Abstract: The present invention provides an accessory drive system for a hybrid vehicle. The accessory drive system includes a planetary gear set having a first, second, and third planetary member. A torque transfer device operatively connects an engine with the first planetary member. A motor/generator is operatively connected to the second planetary member, and a plurality of accessories are operatively connected to the third planetary member. A one-way clutch is preferably operatively connected to either the first planetary member or the torque transfer device such that the accessories can be effectively driven by the motor/generator when the engine is off. Engine output is transferable through the planetary gear set to drive the accessories, and the speed at which the accessories are driven is selectable by controlling the speed of the motor/generator.

Abstract: A variable ratio gearbox is combined with a drive motor and an interactive control system. A coaxial shaft connects to a differential gear set to power an output shaft. The transmission has a drive shaft with an inner shaft and an outer shaft. A friction disk nonrotatably mounts to said outer shaft and a shifter connected to the friction disk moves the friction disk along the outer shaft. At least two cones engage the periphery of the friction disk and a differential gear set combines the rotation of the inner and outer shaft.

Abstract: A differential gear 1 for a vehicle comprises a differential case 2 having a pair of holes 9R, 9L for drive shafts, a pair of pinion gears 3, 4 supported by pinion gear supporters 10, 11 and a pair of side gears 5R, 5L engaging with the pinion gears 3, 4. A pair of thrust washers 6R, 6L is interposed between the backs of the side gears 5R, 5L and the inner peripheries of the holes 9R, 9L without radial movement.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a differential case for a vehicle and a differential device for a vehicle supplying sufficiently lubrication oil to a gear peripheral portion as a supported portion of a pinion gear in order to prevent a bonding of the gear peripheral portion of the pinion gear. The differential case or the differential device for the vehicle comprises a pair of pinion gear supporting portions 10, 11 supporting slidably a pair of pinion gears 3, 4, and a lubrication oil introducing portion 7, 8 provided around a peripheral portion of the pair of pinion gears 3, 4 to introduce lubrication oil into a clearance between sliding faces of the pair of pinion gears 3, 4 and pinion gear supporting faces 10a, 11a, 10b, 11b of the pair of pinion gear supporting portions 10, 11.

Abstract: A multi-speed transmission with six forward gears and one reverse gear comprises an input shaft (1), an output shaft (2), three planetary gearsets (P1, P2, P3), six rotatable shafts (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) as well as five shifting elements (03, 04, 14, 36, 46), wherein the input shaft (1) is connected to the sun gear of the planetary gearset (P2) and can be detachably connected via a clutch (14) to the shaft (4), which is connected to the carrier of the planetary gearset (P3), can be coupled to the housing (G) via the brake (04) and detachably coupled to the shaft (6) via the clutch (46), wherein the shaft (6) is connected to the sun gear of the planetary gearset (P2) and can be detachably coupled via a clutch (36) to the shaft (3), which is connected to the internal gear of the planetary gearset (P1), coupled to the sun gear of the planetary gearset (p3) and can be coupled via the brake (03) to the housing (G), wherein the shaft (5) is connected to the internal gear of the planetary gearset (P2) and the carrier o

Abstract: A method for operating a portable power tool having a multi-stage, three-speed transmission.

Abstract: The disclosed hybrid electric vehicle powertrain includes an internal combustion engine and two electric machines, one electric machine being connected directly to an engine power output shaft and to a multiple-ratio transmission power input shaft. A second electric machine powers front vehicle traction wheels as the engine powers rear traction wheels during a transmission shift interval.

Abstract: A hybrid drive unit for installation between an internal combustion engine and a vehicle transmission in a motor vehicle. The hybrid drive unit has an electric machine operable, alternatively, as a motor and a generator and having at least one stator and one rotor, the rotor having bearings on a transmission side and on an internal combustion engine side. One set of bearings is provided on the transmission side and, on the internal combustion engine side, the hybrid drive unit is supported on the crankshaft bearings of the internal combustion engine. A non-rotary connection can be established, for example, by means of a flexplate or a torsional vibration damper, between the rotor of the electric machine and the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine. Before the rotor is connected to the crankshaft, the rotor is supported on bearings on the transmission side.

Abstract: A shift-position control apparatus for an automatic transmission mounted in a vehicle includes a shift-position changing unit that moves a mechanical element using an actuator in response to an operation to change a shift-position to another shift-position instructed by the operation from among a plurality of shift-positions; a detection unit that detects the operating state of the shift-position changing unit; a malfunction determination unit that determines whether a malfunction has occurred in the shift-position changing unit based on the operating state during a reference time; and a setting unit that sets the reference time, which is used when a shift-position change that involves a change in the direction of power transfer is made, to a time that is shorter than the reference time, which is used when a shift-position change that does not involve a change in the direction of power transfer is made.

Abstract: A first orifice is provided in a first fluid passage upstream of a cooler, and a second orifice is provided in a second fluid passage. The flowrates of hydraulic fluid flowing through the first and second fluid passages are regulated by the first and second orifices, respectively, and are thus suppressed from becoming excessive. Also, the downstream side of the second fluid passage is connected to the first fluid passage between the first orifice and the cooler, and a lubrication passage is connected to the first fluid passage downstream of the cooler. Accordingly, the lubrication passage is a single passage and the cooler and the lubrication passage are arranged in series so the cooler flowrate and the lubrication flowrate are the same. As a result, the flowrate of hydraulic fluid that flows out from a secondary regulator valve to the upstream side of an oil pump can be increased.

Abstract: When releasing a parking lock of an automatic transmission, an apparatus for facilitating release of the parking lock executes a routine to apply torque to a parking gear in a direction that will reduce an applied load between the parking gear and a parking pole while movement of a driving wheel is in a restricted state, and to reduce the restricting force on the driving wheel until the parking gear is rotated by the torque.

Abstract: An automatic transmission shifter assembly comprises a shift lever support configured for attachment to a vehicle, a shift lever mounted to the shift lever support to shift between transmission gear settings; a brake transmission system interlock (BTSI) comprising a shift lever control member controllable by actuation of a solenoid or other powered actuator to selectively block the shift lever from moving out of the PARK position. An electronic ignition switch, an ignition actuator and an ignition key interlock are mounted to the shift lever support. The ignition key interlock comprises an interlock member controllable by the ignition actuator to selectively block the solenoid from moving the shift lever control member to the unblock position.

Abstract: A shift shock reducing apparatus for a power train having an engine and an automatic transmission having a frictional element that is to be engaged at upshift, comprising a control section that executes, during upshift, a torque down of the engine that starts before the start of an inertia phase in which a gear ratio of the transmission is changing from a before-shift gear ratio to an after-shift gear ratio, and a control section that makes larger a rising gradient of working oil pressure that is supplied to the frictional element to be engaged at upshift when the torque down that starts before the start of the inertia phase is executed than that when the torque down is not executed.

Abstract: A crop sprayer control assembly includes a hand-operated control device with an up-throttle sensor operably connected to the hand-operated control device. A down-throttle sensor, an up-shift sensor and a down-shift sensor are also operably connected to the hand-operated control device.

Abstract: An exercise device with an on board personal trainer is provided. The exercise device comprises a frame, a movable element operatively coupled to the frame, a resistance assembly coupled to the frame and to the movable element such that the movable element moves against resistance provided by the resistance assembly, and a console coupled to the frame and electrically coupled to the movable element and/or the resistance assembly. The console is configured to display a menu structure to enable a user to select an exercise program, wherein the console provides graphical and audio instructions regarding the selected exercise program, such that the console enables (i) selection of a desired exercise program, (ii) a graphical display of the selected exercise program, and (iii) audio instructions relating to the selected exercise program. The on board personal trainer also keeps track of the user's repetitions and sets of a particular exercise.

Abstract: Playground equipment may include a support structure. The support structure may include a platform and one or more supports sized and configured to support the platform at height above a support surface. The supports may include one or more generally vertical supports and/or one or more generally angled supports. A swing may be connected to the support structure. The swing may include a seat and one or more tethers. The tethers may be attached to spaced apart portions of the seat and/or to spaced apart portions of the support structure. The tethers may be sized and configured to retain the seat in a generally fixed orientation during use of the swing. The tethers may be sized and configured to help retain at least a substantial portion of the seat disposed underneath the platform during use of the swing.

Abstract: An exercise device can include a pair of pedal members, each of which can be rotatably connected on at least one end to a planet gear that is rotatable about a sun gear on each side of the device. The pedal members and the planet gears can be rotated to provide an elliptical exercise motion. The device can include a mechanism for simultaneously rotating each of the sun gears together to change the orientation of the elliptical exercise motion relative to a user. The orientation of an elliptical exercise motion can be changed dynamically from one orientation to another, for example, from horizontal to uphill or downhill, during a particular workout period. The exercise device can change the orientation of an elliptical exercise motion while maintaining a user's ankles at a substantially constant angle during the exercise cycle.

Abstract: An elliptical exercise apparatus includes two cranks disposed rotatably on a frame and rotatable about a common crank axis, two rails each disposed fixedly on the frame and having a non-circular guide slot, two extension links connected respectively, radially, and slidably to the cranks and mounted with rollers disposed respectively and movably within the guide slots, two connector members disposed on the frame and reciprocatable along a longitudinal direction of the frame, and two foot links each having a first end connected pivotally to the corresponding extension link and a second end connected pivotally to the corresponding connector member. When the rollers move along the rails, the extension links are extendable and retractable relative to the cranks, respectively.

Abstract: A non-impact exercise device comprising a framework, resistance assembly, and a pivoting assembly. The pivoting assembly contains a pair of link arms pivotally coupled to a pair of foot support members. The link arms have handles for the user to grip and the foot support members have foot platforms for the user to stand upon. The foot platforms have a wheel attached to them and the wheel rests upon curved or arced ramps of the exercise device. The user exercises by putting force into the device through the handles and/or foot platforms. This causes the foot platforms to roll along the ramps while the user is standing upon the foot platforms. The user may readily vary the length and frequency of the reciprocating stride.

Abstract: In exercise testing it is desirable to have an exercise protocol which helps to maximize the subject's ability to reach their peak workload. The exercise protocols taught here are designed to give exercise workloads which can be progressively graded and use natural cadences of walking and running to give a more comfortable pace at various workloads, and are performed over an adequate time. A lower extremity ergometry protocol method is also taught which gives a more accurate workload, and can help to minimize stress on the knees. This patent also teaches that ramping or workload for exercise protocols may be controlled by the physiologic response to the exercise. These protocols are also useful in exercise training and in rehabilitation.

Abstract: A variable weight device for an exercise device including a housing. A flexible length of cable can be stored within the housing. The length of the cable extending from the housing can be adjustable. A length of flexible weight can be secured to one of the housing and the cable.

Abstract: Systems and methods for functional training exercises having a function-specific user interface are disclosed. In one embodiment, an exercise assembly for performing a functional training exercise that simulates an activity involving a hand-held device includes a load, a support assembly, and a force-transferring assembly. A user interface includes a handle configured to resemble at least a portion of the hand-held device that is grasped by a user. An interface coupling assembly pivotably couples the handle and the force-transferring assembly. A training force applied to the handle by the user during movement of the handle along a functional training path induces an associated force on the load. In particular embodiments, the handle is configured to resemble a golf club, a baseball bat, a racquet, a hockey stick, and a sporting device configured to be thrown, such as a baseball.

Abstract: A dual action weightlifting machine has a stationary frame and first and second spaced vertical guides slidably mounted on the stationary frame for horizontal sliding movement relative to the frame. A horizontally extending exercise bar assembly has spaced first and second vertical slides slidably mounted on the vertical guides for vertical sliding movement relative to the frame, a user engaging portion for gripping by a user when performing weightlifting exercises, and opposite end portions for receiving one or more selected weights. The user engaging portion is located between the vertical slides and rotatably mounted relative to the vertical slides for free rotation through 360 degrees, so that the user's hands may be rotated relative to the vertical slides while lifting weights.

Abstract: A convertible leg exercise apparatus for performing different leg exercises has a first leg exercise arm pivotally mounted on a frame for rotation about a first pivot axis and a second leg exercise arm pivotally attached to the first arm for rotation about a second pivot axis spaced below the first pivot axis. The second arm pivots about the second pivot axis away from the first arm to perform one leg exercise, while the first and second arms pivot together about the first pivot axis to perform another leg exercise. The second arm may be configured to perform a leg press exercise while the first and second arms rotate together to perform leg extension and leg curl exercises.

Abstract: Exercise bench assemblies having wheels with integral brakes that automatically engage and disengage during use of the bench assembly are disclosed. In one embodiment, an exercise bench assembly includes a support portion, and a frame assembly coupled to the support portion. A wheel assembly is coupled to the frame assembly and includes at least one wheel configured to rollably engage a support surface, and a braking device operatively associated with the at least one wheel. The braking device is configured to engage the at least one wheel to prevent the at least one wheel from rolling on the support surface when a user's weight is applied to the support portion, and to disengage from the at least one wheel to allow the at least one wheel to roll on the support surface when the weight of the user is removed from the support portion.

Abstract: Exercise apparatus and methods having adjustable frame members are disclosed. In one embodiment, an exercise assembly includes a load, a support assembly, and a force transferring assembly. The support assembly includes a pair of outwardly extending frame members coupled to an upwardly projecting portion by a coupling assembly. The coupling assembly enables controllable adjustment of a height of the frame members. The force-transferring assembly includes first and second portions coupled to and extending at least partially along each of the outwardly extending frame members. During an exercise, a training force applied to the first and second portions induces an associated force on the load. The coupling assembly may permit an angle between the outwardly extending frame members to vary freely during an exercise, or may allow a user to controllably adjust and fix the angle during the exercise.

Abstract: Exercise assemblies having self-adjusting pad devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, an exercise assembly includes a load and a force-transferring assembly operatively coupled between the load and at least one exercise station such that a training force applied to the at least one exercise station induces an associated force on the load. The at least one exercise station includes at least one pad member slideably coupled to a support member and configured to adjust to a lateral position along the support member corresponding to a portion of the user's body. The at least one pad member may have an attachment opening that includes a first portion sized to receive a shaft portion of the support member, and a second portion sized to receive a retaining portion of the support member, the retaining portion being larger than the shaft portion of the support member.

Abstract: Exercise assemblies having apparatus that retain the feet of a user during an exercise are disclosed. In one embodiment, an exercise assembly includes a load, and a support assembly operatively positioned relative to the load and including a base assembly. A force-transferring assembly is operatively coupled between the load and an exercise station such that a training force applied to the exercise station induces an associated force on the load. A foot-retaining assembly is operatively coupled to the support assembly and includes at least one foot-retaining device defining a foot-retaining space configured to receive at least a portion of a foot of the user. The foot-retaining device prevents a vertical movement of the foot of the user during the exercise.

Abstract: A new weight-training device for the arm involves an arm-straightening feature. The device comprises a weight at the distal end and one or more elongated members extending from the hand to the mid-shoulder of the user. The device further comprises a ring at the proximal end to encircle the user's arm, a grip bar for the user's hand and a wrist-protecting bar. The elongated members and the proximal ring ensure that the user's arm remains straight during the weight-lifting exercise thus fully targeting various muscle groups. Various exercises with the device are also suggested.

Abstract: A portable exercise device is disclosed for improving a user's posture. Even though the exercise device is portable, it provides an active workout of those muscles involved in maintaining correct posture. In accordance with an important aspect of the invention, the exercise device in accordance with the present invention includes a spacer. One end of the spacer is placed against the user's body and the other end forms a fixed pivot point for the device. In one embodiment of the invention, the exercise device includes a pair of spaced apart handle bars coupled to a flexible member and a spacer for spacing the device away from the user's body. The spacer may either be a separate device or integrally formed with the other members. With the handle bars spaced away from the user's body, the spacer allows the user to repetitively bend and straighten the flexible member to strengthen those muscles associated with proper posture.

Abstract: A new weight-training device for the arm involves an arm-straightening feature. The device comprises a weight at the distal end and one or more elongated members extending from the hand to the mid-shoulder of the user. The device further comprises a ring at the proximal end to encircle the user's arm, a grip bar for the user's hand and a wrist-protecting bar. The elongated members and the proximal ring ensure that the user's arm remains straight during the weight-lifting exercise thus fully targeting various muscle groups. Various exercises with the device are also suggested.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to providing an exercise device, particularly a compact and portable device for performing more effective push-ups. An apparatus for performing pushups thereupon, the apparatus having a foot supporter coupled via a connecting means to a hand supporter.

Abstract: An exercise machine suitable for exercising a person's muscles contains a frame (100), a seat (102) situated over the frame, a seatback (104 or 104U), a connection mechanism (106 or 106U) for flexibly and adjustably connecting the seatback to the frame or/and the seat, and a pedaling mechanism (114 or 220) connectable to the frame and having a pair of movable pedals (140 or 224). The seatback is typically capable of swiveling. The pedals can revolve or translate back and forth. Another exercise machine contains a handle-translating mechanism (220) having a pair of handles (274) that translate back and forth. The frame, seat, seatback, and connection mechanism typically in combination with one or more pairs of handles (108, 110, 240, 242, and 252) form an exercise bench.

Abstract: The present invention provides a double-sleeved roller for use in an electrostatographic machine. The double-sleeved member includes a cylindrical rigid core member. A removable inner sleeve member (ISM) is provided that includes a compliant layer that surrounds and intimately contacts the rigid core member. A removable electrically conductive outer sleeve member (OSM) such that the OSM surrounds and intimately contacts said ISM wherein the ISM and OSM are removable or mountable simultaneously.

Abstract: Curled decorative grass having a variety of configurations and methods for making such decorative grass is provided which, because of its increased bulk, can also be used as a packing material, an animal bedding, cat litter, mulch for soil and a media for plants. The curled decorative grass is produced by curling a substantially flat sheet of material and thereafter cutting the resulting curled sheet of material, or by cutting a pre-curled material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a crumpled paper tube for use as a cushion in packing items, and to a method and apparatus for producing the same.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotor for a centrifuge, in particular for purifying lubricating oil in an internal combustion engine, wherein said rotor is rotatably mounted in the centrifuge housing and is provided with an impurity trapping element, the rotor or the impurity trapping element thereof are made of a plastic material and remote deflecting baffles arranged in said impurity trapping element can be removed from the centrifuge housing.

Abstract: A monolith comprises a zeolite, a thermally conductive carbon, and a binder. The zeolite is included in the form of beads, pellets, powders and mixtures thereof. The thermally conductive carbon can be carbon nano-fibers, diamond or graphite which provide thermal conductivities in excess of about 100 W/m·K to more than 1,000 W/m·K. A method of preparing a zeolite monolith includes the steps of mixing a zeolite dispersion in an aqueous colloidal silica binder with a dispersion of carbon nano-fibers in water followed by dehydration and curing of the binder is given.

Abstract: The invention relates to noble metal-free nickel catalysts that exhibit both high activity and selectivity to hydrogen generation and carbon monoxide oxidation. The noble metal-free water gas shift catalyst of the invention comprises Ni in either a supported or a bulk state and at least one of Ge, Cd, In, Sn, Sb, Te, Pb, their oxides and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A method of making a nanostructured electrode comprising depositing a self-assembled monolayer on a substrate, depositing a catalyst nanoparticle covalently bonded to a ligand, and depositing a material capable of binding to the self-assembled monolayer. The method includes depositing on a conductive electrode substrate a catalytic nanoparticle stabilized by a covalently-bound ligand bearing a peripheral functional group and depositing a material capable of binding to the peripheral functional group, wherein the conductive electrode substrate is chemically modified to create a surface functional group capable of supporting multilayer deposition. The method can include covalent grafting of a functional group to create an initial layer of positive charge on the surface, depositing a platinum nanoparticle stabilized by negatively-charged ligands onto the functional group, and providing a polymer component.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for producing a catalyst. The process includes the steps of: a) combining a dendrimer polymer and metal salt in solution forming a metal ion complex; b) exposing the metal ion complex to a reducing environment forming a dendrimer metal nanocomposite; c) depositing the dendrimer metal nanocomposite onto a catalyst support material; d) removing a solvent from the dendrimer metal nanocomposite forming metal clusters; and e) removing the dendrimer polymer forming a catalyst. Additionally, there is disclosed a catalyst having a catalytic metal deposited on a substrate. The catalytic metal is formed in clusters having a size of from 2 to 150 atoms. In another aspect, the clusters may have a spacing of from 2 to 100 nanometers between adjacent metal clusters. Further, in another aspect, the metal clusters which comprise the catalyst have a size distribution in which 70% of the clusters are within 0.6 nm of the average diameter and 99% of the particles are within 1.

Abstract: The present invention provides a metal oxide having a combination of multiple properties useful in the production of an exhaust gas purifying catalyst, a production process thereof, and an exhaust gas purifying catalyst for purifying the components in an exhaust gas. The metal oxide particle of the present invention comprises a core part 1 relatively rich in a ceria-zirconia solid solution and a surface layer 2 relatively rich in a second metal oxide such as ceria or zirconia.

Abstract: Fungicidal mixtures for controlling rice pathogens, comprising, as active components, 1) the triazolopyrimidine derivative of the formula I, and 2) chlorothalonil of the formula II in a synergistically effective amount, methods for controlling rice pathogens using mixtures of the compound I with the compounds II, the use of the compound I with the compounds II for preparing such mixtures and compositions comprising these mixtures are described.

Abstract: Fungicidal mixtures for controlling rice pathogens, which mixtures comprise, as active components, 1) the triazolopyrimidine derivative of the formula I and 2) vinclozolin of the formula II in a synergistically effective amount, methods for controlling rice pathogens using mixtures of the compound I with the compound II and the use of the compound I with the compound II for preparing such mixtures, and also compositions comprising these mixtures.

Abstract: The present media is to be used with a particulate base having particles of a first maximum diameter for growing plants. The media includes granules which are of biodegradable recycled material and have a diameter relative to the first maximum diameter to penetrate further into the particulate base with each watering. The granules include plant nutrients and are of a material which coagulates after watering and adheres to the particulates of the base. The diameter of the granules may be in the range of 1/16 to ? of an inch.

Abstract: Compounds of formula: (I) wherein the substituents are as defined in claim 1, are suitable for use as herbicides. Also claimed are processes for the preparation of the claimed compounds, a herbicidal composition comprising the claimed compounds, and a method of controlling grasses and weeds using them.

Abstract: Compositions and methods related to transgenic glyphosate/ALS inhibitor-tolerant soybean plants are provided. Specifically, soybean plants having a 3560.4.3.5 event which imparts tolerance to glyphosate and at least one ALS-inhibiting herbicide are provided. The soybean plant harboring the 3560.4.3.5 event at the recited chromosomal location comprises genomic/transgene junctions having at least the polynucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:10 and/or 11. The characterization of the genomic insertion site of the 3560.4.3.5 event provides for an enhanced breeding efficiency and enables the use of molecular markers to track the transgene insert in the breeding populations and progeny thereof. Various methods and compositions for the identification, detection, and use of the soybean 3560.4.3.5 events are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of phosphated 2-propylheptanol, phosphated 2-proyplheptanol alkoxylate and/or mixtures thereof in agricultural formulations. The invention also relates to agricultural formulations comprising the aforementioned adjuvants, and to methods of treating a plant with the agricultural formulations of the invention.

Abstract: A vegetation culture active agent delivery medium is provided that includes dense mineral granules, comparatively less dense cellulosic granules, and an active agent in simultaneous contact with the mineral granules and the cellulosic granules, the active agent present from 1×10?5 to 10 total weight percent of the medium. A formulation of an active agent is applied to one type of granule as a mixture thereof. Through control of the relative amounts of mineral and cellulosic granules, a controlled medium density is readily adjusted between 35 and 60 pounds per cubic foot.

Abstract: The length portion of part of a multiband superconductor line 10 is used as a closed circuit line part Rc that constitutes part of a closed circuit allowing passage of an electric current Io generated by an electric current source 12. Meantime, the line part extending and continuing into the closed circuit line part Rc is used as an open circuit line part Ro adapted to serve as an open circuit regarding the electric current source 12. By keeping the multiband superconductor line 10 under a temperature environment falling short of the critical soliton temperature and injecting a nonequilibrium electric current Io from the electric current source 12 into the closed circuit line part of the multiband superconductor line, it is rendered possible to induce generation of an interband phase different soliton So. The generated interband phase difference soliton So is forwarded as separated from the electric current Io to the open circuit line part Ro and is made to run therein.