Abstract: Steering knuckles integrating a brake mounting provisions are disclosed. The steering knuckles include a first, second piece and spindle. The first piece includes first and second mounting arms and each arm includes brake assembly engagement surfaces and brake assembly mounting bores, each of which can be modified to accommodate a number of different ways of removably connecting either a disc brake or drum brake to a steering knuckle.

Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle including a frame having longitudinally-spaced ends defining a first longitudinal axis, and an engine supported by the frame. The engine includes a crankshaft defining a second longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A nonlinear mechanical element including a buckling column and hard stops. In one embodiment when the nonlinear mechanical element is subjected to an increasing compressive load, the buckling column buckles at a critical load, resulting in reduced stiffness past the critical load. One or more lateral hard stops may be provided adjacent to the buckling column to prevent the buckling deformation from exceeding a certain extent, and axial hard stops may be provided to shift the load path away from the buckling column when a certain amount of compressive displacement has been reached.

Abstract: This dynamic damper is provided with a movable part that can be moved by external input, and an excitation coil for generating a magnetic field of an intensity corresponding to a supplied electric current. The movable part is configured to include: first and second magnetic cores in which magnetic paths, which are pathways for the magnetic field generated by the excitation coil, are configured as annular closed magnetic paths; and a magnetic viscous elastomer of which the viscous properties change in accordance with the size of the magnetic field generated by the excitation coil. The magnetic viscous elastomer is arranged so as link at least one location in the first and second magnetic cores and constitutes a closed magnetic path.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a vehicle shock absorber comprising a main damper cylinder, a first reservoir and a second reservoir. One embodiment includes a first operational mode where both reservoirs are in fluid communication with the cylinder. In a second operational mode, only one reservoir communicates with the cylinder during fluid evacuation from the cylinder. In each mode, rebound from either or both reservoirs may travel through a single, user-adjustable metering device.

Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing a vibration damping device including sealing liquid (L) in a liquid chamber (11) of a vibration damping device main body (10) having the liquid chamber (11) in which the liquid (L) is sealed, and an injection port (12) through which the liquid (L) is injected into the liquid chamber (11). In a state where a nozzle (22) spouting the liquid (L) is thrust into the injection port (12) and an inside of a decompression container (21) having the vibration damping device main body (10) disposed therein is decompressed, the liquid (L) is injected into the liquid chamber (11) through the nozzle (22), and air inside the liquid chamber (11) is discharged through an air discharge port (14) which is formed in the vibration damping device main body (10) and communicates with the liquid chamber (11).

Abstract: A hydraulic body mount with a combined rubber cushion and a hydraulic module may include an inner shaft, a mounting plate, a mounting bracket, a main rubber element, an inner ring, a fluid track, an upper bellows, a washer, a lower bellows, an outer can, a rate plate, a lower bushing, a crash washer, a doubler plate, and a retainer bracket. The fluid track may be configured to receive a fluid via a fluid port. The upper and/or lower bellows may be configured to interact with the fluid. The rate plate may be configured to engage the lower bushing and may be deformed when receiving the at least a portion of the inner shaft.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for manufacturing a hydraulic engine mount. During assembly, one or more gel caps may be inserted into a chamber of the engine mount, the chamber is then filled with a fluid and sealed to allow the gel caps to dissolve. Upon dissolving, the gel caps may release air bubbles to reduce pressure differentials across the engine mount to reduce occurrence of cavitation and NVH issues.

Abstract: A full, one-piece, wrap around bumper for a crankshaft pendulum is disclosed. The pendulum includes two halves. Continuous, mirror-image bumper-receiving channels are formed in each pendulum half. When the two halves are attached, the bumper is captured between therebetween and is retained by a crush fit. Each pendulum half includes an elevated central area and a pair of recessed areas with each recessed area formed on one side of the elevated area. Side walls are formed at the intersections of the elevated area and the recessed areas. A base wall is formed along the lower edge of the elevated area. The continuous channel in each half is formed along portions of the side walls and along the entire length of the base wall. The elongated, one-piece bumper wraps around the side walls and the base wall and extends from the elevated area beyond the side and base walls.

Abstract: A torsional vibration damper mounted at a crankshaft of an engine is provided. The torsional vibration damper comprises a hub having a first mounting surface and a second mounting surface opposite to the first mounting surface, an inertia ring and an elastomer element disposed between the hub and the inertia ring. The hub includes a first mounting hole configured to receive the crankshaft, and at least one slot spaced apart from the first mounting hole. The slot is configured such that a center-of-gravity of the torsional vibration damper is offset from a central axis of the crankshaft.

Abstract: Balancing weights for cars have an adhesive tape with at least a first tape layer and a second tape layer, for attaching the balancing weights to a rim. The first tape layer is held in close proximity to a rim by a first adhesive layer. The second tape layer is held in close proximity to the balancing weights by a second adhesive layer. The first tape layer is stiffer and less flexible than the second tape layer, the second tape layer is softer and more flexible than the first tape layer. This allows easy removal of the balancing weights from the rim by pushing a wedge shaped tool between the first tape layer and the rim.

Abstract: A simple-structured, easy-to-produce chain drive mechanism is provided, which can reduce the overall noise level irrespective of chain length or rpm, while suppressing noise and vibration caused by tension fluctuations and maintaining durability and service life. The engagement/seating mode between a silent chain and a driving sprocket is one of inside-flank engagement/inside-flank seating, inside-flank engagement/outside-flank seating, outside-flank engagement/inside-flank seating, and outside-flank engagement/outside-flank seating. The engagement/seating mode between the silent chain and a driven sprocket is one of inside-flank engagement/inside-flank seating, inside-flank engagement/outside-flank seating, outside-flank engagement/inside-flank seating, and outside-flank engagement/outside-flank seating. The engagement/seating mode between the chain and the driving sprocket is different from that between the chain and the driven sprocket.

Abstract: A hydraulic traction mechanism tensioner for a traction mechanism drive of a motor vehicle, having a housing, a tensioning piston which is mounted within the housing such that it can be displaced in the axial direction and encloses a hydraulic pressure chamber with the housing, and a valve which has an actuating element and is inserted in a fluid supply channel of the housing, wherein the valve hydraulically connects a first channel section of the fluid supply channel which opens into the pressure chamber to a hydraulic supply in a first position of the actuating element, and disconnects the first channel section from the hydraulic supply in a second position of the actuating element, wherein the valve is configured as a pressure regulating valve, wherein the actuating element can be moved beyond the second position into at least one further, third position, with the result that a volume of the first channel section is increased in comparison with the second position.

Abstract: In an aspect a tensioner is provided for a belt drive and includes a base, an arm with a pulley pivotally mounted to the base, and a biasing member. The pulley is rotatably mounted to the arm. The belt applies a hub load on the pulley and thereby applies a hub load moment on the arm along a first moment arm. The biasing member applies a biasing member moment on the arm along a second moment arm that is at least about 50 percent of the length of the first moment arm. The tensioner is mountable to an accessory frame via fasteners that each have a center distance from an accessory pulley axis, wherein the center distance is a value that is less than about 25 mm greater than the frame body diameter.

Abstract: A hydraulic auto-tensioner is provided which includes a cylinder, a valve sleeve, a rod, a spring seat, and a plunger slidably fitted on the outer diameter surface of the rod. A first leakage gap is defined between the fitting surfaces of the plunger and the rod. A second leakage gap is defined between the fitting surfaces of the plunger and the valve sleeve such that the resistance to oil flowing in the second leakage gap is larger than the resistance to oil flowing in the first leakage gap. With the engine running normally, when the tension of the belt increases, and thus a pushing force is applied to the hydraulic auto-tensioner such that the cylinder and the spring seat are pushed toward each other, oil in a pressure chamber leaks through the first leakage gap into a reservoir chamber.

Abstract: In a transmission device, a power roller transmits a rotational driving force from an input disc to an output disc in a transmission ratio (transmission gear ratio) corresponding to a tilt motion angle. The power roller allows the transmission ratio to be changed in such a manner that the position of the trunnion on which the power roller is tiltably supported is changed by a trunnion drive mechanism. Hydraulic oil is supplied from a hydraulic pump to the trunnion drive mechanism via a direction selector valve. The direction selector valve selects a flow direction of the hydraulic oil to supply the hydraulic oil to a speed reduction chamber or a speed increase chamber of the trunnion drive mechanism, and discharge the hydraulic oil from the other. In a case where a discharge condition is met, the controller controls a movement of the discharge valve to discharge the hydraulic oil from the speed increase chamber.

Abstract: A power transmission apparatus in one aspect of the present disclosure comprises at least one gear that transmits an inputted driving force to at least one output part; at least one shaft that supports the at least one gear; a displacement portion configured to be mechanically interlocked with a displacement gear among the at least one gear and displaced in association with the displacement gear; a housing that houses the at least one gear and the at least one shaft; and an abutting portion that is disposed in the housing and configured to restrict a possible displacement range of the displacement portion by abutting the displacement portion. The abutting portion is configured so as not to be displaced along with a rotation of the at least one gear and is disposed in the housing at a location spaced apart from the at least one shaft.

Abstract: A drive arrangement for motorized adjustment of an actuating element, rotatably mounted inside a motor vehicle door latch housing. The drive arrangement comprises a motor and a spindle drive connected to the motor, the spindle drive containing a spindle and a spindle nut mounted thereon. The spindle is coaxially driven by a driven shaft of the motor. The spindle nut acts on the actuating element in order to rotate it by at least one interposed coupling element. The spindle nut and the coupling element form a single unit.

Abstract: A force-shunting device including a tube defining a main axis and an inner wall, a first member sliding within the tube, a primary leg arranged obliquely, attached to the first member and including a primary pad in frictional contact with the inner wall, such that, when an external force is applied in a first direction on the first member, the primary leg rubs, or grips by mechanical camming, against the inner wall, the tube thus reacting all or part of the external force, the device including a second member mounted within the tube, sliding along the main axis and securely provided with a driving element of the primary pad so as to reduce the friction on the inner wall, to unprime the rubbing or mechanical camming.

Abstract: To provide a drive force transmission device that is capable of transmitting elastic energy of an elastic member to an output shaft with a simpler structure than the structure of the related art. A drive force transmission device includes a first shaft (input shaft), and a second shaft (a crankshaft, a crank disc, an intermediate shaft). A force is applied to the second shaft in a predetermined direction of rotation and in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation. The force varies in strength in association with the rotation. The first shaft is connected to the second shaft, and transmission of a drive force of the first shaft to the second shaft is enabled.

Abstract: Provided is a power transmitting device including an input side gear assembly that includes a single power input terminal and two power output terminals, an output side gear assembly that includes two power input terminals and a single power output terminal, the two power input terminals configured to operate using power received from the two power output terminals of the input side gear assembly, respectively, and a stopper module configured to block power to be transmitted through one of two power transmitting paths connecting the two power output terminals of the input side gear assembly and the two power input terminals of the output side gear assembly.

Abstract: A device for converting reciprocating rectilinear motion into unidirectional circular motion is provided, which is capable of converting a man-powered rectilinear motion into a unidirectional circular motion by a combination of a rack and a gear, or a combination of a chain and a chain wheel, or a combination of a belt and a belt wheel, and under the conversion of a plurality of gear sets and unidirectional bearings. Each of the gear sets comprises a large gear, a medium gear and a small gear, thus transformation of output torque and a rotating speed can be achieved by transverse sliding meshing of the gear sets, and this speed regulation is quite convenient. In addition, the gear sets in a main body are randomly arranged according to actual needs, such as rectilinear arrangement, triangular arrangement and the like. In addition, a transportation vehicle using the device is also provided.

Abstract: A torque transmission device is provided that is capable of being compactified as much as possible in a direction of parallel arrangement of a pair of side gears while ensuring a differential function and a differential limiting function. The torque transmission device comprises side gears (5L, 5R) coupled to rear wheels (3L, 3R), a case (6) disposed on the outer circumferential side of the side gears (5L, 5R) and rotating around the axis of the side gears (5L, 5R), and a pinion gear (12) rotatably supported by the case (6) and engaged with the side gears (5L, 5R) in a straddling manner. Additionally, the side gears (5L, 5R) are made up of spur gears different in the number of teeth, the pinion gear (12) is a spur gear and is disposed with an axial direction thereof directed in the same direction as the axial direction of the side gears (5L, 5R), and the pinion gear (12) is associated with a motor (15).

Abstract: Provided is a power transmission apparatus. The power transmission apparatus includes a rectilinear rack allowing a pinion to perform a rectilinear motion by interacting with the pinion, a curvilinear rack allowing the pinion to perform a curvilinear motion by interacting with the pinion, and a rectilinear-curvilinear conversion rack connected to the rectilinear rack and the curvilinear rack between the rectilinear rack and the curvilinear rack, and converting the rectilinear motion and the curvilinear motion of the pinion.

Abstract: A gear including plural teeth 3 to mesh with teeth of a corresponding gear to thereby transmit a rotational motion is provided. A form (b) of a tooth root side of each tooth 3 includes: a first curved surface c that is smoothly connected to a tooth surface a having an involute curve and has a profile expressed by a curve that is convex in an inverse direction of the involute curve of the tooth surface a; and a second curved surface d that is smoothly connected to the first curved surface c and has a profile defined by a hyperbolic function having a curve being convex in the same direction as the first curved surface c. It is possible to reduce a stress generated on the tooth root side at the time of meshing with teeth of the corresponding gear and thus to increase the strength of the teeth.

Abstract: An apparatus for passive control of fluid flow between at least two volumes includes a first volume containing a fluid agitator and a second volume containing a fluid. A baffle disposed between the first and second volumes includes at least one opening that allows fluid flow to occur between the first and second volumes. A flow control device is passively manipulated in response to a condition change of either the first or second volumes to effect flow through the at least one opening in the baffle.

Abstract: A lubricating apparatus for a differential device of vehicle may include a ring gear mounted in the inside of a housing mounted at an oil pan, the ring gear being provided such that at least a portion of a lower portion of the ring gear is submerged into oil to churn the oil by being rotated; and a gear casing including a partition wall which is provided to surround an outer peripheral surface of the ring gear and allows the oil to flow into between the partition wall itself and the ring gear and a restriction part which is located in a front of the ring gear and formed with a top end portion facing an upper portion of the housing to limit an amount of the oil flowing into between the partition wall and the ring gear.

Abstract: A hydraulic controller for a vehicle gearbox is provided. The controller includes a hydraulic actuator which has an oil supply port, a high-pressure hydraulic pump for providing a feed to a high-pressure line, a low-pressure hydraulic pump for providing a feed to a low-pressure line, a hydraulic reservoir for receiving the hydraulic medium from a return line, and a hydraulic control valve. The control valve includes at least three control positions and at least four valve ports. In a first control position, the high-pressure line is fluidly connected to the oil supply port for the regulation of the actuating force of the hydraulic actuator. In a second control position, the low-pressure line is fluidly connected to the oil supply port for the pre-charging of the hydraulic actuator. In a third control position, the hydraulic actuator is fluidly connected to the return line for the return of the hydraulic medium.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine and driven wheels each having an associated friction brake. A brake pedal is operable to engage the friction brakes. The vehicle includes a transmission having an input shaft driveably connected to the engine, an output element driveably connected to the driven wheels, and a gear mechanism adapted to establish at least one torque flow path between the input shaft and the output element. The transmission further includes a shift element that interrupts the torque flow path when disengaged. A gear selector is disposed in the passenger cabin and includes at least one forward-drive position, a reverse position, and a neutral position. At least one vehicle controller is configured to, in response to the gear selector being in the forward-drive position, a speed of the vehicle being zero, the vehicle being within a first predefined distance of a stoplight, and the brake pedal being depressed, disengage the shift element to put the transmission in neutral idle.

Abstract: In a control apparatus for an automatic transmission, in a drive train, a driving source and the automatic transmission having a plurality of gear-shift stages including the gear-shift stages at each of which a one way clutch is engaged during a drive are equipped, a gear-shift line correction by such coast correction lines as to provide such gear-shift line shapes projecting toward a lower vehicle speed side in a small accelerator opening area is added to up-shift lines of the gear-shift stages at each of which the one way clutch participates from among the gear-shift lines after the correction by vehicle speed correction lines.

Abstract: A traveling control device for a vehicle includes an electronic control device. The vehicle includes a transmission constituting a part of a power transmission path between a drive power source and drive wheels. The electronic control device is configured to execute a gear shift of the transmission based on a traveling state, switch automatic driving by automatic driving control and manual driving by a driving operation from a driver, and inhibit switching between the automatic driving and the manual driving until the gear shift of the transmission is completed after the gear shift of the transmission starts.

Abstract: In a transmission control device, a controller determines failure of a rotation sensor. A hydraulic control circuit and the controller variably control a speed ratio of a variator, and in a case where the failure is determined, execute first control of restricting a shift range of the variator. The hydraulic control circuit and the controller variably control a gear position of a sub-transmission mechanism, and in a case where the failure is determined, execute second control of fixing the gear position of the sub-transmission mechanism to first speed. The hydraulic control circuit and the controller execute the second control at a different timing from the first control in a case where the gear position of the sub-transmission mechanism upon a determination of the failure is second speed.

Abstract: Provided is a method of securing a safe state of a vehicle transmission and avoiding deterioration of drivability without restricting a function of the vehicle transmission when a ROM failure is detected in a controller for a vehicle transmission. A software program is duplicated in a unit of control with identical contents, and when a ROM failure is detected, same control as a normal operation is performed by alternative control of control at the ROM failure site.

Abstract: A vehicle may include a controller configured to, in response to an accelerator pedal release and an expected regenerative braking event, increase an engagement pressure of a torque converter clutch prior to occurrence of the event to a threshold that is based on a regenerative braking torque estimate associated with the event such that during the event, the clutch transfers more torque than the converter. The regenerative braking torque estimate may be based on a difference between an average road grade and a current road grade. The regenerative braking torque estimate may be based on a headway range and a rate of change thereof. The regenerative braking torque estimate may be based on a predicted deceleration rate.

Abstract: A variable speed transmission having a plurality of tilting balls and opposing input and output discs is illustrated and described that provides an infinite number of speed combinations over its transmission ratio range. The use of a planetary gear set allows minimum speeds to be in reverse and the unique geometry of the transmission allows all of the power paths to be coaxial, thereby reducing overall size and complexity of the transmission in comparison to transmissions achieving similar transmission ratio ranges.

Abstract: A shift position determination portion determines that operation of shifting a shift position from other range than a parking range to the parking range is conducted. A parking lock command portion causes a piston to maintain a state of being mechanically locked at a second position when the shift position is shifted to the parking range. An actuator drive command portion commands an actuator to drive the piston from the second position to a first position in a state where the position of the piston is mechanically locked at the second position. A parking lock failure determination portion determines that the locking mechanism portion is in a failure in an unlocked state when the position of the piston goes out of the second position within a predetermined time after a command is issued.

Abstract: A seal structure seals between a cover which closes an opening of a case for housing a part and the case by a sealing member. The cover is provided with an annular recessed portion attached to an end of a peripheral wall forming the opening of the case and a plurality of through-holes penetrating a bottom portion of the recessed portion and spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction. The sealing member is formed integrally with the cover. The sealing member is integrally provided with a protrusion protruding from a bottom portion over an entire circumference in the recessed portion and an anchor portion engaged with each of the through-holes to fix the sealing member to the cover. Between at least the anchor portions in the recessed portion, a projecting portion for closing the gap between the protrusion and an inner wall of the recessed portion is provided.

Abstract: In a sealing device having a combination of a seal lip and a seal flange which slidably come into contact with each other, and having a thread groove in an axial end face of the seal flange, the seal lip installed to a not-rotating housing side slidably comes into contact with an axial end face of the seal flange in a rotating shaft side, and the thread groove achieves a fluid pumping action at the rotating time in an axial end face of the seal flange. The thread groove has an inner peripheral side inclined surface as a part of an inner surface thereof, and an angle formed between an inner peripheral surface of a leading end portion of the seal lip and the inner peripheral side inclined surface is set to a range of 0 degree ±3 degrees. The sealing device can suppress generation of a static leakage.

Abstract: A refrigerant control valve apparatus which maintains improved sealing ability while being restrained from being enlarged includes a housing including a first discharge port and a second discharge port which includes a smaller diameter than the first discharge port, a rotor rotatably housed at the housing, a bore portion provided at an outer wall portion of the rotor to control a flow of refrigerant relative to the first discharge port and the second discharge port, a second seal portion of the second discharge port being configured to make contact with an edge portion of the bore portion in a case where the rotor is specified at any rotation position for sending out the refrigerant to the second discharge port.

Abstract: A valve (50), which is particularly suitable for SCUBA apparatus, comprises a main body (52) with a sliding plug (58) in a bore (54) of the main body (52). The valve (50) has first (60) and second ports (62) in fluid communication with the bore (54). The plug (58) has first (64), second (66) and third plug portions (68). A set of seals (76, 78, 82) between the plug (58) and bore (54) separate the plug portions (76, 78, 82) from one another. The third plug portion (68), which is interposed between, and which has a smaller cross-sectional area than, the first (64) or second (66) plug portions, forms a fluid passageway (70) between the plug (58) and the bore (54) of the main body (52). The valve (50) comprises a rack (88) and pinion (90) for axially displacing the plug (58) by rotation of the pinion (90), such that the fluid passageway (70) can be moved so as to align with any one or more ports (60, 62).

Abstract: A pressure reducing valve of an air damping system of motor vehicle chassis makes available a constant output pressure when the input pressure varies. The pressure reducing valve has a housing with a general longitudinal axis, at least one fluid input opening and at least one axial fluid passage opening. In the housing a valve piston with a valve body is mounted displaceably which forms a seat valve with the axial fluid passage opening. An elastic diaphragm arranged stationarily in the housing is coupled to the valve piston and forms two axially active differential pressure areas. A pressure return passage penetrates the valve piston and guides an output pressure present downstream of the seat valve onto the elastic diaphragm.

Abstract: A thermostatic device including a thermostatic element and a stopper, axially movable about a stationary seat of a housing, opening and closing a passage circulating fluid and connected to a movable portion of the thermostatic element. During expansion of a thermoexpansible material of the thermostatic element, the movable portion drives the stopper axially relative to the seat. The stopper includes a seal, resting tightly against the seal when the fluid circulation passage is closed by the stopper, a first part, with an inner bore receiving the movable portion, and a second part, separate from the first part, the seal being axially charged between the first and second parts.

Abstract: A fluid control device includes a piezoelectric actuator and a deformable substrate. The piezoelectric actuator includes a piezoelectric element and a vibration plate. The piezoelectric element is attached on a surface of the vibration plate. The piezoelectric element is subjected to deformation in response to an applied voltage. The vibration plate is subjected to a curvy vibration in response to the deformation of the piezoelectric element. The deformable substrate includes a flexible plate and a communication plate, which are stacked on each other. Consequently, a synchronously-deformed structure is defined by the flexible plate and the communication plate collaboratively. There is a specified depth between the flexible plate and the vibration plate. The flexible plate includes a movable part corresponding to the vibration plate.

Abstract: The throttle device 1 includes a throttle body 10 having an intake passage 11, a throttle valve 12 arranged to rotate within the intake passage 11 for opening and closing the intake passage 11, and a throttle shaft 13 rotatably arranged with respect to the throttle body 10 which is integrally formed with and concomitantly rotatable with the throttle valve 12. A throttle gear 16 is fixed to the throttle shaft 13 and rotated by the actuator. A spring 20 biases the throttle gear 16 in a predetermined initial opening angle. A full-close stopper 15 is provided in the throttle body 10. The full-close stopper 15 restricts the throttle gear 16, which rotates in the opening and closing directions, from rotating past the fully closed angle position. A stopper member 20f is formed at the spring. An initial-open stopper 18 is provided in the throttle body 10 to restrict the stopper member 20f from rotating past the initial opening angle.

Abstract: A fast-acting valve for the control of fluid. The valve has two chambers, each with its own diaphragm. The valve, when filled with fluid will have equal pressure against both diaphragms which will allow little resistance for a poppet to open and close in >0.1 seconds. The poppet is attached to a rod which moves from a first position to a second position using low electric force or hydraulic power in combination with a biasing mechanism allowing for rapid toggling between two positions.

Abstract: [Object] Provided is a control valve capable of ensuring controllability in both flows without increasing the number of parts. [Solving Means] A plurality of differential pressure valves 50, 60, 70, and 80 are disposed inside a valve body 10 so that a fluid pressure acting on a main valve body 20 disposed inside a main valve chamber 13 becomes the same in a flow of both directions including one direction from a first inlet/outlet 11 to a second inlet/outlet 12 through the main valve chamber 13 and the other direction from the second inlet/outlet 12 to the first inlet/outlet 11 through the main valve chamber 13.

Abstract: A fluid transfer device includes a high-pressure pipe and a control unit. The high-pressure pipe is based on a Venturi tube, and includes an inlet at an end and an outlet at another end. The high-pressure pipe is connected to a container via a negative-pressure pipe and a positive-pressure pipe. The inlet is connected to a pressurized air source. The control unit is used to control opening and closing of the outlet.

Abstract: An open/closed indicator is positioned on the balance stem end of a high pressure gate valve and operates mechanically to expose symbols which are universally understood to state whether the valve is open or closed. The indicator is two sided and the open/closed symbols are exposed on opposite sides of the valve. In one embodiment, an indicator panel is connected directly to the balance stem of the valve. In other embodiment, an indicator panel is biased by a spring against the balance stem. In another embodiment, the indicator panel is pivoted to an extension of the balance stem. In all embodiments, the indicator panel is operatively connected to the balance stem and mimics movement of the balance stem and thus the valve gate.

Abstract: A piezoelectric actuator includes a square suspension plate, an outer frame, plural brackets and a square piezoelectric ceramic plate. The outer frame is arranged around the suspension plate. A second surface of the outer frame and a second surface of the suspension plate are coplanar with each other. The plural brackets are perpendicularly connected between the suspension plate and the outer frame for elastically supporting the suspension plate. Each bracket has a length in a range between 1.11 mm and 1.21 mm and a width in a range between 0.2 mm and 0.6 mm. A length of the piezoelectric ceramic plate is not larger than a length of the suspension plate. The piezoelectric ceramic plate is attached on a first surface of the suspension plate.

Abstract: A check-valve comprises: a thin sheet and a thick sheet; flow paths for flowing fluid which are formed by penetrating the thin sheet and the thick sheet; a flow-in chamber and a flow-out chamber which are connected to the flow paths; a partition sheet which is bonded to the thin sheet and the thick sheet while being sandwiched therebetween, and has a flexible inner flange which projects in cavities of the flow-in chamber and the flow-out chamber and does not close the flow-out valve chamber by flexing toward the flow-out valve chamber in a normal flow, and closes the flow-in valve chamber by flexing toward the flow-in valve chamber in a reverse flow; and a through-pass hole which is opened at the partition sheet and connects the both valve chambers.