Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing a force. An apparatus comprises a multi-directional joint assembly and a damper associated with the multi-directional joint assembly. The multi-directional joint assembly has a first end and a second end. The first end and the second end move relative to each other. The damper is comprised of a number of elastomeric layers and a number of rigid layers interspersed with each other reducing at least one of a force and a moment.

Abstract: A brace for articulation has a first rod, a second rod, and a joint connecting the two rods. The joint has a pair of circular toothed rings provided with a central hole and arranged overlapping. Each circular ring is fixed to one end of the first rod, which is interposed between them, the second rod being interposed between the circular rings. The joint also has a fixing central pivot, inserted in the central holes of the circular rings and into the through hole of said second rod. The joint further has a first and a second blocking member, each provided with a respective pin, adapted to be inserted in two overlapping throats of the indentation of the circular rings, to limit the movement of the second rod.

Abstract: A transporting member includes multiple helical blades that helically extend around a rotation shaft and that have an upstream-side blade and a downstream-side blade, an end portion of the upstream-side blade and an end portion of the downstream-side blade overlapping in a direction perpendicular to an axial direction of the rotation shaft, the multiple helical blades transporting an object in the axial direction via rotation of the rotation shaft; a gap portion that divides the upstream-side blade and the downstream-side blade, the upstream-side blade and the downstream-side blade being arranged at a certain angular interval in a circumferential direction of the rotation shaft; and a regulating portion that regulates an amount of the object that passes through a space between the upstream-side blade and the downstream-side blade in a direction in which the object is transported.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bearing element (7) for supporting the rotor hub (4) of a wind turbine (1), comprising at least one inner ring element (10, 40) and at least one outer ring element (11, 41), wherein a plain bearing is formed between the inner ring element (10, 40) and the outer ring element (11, 41), and wherein the plain bearing is formed by at least two plain bearings (8, 9, 38, 39) arranged at an axial distance (44) from one other.

Abstract: A bearing monitoring system is provided including one or more bearings within a flow passage and a working fluid passing over at least one surface of the bearings. A first thermocouple is located in the flow passage upstream relative to the one or more bearings and configured to measure a first temperature of the working fluid and a second thermocouple is located in the flow passage downstream relative to the one or more bearings and configured to measure a second temperature of the working fluid. The system further includes a control device in communication with the first thermocouple and the second thermocouple, and configured to compute a temperature gradient across the one or more bearings from the first temperature and the second temperature, compare the temperature gradient against a known value, and if the temperature gradient exceeds the known value, the control device is configured to provide an alert.

Abstract: A drawer slide member including raceways formed of folded or solid material providing additional thickness while utilizing thin material may provide for increased strength of the drawer slide.

Abstract: A motion guide device for preventing interference of belt members with guide grooves. The motion guide device includes an endless circulation path for rolling elements, and a coupling member received in the endless circulation path. The endless circulation path includes a load rolling element path, a rolling element return path, and a direction-changing path. The direction-changing path includes a guide groove for the coupling member, which has an outer circumferential guide surface and an inner circumferential guide surface. The guide groove has a maximum width at a midpoint of a path within a range of from a coupling end between the direction-changing path and the load rolling element path or the rolling element return path to a center portion of the direction-changing path, and the groove width at the coupling end and the groove width at the center portion are smaller than the maximum value of the groove width.

Abstract: A coating mixture is presented for use on a bearing surface. The coating mixture includes a Guaiacum resin and a solvent in which the Guaiacum resin is dissolved. The Guaiacum resin may be about 50% or more of the coating mixture. The solvent may be an alcohol, for instance ethanol.

Abstract: A radial sliding bearing provided with a sliding bearing (1), an inner ring (2), and an outer ring (3), the inner ring (2) is made of melt-cast metal and the outer ring (3) being constituted by an article molded from a resin composition, the inner ring (2) comprising a concavely curved surface (2a) on part of the axial direction of the outer circumference and a bearing hole (4) for mating with a support shaft on the inner circumference, the outer ring (3) having a convexly curved surface (3a) that contacts and slides against the concavely curved surface (2a) on the outer circumference of the inner ring (2) along part of the axial direction of the inner circumference, and the inner ring (2) and the outer ring (3) relatively rotating without contacting each other apart from the contact between the convexly curved surface and the concavely curved surface.

Abstract: A first rolling-element guided cage segment of a tapered roller bearing has first and second circumferential ends and first and second mutually opposing circumferential bridges extending between the circumferential ends and first and second mutually opposing connecting bridges connecting the first and second circumferential bridges. Inner pocket sides of the circumferential bridges and the connecting bridges form a pocket for receiving a rolling element. A first positioning aid is located at the first circumferential end and a second positioning aid is located at the second circumferential end, the positioning aids being configured such that a correct-position arrangement of adjacent cage segments is recognizable from the interaction of the first positioning aid and the second positioning aid.

Abstract: A synthetic resin-made thrust sliding bearing 1 includes a synthetic resin-made upper casing 100, a synthetic resin-made lower casing 200, and a synthetic resin-made thrust bearing piece 300 interposed between the upper and lower casings 100 and 200. If it is assumed that the radial length of the thrust bearing piece 300 up to its outer peripheral surface 303 is (r), and the thickness of an upper annular plate portion 102 at its inner peripheral surface is (t), the upper casing 100 has on its upper surface 108 an annular flat surface 109 having a circular outer peripheral edge with R in a range of R=r±t.

Abstract: To address the problem of flush fluid leakage under normal operating conditions in rotary machinery, an improved pack-box has been conceived. The pack-box has a rotary bearing concentrically disposed within the pack-box, wherein a circumferential segment of the rotary bearing is circumferentially fixed within the pack-box. The pack-box further comprises a wall-step that defines at least a first thermal expansion channel and an inner wall that defines at least a second thermal expansion channel.

Abstract: A bearing system includes a bearing comprising a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The bearing further comprises a plurality of threads adjacent to the second end. The plurality of threads comprise a first slot perpendicular to the plurality of threads. The bearing system also includes a washer comprising a first surface adjacent to the second end of the bearing and a plane parallel to the first surface. The washer further comprises a plurality of side tabs extending from a second surface in a direction parallel to the plane and a first tab extending from the first surface in a direction perpendicular to the plane. The first tab mates with the first slot of the bearing. The bearing system further comprises a nut positioned between the first end of the bearing and the first surface of the washer.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a quick connect interface for a surgical instrument includes a body having an outer surface and an inner surface that defines an inner cavity. One or more ball bearings are disposed in respective holes in the body. A locking pin is disposed on a ramp formed in the body. A sleeve surrounds a portion of the body and is slideable along the body, from an unlocked position to a locked position. The sleeve includes a camming ramp that urges the one or more ball bearings to partially extend through the holes into the inner cavity. One or more springs are arranged to urge the locking pin down the ramp, so that the locking pin partially extends through an opening into the inner cavity. The one or more ball bearings and the locking pin are positioned to urge the shaft to one side of the inner cavity.

Abstract: A contoured disc coupling includes a plurality of fastening locations, wherein each fastening location has a body portion and an aperture running through the body portion, and a plurality of webs extending between adjacent fastening locations, wherein each web has a contoured shape.

Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch device includes: a meshing member; an electromagnetic coil; an armature; a cylindrical cam member; and a locking portion. The cam member is provided with a plurality of locked portions to be locked by the locking portion at different axial positions, such that the plurality of locked portions is formed adjacent to each other in a circumferential direction; the cam member rotates only by a first predetermined angle due to an axial movement of the armature from a first position to a second position, and the cam member further rotates only by a second predetermined angle due to a movement of the armature from the second position to the first position; and when locking of the locking portion is shifted from one of the plurality of locked portions to another locked portion circumferentially adjacent thereto so that the locking portion locks the another locked portion at a different axial position, the second meshing portion is meshed with the first meshing portion.

Abstract: A clutch apparatus for a vehicle includes cancel mechanism having a weight member fitted for sliding movement in a clutch hub. The weight member is configured to slidably move in a radial direction of an output power shaft, and has an engaging portion at an inner end portion thereof along the radial direction. An elastic member biases the weight member toward the inner side along the radial direction of the output power shaft. A locking element is formed on the output power shaft or a locking member fixed to the output power shaft, and is configured to be engaged with the engaging portion from the opposite side to a pressure plate.

Abstract: One exemplary aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of forming a friction material. The method includes depositing a plurality of particles on a substrate such that the particles provide a plurality of projections and channels between adjacent projections. This disclosure also relates to the friction material itself, and a system including a mechanical component and the friction material.

Abstract: A vehicle power transmitting device can include a clutch and an actuator. The actuator can include a coil spring, a plunger, and a rotating member. The coil spring can include a plurality of coils disposed about an axis. The plunger can include a body and a follower. The follower can be fixedly coupled to the body. The body can be disposed about the axis and coupled to the clutch to selectively activate the clutch. The follower can be received between adjacent ones of the coils. The rotating member can be rotatable about the axis and drivingly coupled to one of the coil spring and the plunger to rotate the one of the coil spring and the plunger about the axis. Rotation of the rotatable member can effect translation of the plunger, compression of the coil spring, or both translation of the plunger and compression of the coil spring.

Abstract: A method of determining a return spring load in a power transmission device including two or more pistons is disclosed. The power transmission device may include: a housing configured to form a mounting space; a clutch pack configured to include a plurality of separate plates splined to the housing, and a plurality of friction disks alternately disposed with the separate plates, the separate plates and the friction disks being selectively coupled to each other by friction; a power transmission plate configured to be splined to the friction disks; two or more pistons operatively connecting the housing to the power transmission plate by selectively applying an axial force to the clutch pack by an operating hydraulic pressure supplied to the piston chamber; and at least one return spring configured to provide a return spring load against an axial force caused by the operating hydraulic pressure.

Abstract: An ON-OFF vehicle accessory for driving vehicle cooling pump or cooling fan. The accessory having a friction clutch assembly with a friction plate member connected to a central rotatable shaft member. A biased armature member is adapted to force a friction plate member with friction linings thereon against a housing or cover which is rotating at input speed. A solenoid assembly is used to overcome the spring bias and pull the armature and friction plate member away from the housing.

Abstract: An over-running clutch couples a motor driven shaft to a driven element in which the element can freely rotate when the motor is switched off. The driven shaft of the clutch includes a flattened portion with two flat surfaces. A wall of a coupling member engages one of the surfaces when the driven shaft stands still. The coupling member includes an outwardly extending cam which is received in a sleeve of a cylindrical collar positioned on a disk which is rotatably mounted on the driven shaft. When the shaft is rotated, the coupling member is pressed outward over a limited distance and the cam enters a recess provided in the inner wall of a cylindrical drive portion forming part of the driven element.

Abstract: An actuator arrangement for a motor vehicle drivetrain, in particular for a dual-clutch arrangement. A first fluid cylinder is connected via a first fluid connection to a fluid supply device. A second fluid cylinder is connected via a second fluid connection to the fluid supply device. A pressure measuring arrangement has a single pressure sensor which is connected by means of a connecting arrangement to the first fluid connection and to the second fluid connection.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a motive power source, a transmission, and a clutch system. The vehicle further includes a controller that causes the clutch system to generate a generally constant clutch pressure to mechanically couple the motive power source and transmission as a line pressure associated with the transmission varies.

Abstract: A device comprising: a caliper comprising: one or more piston bores housing a piston; an outboard pad retainer; a bridge; and a shoulder; wherein the caliper is attached directly to a knuckle of an automobile via the shoulder.

Abstract: A hydraulic brake apparatus, a movable barrier apparatus, a hydraulic brake kit, a method of stopping movement of a movable barrier, and a method installing a hydraulic brake assembly are described herein. A selectively operable piston mechanism converts rotation of a drive shaft of a movable barrier into hydraulic pressure used to operate a brake configured to stop movement of the drive shaft.

Abstract: A mining machine including a brake operable to halt motion of a component of the mining machine; a first sensor operable to sense a characteristic of the brake to generate brake data; a second sensor operable to sense motion of the component of the mining machine to generate motion data; and a controller. The controller is operable to receive the brake data and the motion data, analyze the brake data and the motion data according to a brake set model and a brake release model, and output an alert in response to an issue with the analyzed brake data or the analyzed motion data.

Abstract: A brake pad configured for use in a vehicle brake assembly comprises: a friction material having an outermost edge, an innermost edge, and first and second side edges extending therebetween; and a stepped portion extending along the innermost edge of friction material from the first side edge of the friction material to the second side edge of the friction material.

Abstract: A method of assembling a spring inside of a tube includes providing a coil spring and a tube having a first retaining structure at a first end of the tube. The method includes positioning a rod in the tube. The spring is positioned in the tube, and a second retaining structure is attached to the rod with the spring positioned between the first and second retaining structures. A force is applied to the spring, and the second retaining structure is fixed at a position wherein the spring provides a desired preload.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a suspension method and to a shock-absorbing device for an automobile in the broadest sense of the term, i.e. any vehicle having a suspension and moving under its own power.

Abstract: Embodiments of a vibration isolation system are provided. In one embodiment, the vibration isolation system includes a first isolator having opposing mounting interfaces, a tuning spring disposed between the opposing mounting interfaces, and a piezoelectric actuator disposed between the opposing mounting interfaces and coupled in series with the tuning spring, as taken along a first load path through the first isolator. A controller is operably coupled to the piezoelectric actuator. During operation of the isolation system, the controller varies a control voltage supplied to the piezoelectric actuator to dampen vibrations transmitted through the first load path.

Abstract: A vibration isolation system which comprises a support divided into a plurality of rigid sections on which a displaceable stage is arranged. The sections are arranged on pneumatic bearings, and the pneumatic bearings of the individual sections are controlled independently from each other and based on the position of the displaceable stage.

Abstract: A drive power transmission device is provided that either disengages a first friction engagement element or a second friction engagement element when the other is engaged. The drive power transmission device detects the temperature of lubricating oil flowing in each friction engagement element using a temperature sensor. The drive power transmission device selectively disengages either a forward clutch or a reverse brake disengages when the other is engaged. The forward clutch and the reverse brake overlap axially, and are layered radially in an inner/outer arrangement. The temperature sensor is positioned at the periphery of the forward clutch and the reverse brake. A lubricating oil pathway is formed such that lubricating oil for cooling the forward clutch and the reverse brake passes through the forward clutch and the reverse brake in the radial direction from the inside of the forward clutch and the reverse brake to the temperature sensor.

Abstract: The transmission with nine forward and one reverse gear includes four planetary gearsets, eight shafts and six shifting elements, the sun gear of gearset (P1) couples shaft (4) which can couple brake (04) to the housing. The input shaft can couple, via clutch (13), shaft (03) which is couples the carrier of gearset (P1) and the ring gear of gearset (P4) and can couple, via brake (03), the housing. The input shaft can couple, via clutch (16), shaft (6) which couples the ring gears of gearsets (P2, P3) and can couple, via clutch (17), shaft (7) which couples the sun gear of gearset (P2) and the ring gear of gearset (P1). Shaft (8) couples the carriers of gearsets (P2, P4). Shaft (5) couples the sun gears of gearsets (P3, P4) and can couple, via brake (05), the housing. The output shaft couples the carrier of gearset (P3).

Abstract: A multi ratio drive including a first drive chain having a first drive chain engaged state and a first drive chain disengaged state; and a second drive chain having a second drive chain engaged state and a second drive chain disengaged state. The first drive chain drives the axle with a first gear ratio between the drive shaft and the axle when the first drive chain is in the first drive chain engaged state and the second drive chain is in the second drive chain disengaged state; the second drive chain drives the axle with a second gear ratio between the drive shaft and the axle when the second drive chain is in the second drive chain engaged state and the first drive chain is in the first drive chain disengaged state; and the first gear ratio is different from the second gear ratio.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a multi-stage transmission for a vehicle that includes four planetary gear devices and six shifting elements, and each of the planetary gear devices include three rotary elements selectively connected to the six shifting elements, preferably so that the multi-stage transmission provides at least ten forward shifting stages and at least one reverse shifting stage with a relatively small number of parts and a simple configuration. In this configuration, an engine may be operated at desired operation points, to improve the fuel efficiency of the vehicle and improve the quietness of the vehicle.

Abstract: A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle may include an input shaft receiving torque of an engine, an output shaft outputting changed torque, a first planetary gear set, a second planetary gear set, a third planetary gear set, a fourth planetary gear set, a first rotation shaft, a second rotation shaft directly connected to the input shaft, a third rotation shaft, a fourth rotation shaft selectively connected to the first rotation shaft or the second rotation shaft, a fifth rotation shaft selectively connected to a transmission housing, a sixth rotation shaft selectively connected to the transmission housing, a seventh rotation shaft selectively connected to the first rotation shaft, and an eighth rotation shaft directly connected to the output shaft, and selectively connected to the first rotation shaft.

Abstract: An automatic transmission that shifts power applied to an input member and outputs the shifted power to an output member, the automatic transmission including a first planetary gear mechanism, a third planetary gear mechanism, a compound planetary gear mechanism, a first clutch, a second clutch, a third clutch, a fourth clutch a first brake, and a second brake.

Abstract: A belt assembly for internal combustion engine that has a tensioner mount is described. The belt assembly includes a spacer that is rotatably coupleable to the tensioner mount, and a tensioner that is co-rotatably coupled to the spacer. The spacer is positioned between the tensioner and the tension mount.

Abstract: A guide pin assembly for a CVT variator includes a retainer and a guide pin coupled to the retainer. The retainer provides at least three functions for the guide pin: pilot, orientation and retention. The guide pin provides lateral and axial constraints to a chain guide through which a chain extends.

Abstract: Generally stated, various embodiments described herein concern a toroidal CVT provided with parking zones where the rollers are brought when the CVT is powered down. More specifically, a portion of the toroidal surfaces of the disks is reserved as a parking zone therefore preventing premature wear and/or damages to the working portion of the disks.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic coupling arrangement, particularly hydrodynamic torque converter, comprises a housing arrangement filled with fluid, an impeller rotatable with the housing arrangement around an axis of rotation (A), a turbine arranged in the housing arrangement, and a torsional vibration damper arrangement with an input area which can be coupled to the housing arrangement by a lockup clutch. The driven hub comprises an inner circumferential toothing for coupling to an outer circumferential toothing of a driven member, such that it is fixed with respect to rotation relative to it. The turbine has a turbine hub with an inner circumferential toothing for coupling in a fixed manner with respect to relative rotation to an outer circumferential toothing at the driven hub and/or the outer circumferential toothing of the driven member.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a differential device, a hub of a ring gear is press-fitted to a flange from a first bearing boss side, then a press-fit portion between the flange and the ring gear is equally divided into a plurality of divided regions arranged along a peripheral direction, and simultaneously the divided regions are welded. Accordingly, the press-fit portion between the flange and the ring gear can be efficiently welded while welding distortion of the ring gear is eliminated or reduced even in a case where work windows of a differential case cut into a side surface of the flange on the first bearing boss side to form recessed portions.

Abstract: A dust cap for sealing engagement with an opening of a member is disclosed. The dust cap is removable from the opening of the member by a tool. The dust cap includes a body and an elastomeric portion. The body defines an outer perimeter, an inner surface, an outer surface, and a recess disposed along the outer surface. The recess is shaped to receive a portion of the tool. The elastomeric portion is located around the outer perimeter of the body. The elastomeric portion is sealingly engageable with the opening of the body member.

Abstract: A gearbox for a motor vehicle including a plurality of forward gear ratios and at least one reverse gear ratio. The gearbox including an electro-hydraulic actuation unit configured for selection and engagement of the gear ratios. The gearbox comprises a first hydraulic pump and a second hydraulic pump. The first hydraulic pump is driven in rotation by an electric motor and is configured for supplying hydraulic fluid taken in from a first intake environment to said electro-hydraulic actuation unit. The second hydraulic pump is driven in rotation by an engine of said motor vehicle and is configured for supplying hydraulic fluid taken in from a second intake environment to said gearbox, for lubrication thereof, and to said first intake environment.

Abstract: A lubricant management system for a vehicle is provided. The lubricant management system includes a housing, a power transmitting component, and a valve. The housing defines a lubricant passage therethrough. The power transmitting component is rotatingly disposed in the housing. The valve is at least partially disposed in the lubricant passage and has a first position and a second position. The valve in the first position militates against a flow of lubricant from a first portion of the housing to a second portion of the housing and the valve in the second position facilitates the flow of lubricant from the first portion of the housing to the second portion of the housing. The lubricant management system varies an amount of lubricant used in a sump of the housing in a simple and cost effective manner.

Abstract: A lubrication system includes a reserve housing configured to retain a lubrication fluid. A supply line in fluid communication with the reserve housing is configured to provide pressurized lubrication fluid to the reserve housing. An overflow tube has an overflow port, the overflow tube being configured to prevent the volume of the lubrication fluid from exceeding a certain amount. A metering jet is configured to allow the lubrication fluid to flow from the reserve housing onto a component, such as a bearing, in the gearbox at a predetermined rate. The metering jet provides flow of the lubrication fluid onto the bearing even when the supply line no longer provides pressurized lubrication fluid to the reserve housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric selector control system (5) for a vehicle having an electric drive motor and a battery. The electric selector control system (5) has a drive selector for selecting a vehicle drive mode. A control unit (1) is configured to receive a connection signal to indicate that the vehicle is connected to a charging station. Also, the electric selector control system (5) has a shield for inhibiting operation of the drive selector when the control unit (1) determines that the vehicle is connected to a charging station. The electric selector control system (5) can be combined with a transmission control module (11). The invention also relates to a method of operating an electric selector control system (5).

Abstract: A vehicle shift system, including a shift pedal, a sensor configured to generate a first signal when the shift pedal moves in a first direction, and a controller coupled to the sensor and configured to control a transmission to change from a first transmission setting to a second transmission setting in response to the first signal.

Abstract: An automatic transmission control arrangement includes an automatic transmission coupled to a propulsion device. A selector device is operably connected to the automatic transmission for selecting a mode of operation of the automatic transmission including at least a forward drive setting. A temperature sensor arrangement measures a control temperature of at least one of a cooling system of the propulsion device and the automatic transmission. A motion sensor arrangement detects a motion status of the vehicle. The controller temporarily operates the automatic transmission in a decoupled mode in which the automatic transmission is at least partially decoupled from the propulsion device with the selector device in the forward drive setting in order to reduce heat generation in response to the temperature sensor arrangement detecting the control temperature is greater than a predetermined temperature and the motion sensor indicating that the vehicle is not in motion.