Abstract: A bicycle component fastening device includes a bicycle component body having a beam, a first adjusting element, a second adjusting element and a fastening element. The first adjusting element has a first assembly end and is fixedly coupled with the beam. The second adjusting element is coupled with the beam and has a second assembly end and an operating element. The operating element drives the second adjusting element to move towards or away from the first adjusting element. The fastening element has a first assembly portion engaging the first assembly end and a second assembly portion engaging the second assembly end. When the operating element drives the second adjusting element to move close to the first adjusting element, part of the second assembly end slips out of the second assembly portion such that the fastening element moves away from the beam.

Abstract: In a method for producing a connecting element, in particular a bolt, a zinc anti-friction coating is applied to a blank made of a metallic base material. Subsequently, the coated blank is deformed in a deformation process to a desired final geometry of the bolt. The deformation process may, in particular, be a thread rolling process. The anti-friction coating is applied in particular by way of a zinc diffusion method. The bolt is in particular an engine bolt, specifically a connecting rod bolt. A bolt of this type has a durability as conventional bolts, but at the same time can be mounted repeatedly by virtue of the formation of the special anti-friction coating without the coefficients of friction increasing above permissible limits.

Abstract: A hybrid fastener is provided in combination with a structural insert. The insert is disposed about a shank of the fastener at an unthreaded section. In another aspect, a sleeve surrounds the shank of the fastener and has apertures for receiving the insert therethrough. Methods of using the above-described hybrid fastener for securing workpieces are also disclosed.

Abstract: Internally threaded device 10 includes a main body 11 having an internal thread portion 13 and a ring-like seat portion 12 disposed between the main body 11 and a member to be fastened 30. The main body 11 has a convex portion 15 and the ring-like seat portion 12 has a concave portion 16, the convex portion 15 and the concave portion 16 have a spherical zone with a center on an axis line. The radius of the spherical shape is set to allow the convex portion 15 and the concave portion 16 to slide earlier than the internal thread portion 13 when a load is applied between the main part 11 and the member 30 in a direction crossing the axial line L. Externally threaded device 40 and washer device 50 in similar structures prevent loosening of the engaged portion easily.

Abstract: The invention relates to an insert (10) comprising a first end (12) defining a circular opening (14), a cylindrical body (16) having an inner wall (18) and an outer wall, and a second end (20) defining an opening (22) and forming an enlarged flange (24), characterized in that the body comprises a first portion (28) adjacent to the first end and provided with an outer thread (30), and a second portion (32) adjacent to the first portion and comprising at least two cutouts (34) defining at least two flexible tabs (36) extending axially, and each tab has an outer thread (38) and forms an angle (?), towards the outside of the body, with respect to the axis (A). Such an insert is used for axially positioning the outer rings of bearings.

Abstract: A cable pull for transmitting a tensile and/or pressure force to a pivot point is presented. The cable pull has a counter bearing, a tie rod, an adjustment unit and a locking element. The counter bearing is designed to introduce a counter bearing into a casing of the cable pull, counter to the tensile and/or pressure force. The tie rod is axially supported in the counter bearing, and coupled to a wire core of the cable pull. The tie rod has a molded part on an end protruding out of the counter bearing, having a first component of a toothing. The adjustment element is designed to adjust a length of the cable pull between the counter bearing and the pivot point. The adjustment element has a guide for the molded part. The molded part can move axially in the guide, and is disposed such that it is guided transverse thereto. The locking element is designed to fix the molded part in place in the adjustment unit.

Abstract: A multi-appliance power unit (100) selectively driving one of a plurality of power driven appliances (114) from one relocatable power plant (102). The modular power plant (102) is entrapped on a platform (108) and is movable therealong to any one of the appliances (114) fastened to the platform (108), which appliance (114) can then be driven by the power plant (102). A modular power plant and power driven appliance kit (200) includes a wheeled chassis (204) having a handle (220), a removable modular power plant (202 or 212), and a removable modular power driven appliance (212 or 202). A flexible drive shaft (300), is optionally integrated with a power plant or a powered appliance. The flexible drive shaft (300) includes an outer flexible sheath (310), roller type bearings (308), and a multifilament torque conducting flexible core (306) held spaced apart from the outer flexible sheath (310) by the bearings (308).

Abstract: Improved flexible joint arrangements employ at least one flexure member that interfaces with wrapping surfaces defined on the bases to which the ends of the flexure member are connected. The flexure members are configured to define a traveling instantaneous axis of rotation that moves along a path defined by the interface of the flexure and the wrapping surfaces as the bases move relative to each other. The flexure members and the bases can be constructed of a monolithic material. The wrapping surfaces of the bases can be asymmetric in cross-sectional shape. The radius of curvature of the traveling instantaneous axis of rotation can be configured to change only in discrete quantum steps without reversals. In other embodiments, the flexible joint arrangement can be configured as one or more three bar linkages in which the middle bar is rigid and the outer bars are flexure members in accordance with the various embodiments.

Abstract: An air foil bearing for supporting a high speed rotating assembly such as in a turbocharger, a high speed centrifugal separator or the like. The foil bearing includes at least one bump foil and at least one top foil. The top foil leading edge is bent radially outwards forming a bevel or step. This feature serves as an air guide to prevent air of the preceding pad flowing into the gap between the pads, and thence between the bump foil and the top foil, causing the top foil to bear against the rotor, causing severe wear.

Abstract: A sliding bearing includes at least one bearing inner ring and at least one bearing outer ring configured to rotate relative to each other about an axis (a), where the rings each include at least one sliding surface, the sliding surfaces being configured to slide along each other, and where the contact surface formed by the mutually contacting sliding surfaces has a maximum contact diameter (DK). At least parts of the sliding surfaces in a radial section have a radius of curvature (rB), the radius of curvature (rB) has a centerpoint (M) located at an offset (b) from the axis (a), and the offset (b) is at least 5% of the radius of curvature (rB).

Abstract: A sliding bearing includes at least one bearing inner ring and at least one bearing outer ring configured to rotate relative to each other about an axis (a), where the rings each include at least one sliding surface, the sliding surfaces being configured to slide along each other, and where the contact surface formed by the mutually contacting sliding surfaces has a maximum contact diameter (DK). At least parts of the sliding surfaces in a radial section have a radius of curvature (rB), the radius of curvature (rB) has a centerpoint (M) located at an offset (b) from the axis (a), and the offset (b) is at least 5% of the radius of curvature (rB).

Abstract: A zero or limited resistance isolation bearing comprising a tubular outermost sleeve, an elastic or resilient member located adjacent to and inside the outermost sleeve, and an innermost sleeve assembly consisting of a tubular inner member and a tubular outer member that are threadably interconnected. The threadable interconnections are properly sealed at the ends, and a lubricant is supplied in and around the threadable interconnections to allow zero or limited resistance to torsional rotation of the inner member of the innermost sleeve assembly relative to the outer member of the innermost threaded sleeve assembly. Such bearings are useful as automotive suspension components, such as, for example, for use in connective members of control arms at the automobile frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle axle, in particular a torsion beam axle, the rubber-solid material bearing being constructed in a disk-like manner from at least two disks made from solid material with a rubber layer which is arranged in between, and is characterized according to the invention in that a disk which is arranged on the outside in relation to the axial direction A of the rubber-solid material bearing has a collar which is oriented so as to stand upright toward the outside.

Abstract: High temperature use of a self lubricating coating material in a foil bearing and part coated with such a material. A material according to the disclosure includes between 50 and 90 wt % of alumina (Al2O3), as well as an oxide selected from the group consisting of titanium oxide (TiO2), chromium oxide (Cr2O3), and a mixture of these. Application to a rotor and/or a thrust disc at least partially covered with such a material.

Abstract: A roller bearing comprising an inner ring, an outer ring, and a bearing cage positioned between the inner ring and the outer ring. The bearing cage includes a spine and a plurality of pins disposed one side of the spine that are coplanar or offset with a plurality of pins disposed on an opposite side of the spine. A roller is rotationally coupled to each pin such that each roller is coplanar or offset with another roller on the opposite side of the spine.

Abstract: An expendable bearing and a method for making the same including an inner race defining an inner bearing diameter, an outer race defining an outer bearing diameter, a seal attached to the outer race and positioned adjacent and in contact with the inner race, where the inner race, the outer race, and the seal define a bearing cavity, a plurality of rolling elements positioned adjacent to the inner and outer races in the bearing cavity, a dry film lubricant on a surface of at least one of the inner race, the outer race, or the plurality of rolling elements, and a powder lubricant comprising carbon nanotubes disposed in the bearing cavity.

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

Abstract: Provided is a cooling structure for a bearing device. The bearing device includes a rolling bearing having a stationary raceway ring and a rotating raceway ring, a stationary spacer adjacent to the stationary raceway ring and a rotating spacer adjacent to the rotating raceway ring. The stationary raceway ring and the stationary spacer are provided in a stationary member, and the rotating raceway ring and the rotating spacer are provided in a rotating member. The cooling structure includes: an annular recessed portion provided on a circumferential surface, of the stationary spacer, that confronts an opposite spacer; and a nozzle hole configured to inject a compressed air from an outlet open to a bottom surface of the recessed portion toward a circumferential surface of the rotating spacer that confronts an opposite spacer. The nozzle hole is inclined forwardly in a rotation direction of the rotating spacer.

Abstract: Tube yoke designs with each having a tube seat, lugs and stiffening ribs are disclosed. The tube seats each have a base, a wall and the stiffening ribs. The lugs project outwardly from the tube seat. The stiffening ribs are located within the tube seat to reduce the amount of radial deformation experienced by the tube seat when a torque force is applied.

Abstract: Assembly for synchronization unit of gear-changing transmission includes a friction ring and synchronizer ring. Friction ring has a conical friction ring body with friction surface and an installation surface that respectively bound friction ring body in a radial peripheral direction extending perpendicular to an axial friction ring axis. Friction surface extends at a predefinable friction angle and installation surface extends at a predefinable installation angle, in each case conically. Synchronizer ring has a contact surface corresponding to installation surface of friction ring. Synchronizer ring and friction ring are adapted so that contact surface of synchronizer ring contacts installation surface of friction ring, and friction surface of friction ring is in rubbing contact with a gear wheel during a synchronization process where synchronizer ring is displaced in a direction of a gear wheel to be synchronized.

Abstract: An electromechanical apparatus for use with a controllable coupling assembly and a coupling and electromechanical control assembly are provided. The apparatus includes a locking member pivotable between an uncoupling position and a coupling position characterized by abutting engagement with a load-bearing shoulder of the coupling assembly. Also included is a bi-directional, electrically-powered, actuator and transmission assembly including a rotary output shaft and a set of interconnected transmission elements including an input transmission element coupled to the output shaft to rotate therewith. An output transmission element translates upon rotation of the output shaft to actuate the locking member and cause the locking member to pivot between the coupling and uncoupling positions which correspond to different operating modes of the coupling assembly.

Abstract: A liquid cooled viscous fan clutch transfers torque from a driving plate driven by an engine crankshaft to a driven plate connected to a cooling fan. Heat generated in a working fluid is transferred to a second fluid, such as engine coolant or transmission fluid, flowing through a cooling jacket. The cooling jacket is located in a stationary housing which may be fixed to the engine. The working fluid circulates through a working zone, a passageway in the stationary housing, and a passageway in the driving plate. Rotation of the driving plate provides the motive force to circulate the fluid, independent of the rotation speed of the driven plate. A controllable valve may be closed to block circulation, trapping working fluid in a reservoir, to disengage the clutch.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for controlling a clutch of a vehicle include determining whether a vehicle is moving under a condition in which a gearshift is coupled to the clutch. A clutch torque is learned in which the clutch is maintained in a micro-slip state by decreasing a target clutch torque for a corresponding gear level when it is determined that the vehicle is moving under the condition in which the gearshift is coupled to the clutch. Learning reliability is calculated by reflecting a difference between an engine torque and clutch torque. The clutch is maintained in the micro-slip state for the clutch torque learning or converting the clutch into a lock-up state, depending on a learning reliability level.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for learning a clutch torque of a Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) The method includes judging whether shifting begins, controlling torque transmission of a coupling-side clutch and a release-side clutch to cross each other while following a coupling-side target clutch torque when shifting begins, and detecting and storing a learning value, after the controlling has begun, using a function determined by the relationship between an average value of an engine angular acceleration and a coupling-side shifter input-shaft angular acceleration, engine rotation inertia, and a torque compensated by slip control of the coupling-side clutch.

Abstract: A method for reducing baulking of a dual clutch transmission (“DCT”) for a vehicle includes a first engaging step engaging an odd-stage clutch and an even-stage clutch of a DCT in a case of an ignition-on state. An ascertaining step ascertains a range positioned by a shift lever when an engine is cranked after the first engaging step. A second engaging step engages shift gears respectively, after disengaging at least one of the odd-stage clutch and the even-stage clutch depending on the ascertained range position of the shift lever.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining a characteristic curve of a clutch of a clutch activation system in a drivetrain, in particular of a motor vehicle, in which the clutch is activated by an actuator, wherein a bite point of the clutch is adapted as a first support point of the characteristic curve. In a method in which the accuracy of the specific clutch characteristic curve is improved, a preload point of the actuator, preferably of an electric central disengagement device, is used as a second support point of the characteristic curve.

Abstract: A disc brake vibration estimating device 1 includes an in-plane spring value calculating unit 31 configured to calculate an in-plane spring value for determining an in-plane vibromotive force generated in an in-plane direction of a disc rotor 104 and a vibration estimating unit 32 configured to estimate the vibration of a disc brake 100 in the in-plane direction on the basis of the calculated in-plane spring value. The in-plane spring value calculating unit 31 calculates the in-plane spring value on the condition that a value, which is obtained by integrating moment generated at a node constituting a contact surface on which pad models 102?, 103? come in contact with a disc rotor model 104? over the entire contact surface, is balanced with actual moment of the pads as a whole measured in a state in which the pads 102, 103 come in contact with the rotating disc rotor 104.

Abstract: A brake disk device for a vehicle having an annular brake disk with an encircling outer portion and an encircling inner portion, the inner diameter of which bounds a disk opening, and a brake pot with an annularly encircling edge portion, wherein the brake pot is fastened at the edge portion to the inner portion of the brake disk, wherein the edge portion is of multi-layered design at least in sections and/or is of thickened design in sections, wherein the walls of the edge portion are at least partially in contact, and an inner surface of the edge portion is designed as an additional brake surface.

Abstract: A braking system is provided. The braking system may comprise a brake stack and an electromechanical actuator mechanically coupled to the brake stack. A first hydraulic chamber may also be mechanically coupled to the brake stack and in fluid communication with a first piston of the electromechanical actuator. A second piston may be in fluid communication with the first hydraulic chamber. The second piston may also be configured to translate towards the brake stack in response to a translation of the first piston.

Abstract: A drive assembly has a drive motor at least in part contained in a housing and having a rotor rotating an output shaft. A selector mechanism is movable into one of a plurality of orientations corresponding to one of a plurality of drive motor settings. A brake assembly is configured to couple to the rotor of the drive motor and is moveable between a braked position in which the brake assembly impedes rotation of the rotor and a released position in which the brake assembly allows rotation of the rotor. An actuator is arranged in the housing to engage the brake assembly at least when the brake assembly is in the braked position and to engage the selector mechanism at least when the brake assembly is in the released position.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical brake for increasing a braking force is provided. The electro-mechanical brake for increasing the braking force according to an embodiment of the present invention may include the upper pad together with the inner pad and the outer pad, the inner pad may pressurize the inner side surface of the disk by the movement of the moving block by the rotation of the screw, the outer pad may pressurize the outer side surface of the disk, the upper pad may also pressurize the cylindrical surface of the upper end of the disk, and thus the braking force may be increased since the additional braking force can be further generated by pressurizing the cylindrical surface of the upper end of the disk compared with a case of pressurizing the inner side surface and the outer side surface of the disk.

Abstract: A motor vehicle brake, in particular a motor vehicle brake which can be activated in a combined fashion both hydraulically and electromechanically, having an actuator assembly comprising a housing, an actuator element which can be moved relative to the housing in order to move a brake lining hydraulically or electromechanically, a motor-operated drive, a movement mechanism arranged between the motor-operated drive and the movable actuator element, a gear arrangement assigned to the movement mechanism, and a separate self-locking device which is designed to block the movement mechanism when necessary and is integrated into the motor-operated drive.

Abstract: A motor vehicle brake, in particular a combined hydraulically and electromechanically actuated motor vehicle brake, comprising an actuator subassembly that includes: a brake housing, an actuation member, which is movable in relation to the brake housing, for hydraulically or electromechanically moving a brake lining, a motor-operated drive, a moving mechanism between the motor-operated drive and the movable actuation member, a gear train associated with the moving mechanism, and a separate self-locking device which is designed to block the moving mechanism as needed. The gear train includes at least two gear stages. The disclosed motor vehicle brake is characterized in that the self-locking device is arranged on the gear train in such a way that reactive forces of the self-locking device that occur during the self-locking action can be deflected into the brake housing via a force guiding member.

Abstract: A vibration reducing assembly including a flexible headgear and at least one panel of vibration reducing material secured to the flexible headgear. The at least one panel of vibration reducing material includes at least a first elastomer layer and a reinforcement layer comprising a high tensile strength fibrous material.

Abstract: In one aspect, damping systems are described herein. Such damping systems can employ internal dynamic vibration absorbers. For example, a damping system described herein comprises a monolithic bar extending from a first end to a second end along a longitudinal axis. The monolithic bar comprises an enclosed cavity positioned therein. The damping system further comprises a dynamic vibration absorber disposed in the enclosed cavity. The dynamic vibration absorber includes an absorber mass and an elastomeric buffer arranged in spacing between one or more surfaces of the absorber mass and cavity wall.

Abstract: A dual piston system for independently controlling compression and rebound flowpaths therein, the dual piston system comprising: a first adjustable orifice configured for controlling rebound fluid flow, wherein the first adjustable orifice controls the rebound fluid flow through a first pathway associated with a low speed rebound flow and a second pathway associated with a high speed rebound flow; and a second adjustable orifice configured for controlling compression fluid flow, wherein the second adjustable orifice controls the compression fluid flow through a third pathway associated with a low speed compression flow and a fourth pathway associated with a high speed compression flow.

Abstract: A shear thickening fluid having a controlled stress response, in which various stress response characteristics, including, an onset stress, a boundary stress and a fractures stress, can be controlled. The stress response characteristics controlled by the controlled properties of the shear thickening fluid, including the viscosity of a fluid medium, the mechanical properties of the suspended particles and the mechanical properties of the fluid boundary.

Abstract: A vibration damping system for machining parts uses magneto rheological radial squeeze film damper technology to reduce part vibration, enhance tool lifecycles, and to improve part surface finish. In the described embodiment, the damping system includes a pair of damping cylinders affixed to a machine tool fixture, each cylinder containing a solid core concentrically situated within an internal sleeve portion of the cylinder. Rheological fluid contained within a radial space between the core and sleeve defines a radial squeeze channel for the fluid. Fluid stiffness is controlled in real time by varying an electric current to modulate a magnetic field passing through the fluid to dampen vibrations in accordance with at least one predetermined algorithm. As material is removed from the part during machining, the fluid damping characteristics are actively managed by a machine tool controller as a function of a combination of dynamically changing and predetermined algorithmic inputs.

Abstract: A vibration isolator suitable for isolating and/or dampening vibrations generated in a vibrating machinery component such as a motor or pump so as to minimise the unwanted effects (such as audible secondary sounds) of those vibrations. The isolator may be installed in a home appliance such as a laundry washing machine and may be a separate, unitary component installed between a motor/pump and the structure of the laundry machine or may be installed between a mounting bracket of the motor/pump and the laundry machine. Alternatively, the isolator may be integrally formed with a pump/motor mounting bracket, on upper and/or lower surfaces of a mounting flange. The isolator is preferably formed from a substantially incompressible material and in one preferred embodiment has a washer-like form with a central opening at least partially surrounded by a tubular ridge with a plurality of radial projections extending outwardly and/or inwardly from outer/inner surface(s) of the tubular ridge.

Abstract: The invention relates to shaft (1) with adjustable stiffness, wherein at least one torsion bar (2), which is surrounded by a tubular sleeve (3), is arranged between a first shaft attachment (8) and a second shaft attachment (15), wherein at least one shaft attachment (8) is arranged at a first end (2a) of the torsion bar (2), and wherein preferably at least one first damping element (4a, 4b, 4c) is arranged between the tubular sleeve (3) and the torsion bar (2), wherein the tubular sleeve (3) can be connected in a rotationally fixed and releasable manner at at least one end (11, 16) to the torsion (2) bar by means of at least one connection element (10, 20, 30).

Abstract: A shaft assembly for an internal combustion engine includes at least one bearing journaled shaft rotatably supported in at least one bearing, and at least one bushing constrained in rotation with the shaft. The bushing is provided with a journal surface for a bearing. The shaft is made of a material different from and typically softer than the material of which the bushing is made.

Abstract: A flywheel device includes structures allowing the flywheel system to be assembled offsite, transported safely, and installed with relatively few steps. The flywheel includes a rotor and a housing enclosing the rotor, where the housing includes a bottom plate, a top plate and side walls. The bottom plate and the top plate each includes a hole aligned with the center axis of the rotor. The flywheel also includes multiple bearing housings substantially covering the holes of the bottom plate and the top plate that are aligned to the center axis of the rotor. The flywheel also includes posts that physically contact the primary rotational mass of the rotor to prevent motion of the rotor during transport of the flywheel system. Some or all of these posts may be repositioned or removed during installation so that the rotor can spin freely.

Abstract: A dome connector for a flywheel rim to shaft attachment is provided. The dome connector includes a helically wound composite band that extends from a first port to a second port. The helically wound composite band has a helical angle in relation to a line perpendicular to a center of axis of the dome connector. The helical angle is selected to at least in part achieve a desired stiffness in the dome connector.

Abstract: It is an object to improve the anti-fraying properties of rubber-reinforcing cords without significant reduction in productivity. The present invention provides a water-based treatment agent for forming a rubber-reinforcing cord having a coating. The water-based treatment agent includes a rubber latex, a crosslinking agent, and a filler. A content of the crosslinking agent is 50 parts by mass or more and 150 parts by mass or less per 100 parts by mass of solids contained in the rubber latex, and a content of the filler is more than 50 parts by mass and 80 parts by mass or less per 100 parts by mass of the solids contained in the rubber latex.

Abstract: Embodiments of a rope tension device for cinching a load with a rope are disclosed. The rope tension device includes a frame and brake member. The frame includes a first rail and a second rail with a bracing structure extending between the first rail and the second rail such that the bracing structure defines an arcuate surface. The brake member is pivotably coupled to the frame. Further, the brake member defines a brake surface such that the brake surface is biased with a spring member toward the arcuate surface, the brake surface defining an axially extending concave feature that faces the arcuate surface of the bracing structure. With this arrangement, a gap defined between the arcuate surface and the axially extending concave feature varies in height along an axial width defined between the first and second rails so as to receive the rope within the gap for cinching the load.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a multiple speed transmission having an input member, an output member, a plurality of planetary gearsets, a plurality of interconnecting members and a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms. Each of the plurality of planetary gearsets includes a sun gear, a ring gear, and a carrier member with pinion gears. The input member is continuously interconnected with at least one member of one of the plurality of planetary gear sets, and the output member is continuously interconnected with another member of one of the plurality of planetary gear sets. At least ten forward speeds and one reverse speed are achieved by the selective engagement of the plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms.

Abstract: The tension roller device provides a support shaft, a securing plate that is fixed on the support shaft, an eccentric hub that is free to rotate relative to the shaft, and a spring that is arranged axially between the eccentric hub and the securing plate. The support shaft includes a stop surface, against which the securing plate is axially supported, and which is delimited radially on the outer side by a circular outer edge. At least one opening is formed in the securing plate, in order to delimit a tongue for radial centering of the spring. The opening is situated radially on the outer side relative to the circular outer edge of the stop surface of the support shaft.

Abstract: An input shaft being configured into spline engagement with an input wheel wherein the input wheel slides axially along the input shaft; an output shaft into engagement with the input shaft, and wherein an output wheel is configured to slide axially along said output shaft; a variator wheel being configured to drive the input wheel or output wheel without direct contact; a traction fluid to enable the variator wheel to drive at least one of the input wheel and output wheel without direct contact; a toroidal cavity for containing the traction fluid and form an enveloping toroidal cavity when the input wheel and output wheel are aligned together; and an actuator for controlling the axial sliding of the input and output wheel on their respective splined shafts.

Abstract: An apparatus for unlocking an actuator comprises a first member mounted in a housing for rotation about an axis and having a circumferentially extending surface, a recess being formed in a section of the circumferentially extending surface. A second member for operative connection to a lock release element of an actuator is mounted for movement in a direction generally transverse to the axis of rotation of the first member and has a follower element resiliently biased into contact with the circumferentially extending surface of the first member. A rotary actuator is provided for rotating the first member about the axis between a first, locking position in which the follower element engages on the circumferentially extending surface and a second, unlocking position in which the follower element is at least partially received within the recess.

Abstract: A transmission assembly for a drive train of a vehicle for connecting a drive motor to a traction drive of the vehicle, includes a main shift transmission with multiple transmission-ratio stages, wherein multiple shift states of the main shift transmission can be connected by a shifting, as required, by means of shift points of one or more transmission-ratio stages, and a planetary gear, wherein the main shift transmission and the planetary gear are drivingly connected or can be connected as required to each other by means of two connection shafts.