Abstract: Actuation systems and methods are disclosed. Such systems may comprise a motor having a drive shaft, one or more modules coupled to the drive shaft, each module comprising one or more energy storage elements and one or more actuating members connecting the one or more energy storage elements to one or more degrees of freedom, which are configured to actuate in response to a discharge of energy from the one or more energy storage element, and a plurality of clutches associated with each module to couple the energy storage element of the module to the drive shaft of the motor and to control an energy state of the energy storage element independent of energy storage elements of other modules.

Abstract: A multi-electric motor driven gearbox assembly includes a main gear coupled to at least two pinion gears. Each pinion gear is connected via an associated secondary shaft to corresponding secondary shaft pulleys that are adapted to be driven by an electric motor. A one-way bearing is coupled to each pinion gear and disposed so as to allow the pinion gear to decouple relative to the secondary shaft pulley when the associated electric motor fails and to do so without creating drag on the main gear during decoupling.

Abstract: A powertrain includes a torque generative device and a torque converter having an impeller, a turbine and a torque converter clutch. A method to control torque converter slip includes a feedforward component and a feedback component. The feedforward component includes monitoring a reference slip, and actual slip, and a turbine speed of the torque converter, determining a desired turbine torque based upon the reference slip and the turbine speed, determining an actual turbine torque based upon the actual slip and the turbine speed, determining a feedforward torque converter clutch pressure command based upon the desired turbine torque, the actual turbine torque, a torque generative device torque, and a TCC gain, and determining feedforward torque converter clutch pressure command. The feedback component modifies the feedforward command pressure based on proportional plus integral plus differential (PID) slip feedback terms.

Abstract: Locking differentials are described that include a first orientation and a second orientation. In the first orientation, the locking differential has a default unlocked position and must be actuated to be locked. In the second orientation, the locking differential has a default locked position and must be actuated to be unlocked. The user selects whether the locking differential is in the first orientation or the second orientation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a shaft assembly having a dry well and a gearbox incorporating the shaft assembly. The shaft assembly may include a housing having an opening and a lubricant reservoir. A tubular member may be fixed in the opening and extend above a surface of lubricant that collects in the lubricant reservoir during operation. At least one sealing member may be positioned between the tubular member and an inner wall defining the opening. A solid shaft may extend through the tubular member and have an outer diameter that is smaller than an inner diameter of the tubular member, thereby defining a dry well between the solid shaft and the tubular member. A bearing mount may be arranged about the tubular member and may be removably connected to a gear associated with the solid shaft. A method of assembling a gearbox incorporating the shaft assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A transaxle case with an overhanging portion that overhangs outward relative to a vertical line (a tangential line) that extends upward from a 90-degree rotated portion at a location rotated from the vertically lower portion of a differential ring gear by 90 degrees, and an extending rib that extends from the overhanging portion toward the center of rotation of the differential ring gear to the vicinity of the outer periphery of the differential ring gear, and the overhanging portion and the extending rib constitute a splattering space. The lower surface of the extending rib is formed as an inclined surface such that working oil is pushed toward a converter housing when working oil splattered to the splattering space collides against the lower surface. Consequently, working oil is caused to be splattered to the splattering space, collides against the lower surface of the extending rib, and pushed toward the converter housing.

Abstract: A gearbox includes at least two engaged gears, with at least one of the two gears provided with a shroud positioned radially outwardly of the one gear. The shroud extends between circumferential ends which do not fully surround the one gear. An extension extends from the shroud to a component to be lubricated. A shroud is also disclosed.

Abstract: An output shaft of a transmission is fixed to a planetary gearset carrier. Output torque is measured via a surface acoustic wave sensor affixed to a face of the carrier between two adjacent planet gears and radially inside a weld joining the carrier face to an opposite carrier face. In this location, the level of strain at typical transmission output torques produces a level of strain within the measuring range of a surface acoustic wave sensor. The sensor may be powered and signals communicated across an air gap defined by signal rings. Due the stable position and orientation of the carrier, a small, consistent air gap is possible.

Abstract: A shifting lever assembly is provided and includes a shifting lever rotated about a predetermined angle of a rotation axis to select a shift stage, a magnet disposed on the rotation axis to rotate integrally with the shifting lever, and a shifting lever position detection unit coupled adjacent to the magnet that detects a magnetic force based on a rotation of the shifting lever. Further the shifting lever position detection unit includes a circuit board, first and second magnetic force sensors, installed on a first surface of the circuit board, and a third magnetic force sensor, installed on a second surface of the circuit board. Each of the three magnetic force sensor includes a magnetic force detector for detecting a force of the magnet. The magnetic force detectors of the first and second magnetic force sensors are arranged to be symmetrical to the rotation axis.

Abstract: When an oil temperature Toil is equal to or lower than a threshold Toref, and when a vehicle is predicted to stop while traveling (a shift position is predicted to be operated to a parking position), restricted discharge processing is executed in which a magnetic lock device is turned ON and an on-off solenoid valve is turned OFF. Thus, discharge of hydraulic oil in an oil chamber is started while movement of a piston rod is restricted by the magnetic lock device. Then, when the vehicle stops and the shift position is changed to a parking position, the restriction on the movement of the piston rod is removed by turning OFF the magnetic lock device.

Abstract: A piston includes a disc formed to have an annular shape, a cylindrical skirt portion that projects from an outer peripheral portion of the disc on one end side in an axial direction of the disc, and a passage that is formed in the disc and that is opened on an inner side of the skirt portion. An inner peripheral surface of the skirt portion is a slope that increases its diameter toward a side opposite to the disc.

Abstract: A seal assembly (400) is used with a slide-out room in a mobile living quarters. The seal assembly (400) includes three sealing lips (402) which are adapted to abut a top phalange (406) of a slide-out room when the room is a retracted position. The sigma seal (400) includes a pair of opposing concave walls 404 which are adapted to collapse when the slide-out room is in a retracted position. The sigma seal (400) is further adapted to be secured to a wall or a static surface (410) of a mobile living quarters.

Abstract: A self-retaining gasket including a main body, a first retention tab, and a second retention tab. The main body includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The main body defines a first aperture extending between the first surface and the second surface. The first retention tab and the second retention tab extend from the main body at the first aperture.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a sliding seal between two components. The sliding seal includes a carrier having one or more cavities formed therein. The one or more carriers may contain wave springs and/or compliant seals therein. Various embodiments provide loading of the seal in both the axial and radial directions, regardless of whether a pressure differential exists across the seal, by means of springs and/or ramped surfaces. Other combinations of carrier, wave springs, and compliant seals are also disclosed.

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

Abstract: A seal comprises an annular portion having a static seal surface in contact with a first element and made of an elastomeric material. An annular lip exerts a dynamic seal in relation to a second element. A garter spring and a leaf spring cooperate to maintain the annular lip in an operating configuration abutting on a sliding surface of the second element, whilst an annular locking element holds in position the leaf spring.

Abstract: Disclosed is a seal comprising a first sealing surface with a first lip at a terminus of the first sealing surface and a second lip spaced axially apart from the first lip. A third lip is spaced radially apart from the second lip flexes away from the third lip when the seal is installed.

Abstract: In an apparatus having a housing, a housing bore, and a shaft rotatably extending through the housing bore, a rotary seal assembly which includes a seal carrier retainer connected with the housing and defining a cavity surrounding the shaft, a seal carrier positioned within the cavity of the seal carrier retainer, wherein the seal carrier is capable of an amount of radial deflection and tilting both relative to the seal carrier retainer and wherein the seal carrier is retained by the seal carrier retainer so that rotation of the seal carrier relative to the seal carrier retainer is prevented, a rotary shaft seal carried by the seal carrier between the seal carrier and the shaft, and a seal carrier seal interposed between the seal carrier and the seal carrier retainer.

Abstract: A seal system includes a housing defining a bore having an inner bore surface. A rotating shaft is rotatably received in the bore and includes a recessed annular groove. A seal body has an unassembled form having a ring shape, wherein in an assembled state the seal member is received in the annular groove of the rotating shaft with the seal member flipped with a first side surface facing radially inward toward the annular groove and a second side surface facing radially outward toward the bore, the first side surface along a cylindrical outer diameter surface being lifted off of a bottom surface of the annular groove so that the second side surface along the outer diameter surface engages the inner bore surface while the second side surface along an inner diameter surface is spaced from the inner bore surface.

Abstract: A rotary machine includes turbine moving blades (50); a casing (10) covering the turbine moving blades (50) so as to define a gap at an outer circumferential side of the turbine moving blades; a leaf seal (70) having a seal body (71) that is disposed in the gap so as to protrude radially inward from the casing (10) and is capable of coming into contact with the turbine moving blades (50), and a high-pressure-side plate member (73) that is disposed along a face facing a high pressure side of the seal body (71); and a swirling flow inhibitor (80) that is provided on the high pressure side of the leaf seal (70) in the gap and inhibits a swirl flow flowing through the gap in a circumferential direction.

Abstract: Extraction valve (4) for an highlypressurized gas flowing from a compressed gas reservoir (2), having a pressure sleeve (9) hermetically sealed on one side and a mobile extraction piston (17), which by moving releases or seals an extraction cross-section, and which on the open side of the pressure sleeve (9) protrudes at least partially into the same. An anchor (16) made of magnetisable material which is mobile in the pressure sleeve (9); an anchor which co-operates with an electromagnetic coil (12). A pilot bore (23) in the extraction piston (17), which connects the inside of the pressure sleeve (9) to a discharge opening (8) for the extracted gas and a sealing element (24), which is pressed by a spring element (26) in a seal-forming manner against the pilot bore (23) and is released in case of movement of the anchor (16).

Abstract: An electromagnetically actuated valve, in particular a pressure control valve of a slip-controllable vehicle brake system, includes a seat body with a valve seat, at least one inflow channel, and an outflow channel. The valve includes a shut-off element configured to avoid a hydraulic short circuit between the inflow channel and the outflow channel when the valve seat is closed. The shut-off element is equipped with flow-directing means. The flow-directing means prevent the partial flows from the inflow bores from hitting each other and direct the flow to a closing body, which controls the valve seat, in such a way that a transverse force is applied to the closing body when the closing body performs a stroke motion. The transverse force radially deflects the closing body during an opening or closing motion and causes an effect that stabilizes the stroke motion and dampens radial vibrations.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a ball valve seal having a main body and a seal finger extending from the main body, wherein the seal finger is configured to extend from the main body and contact and flex against an outer surface of a ball body of the ball valve seal when the ball valve is assembled.

Abstract: A high-pressure trunnion ball valve which is particularly suitable for a high-pressure fluid, the high-pressure trunnion ball valve is composed of a ball (10) rotatably provided in a body (3) having a lid member (2), a seat retainer (11) seal-connected to the ball, a spring member (12) applying an elastic force to the seat retainer to a seal side, and a seal member (13) attached to an outer circumferential face of the seat retainer. An upper stem (50) and a lower stem (51) having the same diameter are provided on an upper side and a lower side of the ball in an extending manner, respectively, to constitute a ball member (52), shaft-attaching seal mechanisms (20) having the same structure are attached to the upper and lower stems at symmetrical positions regarding the ball to achieve a balance structure, thereby avoiding thrust loads.

Abstract: A swing check valve with a combination of a flapper and a spring return mechanism is provided. The spring return mechanism includes a spring housing removeably coupled to a valve cover affixed to a valve body. The spring return mechanism also include at least two springs separated by a spring pivot guide for engaging the flapper to bias the flapper in the closed position against a valve seat.

Abstract: A relief valve for use in coupling to a vessel is disclosed. The valve includes a valve body having an inlet passage connected to a valve inlet, an outlet passage connected to a valve outlet, and an internal chamber. A valve seat is engageable with the inlet passage to close the valve inlet. A poppet is coupled to the valve seat, and a spring in the internal chamber is coupled to the poppet, the spring having a predetermined spring force. A vent passage in the valve body has a first end connected to the internal chamber and a second end connected to the outlet passage to permit release of pressure from the internal chamber through the valve outlet. The vent passage is formed at an oblique angle to both the inlet passage and the outlet passage.

Abstract: A control valve (4) for controlling pressure medium flows of a camshaft adjuster which includes a substantially hollow cylindrical valve housing (6), a control piston (12), which is guided axially displaceably inside the valve housing (6), and a non-return valve (22) which can be hydraulically released. In a region of a pressure medium inlet, the valve housing (6) includes a housing shaft (28) with an axial inflow bore (30) which widens in funnel-like manner towards the inlet side.

Abstract: A valve for use in a coolant flow. The valve comprises a valve housing with an inlet and at least one outlet, a valve body which is rotatably received by the valve housing, an actuator for rotating the valve body, and a fail-safe mechanism which can be pretensioned rotationally. The valve body is in rotational engagement with an axially moveable coupling element, via which the valve body is releasably connected indirectly to the actuator shaft. In the event of a fault, the valve body can be decoupled from the actuator shaft by an axial movement of the coupling element. The axial movement of the coupling element also causes the fail-safe mechanism to come into rotational engagement with the coupling element in order to rotate the valve body to a predefined fail-safe position.

Abstract: A manifold constructed by additive manufacturing for use in semiconductor processing tools is provided. The manifold may include a mixing chamber and portions of a plurality of flow paths with each flow path including a first fluid flow component interface, a second fluid flow component interface, a first tubular passage fluidically connecting the first mixing chamber with a first fluid flow component interface outlet of that flow path, and a second tubular passage fluidically connecting a first fluid flow component interface inlet of that flow path with a second fluid flow component interface outlet of that flow path. Each fluid flow component interface is configured to interface with a corresponding fluid flow component such that the corresponding fluid flow component, when installed, is able to interact with fluid flow between the fluid flow component interface inlet and the fluid flow component interface outlet.

Abstract: An automated thermally actuated valve utilizing a thermally expansive substance to substantially close the valve at a first temperature and a spring to open the valve at a second, lower temperature. A method of utilizing an automated thermally actuated valve to balance and manage hot water supply in a piping system.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve base having a tubular section with a longitudinal bore formed therein, a fluid inlet port and a common port with an internal passageway therebetween. A solenoid coil is adapted to generate a magnetic flux and includes a longitudinal axis and a bore coaxial therewith. The valve assembly further includes an orifice piece positioned within the longitudinal bore of the valve base. The orifice piece includes a central passageway with a first end and a second end. A plunger is movable within the longitudinal bore between a first de-actuated position and a second actuated position.

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

Abstract: A system including a pressure regulator configured to regulate a flow of pressurized fluid in a hydrocarbon extraction system, the pressure regulator, including a housing having a chamber, a biasing system configured to provide a biasing force, a sensing piston disposed within the chamber, wherein the sensing piston is responsive to pressure within the chamber and the biasing force from the biasing system, and a supply seal plate comprising a first fluid supply passageway configured to reduce oscillations of the sensing piston.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides advantageous systems/methods for the design and use of patching systems having one or more bracket members (e.g., Z-shaped bracket members) configured to facilitate cable management. In exemplary embodiments, the bracket members allow a panel assembly to move relative to the bracket members for cable management purposes. The improved systems/assemblies of the present disclosure provide users with the ability to install multiple media connections (e.g., copper-based and/or fiber optic connections) in the same patching system/enclosure.

Abstract: A conduit stake has three slender ribs, a cap upon the ribs, a head upon the cap, a slot in the head, and a hook extending outwardly from the head opposite the slot. The three ribs have a common point and extend upwardly therefrom in a cross section similar to the letter Y up to the cap. The first rib of the three has at least three notches oriented to grasp soil and gravel particles so that the stake resists withdrawal. The head has a thickness, or height, above the cap at least three times the thickness of the cap. The slot has a shape and orientation to admit a ferrous tab plate for later detection and location of the invention when concealed by gravel, other aggregate, or soil. Outwardly from the head, the hook extends a sufficient reach to admit a conduit and then turns downwardly.

Abstract: The invention is a suspension apparatus for maintaining conduits (hoses, cables, wires, tubing) in desirable positions to prevent abrasion, drag, and friction damage. The suspension apparatus connects a conduit guide engaging the conduits to a tension reel via a tension cable that maintains the conduits at a proper elevation and placement. The tension reel may be enclosed in a housing and attached to a structure with an appropriate bracket. The suspension apparatus may be used to ensure that tractor and trailer combinations have conduits maintained in place such that the conduits are not damaged during use.

Abstract: A connectable cable organizer includes an organizing body, an organizing adapter having a through hole formed at the bottom side of the organizing body, two positioning panels upwardly and inclinedly extended from two sides of the bottom side of the organizing body for receiving a cable between the positioning panels, and two locking heads integrally and upwardly extended from top edges of the positioning panels. The cable is disposed at a cable retention space between the positioning panels, such that the cable is clamped between the positioning panels while the cable is slidable and rotatable at the cable retention space. Two connectable cable organizers are detachably coupled with each other by inserting the locking unit of one connectable cable organizer into the through hole of another connectable cable organizer to hold the cables side-by-side.

Abstract: Coupler devices, systems, and related methods for coupling ducts are provided. In some aspects, a duct coupling device includes a hollow body, at least one coupler seal disposed about an outer surface of the body, and a plurality of apertures extending through the body for facilitating the passage of a fluid and/or any other medium therethrough. A duct coupling system includes a duct coupling device with a sealing member, coupler transitions adapted to receive the duct coupling device, and a sealing member. The sealing member is configured to seal an annular space disposed between a first surface of the duct coupling device and a surface of one of the first and second ducts. A method of coupling ducts includes providing a first coupler transition on a first duct, providing a second coupler transition on a second duct, and providing a duct coupling device between the first and second coupler transitions.

Abstract: A pipe coupling device includes a joint body, a C-shaped retaining ring that includes a flange part radially protruding from an outer peripheral surface of the retaining ring, a pressing plate that includes a recessed part configured to house the flange part, and includes a front wall configured to face a rear end of the flange part. The joint body, the retaining ring, and the pressing plate are coupled together in an axial direction. The flange part has a substantially rectangular shape extending along the axial direction, and an inclined surface is formed on at least one of the rear end and the front wall. An inner end of the inclined surface is positioned closer to the joint body than an outer end thereof. The inner end is closer to a center axis of the joint body than the outer end. A gap is formed between the rear end and the front wall.

Abstract: A hydraulic connection includes a connecting nipple, preferably of steel or of another metal, whereby, on the nipple's tube-shaped extension, a hydraulic hose is held by compression by means of a fitting. A swelling element is arranged between the extension and the hydraulic hose, the element being swellable in the hydraulic fluid. If hydraulic fluid were to advance through to the swelling element, the element will swell and block the path to more hydraulic fluid. Furthermore, by swelling, the element deforms the hydraulic hose in a radially outward direction. In this region, the hydraulic hose is held by a fitting in the form of a metal sleeve so that the hose may not be displaced. In this manner, the force of pressure on the hydraulic hose is increased in an annular zone.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter includes embodiments of fluid couplings that prevent or discourage misconnection of fluid lines. A coupling device includes multiple male and female connectors that are joined to a common line. The coupling device is mated to a matching coupling device only when all the multiple male and female connectors are property joined. If any of the connectors is not property mated to a corresponding one, the coupling will leak. The coupling devices are made unique by providing an arrangement the connectors, number of connectors, shape of connectors or arrangement of interfering connector parts that ensure that any attempt to improperly couple two fluid lines will result in the incomplete mating of one or more of the connectors and thereby cause leakage of the fluid, failure of the coupling to engage, or otherwise cause the attempt to connect to fail.

Abstract: Formation of a sterile connection includes inserting a first aseptic coupling device into a second aseptic coupling device, removing a first membrane from the first aseptic coupling device and a second membrane from the second aseptic coupling device, and rotating a locking clip on the first aseptic coupling device to compress a first seal member of the first aseptic coupling device with a second seal member of the second aseptic coupling device to form a sterile fluid passageway.

Abstract: A coupling which can enhance safety will be provided, when the coupling, a hose, and the like are exposed to high pressure for some reasons or other while in use, by leaking the high pressure fluid to the outside to open a sealing portion of the coupling at a stage where the coupling condition between the couplings is maintained, and decreases the pressure. Further, the coupling can warn the operator or the like of the abnormality by ejecting a fluid from a leak path or a fluid ejection port.

Abstract: Embodiments of a push fitting joint packaging arrangement include a sealing member, a fastening ring, a retaining ring member and a shield member. In various embodiments, the shield member has a substantially cylindrical interior surface, and a non-cylindrical exterior surface.

Abstract: The quick-fit coupling (1) for pressurized fluid comprises a valve body (3) extending along a longitudinal axis (L) and having an axial cavity (4) wherein a shutter stem (5) is axially movable with respect to the valve body in contrast to and by action of at least one elastic element (6) between a position for opening and a position for closing an axial passage of fluid through said cavity (4), the stem (5) being configured so as to be subjected by the fluid present in the cavity (4) to a resultant force having a substantially null component at least in an axial direction.

Abstract: The combination of: an underground valve for a supply line and having an underground actuator through which a state of the valve can be changed to control flow within the supply line; and a conduit assembly embedded in ground material and defining an access passage through which above ground access can be obtained to the valve actuator. The conduit assembly has a housing defining a cavity in which at least a portion of the valve resides. The conduit assembly further has a valve base assembly configured to interact with: a) the housing; and b) at least one of: i) the valve; and ii) the supply line to maintain a desired relationship between the housing and the at least one of: i) the valve; and ii) the supply line.

Abstract: The pinching device has an upper jaw assembly that pivots on a lower jaw assembly to clamp a flexible tubing between two clamping surfaces to restrict flow in the tubing. The upper jaw assembly is removable and may be replaced to accommodate different sized tubing. A lock down screw of a pivotal locking nut assembly is positioned in a compression seat of the upper jaw assembly at closure to avoid movement once set.

Abstract: A pig support system for a pipe includes a saddle having a flange integral with a ring extending therefrom, the ring forming an opening configured to provide passage to an inner channel formed by the pipe; a plurality of ribs disposed within the ring, the plurality of ribs having longitudinal lengths and configured to extend along the inner surface of the pipe; and, a lateral pipe configured to engage with the ring, the lateral pipe creating a second passage in fluid communication with the opening of the ring, the lateral pipe being configured to extend relatively perpendicular to the pipe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for creating a diffused thin film surface treatments on one or more interior surfaces of closed or partially closed fluid transport or processing systems providing improved surface prophylaxis against fouling. The method involves contacting the interior surfaces to be treated with a metal compound composition, and converting the metal compound composition to metal oxide for example by heating the surfaces to the desired temperature after all or a part of the system has been assembled. Embodiments of the present invention can be performed in situ on existing fluid processing or transport systems, which minimizes the disruption to the surface treatment created by welds, joints, flanges, and damage caused by or during the system assembly process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a levelling unit for cameras or sensors, comprising a base, a tilting table that is tiltable with respect to the base, and two wedge rings arranged between said base and said tilting table, each wedge ring having two end faces oriented to one another in a wedge-like manner. Said tilting table is connected to said base via a cardan joint such that a relative rotation of said tilting table with respect to said base is prevented. Said two wedge rings are formed by a first wedge ring rotatably supported on said base and by a second wedge ring rotatably supported on said tilting table, wherein said second wedge ring is also rotatable with respect to said first wedge ring. A first drive is provided for said first wedge ring and a second drive is provided for said second wedge ring.