Abstract: A vertical-motion vibration isolator utilizes negative-stiffness-producing mechanism which includes a plurality of compressed flexures, each having a particular length in the compressed direction of the flexure and being oriented in a horizontal direction, wherein the plurality of compressed flexures are positioned relative to each other such that the length of each compressed flexure substantially overlaps the length of each of the other compressed flexures. At least some of the plurality of compressed flexures can be positioned in a stacked arrangement. The arrangement of compressed flexures forming a portion of the negative-stiffness mechanism can reduce the size of the isolator without compromising vibration isolation performance.

Abstract: Flexible spring members can include a flexible spring wall and at least one girdle hoop. The flexible spring wall can include a plurality of convoluted wall portions disposed in longitudinally-spaced relation to one another. The girdle hoop can take the form of an annular ring that is at least partially formed from a non-metallic material and can be positioned longitudinally between adjacent ones of the plurality of convoluted wall portions. The girdle hoop can be at least partially embedded within the flexible spring wall and can operate to substantially inhibit radially-outward expansion of the flexible spring wall during inflated conditions and/or use. Gas spring assemblies and methods of manufacture can include one or more of such flexible spring members.

Abstract: A modular piston assembly is associated with an air spring assembly that has a bellows rolling over a surface of the piston assembly. The modular piston assembly includes a first piston portion adapted to fasten to an associated air spring bellows. A second piston portion separate from the first portion, is adapted to fasten to an associated mounting component. Interlocking members are provided to secure the first and second piston portions together, and/or any desired intermediate piston portions. Discrete air reservoirs may also be included in the modular piston assembly to increase the volume of the air spring.

Abstract: A damper assembly includes a housing, a rotor rotatable within the housing, a rotor shaft projecting outwardly of the housing and a damper gear disposed on the rotor shaft. A bracket includes legs disposed outwardly of the damper for securing the assembly in a device, the bracket further having a body between the damper and the damper gear, the body exerting force against each the damper and the damper gear. The damper is selectively engageable with and disengageable from the bracket for enabling and disabling relative movement between the damper and the bracket.

Abstract: A piston-cylinder unit for a mono-tube damper, includes: a cylinder having an inner wall and a closure fixed axially with respect to the cylinder by positive engagement with one or more impressions of the inner wall, the closure having a plug sealed with respect to the inner wall, the plug having a reinforced portion and being axially moveable with respect to the cylinder when a temperature threshold is exceeded. Axial movement caused by the temperature threshold being exceeded causes deformation of the plug with respect to the cylinder so as to: (i) form a channel between the plug and the inner wall of the cylinder, through which pressure, caused by the increased temperature, can escape the piston-cylinder unit, and (ii) permit axial movement of the closure only to a point at which the reinforced portion of the plug comes into contact with the one or more impressions in the cylinder.

Abstract: Provided is a piston valve of a shock absorber which can achieve both an effect of varying an attenuation force according to a pressure and an effect of varying an attenuation force according to a frequency region. The piston valve includes: a main valve unit coupled to a lower end of a piston rod formed with an orifice hole, to divide an inside of a cylinder into an extension chamber and a compression chamber, the main valve unit generating an attenuation force according to a difference of pressure between the extension chamber and the compression chamber; and a frequency sensitive valve unit installed at one side of the main valve unit and configured to generate an attenuation force according to a frequency of hydraulic fluid delivered through the orifice hole of the piston rod, wherein the frequency sensitive valve unit is installed within the main valve unit.

Abstract: Provided is a damping force controlling valve assembly for a shock absorber using a solenoid part for variation of a damping force. The damping force controlling valve assembly includes: a first valve body having an inlet passage through which a working fluid flows in from the shock absorber; a second valve body coupled to the first valve body with a gap therebetween; a main valve disposed at the front of a back-pressure chamber to resist the working fluid flowing through the inlet passage; and a valve spring disposed in the gap between the first valve body and the second valve body and elastically supporting the main valve.

Abstract: A modern suspension damper, for example, a shock absorber or a suspension fork, including an inertia valve and a pressure-relief feature is disclosed. The pressure-relief feature includes a rotatable adjustment knob that allows the pressure-relief threshold to be externally adjusted by the rider “on-the-fly” and without the use of tools.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compensator assembly for use in a motorcycle. The compensator assembly includes an input member, and an output member driven by the input member through a torque-buffering interface. The compensator assembly also includes one or more lubrication passageways formed therein extending between a distal end and one or more interfaces to provide lubricant thereto.

Abstract: A torsional vibration damper for a drivetrain of a motor vehicle having a substantially discoidal centrifugal flange and a plurality of centrifugal pendulum-type absorbers. Each centrifugal pendulum-type absorber includes a first pendulum mass and a second pendulum mass. The first pendulum mass is arranged above a first surface of the pendulum flange, and the second pendulum mass is arranged above a second surface of the pendulum flange. The first pendulum mass and the second pendulum mass are firmly connected to each other by means of at least two spacing bolts in each case. The pendulum flange has a plurality of cutouts in which the spacing bolts are guided. A second spacing bolt of a first centrifugal pendulum-type absorber and a first spacing bolt of a second centrifugal pendulum-type absorber are guided in at least one first cutout.

Abstract: A plate-link chain having a plurality of link plates hingedly connected with each other by pairs of rocker members that each include two rocker members. The rocker members extend transversely to the longitudinal direction of the plate-link chain and are situated with play in openings in the link plates. The rocker members and the link plate openings each have respective curved contact surfaces along which the rocker members and the link plates bear against each other to transmit force. The rocker members include curved rolling surfaces along which the rocker members roll against each other during chain operation to transmit force. The play value between the rocker members and the opening in an adjacent link plate is less than 0.2 mm to minimize lateral vibrations of the chain during operation, to prevent contact of the chain with an enclosing housing and thereby reduce emitted noise.

Abstract: A rope structure has a plurality of link structures each defining first and second ends and at least one organizer member. Each first end comprises at least first and second bend portions, and each second end comprises at least third and fourth bend portions. The first end of a first one of the plurality of link structures and the second end of a second one of the plurality of link structures engages the at least one organizer member such that the first and second bend portions of the first end of the first one of the plurality of link structures are substantially parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to the third and fourth bend portions of the second end of the second one of the plurality of link structures.

Abstract: A dual condiment grinder contains: a body, a transmitting mechanism, a covering assembly, and a grinding mechanism. The body includes a first chamber and a second chamber, the grinding mechanism includes a first transmission column and a second transmission column. The covering assembly includes an inner cover and an outer cover. The body includes a first retaining recess and a second retaining recess. The transmitting mechanism includes a holder, a pressing member, a rotary shaft, a main gear, a left gear, a right gear, a first transmission gear, and a second transmitting gear. The main gear does not mesh with the left gear and the right gear, the first transmission gear does not mesh with the second transmitting gear, and the first transmission gear and the second transmitting gear mesh with the main gear respectively, such that two different ingredients are ground in the first chamber and the second chamber.

Abstract: An automatic transmission controller for controlling an automatic transmission includes a neutral controller which is configured to perform neutral control, a neutral control permission determiner, and an engagement controller. The automatic transmission includes a plurality of planetary gear mechanisms and a plurality of engagement mechanisms. One of the plurality of engagement mechanisms is a mechanical engagement mechanism. The engagement controller is configured to allow rotation of an input shaft of the automatic transmission in a case where the neutral control determiner permits the neutral control and configured to set the plurality of engagement mechanisms including at least the mechanical engagement mechanism so as to fix an output shaft of the automatic transmission to a casing of the automatic transmission in a case where the output shaft of the automatic transmission is rotated by a wheel of a vehicle in a rotational direction such that the vehicle moves backward.

Abstract: A chain guide is provided by which a chain can be guided silently. The chain guide includes: a guide base arranged along a portion of the outer periphery of a chain for transmitting torque and elongated in the direction in which the chain travels; a plurality of roller shafts spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the guide base; and a plurality of rollers for guiding the chain. The rollers are rotatably supported by the respective roller shafts. The rollers guide the chain by rolling. An arrangement interval between each adjacent pair of the rollers is set such that any two of the pins by which pieces of the chain are joined together do not pass any two of the rollers at the same time.

Abstract: In order to provide a belt drive for a motor-driven tool with a first, drive-side belt pulley, a second, tool-side belt pulley and a belt that can be tensioned over the first and the second belt pulley, that is characterized by being easier to use, it is proposed that a cam, rigidly connected with a shaft, is arranged in the first or second belt pulley, whereby during a rotational movement of the shaft the belt pulley can be moved from an eccentric arrangement in relation to the shaft into a concentric arrangement by way of a translational movement and a rotational movement of the belt pulley.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a robotic arm is provided including a linkage assembly and a strap drive train. The linkage assembly includes first, second, third, and fourth links pivotally coupled in series together at first, second, and third joints to define a parallelogram with an insertion axis. The strap drive train includes first and second sets of straps coupled to the linkage assembly. As the linkage assembly is moved about a pitch axis, the first set of straps ensures the third link maintains the same angle relative to the first link, and the first and second set of straps ensures the fourth link maintains the same angle relative to the second link.

Abstract: Seat actuators and methods for operating seat actuators are disclosed. A seat actuator comprises an actuator interface, a motor, and a brake. The actuator interface is adapted to be coupled to a corresponding seat interface. The motor is operable to provide a force to the actuator interface. The brake comprises a plurality of interlocking components. The brake is operable to prevent movement of the actuator interface by a mechanical interlocking of the plurality of interlocking components. A method for operating the seat actuator comprises operating a motor of the seat actuator to provide a force to an actuator interface, and operating a brake to prevent movement of the actuator interface by mechanically interlocking a plurality of interlocking components of the brake.

Abstract: A positioning device includes a base and two positioning mechanisms oppositely positioned on the base to position a workpiece. Each positioning mechanism includes a driver positioned on the base, a mounting member mounted on the base, a gear rack, a gear, and a positioning member. The mounting member defines a sliding groove. The gear rack slidably is received in the sliding groove and connected with the driver. The gear is rotatably connected with the mounting member and is meshed with the gear rack. The positioning member is fixedly-connected with the gear. The driver drives the gear rack to slide along the sliding groove to make the positioning member rotate and outstretch into an interior of the workpiece. The drivers drive two positioning members apply two opposite forces on the workpiece to positioning the workpiece.

Abstract: A kitchen appliance includes a base body, a pivot arm which is disposed in a pivotable manner on the base body and a lever facility for assisting a pivoting movement of the pivot arm. An adjusting mechanism is operably connected to the lever facility to set a degree of assistance for the pivoting movement.

Abstract: The improved gearbox mechanism of the present invention includes a plurality of cam-actuated gear block assemblies, which transfer power from a power shaft to a secondary or output gear element. Each gear block assembly includes a gear block having a surface that periodically interfaces with a secondary or output gear element. In a preferred embodiment the interface surface comprises a plurality of projections or teeth which correspond to complementary projections or gear teeth on the output gear element. Each gear block assembly further includes a plurality of linkage assemblies, which connect or link the gear block to a cam assembly, which in turn is connected to a power source. The cam assembly includes about its circumference a unique pathway or groove for each linkage assembly of a particular gear block assembly so that the movement of the gear block may be controlled in two dimensions in accordance with a certain design parameter.

Abstract: A camshaft includes a carrier shaft which can be mounted rotatably along a shaft axis and at least one cam pack or package axially displaceably disposed on the carrier shaft. The cam pack includes at least two cams and at least one adjusting member for axial adjustment of the cam pack. The cams and the at least one adjusting member are cast integrally with a carrier body in an axially adjacent configuration and are connected to one another by the carrier body. The cams and/or the adjusting member include an inner toothing which engages in an axially displaceable manner with an outer toothing of the carrier shaft. A cam pack and a method for producing a camshaft are also provided.

Abstract: A linear device is provided which can greatly reduce an amount of leakage of fine particles that are produced between a rolling element raceway and rolling elements to the outside of the device and which is therefore suitable for a semiconductor production apparatus or liquid crystal display panel production apparatus or other clean environment. In a linear device, each of a pair of seal members is formed to a shape which has a clearance of 0.025 to 0.15 mm in range with respect to a raceway member when cut along a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the raceway member in a state attached to a moving member. Grease with a worked penetration of 175 to 250 is coated between the rolling element raceway and the rolling elements.

Abstract: A ball screw device includes a screw engaged into a nut member for forming an endless ball guiding passage and for receiving a number of ball bearing members, two end caps are attached to end portions of the nut member and each include a radially and inwardly extended helical bulge for engaging with the helical groove of the screw, and the nut member includes a peripheral protrusion for engaging with the end cap and for preventing the end cap from being moved radially toward the screw and for preventing the screw from being scrapped by the end cap. The end caps each include a peripheral depression for receiving and engaging with the peripheral protrusion of the nut member.

Abstract: A power-split transmission for a vehicle comprises a forward-reverse transmission module, an epicyclic module and a secondary power branch. The forward-reverse power shuttle module (12) comprises an input shaft (22) coupled to a primary motor (20) and an output shaft (38). Also included, first and second clutches (30,48) are alternatively engageable to close respective forward and reverse drive paths between the input shaft and output shaft. Engagement of the first clutch couples the input shaft directly to the output shaft. Engagement of the second clutch couples the input shaft to the output shaft via first and second gear sets (32, 34, 36, 42, 44) which each comprise a plurality of meshed gears. One of the gear sets (32, 34, 36) comprises an odd number of gears and the other gear set (42, 44) comprises an even number of gears.

Abstract: A continuously variable power-split transmission is provided and comprises an epicyclic module (14) having an input shaft (38) drivingly coupled to a primary motor (20). Three compound planets (52, 60, 62) are supported on a common planet carrier (54) and each engage respective sun gears (50, 56, 58). The transmission further comprises a continuously variable drive connection (16) between the primary motor and the planet carrier. A first sun gear (50) of the epicyclic module is disposed on the input shaft. A first power split output (80) is provided by an output side of the continuously variable drive connection. The second and third sun gears (56, 58) are connected to second and third power split outputs (64, 66) respectively. A downstream torque consumer (18) derives power selectively from one of the first, second and third outputs.

Abstract: Disclosed is a shift power transmission apparatus for readily suppressing or avoiding size increase thereof. The apparatus includes an input shaft (22) receiving engine drive force, a hydraulic continuously variable transmission (30) driven by the input shaft (22), a planetary power transmission section (40) combining drive force from the input shaft (22) and output from the hydraulic continuously variable transmission (30) for outputting the combined drive force, and an output rotary member (24) outputting power to a travel apparatus. The planetary power transmission section (40) and the output rotary member (24) are arranged on a side of the hydraulic continuously variable transmission (30) associated with an engine-coupled side of the input shaft (22). The drive force is inputted to the planetary power transmission section (40) from a portion between the engine-coupled side and the hydraulic continuously variable transmission-coupled side of the input shaft (22).

Abstract: In a differential device, an outer tube portion is formed in one of a side gear and a sleeve, and an inner tube portion fitted to an inner periphery of the outer tube portion is formed in the other. A falling-off prevention device for preventing axial relative movement of the outer and inner tube portions is provided between the outer and inner tube portions. A seal member for shutting off communication between the falling-off prevention device and an inside of a differential case is set in a fitting portion between the outer and inner tube portions. Accordingly, lubricating oil in the differential case is prevented from leaking out of a space between the side gear and the sleeve without performing a special process such as pressure welding or adhesive bonding during assembly and which has good ease of assembly.

Abstract: Construction of rotary machinery with a one-way clutch integrated pulley is achieved that is capable of reducing the manufacturing cost when the location in the axial direction of the one-way clutch integrated pulley 9a with respect to the rotary machinery 1a changes. In construction where a sleeve 10a of a one-way clutch integrated pulley 9a is supported by and fastened to a rotating shaft 4 in a housing 2, by placing a circular ring shaped spacer 35 between one end surface of the sleeve 10a and the other end surface of a support bearing 3 for the rotating shaft 4, it is possible to position the one-way clutch integrated pulley 9a in the axial direction with respect to the rotary machinery 1a without changing the length of the sleeve 10a for each type of vehicle.

Abstract: A drive transmission mechanism including a shaft including a reduced diameter portion at an outboard end, an engaging portion inboard of the reduced diameter portion, and an installation portion inboard of the engaging portion and having the same diameter as the engaging portion, a first bearing having an inner ring onto which the reduced diameter portion is fitted, a connecting member provided to the shaft and including a main body into which the installation portion is fitted and a fitting portion provided to the main body on a side in which the engaging portion is provided to accommodate the engaging portion, and a second bearing engaging the shaft to support the shaft at an inboard end of the shaft opposite the first bearing with the connecting member interposed between the first and second bearings.

Abstract: A transmission having a rotating clutch pack assembly is provided, the rotating clutch pack having an interconnecting member, a plurality of friction discs, a rotating member, a first and a second axial bearing, and a biasing member. The interconnecting member is connected for common rotation with a member of the planetary gear set. The rotating member is connected to the second set of friction discs for common rotation. The first axial bearing is disposed between the clutch piston and the plurality of friction discs and the second axial bearing is disposed between the plurality of friction discs and the transmission housing. The biasing member is disposed between the interconnecting member and the rotating member. A clutch piston selectively applies an axial force through the first axial bearing, the plurality of friction discs, and the second axial bearing to the transmission housing.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, a continuously variable transmission (CVT), and a controller. The CVT has an output shaft, a primary pulley connected to and driven by the engine, a secondary pulley connected to the output shaft, and a belt. The pulleys each have mating halves with conical faces defining a gap in which the belt is positioned. Actuators act on one of the halves of the primary and secondary pulleys in response to a respective primary and secondary pressure. The controller detects a desired CVT ratio change in response to control inputs and determines a required shift force for achieving the desired ratio change. The controller also determines whether a calibrated rate of change is achievable. The controller adjusts the primary and/or secondary pressures when the calibrated rate is not achievable, including transmitting a pressure command to at least one of the primary and secondary actuators.

Abstract: Actuator arrangement for a drive train. The actuator arrangement has an actuator pump driven by electric motor, and a clutch actuator, which is designed for actuation of a friction clutch of the drive train and which is connected to a discharge port of the actuator pump. The actuator arrangement has a parking lock actuator, which is designed for actuation of a parking lock arrangement of the drive train. The parking lock actuator has an open position, in which the parking lock arrangement is released, and a closed position, in which the parking lock arrangement is closed. The parking lock actuator is likewise connected to the discharge port of the actuator pump. The parking lock arrangement can be retained in at least one of the open position and the closed position by means of a retaining device.

Abstract: A gearshift interlock is provided including a first shift block operatively associated with at least one first synchronized gear. The first shift block has a detent and is movable between neutral and actuated positions. A second shift block is operatively associated with at least one second synchronized gear. The second shift block has a detent and is movable between neutral and actuated positions. A lockout member is provided wherein movement of one of the shift blocks from its neutral position toward its actuated position causes the shift block to urge the lockout member to engage the detent of the other one of the shift blocks. At least an outer surface of the lockout member has a hardness within a predetermined range, and each of the first and second shift blocks is hardened so as to impart a hardness within the predetermined range to at least a portion of the shift block.

Abstract: The invention provides a low tension piston ring having a finished outer diameter and negligible tangential tension. The method includes the steps of machining a stock bar to an initial outer diameter slightly greater than the finished outer diameter of the piston ring, finishing the initial outer diameter of the stock bar to a rounded profile having a nominal diameter equal to the finished outer diameter, and machining the stock bar to the preferred cross-section. Dykes-type piston rings can have keystone or semi-keystone shaped cross-sections. The method continues by detaching the piston ring from the stock bar using a parting tool in response to completing all tension inducing operations including the steps recited above. The method continues with the steps of lapping the piston ring to a final longitudinal thickness and cutting the piston ring longitudinally to form a final gap.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a piston ring for an internal combustion engine capable of preventing aluminum cohesion for a long time under high temperature and high load conditions. Specifically, a piston ring 1 for the internal combustion engine including a piston ring base material 11 coated with an aluminum cohesion resistant film 12, wherein the aluminum cohesion resistant film 12 is made of ceramics coated on at least one of an upper side face 11a and a lower side face 11b of the piston ring base material 11.

Abstract: A cylinder head gasket includes two main members on two sides, and middle members sandwiched therebetween. The middle members are composed of a first middle member and a second middle member that is separated and distinct therefrom. The first middle member is a metal plate that has cylinder hole rim portions encircling cylinder holes to a particular width, with beads surrounding the cylinder holes being formed in the cylinder hole rim portions. The metal plate either forms separated items, one at each cylinder hole, or else forms an integrated item connected between the cylinder holes. The second middle member is a metal plate that is disposed on the outside of the first middle member and has oil holes and bolt holes. The thickness of the first middle member is greater than that of the second middle member.

Abstract: A sealing apparatus is provided herein. In some embodiments, the sealing apparatus includes an annular body including a first portion having a circular cross-section and a second portion extending radially outward from the first portion, wherein the second portion has a rectangular cross-section. In some embodiments, a sealing apparatus includes a body configured to be retained in a recess of a first surface; an arm extending from the body away from the first surface and configured to provide a force when deflected towards the body by a second surface to form a seal between the first surface and the second surface.

Abstract: An air conditioner system fitting includes a first seal portion comprising a metal material adapted to provide a primary seal, and a second seal portion attached to a free edge of the first seal portion and adapted to provide a secondary seal, wherein the fitting militates against leakage during operation of the air conditioning system.

Abstract: A seal assembly (1) described comprises an elastomeric component (10) having a sealing surface (25) for providing a sealing function, and an energizing band (30), the elastomeric component (10) including an aperture for the energizing band, wherein the energizing band is adapted to fit in the aperture of the elastomeric component (10). In use, an outer surface of the energizing band applies a force to the elastomeric component (10), to deform the (10) elastomeric component to form a seal at the sealing surface. The energizing band (30) component includes non-metallic material.

Abstract: A gate valve includes a valve body with a How passage intersected by a gate cavity. The gate valve also includes a gate with an axis, a downstream gate face, and an upstream gate face on an opposite side. The gate is axially movable in the gate cavity between a gate closed position and a gate open position. A seat ring is located between each gate face and the valve body, at the intersection of the flow passage and the gate cavity. An annular seal is located between each of the seat rings and the valve body. At least one annular filter is located between at least one of the seat rings and the valve body, each of the at least one filters being located radially inward from one of the seals relative to an axis of the flow passage.

Abstract: A pressure isolation device for a pipeline system is described. The pressure isolation device changes from an open position to a closed position when the pressure of a fluid flowing through the device exceeds a predetermined threshold pressure. In some embodiments, the pressure isolation device comprises a housing having an internal chamber, a main inlet, and a main outlet. An elongated member is disposed within the internal chamber between the main inlet and main outlet, and is biased towards the open position. As fluid pressure increases, the elongated member is pushed to the closed position and a portion of the elongated member blocks the fluid pathway from the main inlet to the main outlet. The pressure isolation device provides a simple mechanical solution to protecting and isolating downstream pipeline components from over-pressurization.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for actuating a hydraulic valve arrangement, having a hydraulic continuously adjustable valve and having a hydraulic switching valve for providing a variable opening cross section, wherein an opening cross section threshold value is predefined, wherein, above the opening cross section threshold value, the switching valve is placed into a defined switching position and only the continuously adjustable valve is actuated, and wherein, below the opening cross section threshold value, the continuously adjustable valve is placed into a defined switching position and only the switching valve is actuated.

Abstract: Fire abatement fluid flow control apparatus, comprising a fusible link, a valve housing, a stopper in the housing, and a stopper seat, the link operating to normally block movement of the stopper away from the seat, and upon fusing to unblock the stopper movement, whereby when the fire abatement fluid is operatively supplied under pressure to the valve housing, and when overheating of the link occurs, the link will fracture so that stopper movement away from the seat is effected, allowing release of abatement fluid for application to a fire.

Abstract: A valve mechanism is herein described that utilizes a frangible plug. The valve mechanism comprises a valve body having an inlet port and an outlet port and a passageway extending therebetween. The valve mechanism comprises a frangible plug that is held within the valve body to block the passageway when the plug is intact. The plug comprises a predefined fracture plane and is configured to fracture across the predefined fracture plane upon application of an impact force.

Abstract: Provided is an automatic gas purge valve system including a normally closed gas discharge faucet configured for discharging gas at substantially high flow rates, and an automatic valve unit configured for selectively generating a flow pulse to displace the gas discharge faucet into its open position.

Abstract: A valve assembly, in particular a solenoid valve, is disclosed. The valve assembly includes an at least two-part housing that has a first housing sleeve and a second housing sleeve, the housing sleeves being held against each other by compression of a fastening zone. The valve assembly further includes a valve receptacle in which the valve is inserted and by means of which a press-in ring positioned in the region of the fastening zone is held. The press-in ring rests radially against the first housing sleeve and axially against the second housing sleeve.

Abstract: A seasonal insulative cover for an outdoor faucet includes at least two layers formed from a weatherproof material. A first and a second of the at least two layers are further connected to define a space there between. The first and second layers include a plurality of air chambers. A valve is included on the cover for inserting air between the at least two layers. Air inflated into the insulative cover at the valve urges the first of the at least two layers to partially conform to the outdoor faucet. The air further creates the space surrounding the outdoor faucet between the at least two layers. The space contains a volume of stationary air, which prevents a movement of air current from transferring heat from the outdoor faucet to an outdoor environment.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for controlling gas flow via a gas shut-off valve assembly. In at least one embodiment, the assembly is configured to drive its shut-off valve from an open position to a closed position, in response to detecting a valve closure condition. The assembly in one or more embodiments operates as an intelligent node in an AMR network, and it interprets a received closure command as a closure condition. Additionally, or alternatively, the assembly detects abnormal operating conditions as the closure condition. Advantageously, the assembly performs initial closure verification, based on detecting movement of the valve into the closed position, and performs subsequent closure verification, based on monitoring downstream gas pressure. In the same or other embodiments, the assembly provides enhanced stand-alone reliability and safety by incorporating one or more valve clearing/cleaning routines into its operations.

Abstract: A pipe brace assembly includes a main clamp body that can be secured to a brace pipe. A cable, or other flexible tensioning member, can be wrapped around a braced pipe and secured to the main clamp body. The pipe brace assembly includes a method or mechanism for tensioning the cable or flexible tensioning member around the braced pipe. In some embodiments, the tensioning method or mechanism involves moving, such as rotating, the main clamp body to tension the cable or tensioning member. The clamping of the main clamp body and tensioning of the cable or tensioning member can occur simultaneously.