Abstract: A medical apparatus is fabricated by providing a coil that has a plurality of primary loops along a longitudinal direction, and for each of one or more of the primary loops, forming one or more secondary loops on the primary loop.

Abstract: This application relates to a fuel dispensing system and method for safely regulating transfer of fuel between a fuel dispenser and a fuel recipient. The fuel dispensing system may be used, for example, to replenish electric vehicles that use refillable electrochemical power generation systems, such as fuel cell hybrid systems using hydrogen fuel. The system employs a combination of interlocks and other safety features specifically adapted for high-risk indoor environments. Fueling cannot commence until the dispenser and the recipient are electrically bonded to minimize the risk of spark generation. The system may include, for example, a fuel supply subsystem for preventing fuel flow except during a fueling session, an immobilization subsystem for preventing relative movement of the dispenser and the recipient during a fueling session, a communication subsystem for enabling data exchange between the dispenser and the recipient, and a leak detection subsystem for monitoring the fueling site for fuel leaks.

Abstract: A two-in-one handbag has different color patterns in two different closed positions. The handbag's two connected halves have inner rectangular facades and have outer arcuate façades having multiple horizontal segment, the first and second halves each having a substantially D-shaped cross-section. Flaps alternately cover the contiguous horizontal segments have outer sides of a first color and undersides of a second color so that a different color pattern emerges in the first closed position as compared to the second closed position. After the handbag is opened normally into two halves, it can continue to be opened when the halves continue to be rotated away from each to reach the second closed position by rotating the first outer arcuate façade along an entire surface of the second outer arcuate façade or vice versa. Each half's compartment is covered by a zippered cover to store objects. Reinforcing closure devices include magnets, snaps, Velcro.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling and hemming fabrics by hot applying strips (5) or films (5) to which thermofusible plastic materials have been applied or spread, comprising, on a bearing framework, a strip or film supplying spool (4), the strip or film being entrained on a pulling roller (7), cooperating with a sensor roller (8) mounted on a swinging lever (9), supporting a strip guiding pawl (13), the strip being further entrained on a strip supply pulling element. Downstream of the pawl (13) a guiding assembly is provided, having an adjustable width, and at the outlet of said guiding assembly, a pressing roller (30) is arranged, which is associated with a foot assembly (31), cooperating with entraining grippers (33, 34) for driving with an indexing type of movement, the fabric materials on which the strip (5) is applied.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a reinforcing structure for tires of vehicles includes the steps of preparing a plurality of strip segments having substantially parallel, longitudinal filiform elements at least partially coated by at least one layer of elastomeric material, and applying the plurality of strip segments along a circumference of a toroidal support, to form at least one continuous reinforcing layer about a geometric axis of rotation of the toroidal support. During the applying step, a relative angular rotation, between at least one of the plurality of strip segments and the toroidal support, occurs about an axis of correction substantially radial to the geometric axis of rotation. A related apparatus for manufacturing a reinforcing structure for tyres of vehicles is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sealing device for making a longitudinal seal on and simultaneously trimming the excess material from a web of material during the formation of a continuous tubular wrapping of filter paper in a station forming part of an automatic machine for making filter bags containing infusion products such as tea or coffee.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hand held label removal apparatus, which provides a safe and easy removal of otherwise hard to remove labels that are affixed to various types of containers such as carton packaging, plastic products and similar materials. The distinctive features of the device include high productivity, the ability to remove various parts of the label as well as the label in its entirety, is completely safe and ecologically harmless. The invention comprises of a flat grinding circlet or a face mill, which is put in a circular motion by an electric motor. The design of the invention ensures that the area of the label that is being processed is insulated from the outside environment and byproducts formulated as a result of the label removal process are evacuated by the vacuum method such as a standard vacuum cleaner hose connected to a vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A sun screen device includes a pair of slide rails, a screen body, and a pair of rods. Each of the slide rails has an end portion. The screen body has lateral ends, and an operating end that interconnects the lateral ends of the screen body and that is movable along the slide rails. The rods are respectively disposed in the slide rails. Each of the rods has an end portion that is coupled to the end portion of the respective one of the slide rails. Each of the lateral ends of the screen body is formed with a loop that is sleeved on a respective one of the rods.

Abstract: A synthetic model of a component is created from a 3-D numerical model thereof. A core is then cast inside the synthetic model. The synthetic model may then be removed from the cast core, and then the cast core is used for casting an authentic component therearound. The core is removed from inside the authentic component, which authentic component precisely matches the original synthetic model therefor.

Abstract: In a corrugated fin which is formed and bent into a wave-form, a plurality of both-side-cut-louvers 8, which are laminated on each other and formed into a group, and one-side-cut-louvers 7, which are arranged at end portions of the group of both-side-cut-louvers 8, are formed being raised, and a cross-section in the louver laminating direction of at least one of the one-side-cut-louvers 7 is formed into a substantial V-shape. An inclined face 70 of the one-side-cut-louver 7 adjoining the both-side-cut-louver 8 is made to cross a centerline in the fin thickness direction and a length of the inclined face 70 is made to be the same as that of the inclined face of the adjoining both-side-cut-louver 8.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plate for a heat exchanger, which has beads of refrigerant distributing sections formed asymmetrically and streamlined beads arranged in the same number on flow channels in the form of a zigzag so that refrigerant flowing inside a tank is distributed and introduced to tubes uniformly, thereby increasing a heat radiation amount and enhancing a heat exchange efficiency by forming uniform flow distribution and reducing a pressure drop of refrigerant, and miniaturizing the heat exchanger into a compact size.

Abstract: In devices known in the art, “conventional firetube” and “waste heat recovery” boilers each require many small tubes making successive passes within the boiler. In one embodiment of the invention, however, an enhanced conduit replaces numerous conventional small tubes. In some embodiments, the enhanced conduit incorporates a plurality of fins, each of which extends through a wall of the conduit. In other embodiments, the enhanced conduit incorporates a plurality of tubes along its outer surface, through which a heat transfer medium flows. Both designs enhance the heat transfer relationship between the hot fluid and the heat transfer medium by providing a continuous heat transfer relationship with the heat transfer medium, increasing the surface area involved in the heat transfer relationship and enhancing convection/conduction couples. For some applications, all of the tube banks of other devices in the art can be replaced by one continuous enhanced conduit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heat exchanger, especially a charge air cooler (5) for motor vehicles. Said heat exchanger comprises a heat exchange block which is constituted of flat tubes (6) having flat tube ends and ribs (7) and tube bottoms (8) having ventilation passages (9) in which the flat tube ends are received and welded together. The heat exchanger also comprises collecting tanks that can be placed on the tube bottoms (8) and means for deflecting the flow in the feed section of the flat tube ends. The inventive heat exchanger is characterized in that the means for deflecting flow (deflection means 2) and means for reinforcing the flat tube ends (reinforcing means) are configured as an integrated structural component (1).

Abstract: A header plate (20) is provided for receiving the flattened tubes (14) of a heat exchanger. The header plate (20) includes a plurality of tube receiving openings (26), with each of the openings being surrounded by a flange or collar (28) that extends from a base wall (24) of the header plate (20) towards the heat exchanger core (12) to surround the exterior cross section of the associated tube (14). Each of the flanges (28) is shaped to conform to the exterior of the associated tube (14), and a blend radius R is provided at the interface between the base wall (24) and the flange (28). The blend radius R has a size that increases from a radius R1 central to the length of a long side wall (30) of the flange (28) to a radius R2 central to the length of a short side wall (32) of the flange (28).

Abstract: A vehicle air-conditioning system includes an air-conditioner and an air outlet for opening and closing an opening formed in a rear part of a vehicle body. A control unit causes the air outlet to open and close the opening in accordance with changes in air conditions in a passenger compartment, so as to keep the passenger compartment environmentally good condition.

Abstract: A tool for use in wells to maintain a tubed pipe filled with drilling fluid supplied by a well and to circulate the fluid through a well-pipe space, the tool facilitating sliding of tubes and producing cementation of the space. The tool can be intercalated with drilling equipment between a block and a pipe elevating arrangement for tubes that are gradually coupled to make up the casing pipe. The tool is placed between amelas extending from a rig support to adjacent the pipe elevating arrangement, the tool including a support array for positioning the tool in the drilling equipment, a positioning dynamic array to move the tool upward and downward to mate the tool on, and decouple it from, a tube, and a packaging array to, during the matings, establish a hermetic, self-adjustable elastic seal for the passage of well fluid to the inside of the tube.

Abstract: The system and method of the present invention includes an electrical to mechanical converter (EMC), such as a motor, and a hydraulic pump-and-cylinder arrangement that is connected to the electrical to mechanical converter for input, and to a sucker rod pump for output, in at least one embodiment. The entire assembly can be deployed below the level of the well fluid in a well. The EMC-driven hydraulic pump and cylinder can provide reciprocating linear motion to operate the sucker rod pump. In contrast, this linear motion is normally provided by sucker rods connected to a plunger inside a pump barrel and a pumping unit on the surface. The invention provides the required linear motion for the sucker rod pump to operate, but without the need for sucker and a surface pumping unit.

Abstract: Methods of remediating a subterranean formation comprising directing vibrational waves at a portion of the subterranean formation containing fines; allowing the vibrational waves to displace at least a portion of the fines; and introducing a consolidating agent into the portion of the subterranean formation through a well bore that penetrates the portion of the subterranean formation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for optically determining casing collar and/or corrosion locations within boreholes, using the diffraction effect of Faraday crystals through which depolarized continuous light is transmitted within optical fibers.

Abstract: A method and system for containing escaping hydrocarbon fluid from a well pipe of a production well. Suppression of the hydrocarbon fluid to a level below the breach location using a control fluid allows the breach to be repaired through the installation of a containment sleeve at the location of the breach. After collecting the escaping hydrocarbon fluids with a containment sleeve, the hydrocarbon fluid is routed to a collection reservoir from which it may be easily recovered without causing environmental damage. This process occurs with minimal downtime of the production well with the added environmental benefit of remediation of earth contaminated by the hydrocarbon breach.

Abstract: Of the many methods provided, in one aspect, the present invention provides a method comprising: providing a treatment fluid comprising: an aqueous base fluid, a first surfactant, and a surfactant-based fluid loss control agent capable of forming a viscoelastic fluid; and introducing the treatment fluid into a well bore that penetrates the subterranean formation.

Abstract: Methods of cementing and low density foamed cement compositions therefor are disclosed. A low density foamed cement composition of the invention comprises fly ash comprising calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide, water present in an amount sufficient to form a slurry, a foaming and foam stabilizing surfactant or a mixture of surfactants present in an amount sufficient to facilitate foam and stabilize the foamed cement composition, and sufficient gas to foam the foamed cement composition.

Abstract: A system and method of generating one or more perforations in a well casing while simultaneously restricting burr formation is provided. A perforating gun assembly includes a gun housing having an outer surface designed to engage the inner surface of the well casing. At least a portion of the outer surface of the gun housing substantially corresponds to the inner surface of the well casing. The position of the gun housing engaging the inner surface of the well casing restricts burr formation both upon the inner surface of the well casing and the outer surface of the gun during explosive charge detonation.

Abstract: A method of inducing tip screenout during a frac-packing treatment comprising injecting a proppant slurry into a subterranean formation, wherein the proppant slurry comprises a proppant material, a fracturing fluid, and degradable particulates and wherein the degradable particulates physically interact with themselves and with the proppant material to aid in inducing tip screenout. A method of preparing a proppant slurry for inducing tip screenout during a frac-packing treatment, comprising blending a proppant material with a fracturing fluid and degradable particulates wherein the degradable particulates physically interact with themselves and with the proppant material to aid in inducing tip screenout. A proppant slurry for inducing tip screenout during a frac-packing treatment, comprising a proppant material, a fracturing fluid, and degradable particulates wherein the degradable particulates physically interact with themselves and with the proppant material to aid in inducing tip screenout.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for communicating between surface equipment and downhole equipment. One embodiment of the invention provides a wellhead assembly that allows electrical power and signals to pass into and out of the well during drilling operations, without removing the valve structure above the wellhead. Another embodiment of the invention provides an electromagnetic casing antenna system for two-way communication with downhole tools. Another embodiment of the invention provides an antenna module for a resistivity sub that effectively controls and seals the primary/secondary interface gap.

Abstract: A bonnet locking apparatus is disclosed. The bonnet locking apparatus includes a segmented radial lock disposed around a bonnet and configured to engage a corresponding radial lock disposed in a body of a blowout preventer, at least one spring configured to bias at least one segment of the segmented radial lock in a locked position, and a backup sleeve disposed around the bonnet, wherein at least a portion of the backup sleeve is configured to secure engagement of the segmented radial lock with the corresponding radial lock disposed in the body of the blowout preventer. A method of locking a bonnet to a blowout preventer is also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally provide methods and apparatus for forming a tubular-lined wellbore which does not decrease in diameter with increasing depth or length. Methods and apparatus for forming a substantially monobore well while drilling with casing are provided. In one aspect, a portion of a second casing is expanded into a portion of a first casing having a larger inner diameter than the remaining portion of the first casing string. In another aspect, the portion of the second casing is expanded into a portion of the first casing having a compressible member therearound. In another aspect, a lined lateral wellbore may be constructed by forming a lateral wellbore extending from a main wellbore lined with casing. A diameter of at least a portion of the lateral wellbore may be expanded. An expandable tubular element may be run into lateral wellbore and expanded to have an inner diameter equal to or larger than an inner diameter of the main wellbore casing.

Abstract: An expandable tubular sleeve having utility for lining a downhole tubular member includes a tubular body having a portion that is predisposed to initiate expansion thereof under the application of internal fluid pressure. The predisposed portion of the body may be a plastically-deformed portion formed, e.g., by application of mechanical force to a wall of the body. The predisposed portion of the body may be defined by a portion of the body having reduced wall thickness. The reduced wall thickness may be achieved, e.g., by reinforcing the wall thickness everywhere except the predisposed portion. The predisposed portion of the body may be formed by modifying the material properties of the body, e.g., by localized heat treatment. The sleeve and related apparatuses and methods are useful for securing and protecting a cable having one or more insulated conductive wires for transmission of signals between locations downhole and at the surface.

Abstract: The invention involves the use of a base pipe perforated only in a specific section under each screen section. Inflow comes through an outer shroud that is optional and goes through the screen material and into an annular space between the screen material and the unperforated base pipe. After traveling longitudinally in that annular space, the flow must go through a restriction that preferably comprises a porous media in a passage defined outside the still unperforated base pipe. After passing through the porous media in a particular screen section, the flow can pass through openings in the base pipe. A surrounding ring preferably protects the porous media during run in and expansion and can also optionally create additional resistance to flow to work in tandem with the porous media. Other flow restricting techniques in place of the porous media are contemplated.

Abstract: A wellhead seal unit for sealing a subsea oil and/or gas well at the wellhead. The unit comprises a sleeve, sealingly engaged to the workstring and to which, blow out preventer rams can engage. The unit allows the workstring to be rotated and reciprocated within the wellbore without releasing the seal. Methods of cleaning the sealed well and performing an inflow test are described.

Abstract: A self-closing vent has its frame and a honeycomb screen coated with an intumescent material. When affixed to a wall with an opening the vent is normally open, allowing free flow of air through the opening, but when exposed to the heat of a fire, the intumescent material expands to close the vent, thereby preventing spread of the fire through the opening. The intumescent material preferably is FireFree 88, in a coating thickness of about 5 to 15 mils. In one preferred embodiment the vent opening is in a vehicle, between an engine compartment and a passenger space.

Abstract: A torque tool comprises a torque converter, a power tool for actuating the converter and an attachment adapter, interposed between the torque converter and the power tool, for coaxially and firmly interconnecting the former to the latter. The power tool, having its chuck removed, includes, at its front part, an outwardly extending shaft of tubular configuration incorporating a dead hole of hexagonal cross-section. The torque converter includes several coaxially successive planetary gear assemblies, first of which being driven by a first sun gear. The latter together with a hexagonal shaft form a unitary element. The hexagonal shaft is shaped and sized to fit and drivingly engage the dead hole of the outwardly extending shaft.

Abstract: A powered hammer includes a housing, a tool holder coupled to the housing and configured to hold a tool, a motor within the housing, a cylinder disposed within the housing, and a piston slideably mounted within the cylinder. A drive mechanism converts rotary output of the motor into a reciprocating motion of the piston. The drive mechanism includes a crank shaft rotationally driven by the motor, a drive pin eccentrically mounted on the crank shaft, and a con rod with a first end connected to the drive pin and a second end connected to the piston. A ram is slideably mounted forward of the piston that is reciprocatingly driven by the piston. A beat piece is slideably mounted forward of the ram. The beat piece is repetitively struck by the reciprocating ram, which in turn repetitively strikes an end of the tool when held in the tool holder to transfer the momentum of the ram to the tool. Lubrication fluid covers at least part of the drive mechanism.

Abstract: An improved impact power tool for carving and engraving an article comprises an air delivery system operable to communicate with a pressurized air source; a drive assembly operable to receive air from the pressurized air source via the air delivery system; a hand held device in driven communication with the drive assembly; and a housing for storage of the air delivery system and drive assembly. The tool includes an improved valve design, a throttle bias valve, and an air storage tank housed within the housing, and an improved housing construction. The improved valve design and air storage tank enable greater stroke speeds of a work tool over a wider power range while also improving the crispness and speed of the impact reaction time over the entire range. The throttle bias valve is in communication with an additional exhaust path, such that the bias valve allows improved control of the hand held device and improved operation over a wider range of air pressures.

Abstract: The ramming device comprises a ramming element to be assigned to the end of a rock breaker. The inventive device receives the shocks generated by the rock breaker and transmits them to fragments to be compacted. The ramming device also has a frame comprising: positioning structure for positioning relative to the rock-breaker so that the axis of the frame is coincident with the axis of the rock breaker; joining structure that enable the temporary and removable fixing of the frame to the end of the rock breaker; axially translational guiding structure for guiding the ramming element relative to the frame; structure for blocking the rotation of the ramming element about the axis of the frame, and; structure for limiting the amplitude of this translation.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a screw fastening machine for reliably switching and changing a driving force transmitting path with the seating on a work as a reference. According to the screw fastening machine in which a first pulley is connected to a first driving mechanism for applying high speed low torque drive to a drive shaft, a second pulley is fixed in an integrally rotatable manner to a transmission shaft for connecting the drive shaft, and an endless belt is interposed between the pulleys to obtain a configuration for high speed low torque drive, a second driving mechanism for low speed high torque drive is arranged on an extension of the transmission shaft, and the second driving mechanism performs the drive until a final fastening torque is reached when a screw component is seated on the work and the stall state is achieved, the final fastening torque is always reliably obtained and the work time is reduced without waste.

Abstract: A pneumatic hammer drill includes a handle body, a pneumatic cylinder, a piston, a tool, and a damping member. The handle body has an upper part that defines a front cavity and that has a rear end. The pneumatic cylinder has a cylinder rear end fitted in the front cavity, a front tool-connecting end, and a pressure chamber. The piston is disposed slidably in the pressure chamber. The tool is inserted into the pressure chamber through the front tool-connecting end. The damping member is made of a vibration-damping material, and is attached to the rear end of the handle body.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for maintaining control of a machine which produces thrust, rotation or other outputs in response to input signals. The apparatus has two distinct parts, namely the operator input portion and the output portion. The operator input portion consists of the primary thrust, rotation and other output control, and the input signal generation, signal maintenance and signal resume control. Through these controls, the operator enters the desired operation at conditions and levels for rotation, thrust, and other input signals. The output portion consists of an information processing and control portion and the power units for rotation, thrust and other outputs generated from the machine. The information processing and control system interprets all of the desired operational conditions and levels from the input portion and sends commands to the thrust, rotation and other power units to produce the desired outputs in response to the input signals.

Abstract: System and method of controlling a trajectory of a wellbore comprises conveying a drilling assembly in the wellbore by a rotatable tubular member. The drilling assembly includes a drill bit at an end thereof that is rotatable by a drilling motor carried by the drilling assembly. The drilling assembly has a first adjustable stabilizer and an second stabilizer spaced apart from the first adjustable stabilizer. The first adjustable stabilizer having set of ribs spaced around the stabilizer, with each rib being independently radially extendable. The position of a first center of the first adjustable stabilizer is adjusted in the wellbore relative to a second center of the second stabilizer in the wellbore for controlling the trajectory of the wellbore.

Abstract: A drill head is shown that provides improved steering in difficult ground conditions such as dry and compacted soil. A drill head is shown with features that include a narrow front portion, a sharp hardened insert such as a carbide point, and a curved rear portion of the drill head. Angled porting of liquid is included in selected configurations of the drill head. Porting of liquid within a recess portion is included in selected configuration of the drill head.

Abstract: A steering tool for use in drilling a borehole, including a tubular housing, a tool actuating device movably supported within the housing, a plurality of hydraulically actuated steering devices circumferentially spaced about the housing, and a hydraulic control system interposed between the tool actuating device and the steering devices for converting an actuating movement of the tool actuating device to independent actuation of the steering devices.

Abstract: An apparatus that facilitates the insertion of a stanchion into the ground. The apparatus comprises a first side including a plurality of connection apertures, a second side including a plurality of connection apertures, and at least one connector engaging the connection apertures to removably engage the first side to the second side. The first and second sides reposition the ground and substantially separate the stanchion from the ground during insertion. Additionally, the apparatus maintains the integrity of the hole into which the stanchion is placed during insertion of the stanchion into the ground. Preferably, the first and second sides define a substantially circular opening when engaged to one another. Additionally, each side includes a length and the connector substantially spans the length and vertically connects the first side to the second side along the length.

Abstract: A telescoping sub (50) for mining operations and the like. The telescoping sub (50) includes a rotor (94) portion coupleadle to the rotary head of a drilling rig, and a stator (74) portion that is coupleable to a drill rod. The rotor (94) portion is slideadly coupled to the stator (74) portion and is moveable with respect thereto between an extended position and a retracted position. With the telescoping sub (50) in the retracted position, the drilling rig is operated to drill to a first depth. The drilling rig is then operated to move the rotor (94) portion to the extended position, and the drilling rig is operated to drill to a second depth that is greater than the first depth.

Abstract: A metal face seal for an earth boring drill bit where the drill bit has a bit body, at least one bit leg, a bearing pin on each bit leg, and a cone rotatably mounted on each bearing pin. The metal face seal is located in the cavity formed between the interior surface of the cone and the bearing pin. The metal face seal consists of a rigid seal ring having a forward surface that engages a rotating seal surface of the cone. An energizer ring biases the rigid seal ring toward the rotating seal surface. A secondary seal engages the bearing pin surface, the energizer ring, and the rigid seal ring. The secondary seal ring has a protuberance on its forward side for filling void spaces between the energizer ring, the rigid seal ring, and the secondary seal ring.

Abstract: An anti-tip system is provided for improving the stability of a powered vehicle, such as a powered wheelchair. The vehicle includes a drive-train assembly which is pivotally mounted to a main structural frame. A suspension system biases the drive-train assembly and its connected anti-tip wheel to a predetermined resting position. The drive-train assembly bi-directionally rotates about a pivot in response to torque applied to or acceleration forces on the vehicle. A linkage arrangement is provided and is characterized by a suspension arm pivotally mounting to the main structural frame about a pivot at one end thereof and an anti-tip wheel at the other end. The linkage may further include at least one link operable to transfer the bi-directional displacement of the drive-train assembly to the suspension arm. The link may include a bell crank member and/or may be resiliently compressible.

Abstract: Presented is a heavy vehicle, such as a transport vehicle or a civil engineering vehicle, of a mass greater than 500 metric tons. The vehicle is fitted with tires of radial structure having a diameter greater than 3.5 meters and an axial width greater than 37 inches. The vehicle has a front steering axle provided with at least two tires and at least one rear axle provided with at least four tires for transmitting at least part of motive power. The rear axle has at least two trailing arms each associated with two tires.

Abstract: A hobby robot having a support structure includes a cavity defined within the support structure, wherein the cavity includes means positioned within the cavity for removably coupling at least one mounting element to an interior portion of the cavity. The support structure also includes means for securing an encasement shell to the support structure. The mounting element may be a tray or hardware that performs a desired function in connection with the operation of the robot. The support structure is adapted to receive a self-contained power source and means for imparting motive force to the support structure.

Abstract: Children's ride-on vehicles having improved motor assemblies. The vehicles are reduced-scale vehicles, often formed substantially from molded plastic, that are sized for use by children and which include battery-powered motor assemblies. The vehicles may include a noise-suppression device that is adapted to reduce electromagnetic noise, a cutoff device that is adapted to selectively restrict operation of the motor assembly, or both devices. In some embodiments, the cutoff device may be a temperature-sensitive cutoff device and/or a current-sensitive cutoff device. In some embodiments, the device is disposed within a motor housing provided with the vehicle.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes an engine for generating power through fuel consumption, a generator driven at least by the engine for generating power, a battery charged by the generator, a motor driven by at least the electric power from the generator or the battery to generate power, and a drive wheel that is rotated by the power of at least one of the engine and the motor. The hybrid vehicle also includes a drive controller with a control section configured to regulate the speed of the generator driven by the engine, and configured to charge the battery with the power generated by the generator. The drive controller also comprises a battery current detector that produces a signal indicative of an amount of current supplied from the generator to the battery, the control section receiving said signal. The control section is configured to cause a throttle opening of the engine to decrease while controlling the generator to keep a rotational speed of the generator above about 80% of an upper rotational speed limit.

Abstract: Barometric pressure is determined in a hybrid electric vehicle from manifold absolute pressure. During engine operation, wide open throttle is commanded and output torque disturbances are offset by the electric machine. Barometric pressure is estimated based on sensed intake manifold pressure and engine speed dependent pressure offsets. During engine shut down, barometric pressure may be determined from manifold pressure without any offset adjustments.