Abstract: A tubular housing can include at least one fixed helical vane formed onto the inner surfaces of the tubular housing in a spiral and adapted to direct fluid into a spiraled flow and focus fluid onto a fan blade assembly associated with an alternator system and located within the tubular housing before a system exhaust. A generator cone can be mounted near the center and front of the fan blade assembly facing fluid passing through the tubular housing. As fluid passes over the generator cone it experiences compression between the generator cone and housing resulting in increased pressure and velocity of the fluid, thereby increasing rotational speed of the generator blades and generator as the compressed, spiraled fluid passes through the blades and exits the tubular housing. The system can be used for fixed or mobile applications in water, wind and manually induced fluid flow.

Abstract: Methods and systems for use in monitoring a tachometer are provided. A method for use in correcting a signal from a tachometer coupled to a rotating shaft in a wind turbine includes receiving a raw tachometer signal from the tachometer coupled to a wind turbine shaft, the signal indicating the speed and/or angular position of the shaft, determining a cyclic error exists in the raw tachometer signal, and providing a corrective signal to adjust a torque within the wind turbine using the determined cyclic error.

Abstract: In order to provide a vacuum pump motor which is free from rotation imbalance, there is provided a vacuum pump motor 10 which is connected directly to a pump main shaft 21 of a vacuum pump 20, including a motor rotor 120 which is attached directly or indirectly to the pump main shaft 21 and balance rings 127 which are attached directly or indirectly to the pump main shaft 21 at ends thereof which are spaced apart from end portions of a rotor core 123, wherein the balance rings 127 contain a material having anticorrosion properties.

Abstract: An automated system for dampening pulsation of a medium, wherein the system comprises a pressure pulsation dampener, a transducer, and a control unit for instructing a motor to move the choke plate depending on signals sent from the transducer. The pressure pulsation dampener has a housing, a choke plate, a shaft, an indicator plate, a stop pin and a removable fastener for engaging at least one of the plurality of indicator openings and securing to a portion of the outlet half housing.

Abstract: The fluid section of an air operated double diaphragm pump 10 consists of two fluid housings 12, an inlet manifold 14, and an outlet manifold 16. The housings are to be made in two parts. The preferred frame 18 material is glass fiber reinforced with polypropylene that is overmolded into final shape with an encapsulating material 20. The frame 18 is designed so that the encapsulating material 20 can flow from one side to the other allowing for a mechanical lock between the top surface 22 and the bottom so as not to rely on chemical adhesion between the two materials.

Abstract: A roller assembly comprises a central section with a hub, the central section having a plurality of pivots located around the central section; a plurality of arms, each arm having a roller end and a pivot end, the pivot ends coupled to the central section at the plurality of pivots such that each arm is capable of pivoting independently with respect to the central section, the roller ends and pivot ends of each arm located a distance of at least one roller width away from each other; a plurality of rollers, one roller coupled to each of the roller ends of the plurality of arms; wherein the plurality of rollers and arms are located around the central section such that the pivot is located a distance away from the roller.

Abstract: An inductor pump system comprises a fluid activated ram, an inductor pump platen, a fluid activated motor and a fluid control. The inductor pump platen is driven by the fluid activated ram. The fluid activated motor is coupled to the platen. The fluid control comprises an inlet for receiving a source of pressurized fluid, a first circuit and a second circuit. The first and second circuits are configured to receive pressurized fluid from the inlet. The first circuit comprises a switching valve connected to the inlet; an actuator line connected to the ram and the switching valve; and a blow-off line connected to the inductor pump platen and the switching valve. The second circuit is connected to the inlet to receive pressurized fluid and to the motor.

Abstract: A fluid-driven linear actuator comprises a piston configured for reciprocating motion in a piston chamber and a spool valve in a valve chamber. The valve chamber is fluidly connected to a fluid input and to a fluid output. The spool valve is configured to be hydraulically moved within the valve chamber between a plurality of spool valve configurations, comprising a first spool valve configuration wherein the valve chamber is fluidly connected to the piston chamber to thereby create a first fluid pressure differential which tends to force the piston in a first axial direction and a second spool valve configuration wherein the valve chamber is fluidly connected to the piston chamber to thereby create a second fluid pressure differential which tends to force the piston in a second axial direction.

Abstract: A high-pressure fuel pump includes a pressurizing chamber for pressurizing fuel, an outlet valve for discharging the fuel pressurized in the pressurizing chamber to an outlet passage, a relief passage for connecting the outlet passage located downstream of the outlet valve and the pressurizing chamber with each other while bypassing the outlet valve. A relief valve device is provided in the relief passage and adapted to open when an internal pressure of the outlet passage becomes higher than that of the pressurizing chamber, thereby providing communication between the outlet passage and the pressurizing chamber. The relief valve includes a relief spring mechanism for pressing a relief valve to a relief valve seat. At least the relief spring mechanism among members of the relief valve device is provided outside the pressurizing chamber in the pump body.

Abstract: A pump includes a second housing member in which a suction-side groove and a discharge-side groove are formed at a predetermined interval in a circumferential direction of a bottom of a pump chamber so as to be recessed in the bottom of the pump chamber. Fitting portions that are fitted to bosses are formed on an outer surface of the second housing member. A protruding portion, which overlaps with the bosses in a thickness direction, is formed so as to protrude from a surface of the housing on which the fitting portions are formed. A relief valve is provided in the protruding portion, and the relief valve discharges fluid from the discharge-side groove when pressure in the discharge-side groove is equal to or higher than predetermined pressure.

Abstract: A scroll compressor is provided in which a boss of an orbiting scroll is inserted into and coupled to a boss coupling recess of a crank shaft, so that friction loss of a bearing portion of the crank shaft may be reduced, compression efficiency and reliability of the compressor may be enhanced, and noise and material costs may be reduced. A bush bearing may be formed as a coating on the boss of the orbiting scroll, so that a thickness of the bearing portion of the crank shaft may be reduced. Since an outer circumferential surface of the bearing portion is in contact with an inner circumferential surface of the boss coupling recess, damage to the bearing portion may be prevented.

Abstract: A scroll-type compressor for a CO2 vehicle air conditioning system, having a mechanical drive which is connected by a drive shaft to an eccentric bearing. A movable displacement spiral is rotatably connected to the eccentric bearing and engages into a counterpart spiral such that, between the displacement spiral and the counterpart spiral, radially inwardly traveling chambers are formed in order to compress the refrigerant and discharge it into a pressure chamber. Wherein the counterpart spiral is movable in alternating fashion relative to the displacement spiral in an axial direction, wherein, between the counterpart spiral and the displacement spiral, there is arranged at least one spring for exerting an axial release force on the counterpart spiral, and at least one piston engages on the counterpart spiral, in order to exert an axial closing force on the latter, adjacent to the pressure chamber in an off-center position.

Abstract: A cooling system provided for a motor powering a compressor in a vapor compression system. The cooling system includes a housing enclosing the motor and a cavity located within the housing. A fluid circuit has a first connection with the housing configured to provide a liquid or two phase cooling fluid to the motor. The two phase cooling fluid is separable into a vapor phase portion and a liquid phase portion. The fluid circuit further has a second connection with the housing to remove cooling fluid in fluid communication with the fluid circuit. The cooling fluid conveyed through the second connection is two phase cooling fluid. The fluid circuit further has a third connection with the housing for receiving and circulating in the cavity the vapor phase portion conveyed through the second connection.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cooling a compressor motor (152)having a motor stator (162) and rotor (166)in a refrigerant system(100). The method cools the rotor and the stator, electromagnetic bearings (160)located within a compressor housing providing refrigerant liquid to the stator internal channels, the channels being in fluid communication with a rotor passageway (172), and a flow-control device (168) controlling refrigerant flow into the stator. A temperature monitoring device (176) in communication with a controller (140) monitors motor temperature. The controller (140)evaluates the motor temperature and adjusts refrigerant flow through the flow control device (168), maintaining the motor (152) within a predetermined temperature range.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a thin fan comprises the steps of: providing a plastic material containing a plurality of metal particles; molding the plastic material into a housing; removing a part of a surface of the housing to form a circuit layout area at the housing; and forming a metal layer in the circuit layout area.

Abstract: A fan motor control device includes a zero-crossing detection unit, a phase control unit, an operation processing unit, a first rectifier element and a second rectifier element. The zero-crossing unit generates a synchronization reference signal to the phase control unit, which in turn generates a phase control signal to the operation processing unit. According to the received phase control unit, the operation processing unit generates a motor-starting processing signal to the first and the second rectifier element for driving a fan motor to rotate. Since the phase control unit provides the effect of controlling the fan motor's output power and rotational speed, it enables the fan to have increased rotational speed and provide improved heat dissipation and ventilation effects.

Abstract: In one embodiment a blower comprises a case comprising a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and a side wall extending between portions of the first surface and the second surface, wherein the side wall comprises an air inlet and an air outlet, an impeller disposed in the case and rotatable about an axis of rotation extending through a hub, wherein the impeller comprises a plurality of blades which define a gap with the hub, wherein portions of the side wall are disposed at least a first distance from the axis of rotation and the impeller is to define a circumferential airflow path within the case, wherein the impeller is to create an airflow in the circumferential airflow path between the air inlet and the air outlet, and a feature disposed in the gap to impede recirculation of air in the case.

Abstract: An assembly including a diffuser and an airflow rectifier at an outlet of a centrifugal compressor of a turbine engine, the diffuser being substantially in a shape of a radially positioned double annular disc, and the rectifier being a double toroidal part, arranged as an extension of the double disc of the diffuser and curved such as to divert the airflow in the downstream direction of the engine. The rectifier is attached to the diffuser by a connection positioned immediately adjacent to the contact surface of the two parts and is removable using a standard tool, excluding any other supporting mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating pulsatile flows includes a liquid vessel capable of containing a liquid, a plurality of revolving mechanisms associated with each other, and a microchannel supplied with a liquid from the liquid vessel. As the plurality of revolving mechanisms rotate, a periodically changing pressure difference occurs between the liquid vessel and the microchannel, thereby implementing a pulsatile flow having a wave functional form in the microchannel. By applying the hydraulic head difference and controlling revolution of the revolving mechanisms based on Fourier cosine series, a minute and precise pulsatile flow of a wave functional form may be implemented by means of simple configuration and fabrication, which may not easily obtained by a conventional pump.

Abstract: A pump motor of a hydraulic hybrid system also serves as a pump to supply hydraulic oil or lubricating oil to a power train, thus enabling elimination of an oil pump provided in the power train and hence reductions in the number of parts and cost, and, in addition, an existing oil pan provided in the power train and the like are utilized for the hydraulic hybrid system, which in turn enables achieving further reductions in the number of parts and cost. Moreover, when idle-reduction control is performed on an engine, during engine's stopped conditions, the pump motor can be driven as a motor by hydraulic pressure accumulated in an accumulator to start the engine and supply the hydraulic pressure to a transmission, thus eliminating a need to provide a motor-driven oil pump for the idle-reduction control and hence enabling a further reduction in cost.

Abstract: A power machine and a power conversion system for a power machine are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the power conversion system includes a pump configured to provide a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid and a control valve assembly to receive the hydraulic fluid. The control valve assembly includes a first valve element configured to direct hydraulic fluid to an actuator when the first valve element is in first and second actuated positions. The control valve assembly also includes a second valve element downstream of the first spool. The first valve element is moveable between an unactuated position and the first and second actuated positions and is configured to direct hydraulic fluid received from the actuator through the second actuated position to the second valve element and to direct hydraulic fluid received from the actuator through the first actuated position to bypass the second valve element.

Abstract: An electrically actuated booster performs displacement control such that the relative displacement relationship between an input member and an assist member is variable according to the absolute displacement of the input member. A target displacement that makes variable the relative displacement relationship between an input piston and a booster piston is set according to a detection signal from a potentiometer (86), and displacement control is performed so that the relative displacement between the two pistons becomes equal to the target displacement on the basis of a signal from a relative displacement sensor (100) that detects the relative displacement between the two pistons.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for locking an actuator piston within an actuator cylinder housing is disclosed. The locking mechanism comprises a locking pin that is moveable between extended and retracted positions. The locking pin can be moved using a controller, such as a hydraulic controller, for example. In the extended position the locking pin engages the actuator piston thereby locking the actuator piston in a specific position. The locking mechanism includes a mechanical bias (such as a spring or other mechanical system) that biases the locking pin towards an extended position to lock the actuator piston when counter-pressure on the locking pin is lower than the pressure provided by the mechanical bias. The locking pin can be hydraulically operated so that hydraulic pressure that forces the actuator piston to retract also exerts force on the locking pin to move it from a locked position to an unlocked position.

Abstract: A duct in which a fluid can be conducted is bound by duct walls, wherein the duct walls have an inlet opening and an outlet opening through which the fluid can enter the duct and exit the duct. The fluid has a flow velocity which is smaller along the duct walls than at the duct middle, so that a zone of higher flow velocity and a zone of lower flow velocity can be formed in the duct. A flow guide surface is arranged in the duct by means of which a portion of the fluid can be taken from the zone of higher flow velocity and can be mixed into the zone of lower flow velocity.

Abstract: A bracket assembly is provided with a shell, a pivotal first curved member on one end of a recessed shell bottom, a pivotal second curved member on the other end of the shell bottom, a link including a slot, a first pin driven through the first curved member and the slot to fasten the first curved member and the link together, and a third hole at an other end, a cylindrical first actuation member, a cylindrical second actuation member, a second pin for fastening the first actuation member and the link together; a biasing member biased between the first stop member and the first actuation member; and a knob at a cap. A retaining device is also provided so that the sliding tube can slide in a transverse channel of retaining device, thereby adjusting length of the sliding tube.

Abstract: An article, for use in coupling a first member including a first material to a second member including a second material different than the first material, includes a clip having a first leg, a second leg, and a middle portion located between the first and second legs. The clip has an inner side including the first material and an outer side including the second material. The clip is aligned on one of the first and second members so the inner side of the clip contacts one of the first and second members and the outer side of the clip contacts the other of the first and second members.

Abstract: A member mounting structure joins together a first member which has a first mounting hole and a second member which has a second mounting hole. The member mounting structure is configured in such a manner that a pin has a shaft section and a radial protrusion section which protrudes in the radial direction from the shaft section. A clip, which is formed by punching and press-forming a metallic plate and which is used to grip the first member, has: a first plate section which has formed therein a first insertion hole into which the shaft section of the pin is inserted; a second plate section which faces the first plate section; and a connection section which connects the first plate section and the second plate section.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a fastening arrangement for plate-shaped facing components. The fastening arrangement includes at least one profiled rail comprising legs in a cross-section, an intermediate space being formed between these legs and configured to hold a peripheral portion of at least one of the facing components. A first one of the legs of the profiled rail includes at least one opening which extends into the first leg in a transverse direction of the profiled rail. The fastening arrangement also includes at least one fixing element which is equipped with at least one extension. The extension is designed such that it can be pressed into the opening in the first leg to fix the facing component so that the extension protrudes into the intermediate space and portions thereof come into frictional contact with the peripheral portion of the facing component held in the intermediate space.

Abstract: An attachment system for mounting a trim component to a vehicle body panel having an aperture includes a self-locating fastener affixed to the trim component. The fastener has a domed head that terminates at a shoulder and includes a plurality of legs separated by a gap and configured to resiliently deflect inward. The domed head is configured to provide for location of the trim component relative to the body panel during installation, and the shoulder is configured to engage the aperture upon installation.

Abstract: An asymmetric thread impact drivable screw and clip for use with a power impact device for penetrating wood fibers while minimizing cut fibers. The screw includes an impact head and a conical shaped tip having a ballistic insertion angle at the ends of a shank. The shank defines asymmetrical threads with an insertion flank having a long side at a slide angle peaking at a crest supported by a catch flank positioned at a grip angle. Varying tool accepting recess are taught for the head along with multiple thread sections. A mushroom compaction thread section is also taught.

Abstract: A connecting device comprises a first component, a second component which can be connected to the first component by insertion one in the other, and a coupling lever which is mounted movably on the first component and which is adjustable from an open position to a closed position and has coupling elements which cooperate with coupling elements of the first and second components and are designed in such a way that, by an adjusting movement of the coupling lever out of the open position into the closed position, the first and second components can be transferred from a loose state to a fixed state.

Abstract: Direct connection between a tube and a flat element by means of a connector preferably formed by stamping on the tube itself, which enables joining the latter to the flat element, without auxiliary elements, by nest-like insertion of same into the flat element and subsequent attachment by means of screws, rivets, bolts, pins or other elements.

Abstract: The invention relates to an attachment member (R) of the “lockbolt” type comprising a pin (100) and a ring (200), said pin (100) comprising a head (110) at one end and having, on its body, a first part (120) grooved with a plurality of locking grooves or channels (121p, 121c, 121d) enabling the ring (200) engaging with the pin (100) to attach itself thereto by deformation, and a second part (130) that is grooved in order to cooperate with a tool (O), characterized in that said grooved part (120) of the pin (100) is preformed so as to provide a series of non-helical grooves (121p, 121c, 121d), the beginning and the end of the series consisting of grooves (121p, 121d) that have different profiles from the identical grooves (121c) located in the central part of said series, the different profile having an identical depth but a greater width compared to the profile of the grooves (121c) located in the central portion of the series. The invention is applicable to the production of attachments and rivets.

Abstract: A fastener system for composite structure providing electromagnetic energy (EME) protection incorporates a fastener having a head with an engagement surface and a shank having a threaded end. A nut is received on the threaded end of the fastener, with the nut also having an engagement surface. At least one of the head engagement surface and the nut engagement surface incorporates a reduced area portion for engagement of a first mating surface or second mating surface, respectively.

Abstract: A fixture for mounting on a support structure having an outer surface and an inner surface defining a thickness, with a bore therethrough, comprising: a tubular body, having a top section and a bottom externally threaded section; a retaining sleeve with flange, having a lower portion, the bottom surface thereof larger than the bore; a drop down ring; a keeper body, having an internally threaded circular passageway, including a ring shaped upper part having an outside surface and an outside diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the bore, and a lower part having a smaller diameter than said upper part, the retaining sleeve with flange, drop down ring, and keeper body sized for placing onto the tubular body; and pivotable, rotatable ears having an upper edge and a lower end providing a stop, mounted to the upper part of the keeper body.

Abstract: A fastener is provided. The fastener includes an elongated shank having a longitudinal axis. The fastener also includes a head portion formed at a first end of the shank. The head portion includes an annular flange extending radially from the longitudinal axis. The fastener also includes a knurled section extending along at least a portion of the shank and disposed adjacent to the annular flange. The knurled section includes a plurality of grooves circumferentially surrounding the portion of the shank. The fastener also includes a smooth section extending along at least a portion of the shank and disposed adjacent to the knurled section. The fastener also includes a helical threaded portion extending axially along at least a portion of said shank toward a second end of the shank and disposed adjacent to the smooth section.

Abstract: A device fixes fittings, in particular wall or floor elements in airplanes, to a structure such that no vibrations are generated. The device has a fixing element which is configured on one end for fixing to the structure and on the opposite end for receiving the fittings. The opposite end of the fixing element is movably mounted in a spacer sleeve which can be connected to the fittings to be received and which contains an elongated hole-shaped cross-section, and the opposite end is configured for fixing to the fittings. At least one damping element is provided and disposed between the structure and the fittings. The spacer sleeve has an elongated hole-shaped cross-section, and the one end of the fixing element is formed by a stand or can be connected to a stand. The stand is configured for movably mounting in a rail section that lies on the structure.

Abstract: An improved vehicle air conditioning system and a method for its installation, having a control assembly used for temperature and blower adjustments or settings which makes use of existing control panel equipment, as well as new electrical controls, where cables are provided between the original equipment and the new electrical control assembly, and the cables are engaged with a cable integrator including a potentiometer to enable marking of the desired setting adjustments within the vehicle and translation of the settings or adjustments from the manual control panel adjustment to the electrical control assembly which regulates the system output.

Abstract: A connecting rod of an internal combustion engine, that includes a large bore, and an interior bore surface. The current art uses soft metal bearing surfaces to reduce wear, and friction between the connecting rod inner diameter and the crankshaft journal surface. The soft metal bearing surface is a separate component of the engine. In this invention the large bore end interior diameter is coated with a hard material to reduce, or eliminate wear. The hard material is a metal or metal alloy applied to the inner diameter by a thermal spray method. A relatively soft polymer material can also be applied to the interior diameter surface of the con-rod bore. The relatively softer polymer acts as a first and sometimes a consumable layer, and applied over the thermal sprayed hard layer. The polymer layer is often used in conjunction with the sprayed metal layer.

Abstract: An assembly for enabling multi-adjustment of a lamp is provided. The assembly includes a frame to which the lamp is attachable, a ball joint, and an apparatus for retaining the ball joint. The ball joint has a head and a neck. The apparatus is attached to the frame, and includes a housing and a cap. The housing defines a chamber configured to receive the head of the ball joint. The housing may further define a slot in which the neck is slidable such that the ball joint is insertable into and removable from the chamber. The cap is configured to interlock with the housing to secure the ball joint such that they are substantially restricted to rotational movement with respect to each other. The cap and the housing may have retention tabs and retention ridges, respectively, configured to engage with each other to enable the interlocking.

Abstract: A spindle drive for an adjusting element of a motor vehicle includes a drive motor with a spindle-spindle nut gear arranged downstream for producing a drive force along a geometric spindle axis. Two connectors are provided for transferring the drive force and at least one connector includes a ball joint with a ball socket and an assigned ball. The ball socket includes a ball socket housing with a connecting piece. It is proposed that the ball socket in the ball socket housing has a damping shell and a bearing shell in the damping shell for the positive engagement with the ball so that the flux of force for the drive force passes via the damping shell and the bearing shell.

Abstract: The ball joint assembly includes a housing with an open interior and which extends from a closed end to an open end. A stud ball with a ball portion is disposed in the open interior of the housing. A first bearing is also disposed in the open interior and includes first and second contact surfaces which are spaced from one another by a gap. The contact surfaces are in sliding contact with the ball portion of the ball stud, and the first contact surface is semi-spherically curved with a generally constant diameter while the second contact surface is generally cylindrical in shape. A second bearing is disposed in the open interior of the housing and has a third contact surface which is in sliding contact with the ball portion of the stud ball and is biased against the ball portion.

Abstract: A ball and socket joint comprises a joint ball which is enclosed and rotationally supported by a ball socket. The ball socket has two ball socket parts that move relative to one another in an axial direction. The ball socket parts acts on different sides of the joint ball that are opposite one another in the axial direction. A controllable adjusting device bias the two ball socket parts, relative to one another in the axial direction, so that pressure exerted on the joint ball by the twp ball socket parts can be varied. At least a first of the ball socket parts comprises a main body and at least one bearing section, which is elastically connected to the main body and by which the first ball socket part rests against the joint ball.

Abstract: A magnetic radial bearing with low eddy current losses is made compact and easily actuable. For this purpose, a radial bearing with four coils (S1, S2, S3, S4) is proposed, said coils lying opposite one another in pairs on two axes (X, Y). The coils are controlled by a three-phase current (U, V and W). The amplitudes of the currents of the phases (U, V and W) are each evaluated using a sine function which is phase-shifted with respect to one another through 120 DEG. The control is performed by a control device at a variable operating point, which fixes the value for the evaluation of the amplitudes for the individual phases corresponding to the respective sine function.

Abstract: A landing bearing for use in a magnetic bearing assembly is provided. The landing bearing includes a first landing surface configured to be mounted on a shaft and a bushing having a second landing surface configured to be mounted in a housing or in a stator coaxially with the landing sleeve. The second landing surface is arranged so as to face the first landing surface. It is proposed that at least one of the first landing surface and the second landing surface is provided with at least one recess for receiving lubricant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sliding supports and particularly sliding supports having two elongate members of channel section and a locating assembly positioned therebetween. The locating assembly includes a plurality of bearing balls and a plurality of contact elements, and is capable of functioning without the use of grease or additional lubrication. The sliding support is particularly suitable for use in harsh environments.

Abstract: A positive pressure generating mechanism comprising a positive pressure generating groove is provided to a high-pressure side of one of two sliding surfaces that slide relative to each other in a pair of sliding components, and a negative pressure generating mechanism comprising a negative pressure generating groove is provided to a low-pressure side. The positive pressure generating groove and negative pressure generating groove are communicated with a high-pressure fluid side and separated from a low-pressure fluid side by a seal surface.

Abstract: A tubular bushing that is co-moldable with tubs of washing machines, the tubular bushing is engaged by a drive shaft of the washing machine, that extends along a central axis (A) and is provided with two rolling bearings, arranged at a given distance from each other along the axis (A) to rotatably support the drive shaft of the washing machine with respect to the tub. The tubular bushing further provides a containing sleeve, made of plastic material and co-molded around the two bearings; the sleeve defining an axial communication duct between two sides of the tubular bushing, the duct being closed, at least during co-molding, by a disposable cap, engaged in an annular edge of the containing sleeve.

Abstract: A friction-enhancing lacquer contains a binder and hard material particles. The hard material particles include a titanium-boron compound or consist of a titanium-boron compound, such as titanium diboride. The friction-enhancing lacquer is applied to the surface of a machine part, such as a bearing component, in order to increase its coefficient of friction and minimize or prevent slippage relative to another machine part clamped thereto.

Abstract: A bearing temperature monitoring system for detecting a temperature of bearing grease within a bearing housing. The bearing temperature monitoring system comprises a housing mountable to the bearing housing, a power source selectively outputting an electrical current, and an electrical circuit. The electrical circuit includes a temperature sensor component electrically coupled to the power source. The temperature sensor component can be responsive to a change in temperature such that the temperature sensor component opens or closes the electrical circuit at a predetermined temperature even in the absence of an applied electrical current. The electrical circuit further includes an alert device electrically coupled to the power source and the temperature sensor component that outputs an alert in response to the temperature sensor component.