Abstract: End mounts are used to secure a helical tension spring to end fixtures with various shapes and sizes. These end mounts contain an inner hole to encase the inner spring end mount and secure the end mount making it like a cap. There is also a keyhole created in the top surface that goes through the end mount allowing it to fit over the fixtures but not over the inner end mount, holding it in place. Grooves are machined in a helical pattern on the cylindrical side wall of the end mount. The spring is wound onto the grooves of the end mount. A friction-resistant coating is applied between components of the assembly to mitigate wear and to prevent bending and twisting.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wave spring and a load adjusting method therefor in which a ratio of a spring constant can be freely adjusted. In a wave spring, a high mountain portion and a low mountain portion form a combination, and the combination is repeatedly formed along a circumferential direction. A valley portion is formed between the mountain portions. Since distance between mountain portions is constant in the conventional design of wave springs, the ratios of spring constant are only specific values (plot indicated by ?). In contrast, in the design of the wave spring, since the pitch angle A of the high mountain portion and the pitch angle B of the low mountain portion can be changed in the combination, the ratio can be freely adjusted.

Abstract: A vibration isolator (100) includes a flexure (102), a constrained VEM layer coupler (104), and a constrained VEM layer (106) configured to oppose relative translational and rotational motion between points of the flexure. The flexure may be a loop flexure and may include multiple loops that may be elliptical, circular, rectangular or square in overall aspect, for example. In multi-loop embodiments, the loops may share a common major axis or their major axes may be at an angle to one another. The device enhances damping by providing an increase in viscoelastic surface area over that available in the surface area of the flexure and provides a method of adjusting the strain in the VEM as the flexure undergoes deflection.

Abstract: A piston and cylinder type damper has a cylinder (12) with a piston assembly (10) which is mounted for reciprocal linear movement therein. The piston assembly (10) divides the cylinder (12) into separate chambers with a restricted flow path extending therebetween for passage of damping fluid contained within it. A piston rod (11) is mounted for linear reciprocal movement with respect to the cylinder (12) and is arranged to engage the piston assembly (10) with abutting contact. The contact between the piston rod (11) and piston assembly (10) is arranged to be remote from the restricted flow path.

Abstract: A length-adjustable unit includes a tubular outer component, an inner component displaceably guided in the outer component, issues from the outer component and arranged outside of the outer component has a connecting element, and an additional connecting element arranged at the assembly end, opposing the exit end, of the outer component. The additional connecting element, or an intermediate element rigidly connected to the assembly end of the outer component, has at least one annular shoulder extending in the circumferential direction of the outer component over the full 360°, while at least one engaging element is associated with the intermediate element, which is rigidly connected to the assembly end of the outer component, or the additional connecting element, and this engaging element is engaged with the annular shoulder to be slidingly displaceable in the circumferential direction but positively engaged in a longitudinal direction.

Abstract: In a friction member (22), a base section (92) is constituted by a bottom section (101) and a tube section (102). The bottom section (101) has a bored disk shape, and the tube section (102) has a cylindrical shape extending from an outer circumferential side of the bottom section (101) in the axial direction. An elastic rubber section (91) has a minimum inner diameter section (137), diameter expanding sections (138), (139) which are disposed at each side in the axial direction of the minimum inner diameter section (137). A tube section adhering surface (126) is installed at outer circumferential side of a tube section (102). A cutout section (151) is at least partially formed at a bottom section adhering surface (128) fixed to the bottom section (101) and the tube section (102) side of an open surface at an opposite side in the axial direction, and a deepest section (155) of the cutout section (151) is shallower than a position in the axial direction of the minimum inner diameter section (137).

Abstract: A vibration damping device including a first mounting member arranged on a lower side of a second mounting member, the first and second mounting members being elastically connected by a main rubber elastic body, and an outer bracket arranged on the lower side of the second mounting member. A coupling part is constituted by engagement between a bottom edge of the second mounting member and a top edge of the outer bracket, and the second mounting member is configured to be attached to a vibration source via the outer bracket. The outer bracket is arranged in opposition to the first mounting member in an axis-perpendicular direction, and an axis-perpendicular stopper member that regulates relative displacement between the first and second mounting members in the axis-perpendicular direction is constituted by contact between the first mounting member and the outer bracket.

Abstract: A parallel, torque additive torsional compensating device for an internal combustion engine is provided. The torsional compensating device comprises a first gear, a first joint assembly, an intermediate shaft, a second joint assembly, a torsional element, and a second gear. The first gear and the second gear are in respective driving engagement with a first engagement portion and a second engagement portion of an output of the engine. The intermediate shaft is in driving engagement with the first joint assembly and the second joint assembly. The torsional element is in driving engagement with the second joint assembly and the second gear. An angular deviation of at least one of the first joint assembly and the second joint assembly causes a cyclical acceleration of the torsional element. The cyclical acceleration applies a torque to the output of the internal combustion engine through the second gear and the second engagement portion.

Abstract: A torsional vibration damper of a hydrokinetic torque coupling device, comprises a driven plate rotatable about a rotation axis, an intermediate plate rotatably mounted about the driven plate coaxially with the rotation axis, a back plate rotatably mounted about the intermediate plate coaxially with the rotation axis, a plurality of circumferentially acting elastic members interposed between the driven plate and the intermediate plate, and a damper retainer plate non-moveably secured to the back plate coaxially with the rotation axis. The damper retainer plate is operatively connected to the elastic members. The driven plate, the intermediate plate and the back plate are aligned with each other along a radial axis perpendicular to said rotation axis.

Abstract: A high speed flywheel system for a vehicle, i.e. capable of running at speeds of 20,000 rpm or greater, the system comprising a flywheel mounted on a shaft and contained within a housing, and at least one bearing arrangement, wherein the bearing arrangement is mounted to the flywheel or the housing via an elastomeric component such as a ring and/or a metalastic bush, thereby to reduce NVH and prevent the resonant modes of the flywheel and housing interfering with one another.

Abstract: Wheel weight assemblies include a weight member (212) mounted on a clip member (211) for attachment to the rim of a vehicle wheel, with the clip and weight members being substantially encased in an injection molded housing. The weight member (212) may be composed of a plurality of individual plate elements. Spacing elements such as end caps (250) may be used to hold the plate elements together and locate them in the mold tool to ensure their correct positioning during the molding process.

Abstract: A belt cutting and splicing apparatus is provided for joining together the ends of one or more monolithic conveyor belts. In one form, a belt support is configured to support the belt ends in spaced relation to each other and a non-contact heating device is provided for being disposed between the belt ends to generate thermal radiation for joining the belt ends together. In another form, a drive mechanism is operable to cause relative movement of a pair of platens, for supporting belt ends, toward and away from each other and a heating device between heating and stowed positions. An actuator of the drive mechanism is movable by an operator between at least three operation positions corresponding to three different operation positions of the platens. An on-board belt cutting mechanism is provided for precision cutting of the belt ends using the same apparatus for both belt cutting and splicing operations.

Abstract: A gear train may include an input shaft adapted to receive torque of an engine, an output shaft adapted to output changed torque, a first planetary gear set including a first sun gear, a first planet carrier, and a first ring gear as rotation elements thereof, a second planetary gear set including a second sun gear, a second planet carrier, and a second ring gear as rotation elements thereof, and a third planetary gear set including a third sun gear, a third planet carrier, and a third ring gear as rotation elements thereof.

Abstract: Transmission comprising four planetary gear sets, shafts and six shift elements. Sun of first set is connected to fifth shaft, which is connected to sun of second set and is couplable to housing by second brake. Driveshaft is connectable by first clutch to fourth shaft connected to carrier of second set and is couplable by first brake to housing. Driveshaft is connectable by second clutch to seventh shaft connected to ring gear of second set and sun of third set, and is connectable by third clutch to eighth shaft connected to carrier of third set. Eighth shaft is connectable by fourth clutch to third shaft connected to ring gear of fourth set. Sixth shaft is connected to ring gear of third set and carrier of first set. Sun of fourth set is coupled to housing. Output shaft is connected to carrier of fourth set and ring gear of first set.

Abstract: A multi-stage transmission for a vehicle may include an input shaft and an output shaft, a first planetary gear device, a second planetary gear device, a third planetary gear device, and a fourth planetary gear device provided between the input shaft and the output shaft to transfer a torque and each including three rotating elements, and at least six shifting elements connected to the rotating elements of the first to fourth planetary gear devices.

Abstract: A tensioner which adjusts the mean tensioner force to keep the chain tension as low as possible without sacrificing chain control, significantly improving drive efficiency as the chain wears and is subject to low dynamic loads.

Abstract: Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for infinitely variable transmissions (IVT). In one embodiment, a control system is adapted to facilitate a change in the ratio of an IVT. In another embodiment, a control system includes a carrier member configured to have a number of radially offset slots. Various inventive carrier members and carrier drivers can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of an IVT. In some embodiments, the traction planet assemblies include planet axles configured to cooperate with the carrier members. In one embodiment, the carrier member is configured to rotate and apply a skew condition to each of the planet axles. In some embodiments, a carrier member is operably coupled to a carrier driver. In some embodiments, the carrier member is configured to couple to a source of rotational power. Among other things, shift control interfaces for an IVT are disclosed.

Abstract: A rotary shaft transmission structure, which is designed with a simplified structure to provide a smooth and stable transmission of a rotary shaft and to reduce the occurrence of rotational torsion variation of the rotary shaft, includes a combination of at least one rotor and a traction portion. The rotor includes a shaft hole and a bolt bore, in which the shaft hole is utilized to pivot the rotary shaft so that the rotor can be rotated by the rotary shaft, the shaft hole transversely passed through by at least a plan area is utilized to retain the traction portion, and the rotary shaft is utilized to press the traction portion via the plan area, thereby forming a fixation function.

Abstract: The invention relates to a worm gear which is arranged directly on the head of an on-load tap changer and has a housing, a worm, and a worm wheel, wherein means for torque detection comprising at least one radio-scannable surface wave sensor, a rotor antenna and a stator antenna are provided in the interior of the worm gear.

Abstract: A pneumatic decoupling device for an electromechanical actuator, in particular, for flight applications includes a pressure accumulator housing for storing a compressed gas, which can be released to a decoupling mechanism of an electromechanical actuator for separating the drive components, so that in the event of a decoupling the electromechanical actuator runs totally freely.

Abstract: A platform is provided, which platform is adapted to engage a base through a multiplicity of pulley engaging cables. A first end of each cable is attached to a cam follower assembly located on the base and a second portion of the cable is attached to the platform. A motor driving the multiplicity of cams, cam followers, and cables will move the platform, the platform typically being suspended above the base on the cables or the cables and compression springs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanical member wherein a first part in contact with a second part movable relative to the first part, at least one of the parts including a coating of solid lubricant at least at contact zones between the first part and the second part, the solid lubricant being suitable on its own for lubricating the mechanical member. According to the invention, the mechanical member includes retention and capillary distribution means for distributing a fluid between the parts in such a manner as to form a film between said parts, which film can be pierced temporarily at each contact zone.

Abstract: An electromechanical actuator (EMA) is disclosed. The EMA may comprise an EMA housing having a distal stop that extends radially inward towards a longitudinal axis of the EMA housing, a hail nut extending axially within the EMA housing, and/or a ball screw extending axially within the ball nut, The ball nut may translate axially in a distal direction in response to a rotation by the ball screw, and/or the ball nut may be halted in the axially distal translation in response to contact with the distal stop. The distal stop may be coupled to the EMA. housing. The distal stop may comprise a continuous annular structure. The EMA may further comprise a seal located radially inward of a portion of the distal stop, which may be in contact with said portion and the ball nut and adapted to prevent debris from entering the EMA.

Abstract: A ball screw with support devices includes a nut base having two sides equipped with the support devices for preventing the screw from deflection. Two runner structures are provided near two ends of the screw. The runner structure includes a driving wheel and a driven wheel having different diameters and concentrically installed. The nut base is connected to the driving wheel via an active connecting element for driving the driving wheel to rotate. The driven wheel moves with the driving wheel and is connected to the support devices via passive connecting elements so that the support devices and the nut displace synchronously. By controlling a diameter ratio between the driving and driven wheels, the nut and the support devices displace with proportional speeds, thereby allowing the support devices to always stay at the two sides of the nut as designed and provide reliable support.

Abstract: A multi-use drive plate for a torque converter that includes an annular shaped inner portion defining a openings for connection to a front cover of a torque converter and an outer portion with a plurality of openings for receiving fasteners for connection to a motive force, such as an engine. A plurality of test tabs disposed axially from the annular shaped inner portion and extending radially outward each define a receiver opening with ramp surfaces on the annular shaped inner portion that extend between each one of the plurality of test tabs. Each of the ends of the ramping surfaces terminate at the receiver opening displaced from a middle portion of the ramp surface.

Abstract: An improved strain wave drive system employs an outer circular spline part and an outer dynamic spline part spaced apart by a gap from each other in a widthwise (axial) direction and each having a array of internally facing gear teeth, a two-part inner flexible spline (flexspline) having two different sets of externally facing toothed projections offset by a gap from each other across a width extending in a widthwise (axial) direction, a wave generator coupled to the central rotor or shaft for generating a wave impulse that displaces the inner flexspline toothed projections into mesh with those of the outer circular spline part and an array of roller bearings supporting an inner surface across the width of the flexspline in rolling line bearing contact.

Abstract: A V-pulley includes a pulley body having a through hole provided at the center. Wheels are connected on the pulley body. An outer wheel is provided at each of two ends of the pulley body. Coaxial annular gears and annular inner wheels are alternately arranged between the two outer wheels. The diameter of a gear is less than that of an inner wheel. The outer wheels, the gears, and the inner wheels are fixedly connected through a connecting structure. The outer circumferential surfaces of the gears have meshing teeth disposed at an interval in a convex-concave manner. Two adjacent wheels and a gear between them form a V-belt groove. The opposite end surfaces of the two adjacent wheels form friction transmission belt groove side surfaces. The gear between the two adjacent wheels forms a mesh transmission gear. The belt groove side surfaces are inclined smooth surfaces.

Abstract: A universal bellhousing which may be adapted to a variety of automotive engine and transmission combinations and method of making the same is disclosed. The bellhousing is made by spin forming a sheet of steel and welding a transmission plate onto the cone. The cone and transmission plate are indexed to mount to a specified engine-transmission combination.

Abstract: A power transmission unit for preventing malfunction and deterioration in durability of a locking device arranged in a housing by preventing the ingress of foreign matters into the locking device. In the power transmission unit, a one-way brake 10 for selectively stopping a rotation of an output shaft 1a of an engine 1 is disposed between the housing 11 of a transmission mechanism and an engine block 1b. A fixed member 10a is fixed to the housing 11 or to the engine block 1b, and a movable member 10b is attached to the output shaft 1a. A through hole 21 is formed on the housing at a vertically lowest portion and axially outside of a region where the one-way brake 10 is situated, so as to provide a communication between an inner space and an outer space of the housing 11.

Abstract: A gearing having a shaft that projects from the gear interior into the environment, the shaft being sealed with the aid of at least one contactless seal, and the opening of the contactless seal, which is oriented toward the interior of the gearing, i.e., the spatial region of the gearing that contains the lubricating oil, being disposed above the lubricating oil level that comes about when the gearing is not in operation, a tin piece being disposed between the opening and the gear-tooth piece situated closest to this opening and generating lubricating oil waves and/or lubricating oil foam from the lubricating oil bath.

Abstract: Energy loss in a dip lubrication system is reduced by reducing the immersion depth of the gear within a pool of oil. This can be accomplished by increasing the pressure within the dip lubrication system which effectively reduces the flow rate of the oil so that the oil remains separated from the oil pool for a longer period of time thereby reducing the oil level and the immersion depth of the gear within the oil pool. Alternately, this can be accomplished by substituting a higher density gas for air which has the same effect. In a third embodiment the immersed gear includes wind vanes that direct air against the oil pool creating a trough which effectively reduces the immersion depth of the gear within the oil pool.

Abstract: A vehicle includes axle housing, a differential and a ring gear, a scraper port, and a reservoir. The housing has a cover forming a heat exchanger having a coolant side and a lubricant side. The differential and ring gear are configured to pump a lubricating fluid. The scraper port is disposed at a bottom of the heat exchanger adjacent to the ring gear and is configured to direct the lubricating fluid through the lubricant side of the heat exchanger. The reservoir is disposed at a top of the heat exchanger and is configured to receive and store the lubricating fluid from the lubricant side of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: Disposed is an organ type electronic shift lever formed on a console surface at a periphery of a driver seat in a vehicle. The electronic shift lever may include a step motor coupled to the console surface and having both ends to which motor rotation shafts are connected, a pair of lever arms each having one end rotatably coupled to one or each of the motor rotation shafts, a pair of lever pins each rotatably coupled to the other end of one or each of the lever arms, a shift lever having side portions rotatably connected to the lever arms by the lever pins and a rear end to which a magnetic unit is coupled, a display unit formed on the shift lever, and a recognition sensor formed in the console surface and sensing a position of the magnetic unit. When the shift lever is moved forward or rearward while forming an inclination angle with the console surface, a gear shift stage of the vehicle is changed.

Abstract: A hydraulic pressure supply system supplies hydraulic pressure generated at a hydraulic pump provided with first and second pump chambers formed therein to a high pressure portion and a low pressure portion of the automatic transmission through a high-pressure regulator valve, first and second switch valves, and a low-pressure regulator valve.

Abstract: A transmission and control method are disclosed which ensure proper stroke pressure and minimize torque transients during a shift event. The transmission includes a clutch having a torque capacity based on a fluid pressure, a torque sensor adapted to measure a torque value that varies in relationship to the torque capacity, and a controller. The method includes varying the fluid pressure around a predetermined value, measuring a resulting torque difference with the torque sensor, and adjusting a clutch control parameter if the resulting torque difference is less than a threshold value.

Abstract: A gear shift lever lock system and an apparatus and method for operating the gear shift lever lock are provided. The gear shift lever lock includes a lock solenoid having a lock pin movable between a first position inhibiting movement of a gear shift lever from a park position and a second position permitting movement of the gear shift lever from the park position. The apparatus is configured to receive a first signal from a brake sensor indicating that a brake pedal is depressed and a second signal from a park position sensor indicating that a gear shift lever is being moved from a resting position to a shifting position. The apparatus is configured to operate the lock solenoid to move the lock pin from the first position to the second position in response to receiving the second signal while it is indicated that the brake pedal is depressed.

Abstract: A method of controlling movement of an actuator fork and attached synchronizer sleeve of a transmission through a pre-synchronization phase of a synchronization event at a pre-synchronization fork velocity below a breakaway velocity such that a strut is retained to the sleeve by a ball plunger for the duration of the pre-synchronization phase. A method of adjusting one of a pressure signal and a flow signal to an actuator piston to control movement of the actuator fork includes moving the fork from an initial disengaged position through a pre-synchronization phase of a synchronization event by controlling one of a pre-synchronization fluid pressure value and flow value, where the controlled pre-synchronization fluid value is less than a threshold value corresponding to a breakaway force of a ball plunger configured to selectively retain a strut assembly to a synchronizer sleeve operatively attached to the actuator fork.

Abstract: In a dual clutch transmission, on one end side of a first input shaft connectable to an internal combustion engine via a first clutch, a planetary gear mechanism for a predetermined speed stage is provided, and a sun gear thereof is provided to rotate integrally with the first input shaft and an electric motor. A ring gear is fixed to a case, and a synchromesh mechanism is provided connectably and disconnectably with respect to the planetary gear carrier for selecting the predetermined speed stage. When the synchromesh mechanism is connected to the planetary gear carrier, rotation of the carrier is transmitted to the countershaft. The ring gear is attached to an annular attachment member to be fixed to the case. In a circumferential side surface of the attachment member, openings for inserting a shift fork and an opening for inserting a finger for the convenience of assembly work are provided.

Abstract: A piston-cylinder unit includes a cylinder having a closure body at the end. The closure body has a sleeve body which is fixedly connected on one side to the closure body and which is fastened to the cylinder. The sleeve body has a base which supports an operating pressure in the cylinder in direction of the closure body.

Abstract: An assembly is disclosed for sealing the sliding interface between two objects capable of sliding or moving with respect to one another, but where the sliding interface must provide a substantial seal against pressure loss therethrough, such as where an assembly seals the sliding interface between a piston and a cylinder or between a rod and a bushing. The sliding interface includes a seal located in a seal groove, wherein the seal ring height is less than the height of the seal groove and the inner diameter of the seal is greater than the base of the groove. In one aspect, the difference in height is set by a shim and a piece of material of the same height as that of the seal ring.

Abstract: Provided is a sealing material that exhibits excellent sealing property at a low contact pressure and a method for producing the same. A sealing material according to the present invention is a sealing material including a metal plate and a foamed rubber layer formed on one surface, or each of both surfaces, of the metal plate, in which the foamed rubber layer has a closed cell rate of 50% or more, and a surface of the foamed rubber layer has a maximum height determined by a method in conformity to JIS B 0601-2001 of 40 ?m or less.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coated O-ring for forming a seal, in which the core of the O-ring comprises a polymer and/or synthetic rubber, and the coating comprises an inorganic coating with a thickness between 10 nm and 1 ?m, resulting in an O-ring that shows a lower permeation than an uncoated O-ring and where the coating shows little or no cracking when the local curvature of the O-ring in any direction is changed by 20%. The coating is preferably applied by Atomic Layer Deposition, but also other deposition techniques such as (PE)CVD, E-beam evaporation, and reactive evaporation may be used. A further elastomer layer may cover the one or more coating layers for further mechanical and/or chemical protection.

Abstract: A seal assembly includes an annular static sealing member disposed within an annular channel in a housing or shaft. An annular dynamic sealing member is disposed coaxially within or about the static member and has a circumferential sealing surface engageable with the shaft or housing. An annular biasing member is disposed radially between the static and dynamic sealing members and is configured to bias the dynamic sealing member radially to maintain engagement of the sealing surface and the shaft or housing. The static member is configured to prevent relative angular displacement between the static and biasing members and the dynamic member is configured to prevent relative angular displacement between the dynamic and biasing members. As such, the dynamic sealing member, the biasing member and the static sealing member angularly displace within the channel as a single unit when torque above a particular magnitude is applied to the dynamic sealing member.

Abstract: A seal includes a sealing lip having a sealing region with a pumping structure that can abut on a first component. The pumping structure causes a liquid medium to move in a direction from a first axial side of the seal towards or to a second axial side of the seal when the first component rotates relative to a second component. The pumping structure includes at least one pumping groove that extends along a direction of extension and at least one retaining structure disposed in the at least one pumping groove. The at least one retaining structure reduces a cross-section of the at least one pumping groove, in at least one direction perpendicular to the direction of extension, to a value of between 50% and 90% of an extension of the cross-section of the pumping groove outside the at least one retaining structure along the at least one direction.

Abstract: A mechanical seal for providing a fluid-tight seal between relatively rotatable elements includes a stationary part for securing to a housing, which has a stationary seal face, a rotary part for securing to a shaft, which includes a rotary seal face, a spring urging the rotary seal face into engagement with the stationary seal face and a toroidal sealing member between the rotary component and the shaft. The toroidal sealing member is accommodated within a recess of the rotary part, and the recess is defined by two members of which the first rotary part member includes the seal face and a second rotary part member is positioned between the first rotary part member and the spring.

Abstract: A magnetic fluid seal is provided, capable of producing a stable scaling performance by stably holding magnetic fluid in place between two members, even in cases when the two members become eccentric. The magnetic fluid seal includes: an annular magnetic circuit forming member that is disposed on a housing; an annular member that is disposed on a shaft; and a magnetic fluid that is magnetically held between axially opposing surfaces of the magnetic circuit forming member and the annular member. In addition, the annular member comprises a flexible member that is swayable so that a portion of the annular member that opposes the magnetic circuit forming member follows the magnetic circuit forming member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fluid delivery systems comprising valve assemblies that provide for a more stable and reliable delivery system for a fluid, for example a gaseous fluid, from a tank by utilizing vacuum to open the normally closed valves assemblies. The present invention also relates to methods of delivering a fluid from a tank, assembling and operating the valves assemblies, as well as retrofitting existing tanks with such systems.

Abstract: A valve plug comprising a cylindrical body having an annular flange with a top surface, a bottom surface, and a circumference is disclosed. The valve plug further comprises an annular recess disposed in the bottom surface of the flange, and a plurality of holes disposed in the top surface of the flange. Each hole extends into the recess to create a plurality of channels extending between the bottom and top surfaces of the flange. Each channel of the plurality of channels includes a stepped portion. A polyurethane sealing member is disposed within each channel and includes: a top portion forming a continuous bond on the top surface and along the circumference of the flange; a central portion forming a horizontal bond on each stepped portion; and a bottom portion forming a sealing surface adapted to sealingly engage a seating surface of the seat.

Abstract: A seed planter and seed meter for planting different seed varieties based on the location of the machine in a field. A movable gate switches between seed varieties. The gate in one embodiment has three positions; one position opening a first seed passage to the meter and closing a second seed passage, a second position opening the second seed passage and closing the first seed passage and a third position closing both the first and second seed passages. Two other gate embodiments have only two positions, each position opening one seed passage and closing the other.

Abstract: An expanding disk gate valve assembly comprises two gate disks and an elastomeric disk. A first flange on a first gate disk mates to a second flange on a second gate disk forming an internal volume surrounding the elastomeric disk. An elastomeric sheath covers the mated disks with the first gate disk being radially offset from, and radially movable relative to, the second gate disk. A width of the gate disk assembly is less than a width between two valve seats when the gate disk assembly is in an open position. In a closed position, the first flange moves radially toward the second flange, compressing elastomeric disk, and causes the elastomeric disk to expand axially against the two gate disks, forcing them apart, and increasing the gate disk assembly width so that the gate disk assembly actively seals against the valve seats.