Abstract: A balancer device for an internal combustion engine is provided, wherein the drive mechanism 8 and the oil pump 3 are arranged on the side opposite to driven balancer weight 135 in the axial direction of the driven balancer shaft 5.

Abstract: A counterweight assembly includes a counterweight and at least one retention member. The counterweight is formed of concrete or other heavy aggregate material. The at least one retention member is coupled to the counterweight and extends outwardly away from the counterweight. The at least one retention member is further adapted to be at least partly disposed through an aperture in a counterweight receiving component such as an appliance component to retain the counterweight in operable connection with the counterweight receiving component.

Abstract: A cable guiding-protecting chain comprises a plurality of chain members connected in series. Each chain member comprises two connection plates which face each other and are spaced apart from each other and a first link plate and a second link plate which each connect the two connection plates. The two connection plates, the first link plate and the second link plate cooperate to define a passing space penetrating from the front to the rear. Each connection plate has an inner link portion at a front segment thereof, an outer link portion at a rear segment thereof and an outer step portion. The outer link portion has a rear end edge which is arcuate in shape and a thinned portion which is close to the rear end edge and is thinned in thickness at a side adjacent to the passing space.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of anchor chains, and more particularly an anchor chain (1) comprising a first plurality of links (3) and, at the end of the chain, a second plurality of links (4) comprising at least three successive links (4) in each of which at least one property selected from its bar diameter and the elastic limit of its material is substantially greater than in each of the links (3) of the first plurality, in order to improve the ability of the chain to withstand fatigue by bending of the links (4) in the second plurality.

Abstract: A multistage transmission device includes a plurality of driving gears provided in a countershaft, a plurality of driven gears meshing with the driving gears, respectively, dog rings that switch mechanical connection or disconnection between the drive shaft and each of the driven gears, and one-way clutches arranged between the countershaft and the driving gears. The one-way clutches transmit rotation of the countershaft to the driving gears when the rotation of the countershaft is faster than the rotation of the driving gears.

Abstract: A multi-stage transmission for a vehicle may include an input shaft, an output shaft, first, second, third and fourth planetary gear devices disposed between the input shaft and the output shaft to transmit rotary force, each of the first, second, third and fourth planetary gear devices having three rotary elements, and at least six shifting elements connected to the rotary elements of the planetary gear devices.

Abstract: A multi-stage transmission for a vehicle may include an input shaft, an output shaft, first, second, third, and fourth planetary gear devices disposed between the input shaft and the output shaft to transmit rotary force, each of the first, second, third, and fourth planetary gear devices having three rotary elements, and at least six shifting elements connected to the rotary elements of the planetary gear devices.

Abstract: An automotive multistage transmission may include an input shaft and an output shaft, a first planetary gear set, a second planetary gear set, a third planetary gear set, and a fourth planetary gear set each including three rotary members and transmitting torque between the input shaft and the output shaft, and at least six shifting members connected to the rotary members of the planetary gear sets.

Abstract: An automotive multistage transmission may include an input shaft and an output shaft, a first planetary gear set, a second planetary gear set, a third planetary gear set, and a fourth planetary gear set each including three rotary members and transmitting torque between the input shaft and the output shaft, and at least six shifting members connected to the rotary members of the planetary gear sets.

Abstract: A reaction force actuator to be used in a steer-by-wire steering device includes an operating-side shaft, a motor, and a friction drive transmission. The operating-side shaft rotates integrally with an operating member that a driver operates. The motor includes a cylindrical motor output shaft disposed coaxially on an outer circumference of the operating-side shaft. The friction drive transmission changes a speed of a rotary motion of the motor output shaft and transmits the rotary motion to the operating-side shaft.

Abstract: An objective mount assembly includes a housing having a body and a drive assembly supported by the body. The drive assembly includes a drive shaft, a lead screw rotatably coupled to the drive shall, and a compensating drive nut assembly. The compensating drive nut assembly has an inner nut component threadably coupled to the lead screw and an outer nut component threadably coupled to the inner nut component. The objective mount assembly further includes an objective mount coupled to the drive assembly. Other aspects of the assembly are further disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a continuously variable transmission. The continuously variable transmission comprises an outer rotary part, an inner rotary part which is arranged in the outer rotary part such that the inner and/or the outer rotary part are rotatable relative to one another, several coupling mechanisms for coupling the inner and outer rotary part with one another, an adjustment device for eccentric adjustment of the inner and outer rotary part relative to one another, a pump for delivering a lubricant into the transmission along a shell surface of the inner rotary part, and sealing elements which are arranged on the inner rotary part in the coupling mechanisms, or nozzles for delivering a predetermined amount of lubricant to the particular coupling mechanism.

Abstract: A torsional vibration damper that can be arranged in a fluid coupling to downsize a powertrain is provided. The torsional vibration damper has a mass body held in a rotary member in such a manner to be oscillated by torque pulse of the rotary member. The rotary member is arranged in an internal space of a fluid coupling in which a pump impeller, a turbine runner and a predetermined stationary member are held in a casing. A planetary unit that performs a differential action among three rotary elements is arranged in the casing. In the planetary unit, a first rotary element is connected to the stationary member, a second rotary element is connected to the rotary member, and a third rotary element is connected to the turbine runner.

Abstract: A torque converter is provided. The torque converter includes an impeller including an impeller shell and an impeller hub. The impeller hub extends axially parallel to a center axis of the torque converter. The torque converter also includes a stator adjacent to the impeller and an L-shaped bushing including an axially extending section and a radially extending section. The axially extending section is adjacent the impeller hub and configured for radially centering the impeller hub on the stator shaft. The radially extending section is axially between a radially extending wall of the stator and a radially extending wall of the impeller shell such that the radially extending section provides axial thrust support for the radially extending wall of the stator. A method of forming a torque converter is also provided.

Abstract: A torque converter includes a torque converter body, a lock-up device, and a dynamic damper. The lock-up device includes an output plate coupled to a turbine. The dynamic damper is fixed to the output plate of the lock-up device, and is configured to attenuate variation in speed of rotation from the engine. The dynamic damper includes a base plate, an inertia unit, and an elastic unit. The base plate is fixed to the output plate. The inertia unit is movable relative to the base plate in a rotational direction. The elastic unit exerts nonlinear torsional characteristics, and elastically couples the base plate and the inertia unit in the rotational direction.

Abstract: Systems and methods in accordance with embodiments of the invention implement tailored metallic glass-based strain wave gears and strain wave gear components. In one embodiment, a method of fabricating a flexspline of a strain wave gear includes: forming a MG-based composition into a flexspline using one of a thermoplastic forming technique and a casting technique; where the forming of the MG-based composition results in a formed MG-based material; where the formed flexspline is characterized by: a minimum thickness of greater than approximately 1 mm and a major diameter of less than approximately 4 inches.

Abstract: A sprocket assembly for a bicycle freewheel that comprises a sprocket having a central opening and an adapter constructed separately from the sprocket and adapted to be connected to the sprocket in a rotationally secure manner. The adapter comprises a central opening having an edge and a plurality of drive elements at the edge. The plurality of drive elements extend radially inwardly from the edge. The plurality of drive elements constructed to transmit torque from the sprocket to a driver on a rear wheel hub of a bicycle. A minimum radius of the central opening of the sprocket is smaller than a maximum radius of the central opening of the adapter. The minimum radius of the central opening of the sprocket is disposed on at least three locations distributed about a periphery.

Abstract: A drive transmission mechanism includes plural gears having meshing teeth and a recessed or projecting portion provided on a side surface of at least one of the gears. The side surface crosses a rotation axis of the at least one of the gears. The recessed or projecting portion is at least one of a cavity and a protrusion having a ridge that extends so as to follow an outline of at least one of the teeth and that serves as a marking for measuring wear of the at least one of the teeth.

Abstract: A housing for a gear unit includes a housing top part mounted on a housing bottom part, a first bearing mounting for a first bearing of a shaft being formed by a first bearing carrier of the housing top part and a first bearing carrier of the housing bottom part, a second bearing mounting for a second bearing of a shaft being formed by a second bearing carrier of the housing top part and a second bearing carrier of the housing bottom part, a first end area of a first bearing carrier of the housing bottom part and a first end area of a second bearing carrier of the housing bottom part being joined by two end plates set apart from each other.

Abstract: A reduction component is linked to the output shaft of a hydraulic motor, and reduces the rotational speed of the hydraulic motor. A housing component has a rotation-side housing that is rotated around a horizontal rotational axis by the rotation of the hydraulic motor whose speed has been reduced by the reduction component, and a stationary-side housing that rotatably supports the rotation-side housing. The housing component houses the reduction component. A sealing component is disposed inside a gap between the rotation-side housing and the stationary-side housing, and seals the gap. An oil splasher splashes up lubricating oil to provide the lubricating oil to the upper part of the sealing component. The oil splasher has a plurality of concave components formed in the portion of the rotation-side housing facing a seal disposition space in which the sealing component is disposed.

Abstract: A sintered powder metal part and a related method of making the part are disclosed. The sintered powder metal part, which is formed from a compacted and sintered powder metal, includes a hub having a radially-outwardly facing surface and a radially-inward facing surface. A toothed profile is formed in one of the radially-outwardly and radially-inward facing surfaces of the hub. One or more grooves are machined into the other of the surfaces of the hub such that the toothed profile and the one or more grooves are on oppositely-facing radial sides of the hub. The groove or grooves intersect with at least some of the tooth roots of the toothed profile to form a plurality of radially-extending spaced openings through the hub.

Abstract: A planetary pin used for staking in a planetary gear system is provided. The planetary pin comprises a cylindrical body, a first end having a first end surface, a second end having a second end surface, and a circular groove formed in at least one of the end surfaces concentric with the cylindrical body.

Abstract: A control system for a transmission includes first and second engagement devices and a controller. The first engagement device brings first dog teeth of a first member into engagement with second dog teeth of a second member to enable torque transmission therebetween. The second engagement device connects a third member and a fourth member while changing a torque transmitting capacity therebetween. The transmission establishes a predetermined gear stage by bringing into engagement the first engagement device and the second engagement device. The controller is configured to bring the first engagement device into engagement while reducing a torque transmitting capacity of the second engagement device and then to increase the torque transmitting capacity of the second engagement device, when shifting a gear stage from another gear stage established by bringing the first engagement device into disengagement while bringing the second engagement device into engagement to said predetermined gear stage.

Abstract: A method for operating an automatic transmission is provided. The method includes synchronizing a positive shifting element of the automatic transmission, braking the automatic transmission with a first non-positive shifting element of the automatic transmission, establishing a position of the positive shifting element, and increasing a pressure of fluid supplied to a second non-positive shifting element of the automatic transmission if the position of the positive shifting element is an intermediate position.

Abstract: When there is a failure in a speed ratio control linear solenoid valve, or the like, a controller for a vehicle power transmission system establishes a state where torque is transmitted via a gear mechanism, and, in this state, determines whether the speed ratio control linear solenoid valve, or the like, has returned to a normal state by comparing a target speed ratio and actual speed ratio of a continuously variable transmission with each other. It is determined whether the speed ratio control linear solenoid valve, or the like, has returned to the normal state by changing the target speed ratio of the belt-type continuously variable transmission and then comparing the target speed ratio with the actual speed ratio. Thus, when the speed ratio control linear solenoid valve, or the like, has returned from a fail-safe state to the normal state, a feeling of strangeness of a driver is suppressed.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) includes input and output members, a primary variator pulley, and a secondary variator pulley. The respective variator pulleys are responsive to primary and secondary pressures. Speed sensors measure a respective rotational speed of each variator pulley. A controller executes a method by receiving the measured rotational speeds, calculating a current speed ratio of the CVT above a threshold CVT speed ratio using the rotational speeds, comparing the calculated current speed ratio to calibrated threshold ratios during a sudden stop event of the vehicle, and selectively executing a CVT control action after the calculated current speed ratio drops below the threshold CVT speed ratio during the sudden stop event. The control action depends on which of the threshold ratios is exceeded by the calculated current speed ratio after the calculated current speed ratio drops below the threshold CVT speed ratio, and on the measured rotational speeds.

Abstract: The sealing material is configured to be installed in a dovetail groove. The sealing material has a seal cross-section including a main body arranged on a bottom surface of the dovetail groove, and a lip portion which is bent from an end of the main body and extends toward an outside of the dovetail groove. The seal cross-section has such a V shape that each of the main body and the lip portion extends linearly from a bending position between the main body and the lip portion. A width B1 of the main body in a direction orthogonal to a direction in which the main body extends linearly is not more than a width B2 of the lip portion in a direction orthogonal to a direction in which the lip portion extends linearly. This configuration provides the sealing material which can be used under an extremely low load.

Abstract: A metal seal ring disclosed herein includes a front side surface having a plurality of first sealing areas and second sealing areas, and a back side surface having a plurality of spaced-apart protrusions having a radially innermost surface located at a first radial distance from a longitudinal axis of the seal and a first axial distance from an axis of symmetry of the seal. The back side also includes a plurality of recesses located between one of the protrusions and the axis of symmetry, each recess having a radially outermost surface located at a second radial distance from the longitudinal axis and a second axial distance from the axis of symmetry. A ratio of the second axial distance to the first axial distance falls within the range of about 0.38-0.63, and a ratio of the second radial distance to the first radial distance falls within the range of about 0.79-1.

Abstract: A rotating sealing system includes a non-metallic rotating seal configured to be attached to a rotating shaft. The rotating seal is configured to rotate with the rotating shaft about an axis. The rotating sealing system includes a stationary sealing surface configured to be attached to a stationary housing positioned around the rotating shaft. The stationary sealing surface is substantially parallel to the axis. The rotating seal is configured to seal with the stationary sealing surface as the rotating shaft rotates.

Abstract: Disclosed is a shaft sealing device including: a housing in which an annular recessed portion is formed and which is fixed to a stator; a sealing body, a radially outer portion of which is accommodated by the annular recessed portion; and a high pressure-side sealing plate that is disposed along the sealing body in a high pressure region. An inflow groove is formed in any member of the housing, the high pressure-side sealing plate, and the sealing body such that a fluid flows through the sealing body from a low pressure region during a non-normal operation in which pressure in the high pressure region is higher than pressure in the high pressure region. A communication path is formed in the housing such that the inflow groove and a space in the high pressure region communicate with each other via the communication path.

Abstract: A modified vacuum actuated valve assembly and sealing mechanism is provided for improved sub-atmospheric flow stability characterized by the absence of delivery pressure spikes and flow excursions. The valve assembly includes a non-stationary thermoplastic seat and a stabber. The stabber is characterized by a top portion having a circular periphery designed to mechanically engage and disengage with an inner sealing surface of the thermoplastic seat. The sealing surface is coined to eliminate surface irregularities contained therein, thereby producing a relatively smooth coined mating inner sealing surface for the circular top portion of the stabber. The valve assembly also includes a modified bellows capable of fine tuning the delivery pressure of the valve assembly.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a valve seat, a sealing gasket and a pressure valve. The valve seat comprises a valve seat body. A groove used for containing the sealing gasket is arranged on the valve seat body. At least one side of the groove is sunken inwards into an inclined groove shape. The valve seat with the design can prevent the sealing gasket from being damaged under a high pressure, thereby avoiding poor sealing performance; meanwhile, the valve seat is convenient to be machined and low in cost.

Abstract: The invention relates to a valve apparatus having a housing (100), which housing has a first port (102), which can be connected to a tank (200), and a second port (106), having a closing element (110) which is provided in the housing and which can be placed into an open position, in which a fluid connection is produced between the first port and second port, and which can be placed into a closed position, in which the first and second ports are separated from one another in fluid-tight fashion, having a first (120) and a second (130) seal arrangement between closing element and housing, wherein the first and the second seal arrangement (120, 130) are spaced apart from one another and wherein each seal arrangement interacts with a corresponding seat (126, 136).

Abstract: A flow regulator comprising a body housing a gas duct comprising an upstream end configured to be connected to a gas source and a downstream end comprising an outlet connector and configured to be connected to a gas user with a regulated flow rate, the gas duct comprising a selective fluid flow regulation component for the gas circulating between the upstream and downstream end depending on the position of the control component with respect to the body, wherein the control component comprises a peripheral wall delimiting a central hollow volume and in that the outlet connector is situated within the central cavity.

Abstract: There is described a powder isolating valve which is capable of sealing valves from powder leakage during transport of powder and/or granular material. The valve comprises a rotatable valve closure member (14) and a pneumatically activated sealing mechanism containing a pair of resiliently deformable structures (18,20) extending around a surface of the rotatable valve closure member when the latter is in its closed position, the pair of resiliently deformable structures being held in a pair of annular recesses (32,34) which also extend around an surface of the rotatable valve closure member in its closed position, wherein the pair of resiliently deformable structures are capable of being pneumatically activated to force a sealing ring (26) against the rotatable valve closure member.

Abstract: In one representative embodiment, a kink valve assembly comprises a first rigid member, a second rigid member pivotably coupled to the first rigid member, an elongate, flexible kink tube having first and second end portions, wherein the kink tube extends though the first and the second rigid members, a mouthpiece coupled to the first end portion of the kink tube, a first lock portion coupled to the first rigid member, a second lock portion coupled to the second rigid member, wherein the second lock portion is configured to releasably engage the first lock portion such that the first and the second rigid members cannot pivot relative to each other, and an actuator coupled to the first rigid portion or the second rigid portion, wherein the actuator is configured control the engagement of the first and the second lock portions.

Abstract: A valve device including a substrate with first and second surfaces positioned on opposing sides, a first groove extending along the first surface with a horseshoe shaped end in a valve area formed on the first surface, a second groove extending along the second surface, a channel fluidically coupled to the second groove and extending from the second surface to the first surface ending at an end in the valve area; a first membrane providing a fluid tight connection with the first surface of the substrate except at the valve area and forming a first channel at the first groove, an area of the end of the first groove is larger than an area of the end of the channel; and a second membrane providing a fluid tight connection with the second surface of the substrate forming a second channel at the second groove.

Abstract: An exercisable check valve having a fluid delivery test channel and piston closure is disclosed herein. A valve closure member stops flow through the valve in the presence of backwards pressure or when engaged by the piston. The valve may be tested by applying a pressure source to the fluid delivery test channel to cause the piston to engage the valve closure member and stop flow through the valve. A test rod may then be inserted into a test rod port to ensure the valve closure member is in the proper closed position. The check valve may also include a biasing element to bias the valve closure member to an open position and a drainage channel. The check valve may be used in any piping or valve system.

Abstract: An air valve may include a sheet on a panel that serves as a portion of one wall of an air-cooled enclosure. The panel has a first aperture, having a first radius. The sheet may be deformable and resilient, and have a conductive film on one surface and a second aperture. A plurality of leaves lie in a plane parallel to the panel and extend inwardly a particular distance from a perimeter define the second aperture. The perimeter has a second radius equal to the first radius. The particular distance is less than the second radius. The leaves may deform in response to airflow. The second aperture has a first diameter and first depth in an un-deformed state, and a second diameter and second depth in a deformed state. The second diameter and second depth are greater than the first diameter and first depth.

Abstract: A valve including a valve body having an area of weakness along which the valve body is predisposed to break. The valve further includes a closure valve positioned in the valve body, wherein the valve body includes a chamber configured to retain fluid therein to thereby maintain the closure valve in an open position. The valve is configured such when at least part of the valve body is sufficiently displaced or broken along the area of weakness at least part of the fluid in the chamber escapes the chamber, thereby causing or enabling the closure valve to move to a closed position.

Abstract: Embodiments provide systems and methods for an actuating system for inflating an inflatable structure in which a pressurized fluid piston is coupled directly to the valve an inflatable structure. The coupling of actuator to valve is such that the pairing will remain rigid and secure until the deliberate act of operating the actuator. When the actuator is operated, the actuator displaces a translating chock. This activation simultaneously (a) decouples the valve from actuator, allowing the inflatable to deploy without impedance and (b) activates the inflation of the structure via the valve.

Abstract: A driving device comprises a support, an actuator provided with an output shaft and fixed to the support, and an arm having a distal point provided to be connected to the closing member. A kinematic chain converts a rotation of the output shaft into a rotational movement of a proximal point of the arm around a rotation axis. The proximal and distal points are situated at opposite ends of the arm. The kinematic chain comprises a link connecting the arm to the support. The link is arranged to guide the proximal point of the arm in rotation around the rotation axis, and to transmit, between the arm and the support, radial orientation forces relative to the rotation axis.

Abstract: A valve positioning system controls a valve and exchanges information related to the valve. The valve positioning system includes a valve positioner in operative association with the valve such that the valve positioner receives status information related to the valve. The valve positioner includes one or more lights that are selectively illuminated in a predetermined order based on the status information. By selectively illuminating the one or more lights in the predetermined order, the valve positioner is optically transmits the status information to a computing device that is in a line of sight with the one or more lights of the valve positioner. A method of exchanging information related to a valve in a valve positioning system is also provided.

Abstract: A valve position indicator/method comprising a main rotation axle operably connected with a valve. Repositioning the valve provides rotation of the main axle with a main axle disc with at least one tooth for cooperation with a gear wheel. The main axle disc has a toothless portion substantially not interfering with the gear wheel. The at least one tooth provides a rotation of the gear wheel and the toothless portion provides no rotation of the gear wheel upon rotation of the main axle disc. The gear wheel is on a secondary axle with an indication means.

Abstract: A micro-valve comprises a floating armature, wherein the floating armature is within a fluid flow path through the valve and comprises three or more channels extending along the armature in the direction of fluid flow.

Abstract: A lifting device for lowering a pipeline end from a water surface to a seabed, alternatively later retrieval of the same from the seabed to the water surface, said pipeline end being provided with an outboard connecting part designed for mating and connection with an inboard connecting part on the seabed. The lifting device includes a hang off clamp adapted for connection with the outboard connecting part, at least one lifting arm pivotably connected to the hang off clamp at a respective first end of said at least one lifting arm and a yoke, said yoke being adapted to be releasable connected to the at least one lifting arm at a respective second end of said lifting arm, said at least one lifting arm having a locking arrangement for securing the at least one lifting arm to the hang off clamp in a non-rotational resting position. A method for lowering of a pipeline end from a water surface and retrieving a pipeline end from a seabed by use of the lifting device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A riser assembly and method of supporting a riser assembly are disclosed. The riser assembly includes a riser; at least one buoyancy compensating element attached to the riser; and at least one damped biasing element for controlling movement of the riser about a neutral position with respect to an adjacent underwater structure. The biasing element is directly or indirectly connected to the riser and is directly or indirectly connectable to the adjacent underwater structure.

Abstract: Cable management devices for use in photovoltaic (PV) module systems are described, including a cable support clip, a cable support stand, and a cable support tray. The cable management devices may be easily mounted on support surfaces, e.g., a roof or a frame rail, to lock electrical wiring in place and prevent contact with external structures. Furthermore, the cable management devices may be fabricated from low-cost and weather-resistant materials, e.g., spring wire or recycled automobile tires.

Abstract: A structure for attaching a band clip to a corrugated tube, provided with: a corrugated tube that has a plurality of ring-shaped ribs and a plurality of ring-shaped grooves, and that is for enclosing a wire harness; and a band clip for fixing the corrugated tube to an attachment target object. The band clip has a projecting portion that projects toward an outer circumferential surface of the corrugated tube when the band clip is attached to the corrugated tube. The corrugated tube has: a groove-shaped ring-shaped recessed portion into which the projecting portion is fittable; and a plurality of protruding portions that are provided at predetermined intervals in a circumferential direction of the ring-shaped recessed portion, and that are engageable with the projecting portion.

Abstract: A sealing system according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, an exterior plate, an interior plate, a first seal received against the exterior plate and configured to restrict moisture ingress through the exterior plate and a second seal received against the interior plate and configured to restrict moisture ingress through the interior plate.