Abstract: This application pertains to electroluminescent systems, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to innovative configurations of EL-wires and EL-cables. A central axis can extend longitudinally of an EL-cable: An electrically conductive core defines a longitudinal axis being substantially coextensive with the central axis of the cable. An electroluminescent material electrically couples to the core. A first electrical conductor is outwardly spaced from the core and electrically coupled to the electroluminescent material such that an AC-voltage potential applied between the core and the first electrical conductor induces the electroluminescent material to luminesce, defining a luminescent region of the cable. A second electrical conductor is outwardly spaced from and helically overlies the core. The second electrical conductor is substantially electrically isolated from the electroluminescent material.

Abstract: A device for handling drill string components for a drill rig. A slide is arranged displaceable on a longitudinal guide. A grip unit is swingable between a first position for receiving and delivering of drill string components beside the drill rig and a second position for assembling and disassembling of drill string components in the drill rig. The grip unit includes a rotator unit for rotation of a gripped drill string component. A rotational actuator supported by the slide has a rotational axis forming an angle with the length guide. A swing unit includes a first link portion that is connected to the rotational axis. A second link portion is connected to the grip unit and a swing joint portion.

Abstract: Drilling fluid used in borehole drilling is supplemented with a particulate additive obtained by shredding the packaging material in which the drilling fluid is supplied, for use as lost circulation material. This reduces the materials costs, shipping costs, and waste disposal costs associated with borehole drilling.

Abstract: A device for uncoupling a drill string, the device including, in a longitudinal direction: a first structure that is intended to be attached to a drill string tube; a second structure that is intended to hold a cutting tool for drilling and is translatable relative to the first structure; and a thruster assembly between the first structure and the second structure. The thruster assembly is configured to exert a thrusting force on the second structure to separate the second structure from the first structure, the thrusting force being constant for every position of the second structure relative to the first structure.

Abstract: This invention relates to a steering component, to a steering assembly, and to a method of steering a drill bit in a borehole. The steering component is adapted for connection to a drill string, the drill string carrying a drill bit and a motor for rotating the drill bit. The steering component comprises: a rotatable driveshaft adapted for connection between the drill bit and the motor; a drive mechanism; and an offsetting component; the drive mechanism providing a rotatable connection between the drill string and the offsetting component whereby the drill string can rotate relative to the offsetting component. The drive mechanism is adapted to drive the offsetting component to rotate in an opposed direction to the driveshaft, so as to counter the rotation of the offsetting component which is induced by friction within the componentry as the driveshaft rotates. The steering component and method are likely to have their greatest utility in steering a drill bit during drilling for oil and gas.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a bearing assembly including at least one superhard bearing element having at least one bearing registration feature configured to facilitate orientating of a curved, pre-machined bearing surface thereof with respect to a bearing body, methods of fabricating such bearing assemblies, and bearing apparatuses incorporating such bearing assemblies. Subterranean drilling systems incorporating such bearing assemblies are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the weight of impurities in a cotton sample, with a double-taker-in-roll mechanism. The apparatus includes the following components: an air current channel, a fiber feeding device located at the front end of the air current channel; a primary taker-in cylinder located behind the fiber feeding construction; a stationary stripping device located near the surface of the primary taker-in cylinder; a secondary taker-in cylinder adjacent to the surface of the primary taker-in cylinder and located behind the primary taker-in cylinder; an impurity collecting apparatus located below the primary taker-in cylinder and the secondary taker-in cylinder; and an impurity measurement apparatus connected with the impurity collecting apparatus.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a touch sensor including drive electrodes. The apparatus also includes one or more computer-readable non-transitory storage media coupled to the touch sensor that embody logic that drives all the drive electrodes substantially simultaneously with a common drive signal.

Abstract: A displaceable system including at least one set of at least two wheels arranged in pairs for movement in a plane, said set being disposed on at least one wheel axle parallel to the plane. A single electric drive motor, a differential having variable torque distribution, and an electric servomotor are provided on the wheel axle for both wheels of a set. The electrical servomotor acts on the differential such that the torque generated by the single electric drive motor is distributed within the wheel axle individually to the wheels.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a watertight elongate housing extending along a longitudinal axis and defining an inner chamber, a track disposed around the housing on its longitudinal axis and enabling the apparatus to move when the track is rotatably driven around the housing, a handlebar connected to the housing and extending rearward, and a track-driving motor. The motor is located within the inner chamber of the housing and includes an output shaft mechanically connected to the track. The apparatus can also include a ventilation circuit for ventilating the inner chamber of the housing and a generator for producing electricity.

Abstract: MULTIFUNCTIONAL LOCOMOTOR APPARATUS, which conjugates the function of making someone move in standing position, and also sitting in only one object, thus providing more comfort, health, and life quality for handicapped and bedridden people the apparatus including three modules, being each a lower module, an intermediate module, and an upper module, basically comprised of a preferably tubular structure with at least three vertical elements that compose a tubular structure, which is supported by a gripping circular base and yet containing several devices coupled to said tubular structure.

Abstract: An installation structure includes a member 7 extending in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle and provided on the lower face of a bottom 6a of a spare tire housing 6, a charger 1 provided with fins 2 under the charger 1, the charger 1 installed in the tire housing 6, and a blower 15 for cooling the charger 1 provided in the tire housing 6, so as to lead air from the blower 15 to the fins 2; the installation structure further includes linear first and second brackets 9 and 10 disposed in parallel to each other with a distance therebetween, so as to be joined onto the upper face of the bottom 6a of the tire housing 6, wherein the charger 1 is placed on the first and second brackets 9 and 10 so as to arrange the fins 2 and the first and second brackets 9 and 10 in parallel to one another, the blower 15 is disposed in the vicinity of an aperture 14 surrounded by the first and second brackets 9 and 10 and the charger 1, and the second bracket 10 is joined together with the member 7 and the tire housing 6 to one

Abstract: A supporting portion of an inverter bracket is made of cast, and the inverter bracket is attached onto the side member to locate a vehicle rear end portion of the attachment portion to be on the front side in the vehicle, by a prescribed distance from a vehicle front surface portion of the suspension tower. When a force F is exerted from the front side of the vehicle, the side member curves outward in the vehicle width direction between one part to which the suspension tower is coupled and another part to which the inverter bracket is attached. The inverter bracket and inverter are pushed obliquely outward in the vehicle width direction, so that the contact with the master cylinder can be suppressed.

Abstract: A battery system for use in a vehicle is disclosed. The battery system includes a tray having a plurality of battery receptacles. A plurality of batteries are also provided, each battery in the plurality of batteries being received in a battery receptacle. A conductive layer in electrical communication with the plurality of batteries and a terminal for electrically coupling to a vehicle are also provided in the battery system. A cover interlocks with the tray. The cover carries a computer and a diagnostic identification system for the plurality of batteries. A housing for a battery system and a vehicle including a battery system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fixing device for releasable fixing an electrical energy accumulator to a carrying structure of a motor vehicle includes a retaining protrusion and a locking catch which are provided on the energy accumulator and on the carrying structure (or vice versa). To fix the energy accumulator to the carrying structure, a relative movement of the retaining protrusion to the locking catch is provided along a movement track in the direction of an end position, in which the locking catch can be swiveled between a release position and a locked position such that in the release position the locking catch is outside the movement track of the retaining protrusion and in the locked position the locking catch protrudes into the movement track of the retaining protrusion and there engages behind the retaining protrusion when the retaining protrusion is in the end position.

Abstract: A vehicle body rear portion structure which can improve the operability of a coupling operation between a flange which extends downward from a peripheral portion of a parcel shelf and an upper end portion of a battery cover is provided.

Abstract: A vehicle parking assist system of a wireless battery charger for positioning a capture resonator or receiving plate attached to a vehicle over a source resonator or charging pad residing on a parking surface under the vehicle. The system includes a target positioned relative to the source resonator at a location that is viewable by an operator of the vehicle while the vehicle is being parked. The vehicle is equipped with a plurality of light sources attached to the vehicle, and the light sources are oriented so that when the vehicle is properly positioned, light beams from the light sources impinge on the target at one or more predetermined locations, or converge at some predetermined location on the target.

Abstract: A system and method for selectively charging and discharging a steering accumulator are provided. One vehicle steering system includes a hydraulic pump configured provide a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid for use in steering the vehicle. The steering system also includes an accumulator configured to hold pressurized hydraulic fluid from the pump for use in steering the vehicle in case of need. The steering system includes a charging circuit configured to selectively allow the hydraulic fluid to flow from the hydraulic pump to the accumulator based on a fluid pressure applied by a first pilot and a second pilot. The steering system includes a charging bypass circuit configured to allow the hydraulic fluid to flow to a steering control unit and to bypass the charging circuit. The hydraulic pump supplies fluid to the charging circuit and the bypass circuit.

Abstract: A pump rotation speed correcting unit includes a valve opening degree command differential value computing unit, a pump rotation speed correction value computing unit, and a correction value adding unit. The valve opening degree command differential value computing unit computes a temporal differential value of a valve opening degree command value that is set by a valve opening degree command value setting unit. The pump rotation speed correction value computing unit computes a correction value of a pump rotation speed command value on the basis of the valve opening degree command differential value. The correction value adding unit adds the pump rotation speed correction value to the pump rotation speed command value that is set by the pump rotation speed command value setting unit.

Abstract: Disclosed are electromagnetic linear actuators used in acoustic vibratory sources for marine seismic surveying. An embodiment discloses a linear actuator for acoustic sources, comprising: magnetic circuitry comprising a gap; and a coil assembly comprising: a drive coil, wherein at least a first portion of the drive coil is configured to be moved in a linear path in the gap; a pair of ferromagnetic coil guides positioned on either side of the linear path; a first ferromagnetic extension extending laterally from the first portion of the drive coil; and a transmission element coupled to a top side of the first portion of the drive coil. Embodiments also disclose acoustic vibratory sources, marine seismic survey systems, and methods of marine seismic surveying.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustable stand suitable for supporting an audio speaker and comprising: a base having an upright bearing; a tilt barrel mounted on the upright bearing for adjustable rotation about its own axis; two supporting rods, each supporting rod being mounted on the tilt barrel generally perpendicular to the tilt barrel axis and adapted for movement sideways along the tilt barrel and forwards and backwards relative to the tilt barrel; and a front and rear rest disposed on each supporting rod, at least one of which is mounted for movement along the rod; and an alternative tilt platform that is less complex than a tilt barrel and supporting rods, but which permits the invention to achieve rotation and tilt for a lower-cost commercial embodiment.

Abstract: A loudspeaker component includes a unitary plastic element that defines at least a portion of (i) a first acoustic volume that can be acoustically energized by an electro-acoustic driver, (ii) a first port which extends from the first acoustic volume and conducts acoustic energy from the first acoustic volume towards an environment external to a loudspeaker in which the plastic element resides, and (iii) a second port which conducts acoustic energy from a second acoustic volume, defined by the loudspeaker, towards the external environment.

Abstract: An acoustic dampener comprises a first wall, orifice plate, and second wall. The first wall separates a first fluid source from a second fluid source. The first wall has a hole for allowing fluid communication between the first fluid source and a first cavity of the acoustic dampener. The office plate separates the first cavity of the acoustic dampener from a second cavity of the acoustic dampener. The second wall has a hole for allowing fluid communication between the first cavity of the acoustic dampener in the second cavity of the acoustic dampener. The second wall separates the second cavity of the acoustic dampener from the second fluid source. The second wall has a hole for allowing fluid communication between the second cavity of the acoustic dampener and the second fluid source. In one embodiment, the acoustic dampener is formed in a combustion chamber liner of a gas turbine engine.

Abstract: An aircraft cabin plate absorber includes a supporting panel, a cover panel and an intermediate layer which is arranged between the supporting panel and the cover panel. The cover panel includes a cover layer which is visible from the cabin space, and is arranged on the supporting panel on the side facing the sound inside the cabin space. The cover panel is fastened to the supporting panel by the intermediate layer, and comprises at least one connecting region, in which it is connected to the supporting panel, and at least one absorption region, in which it is arranged so as to oscillate with respect to the supporting panel. The panel is optimized in term of space requirement and weight for use in aircraft and has improved sound absorption properties.

Abstract: A lightweight safety harness comprises adjustable belt sections for the upper chest, waist and upper thighs. In one of two shoulder straps, there is stored a primary release pin and secondary brake strap. The shoulder straps criss-cross to form a soft, triangular shaped panel on the harness wearer's back. A spine brace divides that triangle in two. Near the top of that spine brace is a rack having at least one aperture wrapped with Kevlar® webbing. A long, thin composite rope serpentines back-and-forth, between sets of elastic loops running down opposed legs to the triangular panel before being threaded through the rack in a preferred pattern. At the base of that triangular panel, there is attached one end to a reserve suspension relief strap (RSRS). A cover extends the triangular panel but can be removed for inspection before every use.

Abstract: A carriage frame includes first and second side members supporting a floating fork pin, where the floating fork pin is movably mounted in respective fork pin slots in the first and second side members and is adapted to receive load carrying forks. The first and second side members each includes a locking aperture positioned spaced from the fork pin slots. A pair of lock plates are secured to ends of the floating fork pin, respectively, where each of the lock plates includes a lock pin slot and a lock pin hole positioned in substantial alignment with the locking apertures in the first and second side members. A pair of fork pin locks extend through the locking apertures of the first and second side members and are selectively extended through one of the lock pin slot and the lock pin hole.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are generally related to a multi-sided ladder assembly and methods of utilizing the same. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to a multi-sided ladder assembly with substantially improved stability, providing for a wide range of applications. In one embodiment of the present invention, a multi-faced ladder assembly comprises: a plurality of individual ladders, a top platform positioned over a top of each of the plurality of ladders, and a plurality of support platforms, each support platform positioned at a bottom end of each of the individual ladders.

Abstract: A foldable ladder moveable between a folded position and an unfolded position, wherein the ladder can have a two support members, each with an inner surface. Grooves can be disposed in each inner surface. When the foldable ladder is in the folded position, a portion of each groove of one of the support members can be aligned with a portion of at least one of the grooves of the other support member. The ladder can have a rungs secured in the grooves to secure the support members together. Each rung can be pivotable to move the ladder between the folded position and the unfolded position. When the ladder is in the unfolded position, the rungs can extend perpendicular to the support members. When the ladder is in the folded position, each rung can rest within two of the grooves; thereby allowing the support members to engage together.

Abstract: A rigid structure such as a ladder is disclosed having rotating hinges that allow the ladder to fold up and/or be disassembled and assembled. The hinge or hinges can be provided between ladder sections with one ladder section having a male hinge element, and another having a female hinge element. A cam element provided with the female hinge element can be moved between an unlocked position in which the ladder sections can rotate with respect to each other, and a locked position in which the structure is rigid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a power-generating apparatus using gravity and magnetic force. Rotors are fixed at either side of a main shaft, and heavy weighted bodies are arranged at a plurality of levers which are deployed during a descending operation and folded up during an ascending operation performed in the course of rotation of the rotor, such that the weighted bodies are unbalanced in a horizontal direction. An arch-shaped magnetic levitation unit is arranged adjacent to and above the rotors. The heavy weighted body located at the position of mechanical energy is levitated by means of the magnetic force from the magnetic levitation unit at a starting point of the magnetic force, such that a wheel is brought into contact with and rolls on a rail of a magnetic support, and the heavy weighted body levitates in the air at the position of mechanical energy.

Abstract: A traction member for use with driving pulleys, consisting of one or more load-bearing elements and a plastics part which is arranged between the load-bearing elements and a force-transmission surface of the traction member. The overall friction value results from the fact that the force-transmission surface, which comes into contact with the driving pulley, has at least two regions, and that these regions are formed from different materials A and B having different coefficients of friction. The regions are in the form of strips in the longitudinal direction of the traction member. The carrier material A is softer and has a higher coefficient of friction and the further materials B1, B2, B3 etc. are each harder and each have a lower coefficient of friction. Preferably, the materials A, B1, B2, B3 etc. are applied in one work step by extrusion.

Abstract: A fire service elevator has an elevator cage, which includes a cage roof, wherein the cage roof has a seal in which at least one drain is arranged. The drain is so arranged in the seal that extinguishing water collecting on the cage roof in the case of a fire flows away from the cage roof substantially only via the drain.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide a ground-engaging vehicle braking assembly for a vehicle. The assembly generally comprises: a base subassembly mounted to a portion of the vehicle; a common member comprising a first portion and a second portion, the first portion of the common member being rotatably attached to the base subassembly; a first linkage subassembly comprising the first portion of the common member; and a second linkage subassembly comprising the second portion of the common member and a pad member, the pad member being configured to engage a ground surface over which the portion of the vehicle is travelling. An associated method of operating the assembly is also provided, wherein multiple modes of operation are incorporated. A system is also described, wherein at least one processor is configured to move various linkage subassemblies of the assembly based upon one or more predetermined parameters related to mode of operation.

Abstract: Vehicle restraint systems are disclosed herein. An example vehicle restraint system includes a base to be positioned adjacent a loading dock and a wheel chock to be positioned on the base. An actuator is coupled to the base and moves the base relative to a wall of the loading dock in a linear direction between a release position and a holding position when the wheel chock is coupled to the base. In the release position, the wheel chock disengages from a wheel of a vehicle positioned at the loading dock. In the holding position, the wheel chock frictionally engages the wheel of the vehicle to restrict movement of the wheel away from the loading dock.

Abstract: Disc brake calipers with a piston roll-back device capable of allowing accurate and repeatable roll-back of pistons and which are easy to construct and assemble are provided.

Abstract: There is provided a device for absorbing impact applied to a moving body that can exhibit high impact absorption performance in various collision aspects when a moving body collides with an obstacle or the like. A bladder 10 is provided on the back surface of a front portion of a high-strength frame 2 of an airplane M1. The bladder 10 includes first and second sealing members 11 and 12 that are formed of elastic bag bodies in which a lubricant is sealed. When an obstacle X collides with the bladder 10, the lubricant S generates pressure, which is substantially uniform and perpendicular to boundary surfaces of the first and second sealing members 11 and 12, on the basis of Pascal's principle, and transmits the pressure. Accordingly, when the airplane M1 collides with the obstacle X, high impact absorption performance is exhibited in various collision aspects.

Abstract: A brake disc is disclosed which includes a friction unit having a coupling aperture formed at a center thereof, insert protrusions and depressions which are provided in a sawtooth formation at predetermined intervals along a circumference of the coupling aperture, wherein chamfers are formed at a predetermined angle on one or more of the upper and lower surfaces of the insert protrusions, and first locking parts locked into upper or lower spaces of the depressions. A hat unit, formed of a material different from that of the friction unit, coupled to the coupling aperture of the friction unit, and including insert recesses formed along a circumference thereof so that the insert protrusions are fitted therein, and second locking parts formed at predetermined intervals in the insert recesses so that they are inserted into the depressions and engage with the first locking parts, and to a method of producing the same.

Abstract: A substantially copper-free friction material for a brake pad includes a binder forming approximately 8-18% by volume, a fiber forming 5-14% by volume, at least one lubricant forming up to 6% by volume, at least one abrasive forming 10-27% by volume, at least one carbon content component forming 36-51% by volume, and at least one filler forming 6-21% by volume. The friction material can be applied to the backing plate of a brake pad.

Abstract: Provided is a piston assembly of a shock absorber, which is simple in structure and is easy to fabricate. The piston assembly of the shock absorber includes: a piston body in which a piston rod reciprocating within a cylinder penetrates a central portion thereof, and a plurality of compression passages and a plurality of rebound passages alternately penetrating the piston body are formed around the piston rod; a compression retainer placed over the piston body, in which a plurality of connection holes corresponding to the compression passages penetrate the compression retainer; and a rebound retainer placed under the piston body, in which a plurality of connection holes corresponding to the rebound passages penetrate the rebound retainer.

Abstract: A device for use in the control of mechanical forces. The device comprises first and second terminals for connection, in use, to components in a system for controlling mechanical forces and independently moveable (2, 3). Hydraulic means are connected between the terminals and contain a liquid, the hydraulic means configured, in 4 use, to produce upon relative movement of the terminals, a liquid (4) flow along at least two flow paths (5, 15, 90). The liquid flow along a first flow path generates a damping force proportional to the velocity of the liquid flow along the first flow path, and the liquid flow along a second flow path generates an inertial force due to the mass of the liquid, the force being substantially proportional to the acceleration of the liquid flow along the second flow path, such that the damping force is equal to the inertial force and controls the mechanical forces at the terminals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a handle for use with an item of luggage. The handle comprises an outer shell, at least one inner bar and at least one strain gauge, wherein the at least one inner bar extends out from within the outer shell at each end of the handle such that the item of luggage may be attached to the handle using the at least one inner bar. The arrangement is such that when an item of luggage is lifted using the handle, the weight of the suitcase is measured using the at least one strain gauge.

Abstract: The present invention is a combination rolling cart and suitcase that includes a base suitcase, an external support frame, a plurality of steel stabilizers, a plurality of permanent adjustable straps and plurality of attachment points where the attachment points receive and removably couple the permanent adjustable straps to secure one or more suitcases across a top portion of the combination rolling cart and suitcase. The combination rolling cart and suitcase also includes a pair of telescoping handles, a telescoping stem, a releasable handle lock, a plurality of omnidirectional casters and a lid releasably fastened to the base suitcase.

Abstract: An electric vehicle receives electric power, in a non-contact manner, from an electric power transmitting coil provided externally to the vehicle. The electric vehicle includes an electric power receiving unit that is disposed at a bottom of the vehicle and receives electric power from the electric power transmitting unit via electromagnetic field resonance; a camera that captures an image of the outside; and a display unit that displays an outside view from the vehicle that is captured by the camera. The electric power receiving unit is disposed at a position that is offset toward a peripheral face, on which the camera is disposed, with respect to the center of the bottom in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: A ground power supply line for electric traction vehicles is provided with two conductors carried by a series of tiles aligned to one another; each tile has a conductive plate and a lower supporting structure, which is made of insulating material and accommodates electric connectors, normally open switches, and a control and command unit, which switches the switches for selectively electrically connecting the conductive plate to the conductors in response to a signal deriving from an electric traction vehicle passing over said external conductive plate; the upper surface of the conductive plates is flushed with the remaining part of a road surface.

Abstract: An electrical vehicle transportation system that includes a powered roadway system having electrically conductive roadway segments that are engageable to a roadway surface, and an electrical vehicle having a control system and an energy harvesting system, the vehicle control system being programmed to energize roadway segments disposed within a defined vehicle envelope and de-energize the roadway segments prior to transitioning outside of the vehicle envelope when the vehicle is traversing the roadway.

Abstract: A torque transmission includes a housing arrangement drivable around an axis of rotation and filled with fluid and a clutch arrangement between the housing arrangement and a driven member. The clutch arrangement has a first friction surface formation rotatable with the housing arrangement and a second friction surface formation rotatable with the driven member. A clutch piston is movable axially for producing and canceling frictional engagement of the first and the second friction surface formation. A piston carrying element is connected to the clutch piston on the radially inner side for axial movement of the clutch piston. The piston carrying element has in its radially inner end region a first axial supporting area for axially supporting the driven member at the piston carrying element and a second axial supporting area for supporting the piston carrying element at the housing arrangement.

Abstract: A twin clutch hub includes a one-way roller clutch and a ratchet pawl based clutch mounted to a bicycle hub. A chain wheel seat receives driving power from a bicycle rear wheel and is in operative coupling with the one-way roller clutch and the ratchet pawl based clutch, which are in turn operatively coupled to the hub. When the ratchet pawl based clutch shows a returning side tooth backlash that is greater than or equal to an angle of deformation of the one-way roller clutch, transmission is performed with the one-way roller clutch to make backlash approximating zero. When the angle of returning side tooth backlash of the ratchet pawl based clutch is smaller than or equal to the angle of deformation of the one-way roller clutch, transmission is performed through both the one-way roller clutch and the ratchet pawl based clutch to realize high efficiency twin clutch hub.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention is directed to a decoupler assembly for between an endless drive element and a shaft. The endless drive element may be, for example, an accessory drive belt from a vehicular engine. The shaft may be, for example, the input shaft of a belt-driven accessory, such as an alternator or a compressor. The decoupler assembly includes a hub that mounts to the shaft, a pulley that is rotatable with respect to the hub, a dampening spring and a clutch member. A part of the pulley is supported on a pulley support surface on the hub. There is a gap between the pulley and the pulley support surface. The gap has lubricant therein to facilitate sliding between the pulley and the pulley support surface. By eliminating the use of a polymeric bushing between pulley and the hub, there are several advantages that are provided.

Abstract: Provided is a highly reactive fluid fan coupling device utilizing the non-Newtonian fluid characteristics of oil, thereby obtaining an excellent reaction rate of fan rotation using a control signal. In the fan coupling device, where the interior of a sealed housing supported on a rotary shaft with a drive disk secured thereto is partitioned in an oil reservoir chamber and a torque transmission chamber placing the drive disk thereinto by a partition plate; drive torque is transmitted to a driven side by oil supplied to the torque transmission chamber; and opening and closing of a flow path of oil is controlled by a valve member actuated by an electromagnet, wherein a mechanism to scrape out the oil in the oil reservoir chamber utilizing the non-Newtonian fluid characteristics of oil is provided on the drive disk so as to be opposed to an oil supply adjusting hole of the partition plate.

Abstract: A hydraulic clutch control device of a vehicle power unit in which the oil pressure control valve is prevented from being exposed above the oil level even when a vehicle body inclines frontward or rearward. A housing chamber housing an actuator is formed in a housing chamber forming body attached to an engine main body and an oil pressure control valve partially facing the housing chamber is supported by the housing chamber forming body. An oil return hole used to return excess hydraulic oil from the housing chamber into the engine main body is provided in the housing chamber forming body to communicate with an upper portion of the housing chamber at an end portion of the housing chamber on a side close to the oil pressure control valve.