Abstract: A vaporized fuel processing apparatus has a fuel tank, a canister configured to adsorb vaporized fuel, a vapor path connecting the canister to the fuel tank, a closing valve provided in the vapor path, a pressure sensor measuring inner pressure of the fuel tank, and an electric control unit connected with the closing valve and the pressure sensor. The electric control unit is configured to close or open the closing valve in order to initialize the closing valve or open the closing valve in order to release the vaporized fuel from the fuel tank. Further, the electric control unit is configured to detect failure of the closing valve depending on change in the inner pressure of the fuel tank within a predetermined time from when the closing valve is opened or is closed for initialization of the closing valve or release of the vaporized fuel from the fuel tank.

Abstract: A vaporized fuel processing apparatus has a fuel tank, a canister configured to adsorb vaporized fuel and connected to an internal combustion engine, a vapor path connecting the fuel tank to the canister, a closing valve having a stepping motor and configured to open and close the vapor path, and an electric control unit configured to cause the closing valve to an initial position in order to initialize the closing valve. The electric control unit is configured to determine whether it is in a predetermined initialization permission time when the initialization of the closing valve does not adversely affect running of the internal combustion engine. When it is determined that it is in the predetermined initialization permission time, the electric control unit is configured to output signals to start the initialization of the closing valve.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for purging a fuel vapor canister. In one example, a method may include during boosted engine operating conditions, utilizing regulated compressed air from an engine intake to purge fuel vapors stored in the fuel vapor canister. Further, during non-boosted condition, regulated air from the intake may be utilized to purge the fuel vapor canister. The purged fuel vapors and intake air may be delivered to upstream of a compressor when operating with boost, or to an intake manifold when operating without boost.

Abstract: A housing receiving a switching valve, a pressure sensor, and a pump includes a tubular portion having an inner wall provided with a support portion into which an attachment portion is inserted. The pump includes a pump portion and a motor portion which are connected to the attachment portion. The support portion receives an elastic member abutting on the attachment portion. The elastic member prevents a vibration generated due to an operation of the pump from being transmitted to the tubular portion. Since the pump is supported by a cover through a pressure detection pipe including a pressure detection passage and is supported by the tubular portion through the elastic member and the support portion, the pump prevents from vibrating by its weight. Therefore, a noise radiated out of the housing due to the vibration transmitted from the pump to the housing can be reduced.

Abstract: A gasoline direct-injection engine is provided. The engine performs compression self-ignition combustion, and includes a cylinder, an injector, intake and exhaust ports, intake and exhaust valves, and an ozone generating system for generating ozone inside the cylinder. The system includes an electrode projecting into the cylinder while being partially electrically insulated from walls of the cylinder, and a high-voltage control device for applying a controlled pulse-shaped voltage to the electrode. When the voltage is applied, electric discharge occurs between the non-insulated part of the electrode and the walls of the cylinder, and ozone is generated inside the cylinder due to an effect of the electric discharge. A combustion pattern is provided, in which a compression stroke injection is performed and mixture gas formed by the fuel injection self-ignites to combust. When the combustion pattern is applied, the high-voltage control device is operated on intake stroke or the compression stroke.

Abstract: A filter housing (11) has at least one inlet (15) and at least one outlet (17) for the fluid. The filter element (10) includes an open filter bellows (16) of a filter medium (18).The filter element (10) is arranged in a filter housing (11) separating the at least one inlet (15) from the at least one outlet (17). An element axis (14) of the filter element (10) and a housing axis (25) of the filter housing (11) can be aligned parallel or axially to an installation direction (12) of the filter element for installing the filter element (10) into the filter housing. The filter element (10) includes at least one guide crosspiece (46, 48) which extends axially and radially outward on a peripheral exterior side (26), relative to the element axis (14), of the filter element (10).

Abstract: An air intake chamber for a motorcycle is disposed downstream of a supercharger, for pressurizing and supplying an intake air to an engine, and upstream of a throttle body, for controlling the amount of the intake air to be supplied to an air intake port of the engine. The air intake chamber serves to accumulate the high pressure intake air discharged from the supercharger. The air intake chamber is provided with an injector, which has a fuel injecting port positioned at a location displaced from an axis of an outlet of the air intake chamber.

Abstract: An air intake duct of a motorcycle forms an air intake passage for supplying an intake air to a supercharger. The air intake duct forms a curve portion and is connected to the supercharger. The air intake passage has a transverse cross-section which is shaped such that a dimension in an orthogonal direction that is orthogonal to a radial direction of the curve portion is gradually reduced from the center of the curve portion toward an outer side, in the radial direction, of the curve portion.

Abstract: An outboard motor includes an engine cover including an upper cover and a lower cover which form an engine room and which can be separated from each other vertically, the lower cover has a bottom wall and a circumferential wall which extends upward from an outer circumference of the bottom wall, an external air inlet through which to introduce air into the engine room is provided adjacent to the outer circumference of the bottom wall, and an inside wall extends upward from the bottom wall alongside the circumferential wall so as to be opposed to the circumferential wall with the external air inlet interposed between the inside wall and the circumferential wall.

Abstract: A flow-through fitting and filter assembly is provided including a fitting body with a cavity, and a filter coupled to fitting body and positioned within the cavity. The filter includes a filter support and a filter element mounted on the filter support. A first end portion of the filter support is of a generally cylindrical cup shape including an outer annular wall in close sliding relationship the inner wall forming a fitting cavity to provide a guiding function while passages in the first end portion provide relief of fluid from the end of the cavity. A second end portion of the filter support includes an outer annular surface having an outer annular diameter greater than the inner annular diameter of the inner annular surface of the fitting body to create an interference fit and a fluid seal.

Abstract: An electric heater for fuel of endothermal engines, in particular for fuel systems called “common rail” and the like, includes a heating part and a terminal adapted to be associated with one end of the hollow body of a fuel feeding duct; advantageously, the terminal is at least partly made of plastic material. A fuel feeding duct to which the heater is applied, as well as to a fuel warm-up device, are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for cooling a high pressure fuel pump. One method includes, when a spill valve is in a pass-through state, circulating fuel from a compression chamber of the high pressure fuel pump to a step room of the high pressure fuel pump. The fuel circulation through the step room may provide for a reduction in fuel temperature in the step room, and thus, the high pressure fuel pump.

Abstract: A fuel pump manifold pressure control system may be effective to provide a compact and more effective fuel pump mechanism for compression ignition engines, such as diesel and some natural gas engines. The fuel pump manifold pressure control system includes a fuel pump manifold, at least one fuel injection accumulator adapted for supplying pressurized fuel to at least one fuel injector, a pressure control valve, a pressure sensor, and a pressure relief valve, all contained within a compact fuel pump housing. The pressure control valve and pressure sensor are each adapted for signal communication with electronic controller, and for fuel communication with the fuel pump manifold. The pressure relief valve is adapted for fuel communication with the fuel pump manifold. Each of the control valve, sensor, and relief valve are fixedly mounted to and internally contained within the housing.

Abstract: A control device of a vehicle includes: a first gear connected to a crankshaft of an engine; a second gear capable of engaging the first gear; an actuator configure to move the second gear up to a position where the second gear engages the first gear; a motor configured to cause the second gear to rotate; and a controller configured to, when the engine is cranked by driving of the motor in response to elapsing of a predefined period after the actuator is actuated in response to a startup request signal of the engine, adjust a length of the predefined period on the basis of an operating state of a driver and a state of the vehicle at the time of reception of the startup request signal.

Abstract: A saddle-ride type vehicle includes a frame, an engine, a starter motor, a predetermined component, and a coupling member. The engine is supported by the frame. The starter motor is attached to the engine. The predetermined component is disposed adjacent to the starter motor. The coupling member couples the predetermined component to the starter motor.

Abstract: A quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator for producing corona discharge plasma from is presented. The quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator has a folded cavity made of opposing concentric cavity members that are nested together to form a continuous cavity ending in a aperture. A center conductor with a tip is positioned in the cavity. The folded cavity advantageously permits the coaxial cavity resonator to resonate at a lower operating frequency than an unfolded quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator of the same length. Embodiments of the quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator use narrower apertures to reduce radiative losses, and include center conductors that are reactive load elements, such as helical coils. When a radio frequency (RF) oscillation is produced in the quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator, corona discharge plasma is formed at the tip of the center conductor. The corona discharge plasma can be used to ignite combustible materials in combustion chambers of combustion engines.

Abstract: To provide a spark plug that can reduce power loss and prevent erosion of a tip end part of a central electrode, even in a configuration such that a discharge current and an electromagnetic wave are emitted from a terminal fitting part of the spark plug, and a plasma generation device using the spark plug. The spark plug is provided with a central electrode 2 including a terminal fitting part 2A and an electrode main body 2B electrically connected to the terminal fitting part 2A, an insulator 3 formed with an axial hole 30, which the central electrode 2 is fitted into, a main fitting 4 that surrounds the insulator 3, and a ground electrode 5 that extends from an end surface of the main fitting 4 and is adapted to form a discharge gap that causes a spark discharge between the central electrode 2 and the electrode main body 2B.

Abstract: A laser spark plug configured to be installed into a plug shaft of an internal combustion engine, and to focus laser ignition energy into the combustion chamber via combustion chamber-side, and thus proximal end, of the laser spark plug has, at a distal end of the laser spark plug opposite to the proximal end, a connecting unit for detachable mechanical and thermal connection to a cooler, the connecting unit being designed to permit the connecting and the disconnecting of the cooler when the laser spark plug is installed in the plug shaft.

Abstract: A hydroelectric turbine array system comprises an array of turbine systems and a supervisory controller. Each turbine system of the array comprises a hydroelectric turbine and a control system. The control system includes a converter system arranged to convert AC power, supplied by a generator connected to the hydroelectric turbine and having a voltage and frequency that is a function of a rotational speed of the hydroelectric turbine, to AC power having a voltage and frequency of a transmission system for transmitting the AC power to a receiving station and a control unit co-operable with the converter system to adjust the AC voltage supplied by the generator.

Abstract: An energy concentration device includes a pneumatic cylinder that allows for contact with waving sea water of the nature to make a float device to drive a piston rod to achieve an effect of up and down piston movement so as to realize an effect of pressurization of air inside the pneumatic cylinder, whereby the air may achieve an effect of increase of pressurization level through multi-staged pressurization and an effect of accumulation by being stored in a high-pressure air storage device for the purposes of electrical power generation with the pressurized air and supplying pneumatic power required by other applications, such as automobiles, motorcycles, buses, and factories and also for supplying of pneumatic power to household devices, such as household appliances and pneumatically-operating doors.

Abstract: A transport system for transporting a wind turbine blade on first and second railcars that serve as load cars. A root end fixture on the first railcar is connected to a root end portion of the wind turbine blade. A mid-frame fixture on the second railcar supports a reinforced midsection of the wind turbine blade using a pair of support saddles. A tip end fixture restrains a tip end portion of the wind turbine blade against lateral movement outside of a preselected range of movement in opposite lateral directions and causing bending of the blade about the mid-frame fixture when the restraint device imparts sufficient restraining force to the tip end portion of the blade.

Abstract: A method for removing a rotor blade from a wind turbine may generally include installing a blade sock around an outer perimeter of the rotor blade, coupling a support cable to the blade root, lowering the rotor blade relative to the hub using the support cable, coupling at least one pulley cable between the rotor blade and a winch using at least one pulley, moving the pulley cable relative to the pulley to lower the rotor blade relative to the hub, applying a force through the blade sock as the pulley cable is moved relative to the pulley in order to control an orientation of the rotor blade and further lowering the rotor blade to a location on or adjacent to the support surface.

Abstract: In one aspect, a rotor blade assembly for a wind turbine may generally include a rotor blade extending lengthwise between a root and a tip. The rotor blade may include a pressure side and a suction side extending between a leading edge and a trailing edge. Additionally, the rotor blade assembly may include a chord extender having an attachment portion coupled to at least of the pressure side or the suction side and an extension portion extending outwardly from the attachment portion beyond the trailing edge. The extension portion may extend chordwise between a first end disposed adjacent to the trailing edge and a second end disposed opposite the first end. The extension portion may include a surface defined between the first and second ends. The extension portion may further include at least one stiffening rib projecting outwardly from the surface.

Abstract: It is described a blade for a wind turbine for converting wind energy into electric energy, including: a blade structure longitudinally extending along a blade axis (X1) and including a blade tip, an opposite blade root, a longitudinal leading edge portion and a longitudinal trailing edge portion which are extended between the blade root and the blade tip; and an outer aerodynamic shell defining an airfoil including an airfoil leading edge, an airfoil trailing edge and an airfoil suction side and an airfoil pressure side between the airfoil leading and trailing edges.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a wind turbine blade having a first member with a first joining surface and a second member with a second joining surface. The method includes applying at least one resin barrier to one or both of the joining surfaces, and subsequently locating the first and the second members adjacent each other so that they are joined by the at least one resin barrier. Hereby at least one cavity is formed between the first and second joining surfaces, which cavity is delimited by the at least one resin barrier. Subsequently resin is filled into the at least one cavity, and the resin is cured. The first member may be a blade shell, and the second member may be a blade spar.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for performing an oil change on a wind power plant, comprising the steps of rotating the rotor (3) to a maintenance position, subsequently draining the oil out of a first variable-speed gearbox (6), filling the first variable-speed gearbox (6) with fresh oil, draining the oil out of a second variable-speed gearbox (6?) that is oriented differently than the first gearbox, and filling the second drive device (6?) with fresh oil. The variable-speed gearboxes each comprise a sump (63) having a first outlet opening (65) and a mirrored sump (64) on the opposite end of the housing thereof having a second outlet opening (66). Thus, the rotor (3) does not need to be rotated further during the oil change. The oil change can be performed simultaneously on several or all variable-speed gearboxes, reducing time and personnel expenses. The invention further relates to a correspondingly designed drive device and to an oil changing device.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting ice on a rotor blade of a wind turbine are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method may include releasing a pitch brake of a pitch adjustment mechanism associated with the rotor blade, controlling the pitch adjustment mechanism so as to maintain the rotor blade at a fixed pitch angle, monitoring a pitch-related parameter of the wind turbine while the rotor blade is maintained at the fixed pitch angle, and analyzing the monitored pitch-related parameter to determine whether ice is present on the rotor blade.

Abstract: A wind turbine blade (22) is cantilevered from a shaft (50) of a rotor (20). A pitch reference azimuth (74) of the blade may be located by generating a function (66, 67, 68, 69) of gravitational bending strain or moment magnitude of the blade versus pitch angle of the blade for a vector component (85, 86) of gravitational force (GF) relative to a predetermined transverse line (CL, 83) of the blade, such as a chord line, over a range of pitch angles of the blade. The pitch reference azimuth may be set at a characteristic point (70, 71, 72) on the function, such as an inflection point Two such functions (67, 69) may be generated with the blade in two respective positions on opposite sides of the rotor The intersection point (73) of these functions is a pitch reference point that is compensated for rotor tilt.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for initiating rotation of blades of a wind turbine when wind speed is less than a cut-in speed. A solar powered wind turbine apparatus includes a solar dome with photovoltaic cells, operably connected to a rotor assembly, and an electric motor. The photovoltaic cells convert solar energy from incident sunlight into electrical energy. The electric motor electrically connected to the photovoltaic cells rotates the blades of the rotor assembly using the electrical energy from the photovoltaic cells. The electric motor powered by the photovoltaic cells initiates the rotation of the blades of the rotor assembly when wind speed is less than the cut-in speed, and therefore reduces or eliminates the cut-in speed required to rotate the blades. The blades of the rotor assembly thereafter continue to rotate in response to a force of wind on the blades and/or the powered electric motor.

Abstract: A method of operating a wind turbine is provided. The wind turbine includes a rotor that is rotatably coupled to a generator that is positioned within a nacelle. The rotor includes one or more rotor blades that are coupled to a hub. The method includes transmitting, from a first sensor to a control system, at least a first monitoring signal indicative of a first wind condition at a first distance from the wind turbine. A second sensor transmits at least a second monitoring signal that is indicative of a second wind condition at a second distance from the wind turbine that is longer than the first distance to the control system. The control system calculates a wind turbine operating command based at least in part on the first monitoring signal and the second monitoring signal. One or more wind turbine components are operated based on the calculated wind turbine operating command.

Abstract: A wind turbine with a switchgear arrangement is described. The wind turbine includes a tower, a rotor supported at an upper end of the tower, a generator, a transformer for increasing the voltage output of the generator prior to supplying a collector grid, and switchgear arranged between the transformer and the collector grid. The switchgear includes a first switching device associated with the transformer, and a second switching device associated with one or more cables connecting the wind turbine to another wind turbine in the collector grid. The first switching device is connected to, but located remotely from, the second switching device.

Abstract: A solar thermal power system can include a solar receiver steam generator, a thermal energy storage arrangement utilizing a thermal energy storage fluid, and a multistage steam turbine for driving an electrical generator to produce electrical power. The solar thermal power system has a first operating mode in which steam is generated by the solar receiver steam generator and is supplied both to the thermal energy storage arrangement and to a high pressure turbine inlet of the multistage steam turbine. In a second operating mode, steam is generated by recovering stored thermal energy from the thermal energy storage fluid of the thermal energy storage arrangement for injection into the multistage steam turbine at a location or turbine stage downstream of the high pressure turbine inlet.

Abstract: A hybrid receiver-combustor (100) for capturing heat energy from a solar source and a fuel source. The hybrid receiver-combustor (100) includes a vessel (110) for acting both as a combustion furnace and as a solar receiver, and a plurality of burners (180) for combusting an oxidant stream, such as an air stream, and a fuel stream. The vessel (110) includes a casing (120) defining a cavity (125) having an aperture (130) for receiving the concentrated solar radiation from the solar source. The cavity (125) provides a chamber defining a zone (126) which can function as a combustion zone for production of heat energy through a combustion process using the fuel and into which concentrated solar radiation can be received from the solar source through the aperture (130). A heat energy absorber (190) configured as a heat exchanger is provided to receive heat energy from concentrated solar radiation entering the cavity (125) through the aperture (130) and from combustion within the cavity.

Abstract: Power systems utilizing at least two heat source streams with substantially different initial temperatures, where the systems include a simple vaporization, separation, and energy extraction subsystem, a recycle subsystem, and a condensation and pressurization subsystem and methods for making and using same.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the disclosed vortex generator may include a flap, a bearing configured to be mounted on a surface, an axle retained in the bearing, the flap attached to the axle such that the flap rotates relative to the bearing about the axle, and an actuator made of a shape memory alloy attached to the flap and to a support, the actuator shaped to receive the axle therethrough, such that a change in temperature of the actuator causes the actuator to rotate the flap relative to the bearing.

Abstract: A device having a vibration based propulsion system includes at least one of an extendible and retractable diaphragm, a vibrating mechanism, and an expandable and collapsible body section for driving movement of the device. Some embodiments may also include one or more coverings configured to move to adjust the fluid resistance of the device to improve the efficiency of the device's movement. At least one processor may be connected to at least one of: a transceiver, sensors, a camera, and a drive system for controlling the operations of these mechanisms. A power source may also be attached to these elements of the device to power the device. A remote controller or other computer device may communicate with the device via the transceiver to provide input for steering the device or to receive data collected by the device.

Abstract: An ion electrospray device with a porous reservoir and at least one porous emitter includes a porous compliant interface sandwiched between the porous reservoir and the porous emitter for transferring fluid from the porous reservoir to the porous emitter. The interface has a characteristic capillary pressure stronger than the characteristic capillary pressure of the porous reservoir to fill the porous emitter with fluid via a fluid injection section of the interface and before the porous reservoir is then partially filled with fluid. Emitter leakage and propellant bridging problems are addressed.

Abstract: A liquid pumping system comprises a plurality of liquid pumps and a hydraulic drive unit. Each liquid pump is driven by a separate hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic cylinders are powered by a shared hydraulic pump through a valve set. A valve set controller is configured to operate the valve set. A liquid pumping process comprises distributing an initial flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid between the hydraulic cylinders. The hydraulic cylinders move through a cycle in a phased relationship to provide a constant sum of flow rates from the liquid pumps. A membrane filtration system combines the liquid pumping system with a membrane unit. In a water treating process, feed water is pumped through the membrane unit. Brine from the membrane unit is returned to each liquid pump while that liquid pump is feeding water to the membrane unit.

Abstract: An axial piston machine of swash plate design includes cylinder bores with respective longitudinal axes that are arranged at an acute angle with the rotational axis and that approach the rotational axis radially in the direction of their control plate-side ends. For each cylinder bore, a point of action of a resulting hydrostatic relieving force, which acts on the cylinder barrel, of the hydrostatic sliding bearing is spaced apart radially with regard to the rotational axis of the cylinder barrel further than a point of intersection of the longitudinal axis of the cylinder bore with the cylinder barrel-side bearing face of the hydrostatic sliding bearing.

Abstract: A vacuum pump includes a cylinder. The cylinder includes an inner casing forming two transversely intersected, parallel cylindrical chambers, the axes of which rest in one plane, and one of the faces of which represents a wall on which a suction hole inlet is located. The cylinder also includes an outer casing disposed around the inner casing to form a confined space, provided with the inlet and an outlet, which allows a liquid to be circulated. Two pump rotors are situated in the parallel cylindrical chambers and are driven in rotation by an electric motor. A drive housing contains the motor and components for driving and synchronizing the pump rotors supporting the rotors by cantilever and serving as support and centering with respect to the cylinder. The drive housing includes two extended supports that are integrally constructed as one piece.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pump systems having graphene or other atomically thin electrically conductive materials supported by trough-shaped cavities.

Abstract: A getter pump is described. The getter pump has a casing, whose shape is a solid of revolution with a revolution axis, and a plurality of getter cartridges mounted within the getter pump casing, each cartridge having a linear central support and spaced getter elements mounted on the linear central support. A getter cartridge orientation plane containing the linear central support and parallel to the revolution axis, and a getter cartridge positioning plane orthogonal to the revolution axis and intersecting the midpoint of a linear central support are defined. For each cartridge, the angle formed by the getter cartridge positioning plane with the linear control supports is equal to or less than 30°.

Abstract: An air compression apparatus includes an air tank, an air compressor, and a governor. The air compressor delivers compressed air to the air tank by using power of an engine at the time of load running and stops the delivery of the compressed air to the air tank at the time of no-load running. The governor switches between the load running and the no-load running of the air compressor. Furthermore, the governor changes, when an engine speed is equal to or more than a threshold value, switchover timing for switching the air compressor from the no-load running to the load running in comparison with a time when the engine speed is less than the threshold value.

Abstract: A double displacement pump includes an inlet manifold, an outlet manifold, a first fluid cavity between the inlet manifold and the outlet manifold, a second fluid cavity between the inlet manifold and the outlet manifold, and a drive system that includes a housing defining an internal pressure chamber, a piston disposed within the internal pressure chamber and having a first and second pull chambers and a central slot for receiving a drive, a first pull with a free end slidably secured within the first pull chamber and a second pull with a free end slidably secured within the second pull chamber, and a first fluid displacement member coupled to the first pull and a second fluid displacement member coupled to the second pull.

Abstract: A rotary vane pump or rotary vane motor including a rotatable rotor being eccentrically arranged within a rotatable cylindrical housing sleeve defining a freely rotary working chamber which takes out the relative sliding movement and friction inside to outer housing bearing. A partition element of a vane hingedly attached to the rotor; wherein the partition element travels with the rotor following the orbit of the housing incident to the expansion and contraction of the working space performing as a true dynamic radial seal; The rotor assembly along with the housing assembly being sandwiched between end-plates to fulfill dynamic side seal; The end-plates may contain pressure and non-pressure ports as well as holes for shaft, bearings, brackets and mounting hardware.

Abstract: A pump device includes a shaft, a first gear pair, a second gear pair, a support pin, and a casing. The first gear pair includes a first driving gear which is disposed on the shaft and is rotatable together with the shaft, and a first driven gear driven by the first driving gear. The second gear pair includes a second driving gear which is disposed on the shaft coaxially with the first driving gear and is rotatable together with the shaft, and a second driven gear driven by the second driving gear and arranged coaxially with the first driven gear. The support pin penetrates the first driven gear and the second driven gear and rotatably supporting the first driven gear and the second driven gear. The casing covers the first gear pair and the second gear pair. The support pin is fitted to the casing to be fixed.

Abstract: A hydraulic pump or motor includes a body having a chamber and a rotor rotatably mounted within the chamber. The chamber and rotor are shaped to define one or more rise regions, fall regions, major dwell regions and minor dwell regions between walls of the chamber and the rotor. The rotor has a plurality of slots and vanes located in each slot. Each vane is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. In the retracted position, the vanes are unable to work the hydraulic fluid introduced into the chamber whereas they are able to work the hydraulic fluid introduced into the chamber in the extended position. A vane retaining member that is selectively actuable enables the vanes to be retained in the retracted position.

Abstract: An oil pump structure including: an oil pump having a first hydraulic control chamber and a second hydraulic control chamber; a hydraulic control valve having a valve operating oil passage, a first inflow passage, a second inflow passage, a first outflow passage, a second outflow passage and a drain flow passage; and an oil circuit, wherein the hydraulic control valve is connected to a branching flow passage of the oil circuit; a spool valve body of the hydraulic control valve has a front valve section, a rear valve section and an intermediate valve section, which are formed perpendicularly to the axial direction of a connecting shaft; an axial-direction dimension of the intermediate valve section is larger than an axial-direction dimension of the second outflow passage; the second outflow passage and the drain flow passage are both accommodated temporarily between the intermediate valve section and the front valve section due to movement of the spool valve body; and in the hydraulic control valve, a control

Abstract: An oil pump includes a rotor, an outer peripheral member accommodating the rotor, a first plate, and a second plate. A discharge passage through which hydraulic fluid is discharged is connected to a discharge port of the first plate. A first pressure gradually-changing groove and a second pressure gradually-changing groove are formed such that a second flow passage area is larger than a first flow passage area, the first flow passage area being a flow passage area of the first pressure gradually-changing groove of the first plate, at a position at which the first pressure gradually-changing groove communicates with a transfer chamber passing through a sealed region, and the second flow passage area being a flow passage area of the second pressure gradually-changing groove of the second plate, at a position at which the second pressure gradually-changing groove communicates with the transfer chamber passing through the sealed region.

Abstract: A compressor may include a first scroll member having a first spiral wrap, a first chamber, and a first aperture. A second scroll member may include a second spiral wrap engaged with the first spiral wrap to form a series of compression pockets and a second aperture. The first aperture may be in communication with a first of the compression pockets to provide communication between the first compression pocket and the first chamber. The second aperture may be in communication with a second of the compression pockets. A capacity modulation assembly may include a first piston preventing communication between the first aperture and a first passage when in a first position and providing communication when in a second position. A second piston may prevent communication between the second aperture and a third passage when in the first position, and provide communication when in a second position.