Abstract: A power storage mechanism comprising an elastic element, one end of the spring being connected to a first shaft and the other end being connected to a second shaft whereby rotation of the shafts at different speeds can cause the storage of energy in the elastic element, the shafts being interconnected by a continuously variable transmission and/or a differential whereby the relative rotational speeds thereof can be controlled.

Abstract: A family of snowmobiles having different tunnel widths is disclosed. A snowmobile having spacers between the tunnel and the sides of the engine compartment and a method of manufacturing such a snowmobile are also disclosed. A snowmobile having a countershaft which is disposed rearwardly of the engine, vertically higher than the air intake opening, and forwardly of the air intake controller is also disclosed.

Abstract: A snow vehicle includes a track belt unit having an endless track belt, an engine arranged to drive the track belt unit, a steering mechanism to which a pair of steerable skis positioned in a forward direction of the track belt unit and being steerable to the left and right are attached, a rod-shaped steering shaft coupled to the pair of steerable skis via the steering mechanism, a rod-shaped handlebar section coupled to the steering shaft and adapted to be gripped by a rider, and a pair of left and right footrests which allow the rider to rest the rider's feet thereon. A straight line that is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the steering shaft extends from an upper end of the steering shaft to each footrest, as seen in a side view of the snow vehicle.

Abstract: A snow vehicle includes a track belt unit having an endless track belt, an engine arranged to drive the track belt unit, a steering mechanism to which a pair of steerable skis positioned in a forward direction of the track belt unit and being steerable to the left and right are attached, and a handlebar section coupled to the steerable skis via the steering mechanism and adapted to be gripped by a rider. The handlebar section and the rear end of the cylinder head are in generally the same position in a longitudinal direction of the snow vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle drive unit includes a crank case with a crank shaft operatively disposed therein and an attached axial gap type rotating machine. The crank shaft is driven via internal combustion to rotate about a center axis. The axial gap type rotating machine includes a rotor fixed to an end of the crank shaft that extends outside of the crank case and a stator fixed to the crank case and facing the rotor. The stator includes a first stator that has first teeth that form the magnetic flux generating area and a second stator that has second teeth. A gap between the first teeth and the second teeth can be varied to vary magnetic resistance by rotating the second stator relative to the first stator. Preferably, a drive mechanism is provided to rotate the second stator relative to the first stator.

Abstract: An assembly for a motorized vehicle is disclosed which includes a frame, a power source mounted to the frame, and a transmission connected to the power source. The assembly also includes a swing arm attached to the frame at a pivot point located between the power source and the transmission. The swing arm enables a rear wheel of the vehicle to move vertically relative to the frame. The assembly can also include a suspension system for cushioning the ride of the motorized vehicle and a safety mechanism which has to be manually activated before the vehicle can vertically move from a first, riding position to a second, parked position.

Abstract: A vehicle travel control system includes a cruise control ECU, an engine control ECU and a brake control ECU. The cruise control ECU checks whether a driver's actual concentration degree is insufficient relative to a required concentration degree in terms of safety in surrounding environments of the subject vehicle. When such possibility arises, even during the cruise control, the speed of the subject vehicle is controlled to match a control vehicle speed lower than a set vehicle speed or a control distance to a preceding vehicle.

Abstract: A motorcycle cruise arm assembly includes a pair of arm assemblies mountable to a motorcycle frame. Each arm assembly includes a mount block and an arm rotatably mountable to the mount block. The mount block includes a body and a head attached to the body, where the body defines a substantially planar surface configured for attachment to the motorcycle frame and the head defines an engagement surface opposite the substantially planar surface. The arm includes a first end opposite a second end, where the first end is configured to be rotatably mountable to the head of the mount block. A second end of each arm is configured to connect to either a foot peg or a angled arm. A support arm connects between the mount blocks of each arm assembly.

Abstract: A body frame for a motorcycle includes a seat rail formed from a circular pipe that extends horizontally rearward from an upper rear end of a main frame. A backstay formed from a square pipe extends obliquely upward and rearward from a lower rear end of the main frame. A bent part formed at a rear end of the backstay faces the seat rail in the longitudinal direction. Projecting parts are formed on both sides of a concave groove formed in an upper surface of the backstay. The projecting parts are offset in the width direction with respect to a center line of the seat rail and the backstay to allow the seat rail and the backstay to be easily welded.

Abstract: A motor vehicle has a heat-radiating first component, in particular an exhaust system, and a temperature-sensitive second component disposed adjacently to the heat-radiating first component. At least one heat protection element is disposed between the two components and defines or separates a hot space lying between the first component and the heat protection element from a cold space lying between the second component and the heat protection element. A ventilation device is provided, which, at least when the motor vehicle is being driven, conducts cooling air for cooling the temperature-sensitive second component into the cold space and consequently ensures a constant air exchange in the cold space.

Abstract: A crawler tractor comprises steering mechanisms (44) (45) for rotating a machine body by causing right and left crawler belts (9) to move differentially. The tractor is characterized in that the steering mechanism (44) is connected to a drive system located behind a reverser mechanism (21) that moves the machine body forward and back. Even when the machine body movement direction is changed from forward to back, the direction of the steering wheel (18) and the direction of the rotation of the machine body are kept the same, so that a reversed steering phenomenon is prevented from occurring, and an appropriate operation in forward or back movement is enabled with a simple structure that does not require an additional mechanism such as a reverse-steering preventions mechanism.

Abstract: A vehicle steering system includes a steering wheel, a steering angle detector that detects a steering angle of the steering wheel, a steering angular speed calculator that calculates a steering angular speed of the steering wheel, a vehicle speed detector that detects a vehicle speed, a target rudder angle finding device, a modifying device, and an actuator. The target rudder angle finding device finds a target rudder angle based on the steering angle, the steering angular speed and the vehicle speed. The target rudder angle is a sum of a proportional term proportional to the steering angle and a differential term proportional to the steering angular speed. The modifying device modifies the differential term when the steering angular speed is negative to reduce a value of the differential term from that when positive. The actuator turns at least one wheel of the vehicle in accordance with the target rudder angle.

Abstract: In a vehicle steering device and control method, a selectively engageable clutch is positioned between a steering wheel and a turning mechanism for turning at least one wheel. The clutch has an engaged position where the steering wheel is mechanically connected to the turning mechanism and a disengaged position where the steering wheel is mechanically separated from the turning mechanism for steer-by-wire control. During steer-by-wire control, a reaction force actuator applies a force to the steering wheel, and a turning actuator applies a torque to the turning mechanism. To prevent erroneous clutch engagement caused by an increase in relative angular acceleration between the steering angle and the turning angle, a controller detects an operating condition corresponding to a risk of erroneous clutch engagement and controls at least one of the turning actuator and the reaction force actuator to reduce the relative angular acceleration.

Abstract: The invention concerns a sound generator mechanism including a control member (10) and a mechanism (14) for locking/unlocking the control member (10), the control member (10) being able to move between a first position in which said control member is held by the locking/unlocking member (14) and in which it holds the vibrating member (12) away from the rest position thereof, and a second position wherein said control member is released by the locking/unlocking mechanism (14) and wherein it simultaneously releases said vibrating member (12), which starts to vibrate and to produce a sound

Abstract: An acoustic panel for integration in a nacelle of an aircraft engine assembly for absorbing noise generated by an engine or a fan assembly of the aircraft engine assembly. The acoustic panel comprises a generally annular section integrated into or attached to an inner wall of the inlet section, and a flange extending generally perpendicularly from the annular section. The flange attaches the acoustic panel to a bulkhead without requiring the use of fasteners extending through the annular section of the acoustic panel, thus eliminating any unwanted air passages through the annular section of the acoustic panel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a helicopter gas turbine engine having a combustion chamber, at least one turbine (20) arranged downstream from the combustion chamber to receive combustion gases emitted by the latter and a nozzle. The nozzle has one part forming a diffuser (26), connected downstream from the turbine and an ejector (30) which has an upstream part surrounding the downstream end of the diffuser and defining therewith an outlet passage (32) for an engine compartment cooling air secondary flow, the ejector running in the downstream direction beyond the downstream end of the diffuser. The ejector (30) has a wall formed at least partially by a sound attenuator (34) calculated to attenuate sound frequencies generated by the rotation of the or each turbine and/or by the combustion chamber.

Abstract: In a helicopter gas turbine engine, lips (30, 32) defining a radial air intake (34) are connected along an opening (12a) of an engine compressor air supply passage (12). The air intake lips are at least partially formed by a sound attenuator (40, 42) calculated to attenuate sound frequencies produced by the compressor rotation.

Abstract: A noise eliminator for a fuel cell, where an outer shell has a reception section in which a sound absorption material is placed between the outer shell and an inner pipe and has a water discharge section that is positioned so as to face a lower portion in the vertical direction of the inner pipe and in which the sound absorption material is not placed between the outer shell and the inner pipe. The water discharge section receives water flowing into the outer shell and allows the water to flow to the outside of the outer shell. Although the water discharge section receives water flowing into the outer shell, the sound absorption material inside the noise eliminator does not absorb the water from the water discharge section and does not-contain it because there is no sound absorption material in the water discharge section.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for exhaust silencers for engines, such as microturbines, are described. An exhaust silencer reduces noise produced by an engine. While passing through an exhaust silencer, an exhaust stream from the engine makes one or more turns, thereby reducing turbine noise. An exhaust silencer includes a body, a cavity in the body, a baffle plate that partially divides the central cavity, an inlet port formed in a first surface of the body, and an outlet port formed in a second surface of the body. The inlet port is configured to receive an exhaust stream that flows through the cavity, around the baffle plate. The outlet port is configured to discharge the exhaust stream from the body.

Abstract: A method of decreasing engine noise in machines, such as internal combustion engines, by replacing metallic engine components that serve as noise transmission pathways such as oil pans, valve covers, gear covers with similar components made of syntactic foam with a density of at least 0.5 g/cm3 and a hardness at least about equal to that of an equivalent metallic engine part which it is replacing. The syntactic foam is comprised of fluid-filled microballoons in a foam matrix. The microballoons have an outer shell harder than that of the surrounding foam matrix, and a majority of the microballoons are out of contact with one another.

Abstract: A warning system for use with a climbing wall and an automatic belay apparatus for belaying a climber, the warning system providing a warning that a climber is not protected by the auto-belay apparatus. The warning system includes a sensor positioned to sense that a lower end of the climbing rope is secured to the climbing wall and the climber is not attached to the auto-belay system which indicates a dangerous situation, and a height sensor for sensing when the climber has reached a selected height on the climbing wall. A processor receives signals from the sensors and compares the signals to determine if the climber has reached the selected height with the lower end of the climbing wall still secured to the wall, and if so, then actuates a warning alarm.

Abstract: A working platform has a ground drive, a platform, a telescoping support unit having one end connected to the ground drive and another end connected to the platform, an adjusting unit for extending and retracting the telescoping support unit for expanding and retracting the support unit, the support unit including support segments which are at least partially nested inside each other, the adjusting unit being assigned to a displaceable support unit segment of the support unit segments.

Abstract: A step or rung ladder is disclosed, which can be folded together into a compact unit under transport. The step or rung ladder includes two step frame sections (1, 2) connected by lockable hinges (3, 3?), and two support frame sections (9, 6) also connected by lockable hinges (8, 8?). The step frame is connected to the support frame in its upper end by hinges (15, 15?). A support or safety rail is connected to the upper end of the step frame, either rigidly or by a third set of lockable hinges (10, 10?).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an observation tower, particularly a tower having a moveable observation enclosure. An embodiment of the observation tower comprises an upright support member with an annular observation enclosure that projects radially outward from the support member and has a tapering aerodynamic exterior profile. The observation enclosure is moveable up and down the support member.

Abstract: A step ladder stabilizer for mounting behind the front step portion of a step ladder and having two adjusting legs which adjust as a slide moves vertically along a channel having a bracket at each end of the channel for attaching to the rear of the ladder steps. Within each of the steps is an adjustable extension leg used for various stability requirements. When not in use, the ladder stabilizer may be closed flush against the back of the ladder steps or it is easily removed from the step ladder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lubricant tank (B), in particular, for a lubrication pump (P), with an outer envelope (1a, 1b, 1c), defining an inner cross-section, constant over the length (L1 to L3), a displaceable follower piston (T) arranged in a sealed manner within the envelope for variable definition of the lubricant storage volume (F) and a spring arrangement (A), supported in the lubricant tank (B), tensioning the follower piston (T) in the longitudinal direction of the envelope on the side away from the lubricant collector chamber and a lubrication system (S) with such a lubricant tank. According to the invention, such lubricant tanks and lubrication systems can have a high operational reliability with economical and simple construction, whereby the spring arrangement (A) comprises at least two spring units (E1, E2, E3), arranged in the longitudinal direction and acting in series.

Abstract: A gear unit is basically provided with a gear and a unit case. The gear is arranged and configured to transfer rotation inputted from an external source to at least one driven member. The unit case defines an interior space for enclosing the gear and containing a lubricant to lubricate the gear. The unit case includes an output shaft opening and a lubricant passage. The output shaft opening is configured for connecting the driven member to the gear. The lubricant passage has an inlet provided adjacent the output shaft opening and a lubricant discharge outlet provided in a bottom portion of the unit case to convey lubricant between the output shaft opening and the lubricant discharge outlet.

Abstract: The invention concerns a lubricating system for a fifth-wheel traction coupling of a towing vehicle, comprising a coupling plate, the upper side of which has at least one grease discharge aperture which is connected to a lubricating device via a supply line fixed to the coupling plate. The invention addresses the problem of developing a lubricating system for towing vehicles which permits automatic lubrication irrespective of whether a central lubricating system is provided. The invention solves the problem using a lubricating system in which the lubricating device is associated with the fifth-wheel traction coupling and is arranged directly on the fifth-wheel traction coupling or in the vicinity of the fifth-wheel traction coupling.

Abstract: Embodiments of seating systems for motor vehicles facilitate two-dimensional movement of a seat in a horizontal plane. The seating systems can also facilitate vertical movement of the seat. The seating systems are motorized, and can be automatically controlled so that minimal movement and effort are required on the part of the user to enter and exit the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention proposes an elevating conveyance device with improved versatility which can be utilized for transferring an automobile body in an automobile assembly line, etc.

Abstract: In the invention a method is presented for ensuring operating safety in an elevator system, an elevator system, and a safety device of an elevator system. The elevator system comprises at least an elevator car, elevator ropes, an elevator motor, a traction sheave and at least two holding brakes, which holding brakes are arranged to prevent movement of the elevator car when the elevator is stopped. According to the invention the first holding brake is engaged at the end of an elevator run, and the other holding brakes are engaged with a delay. When one holding brake is engaged, the state of motion of the elevator and any slipping of the brake is monitored. If the brake is detected as slipping, a procedure for preventing a hazardous situation is performed.

Abstract: A lift drive unit has at least one monitoring device for monitoring unallowed raising of a lift cage. The drive unit has a motor unit and a deflecting unit. If a counterweight supported by the deflecting unit, for example rests on a shaft pit buffer, the deflecting unit is unloaded and is raised by means of a spring element of the monitoring device. A sensor of the monitoring device detects the movement of the deflecting unit and switches off the motor of the motor unit via a safety circuit.

Abstract: Elevator comprising a car, a drive motor driving the car, a motor drive unit for controlling the drive motor and supplying power thereto, an encoder for sensing movement of the car, and an elevator rescue system for rescue operation in case of an emergency situation, wherein the elevator comprises one single encoder only for normal and rescue operation.

Abstract: In the invention an elevator system (24) and a method for controlling elevators in the elevator system are presented. The elevator system (24) is connected to the electricity distribution network (4) of the building, which can further be connected either to the public electricity distribution network (7) or to a reserve power appliance (2). The elevator system (24) comprises at least one elevator (8), an elevator control system (34), an elevator motor (28), and a frequency converter (26) fitted to supply the elevator motor (28).

Abstract: An electric parking brake control apparatus includes: an electric parking brake actuator that pulls cables connected to respective parking brake units of wheels; a brake actuator that controls braking pressures applied to the wheels by service brakes; a pressure-increase control unit that controls the brake actuator to increase the braking pressures to a predetermined value, when a tension of the cables falls below a predetermined target tension after the cables are pulled until the target tension is achieved; and a tension-increase control unit that controls the electric parking brake actuator to pull the cables until the tension of the cables exceeds the target tension, after the brake pressures are increased by the pressure-increase control unit.

Abstract: Braking system for a stroller utilizes an actuator to move two brakes close to an axis to unlock the rear wheels of the stroller and away from the axis to lock the rear wheels. Each brake comprises a long arm. The brakes are disposed at the opposite sides of the axis. When the actuator is driven to rotate about the axis, the brakes move around the axis to have axial movement close to or away from the axis.

Abstract: A dual bicycle braking system for applying greater braking force to the front wheel of a bicycle than to the back wheel, the system having front and rear brakes controlled by front and rear hand brake levers, the rear lever operationally secured to a singular rear caliper break, the front brake lever operationally secured to a primary cable, which in turn is secured to first and second actuating cables, the first actuating cable operates a first caliper brake and the second actuating cable operates a second caliper brake, both of which engage the front wheel of the bicycle to apply greater braking force to the front wheel than is applied to rear wheel by the rear caliper brake, the first actuating cable may be shorter than the second actuating cable so that the first caliper brake engages the front wheel before the second caliper brake does to provide graduated de-acceleration, or alternatively, the tension in first caliper brake may be less than in the second caliper brake to insure the same result.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a wheel immobilizer apparatus and method for immobilizing a wheel of a vehicle. For example, a wheel immobilizer apparatus may include a plurality of chocks and an adjustment member secured to each of the chocks and configured to adjust a relative distance between a pair of the plurality of chocks. The apparatus may also include a flexible member comprising a pair of free ends each secured to a respective one of the pair of chocks and configured to secure the chocks to a wheel.

Abstract: A liquid cooled brake is provided having an improved housing that provides strong yet lightweight structural support. The brake includes end plates disposed about a driven shaft and axially spaced from one another. A plurality of axially extending pins connect the end plates. A friction plate is coupled to the driven shaft for rotation therewith and is axially movable relative to the driven shaft. Another friction plate defines a fluid jacket and is coupled to the pins. The friction plate is fixed against rotation, but axially movable, relative to the pins. A pressure plate is configured for selective movement towards the friction plates. Support columns are disposed radially outwardly of each pin and fixed to the end plates The support columns prevent undue strain on the pins. Ventilated guards may also be located between each pair, of columns to limit access to internal working components of the brake.

Abstract: The invention relates to a self-reinforcing electromechanical disk brake. The invention proposes to produce a lining carrier plate of the disk brake from a fiber composite material. A bending-resistant lining carrier plate can be produced cost-effectively in this way. In addition to fiber-reinforced plastic, steel-reinforced concrete can also be considered as a composite material for the lining carrier plate.

Abstract: A vehicle braking system including an input piston and a pressure piston that are moveably supported within a cylinder. The input piston is allowed to depress the pressure piston and is connected to the a brake pedal. Pressure chambers to the front and to the rear of the input piston are communicated through a communication passage such that the control hydraulic pressure in accordance with the operation amount to the brake pedal is applied to the second pressure chamber via first and second linear valves. The control hydraulic pressure in accordance with the operation amount to the brake pedal that has been transmitted to the pressure piston through the input piston is regulated by a pressure regulating valve so as to be applied to the second pressure chamber. The braking hydraulic pressure may be output from the pressure chambers, respectively.

Abstract: A torque transfer limiting arrangement includes a housing, an input drive shaft, an output drive shaft, and an output cam plate having a plurality of ball ramps with a plurality of balls for transmitting input torque to the output cam plate. A stator assembly is rotatably fixed relative to the housing, and includes at least one stator friction disc. A rotor assembly includes at least one rotor friction disc rotatable relative to the stator friction disc. A sensing spring permits axial displacement of the output cam plate when the input torque exceeds a predetermined maximum limit, whereupon the plurality of balls in the ball ramps cause axial displacement of the output cam to thereby drive the clutch into an engaged state causing relative rotation between the rotor and stator friction discs for isolating and frictionally dissipating the input torque.

Abstract: A disc brake caliper (4) comprising a first half caliper on the support side and a second half caliper on the wheel side (20, 24). at least one of said portions comprising a seat (28) having a prevailing extension that defines an axial direction (X-X). The caliper comprises at least one inclined bridge element (40) suitable for structurally connecting said first and said second half caliper (20, 24), said at least one bridge element (40) defining a substantial longitudinal prevailing extension direction (S-S) inclined by a predetermined angle (A) relative to the axial direction (X-X).

Abstract: A piston connected with a piston rod is fitted in a cylinder having a hydraulic fluid sealed therein. A damping force is generated through extension and compression disk valves and an orifice. Vehicle height adjustment is performed with a self-leveling mechanism by transferring the hydraulic fluid between the cylinder and a hydraulic fluid tank. A bladder of the hydraulic fluid tank is clamped between an outer flange portion of a partition member and a casing. Because the hydraulic fluid tank is formed without welding, it is possible to avoid contamination of the hydraulic fluid by welding sputter and thermal deformation. Provision of an O-ring on the outer flange portion can reduce the pressure acting from a reservoir on the clamped portion of the bladder and hence prevent dislodging of the bladder.

Abstract: A damping force variable shock absorber is provided, which is configured to prevent a ring disc of a damping force variable valve from being excessively bent without increasing the thickness of the ring disc. The damping force variable shock absorber includes a damping force variable valve controlled in a pilot control manner by operating a solenoid. The damping force variable valve includes a disc valve and a pilot chamber provided in a housing to vary damping force. The disc valve includes a main disc, a pilot disc-S provided adjacent to the main disc in the rear thereof, and a ring disc having an outer periphery supported on a supporting portion of the housing. A spacer disc is inserted between the main disc and the pilot disc-S, the spacer disc having an outer diameter smaller than an outer diameter of an arc-shaped slot of the ring disc.

Abstract: A damping force variable shock absorber is provided, which is configured to prevent a ring disc of a damping force variable valve from being excessively bent without increasing the thickness of the ring disc. The damping force variable shock absorber includes a damping force variable valve controlled in a pilot control manner by operating a solenoid. The damping force variable valve comprises a disc valve and a pilot chamber provided in a housing to vary damping force. The disc valve includes a ring disc having an outer periphery supported on a supporting portion of the housing; and the supporting portion is partially removed, and a ring washer having an inner diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the supporting portion is inserted in the removed region of the supporting portion, thereby supporting the ring disc.

Abstract: There is provided a sealing structure for hermetically sealing a gap between a base valve and an internal cylinder in a self leveling damper, which includes internal and external cylinders, a piston valve and a piston rod provided in the internal cylinder, and a base valve provided in a distal end of the internal cylinder, to absorb vibration transmitted from a road to an axle when a vehicle is driven, wherein a quadrangular-sectioned O-ring is inserted into a circular groove formed on a body of the base valve to hermetically seal the gap between the base valve and the internal cylinder.

Abstract: A tunable mass damper for use in a vehicle steering system in which a rack and pinion gearing subsystem would otherwise transfer resonant vibrations to the vehicle steering wheel. The mass damper element is a generally cylindrical mass supported and suspended around the shaft extending from the pinion gear by several cantilevered spring elements. The mass damper is tunable by modifying the size of the mass or the size or material or length of the springs so that the damper's resonant frequency for axial oscillation matches the resonant vibrations present at the steering shaft extending from the pinion gear.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention include products and parts including a frictional damping means and methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: A case for containing at least partly compressible articles comprises an outer shell which can be opened and closed and defines a cavity therewithin, and having an attachment member or members secured to the outer shell inside the cavity. A number of compression bags are contained within the shell cavity and are detachably retained by the attachment members such as to maintain a relative position with respect to one another within the case. Each of the compression bags includes is air impervious when sealed and can received the articles within the enclosure defined therein, and includes a one-way valve allowing air to be removed from the enclosure within the bag, thereby creating at least a partial vacuum in the enclosure which compresses the articles within the bag.