Abstract: Disclosed is a measuring device for measuring a physical quantity. The physical quantity could be a pressure and/or a force. The measuring device comprises a circular sensing structure comprising a membrane section which is deflected by force variations acting on the circular sensing structure. A first and second strain gauge are attached to the membrane section. The first strain gauge is configured to measure radial strain in a first surface area of the membrane section. The second strain gauge is configured to measure tangential strain in a second surface area of the membrane section. An increase in force acting on the sensing structure results in shrinking of the first surface area measured by the first strain gauge and stretching of the second surface area measured by the second strain gauge.

Abstract: A quick release coupling for connecting at least two connecting elements of a fluid system for a liquid medium, and comprises a coupling body, defining a flow channel between a first connecting end for the connection of a first connecting element, and a second connecting end. The coupling body includes a sensor chamber separated from the flow channel by a separating wall. At least one sensor is disposed in the sensor chamber, wherein a sensor probe is connected to the sensor, which extends through the separating wall from the sensor such that an end of the sensor probe facing the flow channel is in communication with the flow channel. The coupling body rests against the sensor probe without a seal. The sensor probe is a capillary tube and could be made of glass.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor device (10), in particular for use in a motor vehicle, having a housing (11) for accommodating a sensor element (1), wherein the sensor element (1) has electrical contact areas (2, 3) which are connected to electrical plug connections (18, 19) arranged in the housing (11) in an electrically conductive manner in the region of contacts (23, 24) of the plug connections (18, 19), wherein a force is applied to the sensor element (1) for the purpose of making electrical contact with a housing element in the direction of the plug connections (18, 19). The invention provides for the electrical plug connections (18, 19) to be arranged in a stationary manner in the housing (11) in the region of the contacts (23, 24) with the electrical contact areas (2, 3) of the sensor element (1), and for a support to be formed between the sensor element (1) and the housing (11) in such a manner that the sensor element (1) has three-point contact in the housing (11).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fluidic structure is disclosed. A cavity that defines a shape of an element of the fluidic structure within a material is formed. The cavity is filled with liquid metal. The cavity is sealed. The fluidic structure behaves as an antenna. A fluidic antenna includes a material that defines a shape of the fluidic antenna by a cavity filled with liquid metal formed within the material, where the material further defines at least one mechanical property of the fluidic antenna.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a microphone package includes: a pressure sensing element including a film and a device; and a cover. The film generates strain in response to pressure. The device includes: a first electrode; a second electrode; and a first magnetic layer. The first magnetic layer is provided between the first electrode and the second electrode and has a first magnetization. The cover includes: an upper portion; and a side portion. The side portion is magnetic and provided depending on the first magnetization and the second magnetization.

Abstract: A sensor detects relative mechanical movement between two components. The sensor has two arms, and is to be mounted on one of the two components. Each of the arms has pins received in an opening in two fuse portions. The arms are pivotal within a fuse bracket. The two fuse portions include a thin portion to allow each to fracture. The fuse portions are designed to be distinct such that a distinct amount of relative movement between the first and second arms is allowed before each of the fuse portions fracture.

Abstract: Devices and methods for testing cement include: a pressure vessel with a sample container inside an interior working volume of the pressure vessel, the pressure vessel configured to supply a first pressurized fluid to control a pore pressure of a cement sample and to supply a second pressurized fluid to lateral exterior surfaces of the sample container to provide a confining pressure that can be different than the pore pressure.

Abstract: A method for demonstrating the strength of an absorbent product. The method can include providing a first and second absorbent product; providing, for each of the first and second products, an upper and a lower holding clamp; attaching one of the upper holding clamps to each of the first and second absorbent products; attaching one of the lower holding clamps to each of the first and second absorbent products; optionally, attaching a first predetermined weight to the lower holding clamp; wetting each of the first and second absorbent products with a wetting fluid; waiting until one of the first or second absorbent products fails in tension; optionally, (i) spray a second predetermined amount of the wetting fluid; or (ii) add a second predetermined weight to the lower holding clamp; repeating certain steps until the absorbent product fails in tension.

Abstract: Acoustic flow rate meter for the noninvasive determination of the flow or the flow rate in electrically conductive objects through which media flow, in particular pipes or pipelines, having an excitation transducer for generating at least one ultrasonic wave in the object, which is coupled into the medium as a longitudinal wave on an inner side of the object oriented toward the medium, and having a receiving transducer for the detection of an ultrasonic signal in the object, wherein the ultrasonic signal at least partially results due to the longitudinal wave, wherein the excitation transducer is implemented as a high-frequency induction coil, while omitting an acoustic coupling of the excitation transducer with the surface of the object, to generate a varying magnetic field in a surface-proximal region of the object, which is metallic in particular, and the ultrasonic wave is generated by interaction of the varying magnetic field with a static or quasi-static magnetic field in this region.

Abstract: A valve includes a body having an upstream port to measure upstream pressure and a downstream port to measure downstream pressure, both ports configured re a common axis, and includes a ball arranged in the body to rotate re the common axis between open and closed positions to allow for fluid flow/non-fluid flow.

Abstract: A sea-floor tethered float instrument containing an accelerometer for measuring wave induced water velocity, ocean currents, relative swell kinetics and the like.

Abstract: A bearing assembly for an anemometer configured to provide thrust and axial load protection and reduce exposure to potentially degradative debris and/or contaminants. The bearing assembly includes a first shaft and a second shaft and bearings, wherein the bearings are configured to rotate about at least the first shaft while enclosed within a portion of the second shaft. The second shaft is configured to isolate the bearings from any air flow through the anemometer and debris and/or contaminants carried therewith. The bearing assembly further includes a damping member configured to reduce forces imparted upon the bearings, thereby providing protection and preventing premature damage to the bearings from loads.

Abstract: A sensor assembly (200) for a vibrating meter (50) is provided. The sensor assembly (200) includes one or more conduits (103A, 103B). The sensor assembly (200) also includes one or more sensor components including one or more of a driver (104), a first pick-off sensor (105), and a second pick-off sensor (105?) coupled to the one or more conduits (103A, 103B). A flexible circuit (201) can be provided that includes a body (202) and one or more sensor component flexures (210-212?). The one or more sensor component flexures can extend from the body (202) and be coupled to a sensor component (104, 105, 105?) of the one or more sensor components.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a force sensor apparatus is provided including a tube portion having a plurality of radial ribs and a strain gauge positioned over each of the plurality of radial ribs, a proximal end of the tube portion that operably couples to a shaft of a surgical instrument that operably couples to a manipulator arm of a robotic surgical system, and a distal end of the tube portion that proximally couples to a wrist joint coupled to an end effector.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a pressure sensor includes a base unit, a film unit, and a plurality of sensing elements. The plurality of sensing elements is provided on the film unit radially with respect to a centroid of the film unit. The plurality of sensing elements has a first side and a second side intersecting the first side. Each of the plurality of sensing elements includes a first magnetic layer, a second magnetic layer, and an intermediate layer. Each of the plurality of sensing elements has a shape anisotropy characterized by a length of the first side being longer than a length of the second side intersecting the first side. The plurality of sensing elements is provided at lines having radial configurations extending from the centroid to have a prescribed angle between the first side and the line.

Abstract: A first angle acquiring unit acquires a rotational angle of a characteristic portion in a predetermined region on an inlet side of an insertion member of a linear body extending through the insertion member. From an image of the linear body inserted into a body of a subject, a second angle acquiring unit acquires a direction of a curved portion of the linear body inserted into the body of the subject and then acquires a rotational angle of a distal end of the linear body. A torque calculation unit calculates a torque based on a difference between the rotational angle in the predetermined region acquired by the first angle acquiring unit and the rotational angle of the distal end of the linear body acquired by the second angle acquiring unit.

Abstract: A dynamic quantity sensor includes a force receiving portion, a first movable portion that rotates in a first rotational direction around a first rotational axis according to dynamic quantity in a first direction that the force receiving portion receives, and rotates in the first rotational direction around the first rotational axis according to dynamic quantity in a second direction different from the first direction that the force receiving portion receives; and a second movable portion that rotates in a second rotational direction around a second rotational axis according to the dynamic quantity in the first direction that the force receiving portion receives, and rotates in an opposite direction to the second rotational direction around the second rotational axis according to the dynamic quantity in the second direction that the force receiving portion receives.

Abstract: A solid-phase extraction apparatus capable of carrying out highly accurate solid-phase extraction by automatically controlling liquid-permeation speeds in an adsorbing step, a cleaning step, and an eluting step of the solid-phase extraction in order to improve the accuracy of the collection rate of a measurement component(s) also in measurement of each of sample solutions respectively having different viscosities and to ensure a certain processing ability.

Abstract: A piston-operated pipette with a drive unit with a piston drive and a displacement unit mounted on the drive unit, the displacement unit being dismountable from the drive unit, the drive unit having an actuating drive for the piston drive and a receiving section for the displacement unit. The displacement unit has a fastening section which fits the receiving section of the drive unit, there being a first detachable mechanical connection between the actuating drive and the piston drive and there being a second detachable mechanical connection between the receiving section of the drive unit and the fastening section of the displacement unit. The second detachable mechanical connection is made as a magnetic connection. A mechanical arrangement for breaking the magnetic connection is provided between the receiving section and the fastening section, the magnetic connection being releasable by actuating the arrangement for breaking the magnetic connection.

Abstract: A system is disclosed comprising a tractor vehicle, at least one trailer vehicle and a skin between and in contact with the tractor and trailer vehicles. One of the tractor and trailer vehicles is disposed in a non-inverted position above the skin and the other is disposed in an inverted position below the skin. The trailer vehicle comprises one or more magnets, while the tractor vehicle comprises one or more magnets magnetically coupled to each opposing magnet on the trailer vehicle. For example, the tractor and trailer vehicles may have mutually opposing permanent magnets in one-to-one relationship. Alternatively, each permanent magnet on the trailer vehicle could be opposed by one or more electro-permanent magnets on the tractor vehicle. The magnetic coupling between the magnets on the tractor and trailer vehicles produces an attraction force.

Abstract: A preload applying mechanism includes a preload adjusting plug that is screwed to an inner peripheral surface of a housing body, and is rotationally moved; and a needle bearing and a plate that are arranged between an output shaft and a Z1 gear. In a shoulder of the output shaft, the Z1 gear is supported by the needle bearing and the annular plate for a rolling surface of the needle bearing so that the Z1 gear is rotatable. As the preload adjusting plug presses the output shaft, the shoulder of the output shaft presses the plate, the needle bearing, and the Z1 gear toward the center bearing in the axial direction. Thus, a preload is applied to the bearing gear.

Abstract: A drive cam is rotated about a camshaft member upon application a drive torque of a drive source to the drive cam. A transmission device converts rotational motion of the drive cam into linear reciprocating motion and transmits the converted linear reciprocating motion to a control shaft member. The control shaft member is connected to a controlled subject and is linearly reciprocated together with the transmission device in an axial direction. A reverse input cutoff clutch transmits the drive torque, which is received from the drive source, to the drive cam. The reverse input cutoff clutch non-rotatably locks an output shaft of the drive source in response to a reverser input torque transmitted from the controlled subject through the drive cam.

Abstract: Infinitely variable motion control (IVMC) provides motion control without any requirement for changing gears or use of a clutch. A spur gear transgear, defined as a system having an input, an output and a control, a variable pitch cam having an eccentric inner and outer cam assembly and a driver may be used to form a speed converter. The speed converter is used in various forms to provide an infinitely variable transmission, a differential, embodiments of wind and river turbines and pumps/compressors. In one embodiment, the speed converter drives first and second directional control assemblies to provide a vehicle with zero turn radius. Various embodiments of an infinitely variable pump or compressor are described.

Abstract: An inertia pump is connected to and actuated by the vibration of a vibratory device to pump lubricant to lubricate internal components of the vibratory device. The inertia pump has a bottom end cap with an inlet in fluid communication with the vibratory device, a top end cap with an outlet for delivering the lubricant to lubricate components of the vibratory device, a tube disposed between and sealingly engaging the bottom end cap and the top end cap, and a piston having a lubricant passageway. The piston is slidably disposed within the tube downstream of the bottom end cap and upstream of the top end cap. Vibration of the vibration device causes the piston to oscillate within the tube to draw lubricant from the vibration device which passes through the lubricant passageway in the piston, and delivers lubricant to lubricate internal components of the vibration device.

Abstract: A knurled press-fitting portion and an annular groove, which receives foreign matter and is formed to extend in a circumferential direction in front of the press-fitting portion of a cylindrical protruding portion, are provided at an outer peripheral surface of the protruding portion of an output shaft. A fitting portion, which is fitted to a coupling tube by press-fitting, is formed at an outer periphery of an opening end of the protruding portion. An outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical fitting portion and an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical coupling tube coupled to a Z4 gear are fitted and coupled to each other. The annular groove is closed by the fitting portion in a state where the protruding portion and the coupling tube are coupled to each other. The annular groove is configured so as to prevent foreign matter from being discharged toward a bearing gear.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a linear drive with a stator, a runner, and two rotative drive units provided for driving the runner. It is provided according to the invention that the linear drive comprises two magnetorheological clutches, wherein the first drive unit can be coupled to the runner using a first magnetorheological clutch and the second drive unit can be coupled to the runner using a second magnetorheological clutch. The output torque of the first drive unit acts upon the runner in the opposite direction to the output torque of the second drive unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to an actuator comprising a cylinder (1) in which a rod (2) is mounted to slide, the actuator having a screw (8) extending inside the rod to co-operate with a nut (7) secured to the rod, the screw being driven in rotation by a motor (10), the actuator being characterized in that a hydraulic chamber (CH) filled with hydraulic fluid is arranged inside the actuator by means of a floating piston (20) sliding in sealed manner against the rod inside of the actuator, the hydraulic chamber being in fluid flow communication with an accumulator (21) via a solenoid valve (22) that is controllable between a closed state in which the chamber is isolated from the accumulator, and a fluid-passing state in which the hydraulic chamber and the accumulator are in communication, calibrated resistance being exerted against the passage of fluid from the chamber towards the accumulator.

Abstract: A gear assembly including a driving gear and a driven gear and an electronic device are provided. The driving gear includes a pawl pivoted on a first surface and an elastic member disposed in a slot of the driving gear. The driven gear includes a ratchet disposed on a second surface facing the first surface. When the driving gear rotates with a driving speed along a driving direction, a centrifugal force is generated to drive the pawl moving to a clutching position to be engaged with the ratchet and drives the driven gear rotating with the driving gear. When the driving gear rotates with a nominal speed slower than the driving speed along a direction opposite to the driving direction, the engagement between the pawl and the ratchet is released, and the pawl is back to a nominal position so the driven gear does not rotate with the driving gear.

Abstract: Steering pinions and methods for producing the same are described. The steering pinion has a toothed section for meshing with a gear rack and a connection section for connecting to a steering shaft. The toothed section includes a toothed part and the connection section includes a connection part. The toothed part and the connection part are pressed together in a rotationally fixed manner.

Abstract: A pinion gear assembly having a pinion, a collar, and a bearing. The pinion may have a gear portion and a hub portion disposed proximate the gear portion. The collar may be fixedly disposed on the hub portion and the bearing may be fixedly disposed on the collar.

Abstract: Provided is a button structure of a shift knob for use with a shift lever in which a rod is provided. The shift knob comprises: a button capable of being pushed to allow the rod to be moved downwardly from a lock position to a lock release position; a pinion gear provided in coaxial relation to a pivot shaft of the button; and a rack meshed with the pinion gear. The button structure moves the rod to a shift-lock release position, interlockingly with a downward movement of the rack caused by a swinging movement of the pinion gear in a forward direction, according to a pushing operation of the button, and moves the rod to a shift-lock position, interlockingly with an upward movement of the rack caused by a swinging movement of the pinion gear in a reverse direction, according to a push-mode releasing operation of the button.

Abstract: A cable arrangement structure capable of properly arranging a motor-drive cable while preventing a robot from being complicated and increased in size. Among first to sixth motor-drive cables, at least first to third motor-drive cables are introduced to a cable outlet formed on at least one of a rotating body, a first arm and a second arm. The motor-drive cables, introduced to the outlet, are withdrawn outside the robot as a cable bundle or separate cables, and are connected to a robot controller positioned separately from the robot.

Abstract: A robot includes a plurality of arm elements, a joint portion, and a motor. The joint portion is configured to connect the adjacent arm elements to each other so that they are movable with respect to each other. The motor is configured to generate a driving force to the joint portion. The outer shell of the motor is connected to the arm element, capable of transmitting stress to the arm element, and the motor is connected to the arm element or the joint portion, capable of transmitting stress to the arm element or the joint portion.

Abstract: A robot includes an arm body. The arm body includes a multi-joint structure. A motor is configured to generate a rotation driving force for driving specific ones of arm elements. A brake device comprises a brake shaft arranged in parallel with a motor shaft. A reduction device is configured to reduce a speed of rotation of the motor shaft and to transmit the rotation to the specific arm elements. A first transmission mechanism includes a first brake pulley provided on the brake shaft, a motor pulley provided on the motor shaft, and a first belt wound between the first brake pulley and the motor pulley. A second transmission mechanism includes a second brake pulley provided on the brake shaft, a reduction device pulley provided on the input shaft of the reduction device, and a second belt wound between the second brake pulley and the reduction device pulley.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a robot neck joint structure including: a head plate of a robot; a rolling drive unit for supporting the head plate and performing a rolling motion in a left and right direction; a pitching drive unit for supporting the rolling drive unit and the head plate and performing a pitching motion in a forward and backward direction; and a yawing drive unit for supporting the pitching drive unit, the rolling drive unit and the head plate and performing axial rotation at the same place. Therefore, since composite movements such as rolling, pitching and yawing of a head plate are allowed in order to implement motions like movement of a head of a human being, motions and expressions similar to the movement of a head of a human being can be implemented, and familiarity of persons to robots can be increased by stimulating interest and curiosity about the robots through a variety of performances.

Abstract: A robot includes a base and a robot main body. The robot main body includes a plurality of structural members driven by a plurality of actuators. The base includes a housing into which a control cable drawn, a first opening portion provided on a lower surface of the housing, and a second opening portion provided on a side surface of the housing. The first opening portion is configured capable of selectively attaching/detaching either one of a first connector plate including a connector to which a tip end portion of the control cable can be attached and a first lid portion not including the connector. The second opening portion is configured capable of selectively attaching/detaching either one of a second connector plate including a connector to which a tip end portion of the control cable can be attached and a second lid portion not including the connector.

Abstract: A substrate transport arm including a plurality of links rotatably connected to each other in series; and a system for maintaining radial orientation of a third one of the links regardless of a rotational angle of first and second ones of the links relative to each other. The system for maintaining radial orientation includes a four-bar linkage.

Abstract: A robot includes a base, an arm portion, and a wrist portion with a multi-joint structure. The wrist portion includes a first wrist element, a second wrist element, a third wrist element, a first bevel gear set, and a second bevel gear set. The first wrist element is supported around a first axis line orthogonal to a longitudinal direction of the wrist portion. The second wrist element is supported swingably around a second axis line orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the wrist portion. The third wrist element is supported rotatably around a third axis line along the longitudinal direction of the wrist portion. The first bevel gear set is configured to reduce a rotation speed of a first driving motor driving the first wrist element. The second bevel gear set is configured to reduce a rotation speed of a second driving motor for driving the second wrist element.

Abstract: A steering system includes a rack shaft, a rack housing, a rack end, and an impact absorbing member that is provided between a restriction face formed within the rack housing and an end face of the rack end, and that absorbs an impact generated when the restriction face and the end face come into contact with each other. The impact absorbing member includes an elastic portion, and a restriction portion having an elastic modulus higher than that of the elastic portion and having a length in the axial direction, which is shorter than that of the elastic portion. A compression allowance, which is a difference in length in the axial direction between the elastic portion and the restriction portion, is brought to zero when the restriction face and the end face come into contact with each other via the impact absorbing member due to a steering input.

Abstract: An adjustable steering column is provided. The steering column includes a rake bracket having first and second legs, a steering shaft extending within an upper jacket along a first axis between the first and second legs, a lower jacket positioned about the upper jacket and a locking clamp positioned about the lower jacket. The steering column further includes an actuating lever rotatable in first and second directions, a clamp bolt having a first end with the actuating lever positioned thereon and a second end coupled to the locking clamp, the clamp bolt extending along a second axis that intersects the upper jacket, and a pressing mechanism positioned on the clamp bolt and operable in response to rotation of the actuating lever such that the steering shaft is secured against adjustment in rake and telescope directions in response to rotation in the first direction and is adjustable in the rake and telescope directions in response to rotation in the second direction.

Abstract: A steering system includes an outer tube at an upper side and an inner tube at a lower side that slide relative to each other in an axial direction when shock is absorbed. A first sliding resistance reducing element, which comes into contact with an inner periphery of the outer tube, and reduces sliding resistance between both the tubes, is retained in at least a circumferential lower region of an axial upper end portion of the inner tube. A second sliding resistance reducing element, which comes into contact with an outer periphery of the inner tube, and reduces the sliding resistance between both the tubes, is retained in at least a circumferential upper region of an axial lower end portion of the outer tube.

Abstract: An electrically powered heating system for a vehicle includes one of a footrest or accelerator pedal in a footwell of a vehicle having a structural substrate and an upper surface constructed for engagement with a driver's foot. A heating element that is electrically powered is embedded in the footrest and/or accelerator pedal between the upper surface and the substrate for heating the foot.

Abstract: An electric control device for a bicycle that includes a clamp member adapted to be mounted to a bicycle handlebar, a bracket member adjustably mounted to the clamp member, and a first electric user interface member operatively coupled to the bracket member.

Abstract: Provided is a structure for installing a shift knob to a shift lever in which a rod is provided in an upwardly and downwardly movable manner. The shift knob comprises: a button capable of being manually pushed to allow the rod to be moved downwardly from a lock position to a lock release position; a core installing the button and having a lower tubular portion; and a cover ring covering the lower tubular portion of the core. The structure is configured to allow the cover ring to be fitted onto the lower tubular portion of the core, and thereby locked by the lower tubular portion of the core in a snap fit manner, and to allow the shift lever to be inserted into the lower tubular portion of the core, and thereby locked by the lower tubular portion of the core in a snap fit manner.

Abstract: A bicycle handlebar assembly having a handlebar attachment mounted fixedly connected to a fork of the bicycle and oriented forwards with respect to it, elongated mainly according to its own longitudinal axis (B) inclined with respect to the direction of forward movement (A) of the bicycle by an angle a smaller than +/?12°; a handlebar rod, provided with handgrips at opposite ends thereof; a front seat) formed in the handlebar attachment for abutment of a central area of the handlebar rod; a stop removably fixed to said handlebar attachment through attachment screws to lock the handlebar rod in the seat of the handlebar attachment. The stop comprises at least one open strap, with a central portion arranged in circumferential direction around the handlebar rod and two rear arms extending in tangential direction with respect to the central portion for fixing to the handlebar attachment by means of the attachment screws.

Abstract: Handle bars that may extend in length are provided. The handle bars may include an upper handle bar portion and a lower handle bar portion. At least one of the upper handle bar portion and the lower handle bar portion may include a housing and a tube that fits within the housing. The upper handle bar portion may be expanded linearly relative to the lower handle bar portion and therefore may increase the length of the handle bars.

Abstract: The invention relates to a component for absorbing and/or transmitting mechanical forces and/or moments, comprising at least one dimensionally stable component element (12, 12?, 12?, 2??, 12??), which has at least one hollow-profiled section (14), and at least one hollow-profiled component element (16) consisting of fibre-reinforced plastic, which can be partially received by the hollow-profiled section (14) of the dimensionally stable component element (12, 12?, 12?, 12??, 12??), and can be arranged in a form-fitting manner in the hollow-profiled section (14) of the dimensionally stable component element (12, 12?, 12?, 12??, 12??) by means of raised portions (32, 32?) which extend radially inwards and/or depressions (38, 38?), recesses or holes which extend radially outwards, wherein the inner circumference (24) of the hollow-profiled section (14) of the dimensionally stable component element (12, 12?, 12?, 12??, 12??) and the outer circumference (26) of the hollow-profiled component element (16) consisting

Abstract: A drive train (1) of a motor vehicle has an internal combustion engine (2) with a crankshaft (6). A transmission (3) is connected downstream for driving at least one axle (5) of the motor vehicle. A starter generator (9) is attached to the crankshaft (6) of the internal combustion engine (2) via a spur gear mechanism (10). The spur gear mechanism (10) has a first drive train (11) with a switchable clutch (12) and a second drive train (13) with a switchable clutch or a freewheel (14) that is active during the starter mode of the starter generator (9). In a drive train of this type, the components for transmitting the torque of the starter generator (9) require only little space and, during starting, the crankshaft (6) of the internal combustion engine is decoupled from tensile forces and weights which would be observed when a belt drive is used.

Abstract: A vehicle control system (100) includes a rotary electric machine unit (40), a PCU (14) including an inverter circuit, and a controller (18). The rotary electric machine unit (40) includes a casing defining an interior space and containing a rotary electric machine and a lubricating cooling fluid disposed therein and a cover, and a breather (70) which is connected to the interior space via an on-off valve (58). The on-off valve (58) is normally in an open state. The controller (18) outputs a valve-closing signal to the on-off valve (58) when a single phase short circuit fault occurs in the inverter circuit which drives the rotary electric machine. A mechanical mechanism can also be used to place the on-off valve (58) into a closed state.

Abstract: The present invention describes a process for removing uranium from a copper concentrate by magnetic separation (low and high field) to reduce the uranium content to commercially acceptable levels.