Abstract: A control valve device includes a valve body having an actuator port connected to an actuator and a relief passage configured to allow the actuator port to communicate with a return passage, a spool slidably assembled into the valve body and configured to allow the actuator port to selectively communicate with a supply side or a return side, a relief valve configured to open/close the relief passage to control pressure of the actuator port, and an on/off valve assembled into an assembling hole which is formed in the valve body. The on/off valve configured to allow the actuator port to communicate with the relief passage through the assembling hole at the time of valve open.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel helical dual-center engagement converting mechanism and its applications in fluid-powered actuation system, more particularly to a highly reliable, simple, powerful and balanced and less expensive helical rotary actuator. This actuator comprises a self-balanced linear/rotary dual-center engagement converter, compact porting systems and easy manufacturing modules and various bodies and shaft interface with other components. This actuator also provides a rotary position control and backlash eliminating mechanism to meet various requirements with lighter weight, smaller size and higher accuracy of position and can be interfaced with different machines, such as subsea valves, earthmoving equipment, construction equipment, lifting equipment, landing gears, militarily equipment and medical devices, robotic and artificial leg and arm joints.

Abstract: A magnetic fastener assembly has counterpart magnetic fastener members that are in detachable magnetic coupled fastening engagement. The magnetic fastener assembly are configurable between an axes aligned magnetic coupled fastening engagement and axes nonaligned magnetic coupled fastening engagement. The counterpart magnetic fastener members are detachable when in the axes aligned magnetic coupled fastening engagement and not detachable when in the axes non-aligned magnetic coupled fastening engagement when subject to an axial separation force.

Abstract: A user interface with a display region having an array of configurable button elements operatively connected to a processor adapted to operate in accordance with a predetermined instruction set to activate a predetermined set of the button elements corresponding to a matching set of device nodes to be in operative connection for a user to control via the user interface. There is also a method of releasably retaining a first portion with a second portion of a mounted electronic device, the method including the steps of: locating the first portion in non-contacting proximity to the second portion of the electronic device such that at least one magnet located in one of the first or second portions exerts attractive force on at least one ferrous component of the other of the first or second portions such that the magnetic force guides the first portion into self-aligning contact with the second portion.

Abstract: A clamp and method of use may be configured to detect whether a clamp is properly secured to an object, and whether that proper securement is maintained. One embodiment of a clamp may include a first portion and a second portion. The relative positions of the first and second portions may be selectively adjusted using a positioner. A sensor assembly may be secured between said first and second portions to determine if the first portion engages the work piece with the proper force. Multiple clamps may be used on a single work piece, and those clamps may be in communication with a common controller to alert the user when any clamp experiences a force other than the force the user desires.

Abstract: A low-profile clamp consists of a band (20) and a buckle (21) mounted on a first end portion of the band. During mounting, the second and portion (23) of the band (20) which surrounds the object to be fastened is fed through the buckle (21); after tightening the band is locked to the buckle (21) by deformation. The deformation may be done with a plier-type tool which engages the side edges (37) of the second band end portion (23) through lateral windows (36) formed in the buckle (21).

Abstract: A method and temporary fastener for substantially simultaneously clamping a drill jig and a plurality of layers. The temporary fastener may comprise a first system and a second system. The first system may be configured to secure the temporary fastener to a drill jig. The second system may be configured to secure the temporary fastener to a plurality of layers of material beneath the drill jig.

Abstract: A dissimilar material joining member includes (1) a metal tubular portion having (i) a flange and (ii) a deformable portion that deforms upon being clinched, and (2) a metal cylindrical member. The tubular portion passes through a first resin member that is to be joined to a second metal member. The flange extends radially outward from a first axial end of the tubular portion. The deformable portion is provided at a second axial end of the tubular portion. The deformable portion holds the first resin member between the deformable portion and the flange once the deformable potion is deformed so as to expand radially outward. The metal cylindrical member is attached to and within the tubular portion at the first axial end of the tubular portion and can be spot-welded to the second metal member to thereby join the first resin member to the second metal member.

Abstract: The present invention is a clip for use with a strut that at least partially surrounds a hanger rod for the purpose of providing stiffness to the hanger rod. The clip includes a handle portion, a rod-clamping portion, and a fulcrum spaced away from the handle portion. The fulcrum is for being mounted to the strut. The rod-clamping portion is for forcing the hanger rod into tight engagement with an engagement surface of the strut in response to the handle being actuated to an operational position. The present invention also relates to a hanger rod stiffening system that uses a clip and a strut, whereby a handle of the clip is actuated to force a rod-clamping portion of the clip into tight engagement with an internal surface of the strut.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a locking retainer for a slidable support that includes a two support member with respective sets of locking apertures, with the two support members slidably engaging each other to define a support profile. A strap can at least partly bound an internal area and can include a locking pin that extends into the internal area. The strap can have a locking configuration in which, with the slidable support disposed within the internal area, the locking pin extends into two of the locking apertures to lock the slidable support at a fixed length. A locking retainer can be installed by disposing the slidable support within the internal area, aligning two locking apertures of the slidable support, and applying lateral pressure to a side arm of the locking retainer to seat a locking pin in the aligned locking apertures.

Abstract: A corner connector for connecting at least two frame profiles of a frame rack arranged perpendicular to each other, which frame rack consists of a plurality of pieces, at least one of which is designed to bear against one or more of the frame profiles, characterized in that the piece which is designed to bear against one or more of the frame profiles is a first molded sheet metal part with a receiving opening in which or on which a threaded sleeve is situated.

Abstract: Wall plug, in particular chemical, comprising (i) a holed tubular jacket, this jacket defining an internal housing which emerges at each of the longitudinal ends of the jacket, and (ii) an outer sock which surrounds the jacket and covers the holes of the jacket, characterized in that said sock covers a first longitudinal end of the jacket so as to close said internal housing on the side of this first end.

Abstract: A load indicating washer, or tension washer, for visually indicating pre-determined magnitudes of tension force in a tension tie member. The tension washer comprises a body portion with a deformable, curved annular flange member depending from the body portion. When the tension washer is compressed against a flat bearing surface, the flange member deforms to produce a visual or color indication of the magnitude of load in the tie member.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a fastener system for securing a component to an enclosure member. A mounting cage can include a flange and a cage portion with a blocking feature. In an installation configuration, a threaded fastener extends through the flange to engage the nut, and the blocking feature blocks translation of the nut along the cage portion towards the flange.

Abstract: The described embodiments relate to embedding a threaded insert into a thin-walled housing. A recess can be formed with a machining tool that forms a recess in a thickened portion of the thin-walled housing. In some embodiments, the recess can be formed along one of the walls of the thin-walled housing in a location having highly a constrained amount of space available. Once the recess is formed a threaded insert can be pressed into the recess. An interference fit can be utilized to lodge the press-nut securely within the recess. Alternatively, a retaining member can be positioned across a front portion of the recess to trap the threaded insert between the retaining member and a rear surface of the recess.

Abstract: The invention provides a pin assembly comprising a pin having a screw threaded portion, a nut having a screw threaded portion, wherein, preferably, the pin has a number of pin recesses and the nut has a splined portion having a number of splines, the assembly further comprising a sleeve having a splined portion having a number of splines and a number of sleeve recesses, and a cross-member for insertion through at least one pin recess, and at least one sleeve recess, such that once assembled, rotation of the nut about the pin axis is restricted by the combination of the mating of the sleeve splined portion with the splined portion of the nut and the insertion of the cross-member through the sleeve recess and pin recess. The invention also provides a fixing assembly, landing gear actuation mechanism, aircraft, method of manufacturing and a kit of parts.

Abstract: A lock nut assembly configured to couple to a threaded bolt includes a base nut having a bore with an angled inner wall defining and angled ramp portion, the base nut bore configured to receive the threaded bolt, and a lock nut having an angled outer wall defining a wedge portion. The lock nut is configured to threadably engage the threaded bolt such that the wedge portion is driven into the angled ramp portion, the angled inner wall is configured to force the wedge portion to exert a clamping force against the threaded bolt to lock the base nut in place.

Abstract: A connection system for connecting two components, particularly two components of an aircraft, by a threaded joint, includes a clamping screw locked with a nut. A clamping screw for use in such a connection system and a method for connecting two components are also described. The clamping screw includes an axial borehole with an internal thread to receive a securing pin, an external thread for connection to the nut and a counter bearing for locking the nut. The clamping screw is designed such that is elastically deformable in the radially inward direction in the area of the counter bearing, and in this area has a greater radial extension than in the remaining area of the clamping screw.

Abstract: A threaded hook or eye loop has a tool receptacle at the end of the threaded shank with the hook or loop configured for rotary insertion with a power tool or hand tool that directly rotates the threaded shaft.

Abstract: A snap hook apparatus includes a shell, a bolt, a hook, two pins, a torsion spring and an elastic strip. The shell includes an annular rib formed on an internal side and teeth formed on the annular rib. The bolt includes two lugs, an annular shoulder, and a bore near the annular shoulder. The hook includes a catch at a first end and an aperture in a second end. The first pin is inserted in the first lug and used for engagement with the catch of the hook. The second pin is inserted in the second lug and the second end of the hook. The torsion spring includes a first end inserted in the bore of the bolt and a second end inserted in a recess defined between two adjacent ones of the teeth of the shell. The compression spring and the elastic strip are inserted in the shell.

Abstract: To provide a simple, lightweight, and low-cost device that is capable of adhering by suction to an object surface and moving therealong. This device is at least formed from a suctioning unit, horizontally reciprocating units, vertically reciprocating units, and double-acting leg members. As a first step for enabling the device to travel along an object surface, the double-acting leg members are strongly pressed against the object surface. As a second step, the suctioning unit is moved in the traveling direction of the device with the double-acting leg members strongly pressed against the object surface. As a third step, the double-acting leg members are separated from the object surface. As a fourth step, with the double-acting leg members separated from the object surface, the double-acting leg members are moved in the traveling direction of the device and returned to the state immediately prior to the first step. Thereafter, the actions of the first to fourth steps are repeated.

Abstract: A vehicle control system for mounting to a vehicle is provided. The vehicle has an operable portion, at least two fixation portions and an operated device. The vehicle control system includes a center line, a first sleeve and an outmost sheath. Two ends of the center line are connected respectively to the operable portion and the operated device. The operated device is controllably operated by the operable portion via the center line. The first sleeve is disposed around the center line and extends continuously between the operable portion and the operated device, and is slidable relative to the center line. The sheath is disposed around the first sleeve, and located between the operable portion and one of the fixation portions and between the operated device and the other fixation portion.

Abstract: A ball stud is disclosed that includes a shank, a head, a hollow center, a first cluster of radial holes, and a second cluster of radial holes. The head is formed integrally with the shank or as a single-piece construction with the shank. The hollow center extends at least partially through the shank and at least partially into the head. The first cluster of radial holes is formed into the head. The second cluster of radial holes is formed into the shank.

Abstract: A system includes a bearing assembly configured to be coupled to a compressor of a gas turbine engine and to receive an end of a torque shaft assembly, a bearing housing, and a circumferential bearing. The circumferential bearing includes a split race and a ball disposed within the split race. The circumferential bearing may be configured to be removed from the bearing housing without having to remove the torque shaft assembly from the compressor.

Abstract: A non-contact steering device includes one or more magnetic rotors positioned near a metal strip. Each rotor includes one or more permanent magnets and rotates to impart a changing magnetic field on the metal strip passing nearby. The magnetic rotors can rotate around an axis of rotation that is parallel to the longitudinal direction of travel of the metal strip. The magnetic rotors can be positioned to impart forces on the strip in any combination of laterally, vertically, or longitudinally. A control mechanism can control the rotor speed, rotor direction, vertical position of the rotors, vertical spacing between rotors, and/or lateral position of the rotors. In some cases, the control mechanism can be coupled to sensors, such as a light curtain and a laser distance sensor, in order to provide closed loop feedback control of a metal strip passing through the non-contact magnetic rotor steering device.

Abstract: An air bearing structure, which is a porous air bearing. In the air bearing structure, a porous material is combined with an aluminum layer with vents to provide double restrictions so as to enhance the degree of freedom in adjusting the diameter parameter of porous material. The vents are distributed in a matrix pattern and have a diameter of nanometer order. Therefore, the uniformity of the vents and the unification of the infiltration can be ensured. Also, the vents can be directed in the same direction to enhance the bearing ability, air film stability and static rigidity.

Abstract: A radial cage for receiving and guiding cylindrical rolling elements includes first and second axially spaced side rings and a plurality of axial bridges therebetween, the axial bridges defining a plurality of pockets for receiving the cylindrical rolling elements. Each of the plurality of axial bridges includes a first axial side section connected to the first side ring and a second axial side section connected to the second side ring and a center axial section, and the center axial section is connected to the first side section via a first oblique intermediate section and to the second side section via a second oblique intermediate section, and the first axial side section includes a first region having a first material thickness and a second region having a second material thickness greater than the first material thickness.

Abstract: A bearing steel composition having the following composition in weight-%; 0.89-0.95 C, 0.18-0.26 Si, 0.5-0.8 Mn, 1.65-1.95 Cr, 0.2-0.25 Ni, 0.45-0.6 Mo, 0.1-0.3 Cu, 0.001-0.0025 S, and at least one of the following elements: 0-0.018 P, 0.001-0.003 Ca, 0.02-0.05 Al, 0-0.0010 0, 0-0.04 As, 0-0.002 Pb, 0-0.003 Ti, 0.005-0.015 N, 0-0.00015 H, 0-0.03 V, 0-0.075 Sn, 0-0.075 As+Sn+Sb, and a balance Fe, together with unavoidable impurities.

Abstract: Coupling system of a sealing assembly that has an annular rotating element, the seal assembly provides an annular screen providing a sleeve portion to be integrally coupled with the annular element rotating and a flange portion that protrudes radially from the sleeve portion. The sleeve portion by coupling with a seat mounting of the annular rotating element defined by an outer cylindrical surface of the mounting and including a first circumferential discontinuity cooperating with the sleeve portion to locally increase a reaction force of the cylindrical surface at the first circumferential discontinuity due to elastic radial pressure exerted by the sleeve portion on the mounting seat.

Abstract: The slinger is arranged at an axially outermore side than the seal member. The seal member has a seal lip configured to make sliding contact with the slinger. The seal lip elastically deform so as to turn radially outwards by a centrifugal force associated with rotation of the outer ring. The slinger has a curved sliding-contact part which is formed to be curved in accordance with a movement trajectory of a tip portion of the seal lip that is elastically deformed by the centrifugal force and with which the tip portion of the seal lip is always in contact.

Abstract: The second lip has an annular protrusion formed at one end portion in a thickness direction of a lip tip portion configured to be in sliding contact with the slinger and protruding in the thickness direction, and a thickness of the lip tip portion is formed thicker than a thickness of a lip part except for the protrusion. The protrusion is formed to be reduced in width toward the tip-side in the thickness direction and configures a sliding contact part configured to be in linearly sliding contact with the slinger. The circular plate part of the slinger is formed tilted toward the seal member in the axial direction, and the slinger has an annular flange part integrally formed therewith by bending a tip of the circular plate part so as to axially cover an area above the sliding contact part of the seal member.

Abstract: A gas turbine drive shaft arrangement, comprising: a hollow compressor drive shaft, a first hollow turbine drive shaft for driving a first turbine stage and a second hollow turbine drive shaft for driving a second turbine stage, wherein the compressor drive shaft has a spline on an internal surface that is meshed with a spline on an external surface of the first hollow turbine drive shaft, the first turbine drive shaft further comprising a spline on an internal surface thereof that is meshed with a spline on an external surface of the second hollow turbine drive shaft.

Abstract: A joint yoke (7, 107) for a universal joint (2) has a first yoke arm (11, 111) and a second yoke arm (12, 112). The first and second yoke arms (11, 12) have at least two recesses (33, 33?, 34, 34?). The yoke arms (11, 12, 111, 112) have, radially to the axis of rotation (X), an outer portion (A) and an inner portion (B) adjacent to the outer portion (A). The wall thickness (d1) of the yoke arms (11, 12, 111, 112), in a radial direction to the bearing axis (Y) in a plane orthogonal to the axis of rotation (X) and through the joint center (M), is reduced in the outer portion relative to the inner portion (B).

Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch device includes meshing member connected to a first rotational member, a biasing member that biases the meshing member in a direction where a second meshing portion is meshed with a first meshing portion, and a pressing mechanism including a locking portion that presses the meshing member against a biasing force of the biasing member so as to axially move the meshing member. The locking portion is axially immovable relative to the second rotational member, and a cylindrical cam member is provided with a plurality of locked portions to be locked at different axial positions. Locking of the locking portion is shifted from one of the plurality of locked portions to another locked portion placed at a different axial position, and friction torque is caused to synchronize rotation of the first rotational member with that of the second rotational member.

Abstract: A releasable pneumatically operated coupling for an industrial drive such as for a grinding mill. A variable speed motor has its output shaft provided with a flange rotating therewith on which are mounted a plurality of radially moveable arcuate elements having friction pads on their radially inner surfaces. An inflatable ring surrounds the arcuate elements and, upon inflation, urges the pads into driving contact with an annular friction surface on a coupling output shaft. The arcuate elements have U-shaped undercuts in the axial torque bar passages therethrough for stress relief. Separate speed sensors on the motor shaft and coupling output shaft provide signals to a comparator which, upon sensing a predetermined speed difference, provide a signal to an electrically operated valve which exhausts air pressure from the inflatable ring to release the coupling.

Abstract: A dual gain friction clutch (200) is adapted to transmit an operational range of torques (260) from a drive member (214) to a driven member (218). The dual gain friction clutch (200) incorporates a first friction clutch pack (220) and a second friction clutch pack (222), the pack being axially aligned and adapted to address one of two segments (262, 266) of the operational range of torques (260). The clutch (200) further includes a spring-loaded skate detent unit (240) configured to control transition (264) between the two segments (262, 266) of operational ranges of torques (260). Each friction clutch pack (220, 222) may include identical respective friction discs (220a, 222a) coupled to the drive member (214) and respective pressure plates (220b, 222b) coupled to the driven member (218) for selectively providing torque control within either of the lower and higher segments (262, 266) of the operational ranges of torques (260).

Abstract: A metering device for controlling an oil delivery rate for a wet-running clutch. The wet-running clutch has at least one pair of interacting friction surfaces and an actuation unit for actuating the wet-running clutch. The actuation unit has an axially supported support disk and an axially displaceable thrust disk, wherein the thrust disk and the support disk are rotatable relative to one another. The metering device has a first component which is connected fixedly with respect to a housing, and a second component which is connected to the thrust disk in a rotationally conjoint and axially relatively displaceable manner.

Abstract: A transmission includes an input member, a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic circuit, a clutch assembly for transferring torque between the input member and an output member. A mechanically-driven hydraulic pump is rotatably coupled to the input member and is fluidly connected to the hydraulic circuit. The clutch assembly includes a friction clutch pack, a clutch-apply piston, a clutch-release piston and a coned-disc spring. The clutch-release piston is fluidly coupled to a first hydraulic chamber that is fluidly coupled to the hydraulic circuit. The clutch-apply piston is fluidly coupled to a second hydraulic chamber that is selectively fluidly coupled to the hydraulic circuit. A second spring urges the clutch-apply piston and the coned-disc spring urges the clutch-release piston. When the hydraulic pump is not rotating, the clutch assembly is activated by the coned-disc spring urging the clutch-release piston.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic valve assembly (1) with a housing (18) and with a spool (2) which is rotatable in the housing (18). The spool comprising a pressure supply orifice (3) and at least one clutch actuating orifice (4, 5) which is connectable to a clutch actuating cylinder (6, 7). The spool (2) comprises a pressure release orifice (8) which is arranged at the spool (2) so that the pressure release orifice (8) is closed by rotational movement of the spool (2) while the clutch actuating orifice (4, 5) is opened by said rotational movement. The invention further relates to a clutch actuating device with such a hydraulic valve assembly (1) and a corresponding marine propulsion system.

Abstract: A selectable one-way clutch that can limit damage on components in an overrunning mode is provided. The selectable one-way clutch comprises a shutter plate arranged in a notch plate. The shutter plate is moved radially outwardly by a centrifugal force resulting from a rotation of the notch plate to prevent an entrance of the leading end of a strut into a notch.

Abstract: A hydraulic system is provided, comprising a hydraulically actuated clutch, a hydraulically actuated shifting piston, and a pressure source for actuating the clutch as well as the shifting piston. The movement of the shifting piston also controls a valve function which serves to open a connection from the pressure source to the clutch only when the shifting piston has reached one of its end positions.

Abstract: An improved constricting drum brake assembly 10 having friction elements 32 removably attached to an outer reaction surface 40 about the periphery of a cylindrical drum 26 a plurality of ventilated shoes 28 situated within a coupling component 12 and constructed to engage the friction elements 32 upon inflation of an expandable flexible tube 30 transfers heat from the drum generated during braking action.

Abstract: A system can be used to indicate wear of a brake pad. The system can include a brake housing, a brake pad mechanically coupled to the brake housing, and a sensor mechanically coupled to the brake pad. The sensor can determine when the brake pad has been worn to a predetermined location. The system can also include an electronic module electrically coupled to the sensor and mechanically coupled to the vehicle. The electronic module can include a radio frequency antenna configured to wirelessly transmit radio frequency information to an external receiver, a battery, memory, and an internal transmitter coupled to the battery. The internal transmitter can be configured to wirelessly transmit information from the sensor and the memory to the external receiver via the radio frequency antenna.

Abstract: A method of assembling a brake pad includes impaling a first layer of a preformed multi-layer friction pad on piercing members of a rotor facing surface of a brake pad backing plate. A shim is concurrently assembled to a caliper facing surface of the backing plate.

Abstract: A damper includes a cylinder, a rod movably inserted in the cylinder, a tube member connected to the rod and forming a first air chamber that is enlarged and reduced in capacity by relative movement of the cylinder and the rod, a bracket provided at an end portion of the rod protruding from the cylinder, a first air passage formed in the bracket and the rod and communicating with the first air chamber, and an air valve attached to the bracket to be provided at an end portion of the first air passage on one side.

Abstract: To achieve the object described above, a shock absorber to solve the problem of the present invention includes a cover that covers an outer periphery of a cylinder which a reaction force air chamber forming member is slid ably in contact with, so that a slidable movement surface of the cylinder on which the reaction force air chamber forming member slidably moves is protected by the cover. Therefore, the slidable movement surface of the cylinder is not damaged by being hit by a flying stone or the like, an air tight property of the reaction force air chamber is maintained, and characteristics of an air spring included in the shock absorber do not change.

Abstract: A spring system that includes a compressible material that is used to control the speed of the rod movement.

Abstract: A transmission for a vehicle may include a first input shaft continuously receiving torque from a power source and having a first input transfer gear thereon, a second input shaft selectively receiving torque from the power source through a clutch and having a second input transfer gear thereon, a coupling member allowing or restricting rotation of the first input transfer gear relative to the first input shaft, a first countershaft and a second countershaft each having an output transfer gear to be engaged with the first input transfer gear and the second input transfer gear, and coupling devices selectively coupling the output transfer gears to corresponding countershafts and allowing torque from the power source to be transmitted to a desired shift gear by coupling output transfer gears connected to the desired shift gear in the output transfer gears to a corresponding countershaft in advance or after synchronization in shifting.

Abstract: A transmission for a vehicle includes: 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 elements; and a plurality of friction members for controlling rotation of the rotary elements. The transmission improves fuel efficiency by implementing multiple steps of shifting and improves vehicle driving comfort by using operating points in a low RPM range of an engine.

Abstract: A transmission for a vehicle may include 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 elements, and a plurality of friction members, in which the friction members are connected to at least one of the rotary elements of the planetary gear sets and control rotation of the rotary elements.