it is provided that the impact energy introduced by the drill rod assembly (4) is transmitted partially, particularly centrally, by the drill rod assembly (4) onto the drill bit (1) and partially via an impact shoe (10) cooperating with the drill rod assembly (4) onto the envelope and/or jacket tubes (15, 18), thus enabling the reliable introduction of the excavation or impact energy into the drill bit (1) as well as into the envelope and/or jacket tubes (15, 18).

Abstract: A back bit (20) is disclosed which is to used in conjunction with drilling equipment (10) which may include a derrick (11), a drilling pipe (12), a back head (14), a starting rod (13), and a cutting bit (15) mounted to the lower end of the starting rod. The back bit has a tubular body (21) with a plurality of upwardly extending cutting teeth (22).

Abstract: The gap sub assembly comprises a pair of electrically conductive subs. Each sub has a threaded pin and box. A pin and box are threaded together to form a connection. An electrically insulating, woven fabric overlies and conforms with the threads of the connection pin. An electrically insulating, annular washer separates the seal faces of the connection. The assembly functions to provide an electrical discontinuity when incorporated into a conductive drill string.

Abstract: A track assembly having first and second hub assemblies that are operatively connected to a support frame by first and second attachment members, respectively. The first and second attachment members include resilient or movable mounts that are configured so that the track assembly can be attached to vehicles whose axles or wheel flanges are misaligned or have irregular rotational movement such as runout or wobble. The attachment members may be adjustably positioned relative to the support frame to accommodate vehicles having different wheelbase lengths and axle lengths. An endless track encircles the first and second hub assemblies, and the support frame, and is drivingly engaged by one of the hub assemblies. First and second rollers, which define the longitudinal extent of the endless track, are positioned at either end of the support frame. A tensioning member, with at least one upper idler roller, positions the endless track so that it is spaced from one of the hub assemblies in a spaced relation.

Abstract: There is provided a driving device of an electric car, exactly selecting drive wheels of the electric car in accordance with road circumstances. In the electric car having four or more wheels, all wheels (1 to 4) have driving motors (5 to 8) placed therein, capable of driving and regenerative braking, and a plurality of the wheels (1 to 4) are selected so as to serve as drive wheels or regenerative brake wheels in accordance with traveling circumstances of the car.

Abstract: An output of an internal combustion engine is transmitted to an output shaft by controlling a control motor to change a rotation speed output from the engine without speed steps via power distribution planetary gear. An output of a drive motor is input to the output shaft by changing the speed into two-step decelerated rotation by means of an automatic transmission. The transmission produces a desired torque by decelerating the speed by a large degree when a vehicle speed is low, and produces a desired number of revolutions by decelerating the speed by a small degree when the vehicle speed is high.

Abstract: The inventive parallel drive system is particularly well suited to be supported at the axle of the vehicle. A coupling arrangement includes a clutching mechanism and a gear reduction device that selectively couple an electric motor to the drive wheels for providing torque to the wheels alone or in combination with input from an internal combustion engine. The drive torque can also be provided exclusively from the internal combustion engine. The inventive arrangement also allows for the electric motor to be used as a generator during coasting or braking, for example.

Abstract: In order to do away with the need for a power source switching operation, and to improve motor regeneration charge efficiency in a hybrid vehicle, a one-way clutch is provided between an internal combustion engine and an electric drive motor.

Abstract: A radiator mounting system for a skid steer vehicle includes an air box with a front wall having an opening sized to receive engine fan blades, an oil cooler disposed in the air box, a radiator; and a radiator frame supporting the radiator that is hingeably coupled to the air box. The radiator has plastic tanks and an aluminum core and the frame extends around the periphery of the radiator.

Abstract: A portable fuel system for a motorcycle or similar vehicle includes an inner bag with opening for receiving and dispensing fuel, a first outer bag formed of fire retardant material and a second outer bag having connectors for securing the portable fuel system to the motorcycle or other vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle frame that includes first and second frame portions. The first frame portion has a plurality of struts associated with each other to form a first framework. The second frame portion is associable with the first frame portion in a stiffening association for significantly increasing the stiffness of the first frame portion. The associated first and second frame portions are configured to support a rider sitting on the vehicle frame. The associated frame portions also define an interior cavity dimension for housing a component of the propulsion system for propelling the vehicle. The associated frame portions also comprise attachments for supportedly connecting two wheels of the vehicle, a seat disposed on the frame, and other vehicle accessories and systems.

Abstract: A self-actuating robot or vehicle tether capable of moving itself, remaining free while traversing around obstacles, and free itself is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a valve is mounted to the tether or robot. An inflow conduit attached to or in the tether is connected to the valve. A fluid flows through the tether and the valve is opened and closed to create a waterhammer effect in the inflow conduit. The forces created on the tether from the waterhammer effect result in motion of the tether and in freeing of the tether from obstructions. Closing and opening the valve further creates pressure changes in the tether, thereby causing momentary dimensional changes in the tether. In an alternative embodiment, a plurality of valves are placed along the tether. Pulsing of the plurality of valves while a fluid flows through the tether results in the tether effectively moving itself.

Abstract: An HST propel system includes first and second pumps having displacements variable in response to movement of first (31) and second (33) control shafts, respectively; and a linkage arrangement for moving the control shafts in unison in response to movement of an operator input (37). The linkage arrangement comprises a crank arm (35) rotatable about its axis in response to movement of the input device, first (41) and second (51) input arms fixed relative to the crank arm, and first (45) and second (55) elongated control rods pivotally connected to the input arms. The system includes a swivel connector (43) cooperating with its input arm to define a swivel axis (S.A.1), fixed relative to the axis of the crank arm, and a swivel connector (53) cooperating with its input arm to define a swivel axis (S.A.2), moveable relative to the axis of the crank arm for straight tracking adjustment.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided having a steering system for selectively operating the vehicle in a zero-steer configuration. The system includes a forward steering assembly coupled to a steering wheel and a forward set of wheels. The forward steering assembly is arranged to receive an input from the steering wheel and includes a selectively actuateable forward motorized mechanism. A rear steering assembly is coupled to a rear set of wheels and includes a rearward motorized mechanism. Upon selective activation, the forward motorized mechanism is arranged to engage the forward steering assembly and rotate the forward set of wheels toward a centerline of the vehicle and the rearward motorized mechanism is arranged to engage the rearward steering assembly and rotate the rearward set of wheels toward the vehicle centerline such that the wheels are positioned to allow the vehicle to turn about a central point of the vehicle in a zero-steer configuration.

Abstract: An adjustable ski track width mechanism allows adjusting the ski track between a narrow ski track width and a wide ski track width. The adjustable ski track width mechanism includes a steering mechanism that provides correct steering geometry and corresponding steering characteristics regardless of the narrow ski track width or the wide ski track width. The adjustable ski track width mechanism can be adjusted by the operator or automatically depending on operator preference or terrain conditions.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing acoustic, wind or other background noise that may interfere with sensing of a seismic signal is provided. More specifically, a shield is provided to enclose a geophone and thereby protect it from harmful noise. The shield may comprise a rigid shell, a structural damping material, an acoustically absorptive material, and a compliant seal for coupling the shield to the ground or reference surface.

Abstract: A muffler which reduces noises of a wide frequency band with a simple structure. Sound waves of an intake duct enter into and are received in a resonance box via a branch pipe. At the branch pipe, a movable body slidingly abuts a peripheral portion of an opening of a cut-out portion. Due to the movable body rotating, a range of opening/closing of the cut-out portion is changed, and a length of a neck portion formed by the branch pipe and an arc-shaped plate, and a lateral cross-sectional surface area of a distal end of the neck portion, are changed.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a stepladder having a ladder portion 18 that is comprised of rungs 24 and includes two ladder side rails, and a support portion that includes two angularly disposed telescoping legs 20 that provide mechanism for stabilizing the ladder. The telescoping support legs 20 are interconnected to each other and to the ladder side rails by lockable rigid spanner arms 22. When in use, the spanner arms 22 are locked in an open position to form a tripod formation between the rails while additionally limiting the angle of spread between the ladder portion 18 and the support legs 20. The present invention 10 also provides a retractable fly assembly 26 at the top of the ladder rails to provide for additional usable working height. A safety belt 36 is provided on the handle for additional support. A series of apertures with lock key fasteners 28 in each of the support legs provide mechanism for the user to securely position the legs at a desired length.

Abstract: management device for managing the expiration date of food and drink arranged on a plate and including a camera for capturing a two-dimensional code on a cylindrical base of the plate, a barcode scanner for analyzing the two-dimensional code captured by the camera and extracting a plate number, a management main body for receiving the plate number output from the barcode scanner and collectively managing the traveling plates, and a DIO (Digital Input/Output) module. The DIO module is connected to a detection switch disposed on a downstream position of the camera and a discharge mechanism disposed on a downstream side of the detection switch to perform a bidirectional communication with the management main body. A separation distance between the camera and the detection switch is shorter than a diameter of the plate.

Abstract: A retail terminal includes a voice generating device. The retail terminal also includes a processing unit electrically coupled to the voice generating device. Moreover, the retail terminal further includes a memory device electrically coupled to the processing unit.

Abstract: A lifting frame has a stationary vertical mast (outer mast 1), at least one telescoping lifting mast (inner mast 3), and a lifting carriage (4) movable on the lifting mast. At least one hydraulic line (5) installed on the lifting frame discharges at the lifting carriage (4). When the lifting frame is in the retracted position, the hydraulic line (5) forms a loop (S) which is open on top. The hydraulic line (5) is guided in the vicinity of the loop (S) by a tensioning pulley (6) that dips from above into the loop (S). The tensioning pulley (6) is fastened to a pulley carrier (7). The weight of the pulley carrier can be used to generate a bias force that is exerted on the hydraulic line (5), or drive means connected with the pulley carrier (7) can be provided.

Abstract: A forklift truck for mounting on the rear of a carrying vehicle comprises a u-shaped chassis having a crossbar and a pair of side bars mounted at the ends of the crossbar and projecting forwardly therefrom. A wheel is located adjacent the free end of each of the side bars and a steerable rear wheel is located centrally on the crossbar, a drivers station is positioned to one side of the chassis and a motive power unit is positioned on the opposite side of the chassis. The chassis mounts a vertical multi-lift mast having a plurality of mast sections, one of which carries a pair of forks. The fork-carrying mast section further comprises a freelift mast system having means to positively move the forks upwards relative the mast section and means to positively move the forks downwards relative the mast section.

Abstract: A clutch couples a car door of an elevator car with a landing door of an elevator system, wherein the car door is movable with respect to the elevator car by a first actuator. The clutch includes at least one coupling element and a second actuator. The coupling element is movable with respect to the car door between a first position and a second position by the second actuator such that the coupling element engages with the landing door when the elevator car is within a landing zone and the coupling element is moved towards the second position, thereby establishing the coupling of the car door with the landing door. The second actuator is a linear motor.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving elevator equipment, particularly an elevator car when stuck in a shaft, comprises a suspension point which is connected to the elevator equipment by an adjustable-height connection. Contrary to the prior art, the suspension point includes a length-adjustable assembly configured for engagement with opposing walls of the shaft or opposing guide rails within the shaft at any chosen location along the shaft. The invention thus provides a localized solution that can be used conveniently at any position within the shaft and is therefore independent of the position, and indeed the presence, of any lifting hooks within the shaft.

Abstract: A disc brake for a vehicle such as a commercial vehicle, wherein the brake rotor extends from a hub end of an axle inboard a sufficient distance to place the friction surface of the rotor and the brake caliper outside the envelope of a wheel mounted at the end of the axle. The placement of the rotor friction surface and the caliper outside the envelope of the wheel enhances brake cooling, makes the brake more readily accessible for inspection and maintenance without significant vehicle disassembly, and permits the rotor outer diameter to be extended beyond the diameter of the wheel rim, thereby lowering brake components stresses and permitting use of lighter, lower cost brake components.

Abstract: Shopping cart brakes slow or render a shopping cart immobile. A brake lever has one end pivotably connected to a clamp that is attached to one end of a vertical member of a shopping cart adjacent to its handle. Two brake cables are enclosed by brake cable housings and have one end connected to the brake lever. A plurality of brake cable supports secures the brake cable housings to the vertical member. Alternatively, the brake cables and brake cable housings can be enclosed by vertical members and a horizontal member. The opposing end of the brake cables is attached to calipers. The calipers have brake pads removably connected to them. A brake lever housing is also connected to the clamp. The brake lever housing is attached to an adjuster barrel and houses a brake lever locking mechanism comprising a locking tab, locking button, slot, and locking button hole.

Abstract: A piston seal of a disc brake can stabilize the amount of rollback of a piston by reducing thermal expansion and a decrease in modulus of elasticity of the piston seal caused by an increase in temperature, thereby preventing a driver from feeling that the brake operation is unnatural. The piston seal is formed of a rubber composition in which at least 100 parts by weight or more of carbon black is added to 100 parts by weight of ethylene propylene rubber.

Abstract: A perforated heat shield (20) is formed of a single layer and is implemented to be positioned between an aircraft brake assembly (34) and wheel assembly (28) in order to effectively protect the wheel assembly (28) and adjacent components from excessive thermal energy generated by an operation of the brake assembly (34) and to promote the cooling of the brake assembly (34) by allowing a partial amount of the thermal energy to radiate to the wheel assembly (28) through apertures (22) provided in the heat shield (20).

Abstract: An integrated suspension system includes a cylinder that hermetically contains gas therein; a piston that has a motor at an upper portion thereof; a disk unit including a second disk that has a plurality of passage holes formed there through and a bottom surface coupled to a driving shaft of the motor to rotate while moving vertically integrally along with the piston, and a first disk that has a plurality of passage holes and is stacked on and connected via a hinge to the center of a top surface of the second disk to move vertically within the cylinder integrally along with the second disk without any rotation; and a control unit that controls an opening degree established through overlap of the passage holes formed in the first and second disks by changing power supplied to the motor to control a rotational angle of the second disk.

Abstract: A telescopic fork leg incorporates mutually displaceable inner and outer tube parts and a damping arrangement for damping the relative movements of the tube parts. The damping arrangement comprises tubular and coaxially disposed units. A piston belonging to a first outer tube part operates in a chamber within the interior of the tubular units in a medium present in the chamber, which medium, at a piston speed above a chosen value, is transferred between the top and bottom sides of the piston via passage(s) disposed in, on or by the piston and adjustable damping-influencing members.

Abstract: A dashpot featuring amplitude-dependent shock absorption, especially intended for the wheel of a vehicle and including a hydraulically parallel cylindrical pressure-compensation chamber (8). The pressure-compensation chamber is partitioned by an axially displaceable floating piston (10). At least one face (25) of the floating piston is provided with a resilient bumper (18). The object is a dashpot with a floating piston that arrives more gently at its limit inside the pressure-compensation chamber (8). The bumper is accordingly accommodated in an axial hollow (17) that extends through the body (15) of the floating piston.

Abstract: A hydraulic control circuit for an automatic transmission of a vehicle, the transmission including hydraulically operated coupling devices at least one of which is selectively operated to establish a corresponding one of speed steps, the hydraulic control circuit including electromagnetic valve devices which output respective hydraulic pressures to operate the hydraulically operated coupling devices, respectively, an all-fail detecting and switching valve device which is switched, based on an all-fail state of the electromagnetic valve devices in which none of the electromagnetic valve devices output the respective hydraulic pressures, to an operation state corresponding to a fail position to output, as a first hydraulic pressure, a source hydraulic pressure to a first hydraulically operated coupling device out of the plurality of hydraulically operated coupling devices, and an operation-state memory valve which is switched, based on a state of the vehicle before the all-fail state occurs, from a non-running

Abstract: In an embodiment, the invention includes a clutch device including a first friction clutch disposed between an input member and an output member, a second friction clutch adapted to go into a power cut-off state upon exertion thereon of a clutch releasing force, and a torque cam mechanism disposed between the first and second friction clutches. In an embodiment, the invention can decrease the number of clutch parts, simplify the clutch structure, and make the clutch device compact. First and second friction clutches can be constructed with a clutch outer common to both, and a torque cam mechanism is disposed within the clutch outer and between the first and second friction clutches.