Abstract: An actuator includes a housing member configured for connection with a first component, a drive screw connected to the housing member, a rod disposed at least partially in the drive screw and at least partially in the housing member, a retaining nut connected to the rod, a mounting member configured for connection with the first component, and a drive nut engaged with the drive screw and configured for connection with a second component. If the drive screw mechanically disconnects or is fractured, the rod may be configured to translate to engage one or more friction surfaces to restrict back driving of the drive screw.

Abstract: A linear actuator comprises an actuator housing defining a bore. A drive element is received in the actuator housing bore. The drive element comprises tubular portions receiving first and second ball nuts arranged at respective distal ends thereof. The ball nuts are threaded in opposite directions to one another. The drive element further comprises a drive coupling. The actuator further comprises first and second ball screws operatively engaged with the first and second ball nuts. Rotation of the drive element and thus the ball nuts relative to said ball screws causes the ball screws to move together in a linear path in opposite directions from one another.

Abstract: A power transmission apparatus may include a first input shaft, a second input shaft external and selectively connectable to the first input shaft, a third input shaft external to the second input shaft and selectively connectable to the first input shaft, an intermediate shaft, first and second output shafts, first and second idle shafts, a planetary gear set mounted on the intermediate shaft and having first to elements and where two elements are selectively connectable to the intermediate shaft, a plurality of gear sets allowing torque flows between the various shafts and the planetary gear set, first and second synchronizers respectively mounted on the first and second output shafts, selectively receiving a torque from the second and third input shafts through two paths, and transmitting the received torque to the first and second output shaft, and four clutches.

Abstract: A transmission may include a first input shaft, a second input shaft external and selectively connectable to the first input shaft, a third input shaft external to the second input shaft and selectively connectable to the first input shaft, an intermediate shaft, an idle shaft, and an output shaft, a planetary gear set mounted on the intermediate shaft and having first to third elements where the third element and one the first and second elements are selectively connectable to the intermediate shaft and the first and second elements are connected to the third and second input shafts, a plurality of gear sets allowing torque flows between the various shafts and the planetary gear set, first and second synchronizers on the output shaft, receiving torques from the input shafts, and selectively transmitting the received torque to the output shaft, and four clutches.

Abstract: A torque converter assembly includes a pump and a turbine fluidly connected together. A vehicle includes the assembly operable between an output shaft of an engine and an input member of a transmission. The assembly includes a damper and a clutch operable between the pump and the turbine. The damper is operable upstream from the clutch such that oscillation from the pump is reduced by the damper before oscillation reaches the clutch. The clutch includes first and second plates and a friction plate disposed between the first and second plates. The assembly includes a casing that contains the pump, the turbine, the damper and the clutch. A first part of the casing and the first plate define a first chamber. A first part of the turbine and the second plate define a second chamber. The clutch between the first and second plates defines a third chamber.

Abstract: A driveline power transmitting device that includes a limited slip differential having a differential case, a cross-pin, a pair of pressure rings, a pair of clutch packs, a pair of preload springs, and a pair of preload control mechanisms. The pressure rings are non-rotatably coupled to the differential case and are disposed on opposite sides of the cross-pin. The preload springs bias the pressure rings toward the clutch packs and thereby preload the clutch packs. The pressure rings are urged axially away from the cross-pin to further compress the clutch packs in response to rotation of the cross-pin relative to the differential case. The preload control mechanisms are employed to decrease the preload force on the clutch packs in certain situations.

Abstract: In a transmission including: a transmission shaft driven by an electric motor; and a case that supports the electric motor and the transmission shaft, the transmission includes an adapter that is interposed between the case and the electric motor to which the electric motor is attached. The adapter is in contact with one end of the transmission shaft in an axial direction of the transmission shaft.

Abstract: The transmission includes: an open-end cover fitted to an inner circumference of an open end portion of a rotary housing, the cover being configured to close the open end portion; an O-ring provided between the rotary housing and the open-end cover in the compressed state in the axial direction of the rotary housing, the O-ring being configured to seal between the inner circumferential portion of the rotary housing and the outer circumferential portion of the open-end cover; and a snap ring configured to restrict the movement of the open-end cover in the axial direction. The open-end cover is pushed against the snap ring by the repulsive force exerted by the compressed O-ring.

Abstract: A type series of gear-side motor end shields for an angle geared motor is disclosed, with the angle geared motor including a gear housing of an angle gear, in which a toothed wheel is mounted to rotate about a gear shaft axle, and a stator housing of an electric motor, in which stator housing a motor shaft is rotatably mounted. Each of the gear-side motor end shields includes a gear-side section for securement of the gear housing, and a motor-side section which is permanently connected to the gear-side section for securement of the stator housing. The gear-side motor end shields are configured such that each of the gear-side motor end shields produces a different axial offset between the gear shaft axle and an axle of the motor shaft.

Abstract: A method and a lubrication system for lubricating a transmission system component. The lubrication system may include a lubrication system reservoir for storing a lubrication liquid; and a distribution system. The distribution system may be configured to refill, with the lubrication liquid, a transmission system reservoir that is configured to lubricate the transmission system component. The refill occurs while the transmission system component and the lubrication system are positioned within a vacuum chamber.

Abstract: Provided is a lubricant guiding structure in an automatic transmission in which a baffle plate configured to regulate the movement of a lubricant agitated by a driven sprocket is provided at one side, where an oil pump is located, in the direction of a rotational axis of the driven sprocket. As viewed from the rotational axis direction, a division wall disposed to extend across a chain is provided closer to the chain than a base of the baffle plate. As viewed from the rotational axis direction, the baffle plate is provided with a guide wall extending along a torque transmission-side chain of the chain wound on the driven sprocket. As viewed from the rotational axis-direction, the guide wall includes an inclined portion inclined in the direction coming closer to the chain as the distance to the distal end side decreases.

Abstract: A lubrication system for a rack and pinion mast of a drilling rig includes a lubricating pinion positioned on a cart and in engagement with the rack. The lubricating pinion includes a plurality of lubrication dispensing ports formed on faces of the teeth of the pinion. The lubrication dispensing ports are fluidly coupled to lubrication ports formed in the lubricating pinion. The lubrication ports fluidly couple to an inner bore of the lubricating pinion. The inner bore may be fluidly coupled to a lubricant reservoir.

Abstract: A robot includes a gear device that has a first surface and a second surface which are in a tubular shape around an axis, are disposed inside and outside of each other, and repeatedly come into contact with and separate away from each other with operation of the gear device. The first surface has a first recessed portion and a first projection portion, which extend in a direction having a circumferential direction component around the axis and configure a first uneven pattern, by being alternately arranged in a direction along the axis. The second surface has a second recessed portion and a second projection portion, which extend in the direction having the circumferential direction component around the axis and configure a second uneven pattern that is different from the first uneven pattern, by being alternately arranged in the direction along the axis.

Abstract: An axle assembly includes a first axle shaft, an axle housing, a first inlet port, a first outlet port, and a first oil passage. The axle housing has a first housing component that includes a first space in which at least part of the first axle shaft is disposed, a flange that is adjacent to the first space and includes a communicating hole, and a central housing component that includes a central space connected to the first space through the communicating hole of the flange. The first inlet port is disposed below an axis of the first axle shaft in the central space. The first outlet port is disposed in the first space. The first oil passage extends from the first inlet port to the first outlet port.

Abstract: An operating device for a motor vehicle is provided. The device includes at least one selector lever, which can be moved between at least one parking position, as the first position for activating a parking lock of an automatic transmission, and at least one second position that is different to the parking position. The device includes at least two operating parts which are retained on a base element of the selector lever that can move between the positions, and which can be moved towards one another out of a deactivation position into an activation position, in order to thereby bring about a starting of a drive device of the motor vehicle, as well as a blocking device which is designed to block the operating parts in the activation position, and to bring about a movement of the operating parts out of the activation position into the deactivation position as a result of a movement of the selector lever out of the second position into the parking position.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a sensing system for sensing a position of a gear shaft. In the present disclosure, a magnet apparatus is provided on the gear shaft, where the magnet apparatus includes, along a rectilinear motion direction, a first length region magnet and a second length region magnet, the second length region magnet including a first portion and a second portion, a magnetic field of the second portion of the second length region magnet corresponding to a reverse gear position being different from that of the first length region magnet and that of the first portion of the second length region magnet. An actually induced electrical signal generated by sensing the motion of the magnet apparatus is different from a reference inductive electrical signal of a corresponding position of a reference magnet.

Abstract: An oil pressure control device has a mechanical oil pump (O/P) driven by a motor/generator (MG), an electric oil pump (M/O/P) driven by a sub motor (S/M) and a line pressure regulating valve (104). In a case where a state is changed from a state in which the motor/generator (MG) is stopped and the electric oil pump (M/O/P) is driven to a state in which the motor/generator (MG) is started and the electric oil pump (M/O/P) is stopped, when a total flow amount of a working fluid discharge flow amount of the mechanical oil pump (O/P) and a working fluid discharge flow amount of the electric oil pump (M/O/P) is equal to or greater than a pressure regulation limit flow amount of the pressure regulating valve (104), the working fluid discharge flow amount of the electric oil pump (M/O/P) is decreased.

Abstract: A method of operating a motor in a hydraulic control system can comprise determining a keyon event. A motor of a pump unit can then be turned in a first direction a first predetermined amount to pump a hydraulic fluid in a first flow direction. The turning of the motor in the first direction can be limited to prevent hydraulic actuation of a downstream device via the pumped hydraulic fluid. The motor can then be turned in a second direction a second predetermined amount to pump the hydraulic fluid an opposite second flow direction. Like restriction on the downstream device can be implemented. Subsequent to turning the motor in the first and second directions, hydraulic fluid is delivered to an actuator of the downstream device.

Abstract: A vehicle may include a transmission control unit (TCU) to output a control signal to the transmission; a shift lever; a shift lever electronic control unit (ECU) to transmit a first signal and a second signal, to the TCU; a main communication unit to perform communication between the TCU and the shift lever ECU; a backup communication unit to perform communication between the TCU and the shift lever ECU; and a controller configured to: control the shift lever ECU to transmit first and second signals based on one of a plurality of matching codes having different pulse width modulation (PWM) duty ratios assigned to the respective gear positions of the transmission; determine another one of the plurality of matching codes when the operation commands indicated by each of the first signal and the second signal received by the TCU are different; and control the shift lever ECU based on the determined matching code.

Abstract: A straddled vehicle includes a gear position sensor abnormality detector which is configured to detect an abnormality of a gear position sensor which is provided at a crankshaft-supporter-integrated transmission supporter. The gear position sensor abnormality detector determines that the gear position sensor has an abnormality when the shift of a straddled vehicle from a stopped state to a running state is detected based on a signal from a rotation speed sensor while the gear position detected by the gear position sensor is included in a high-speed gear position class. Furthermore, the gear position sensor abnormality detector determines that the gear position sensor has an abnormality when the gear position detected by the gear position sensor is included in a low-speed gear position class and is different from a gear position estimated based on a signal from a crankshaft sensor and a signal from the rotation speed sensor.

Abstract: A control method of a continuously variable transmission mounted on a vehicle includes performing advance compensation in a speed ratio control system of the continuously variable transmission, and making an advance amount according to a vibration frequency of torsional vibration of an input shaft of the continuously variable transmission which is the advance amount of the advance compensation variable in accordance with an operation state of the vehicle. A feedback gain of speed ratio control of the continuously variable transmission performed in the speed ratio control system is variable in accordance with an operation state of the vehicle. When the advance amount is made variable, the advance amount is made variable in accordance with the feedback gain.

Abstract: A parking lock device includes a parking mechanism, a lock state switching member, a lock-released state keeper, a selector, a vehicle speed detector, a switching controller, and a keeping controller. The switching controller is configured to, when a parking range is selected, stop supplying hydraulic pressure to the lock state switching member, and when a shift range other than the parking range is selected, supply the hydraulic pressure. The keeping controller is configured to, when a shift range other than the parking range is selected and a vehicle speed is equal to or higher than a predetermined speed, supply power to the lock-released state keeper to keep lock of a parking gear released, and when a shift range other than the parking range is selected and when the vehicle speed is lower than the predetermined speed, stop supplying the power to the lock-released state keeper.

Abstract: A hydraulic device includes a cylinder, a piston that is able to move in the cylinder, and a segment which is interposed between the cylinder and the piston and which includes at least one leakage duct that is configured to generate a hydraulic film, between the segment and the piston, reducing friction and to orient a hydraulic flow leaving the leakage duct which causes the segment to rotate about the piston.

Abstract: A piston ring is made from a copper-containing alloy. This material permits the top compression ring of a piston to be moved closer to the piston crown, reducing crevice volume and reducing the tendency for pre-ignition. Ignition timing advance can be realized by installing the rings and letting the ECU advance the timing as the sensors allow, increasing efficiency. Also, shorter pistons and longer connecting rods are possible. The shorter pistons reduces the reciprocated mass in the engine and the longer connecting rods reduce the frictional loss caused by radial forces pushing the piston against the liner. Both reducing volume and tendency for pre-ignition increase engine efficiency.

Abstract: A gasket is provided with a tacky polyurethane or polyurea gel body and a metallic mesh skeleton where the skeleton has been coated with a conversion coating. The conversion coating helps reduce corrosion in the gasket and corrosion on the parts that place the gasket under compression, especially where an environment conducive to galvanic corrosion is present. This gasket may then be used in assemblies which include aircraft parts, which parts may be subject to extreme environmental conditions.

Abstract: A packing arrangement for a fluid end of a reciprocating pump is received within a packing box and is arranged to form a seal with a plunger. The packing arrangement includes a plurality of separate annular rings arranged in an abutting relationship with one another within the packing box, and a header ring disposed within the plurality of separate annular rings, the header ring including an inner surface that is non-cylindrical and that is arranged to abut the plunger, a high pressure side that is arranged in a female chevron shape, and a low pressure side opposite the high pressure side. A packing nut is engaged with the fluid end and operable to compress the header ring and the plurality of separate annular rings within the packing box.

Abstract: A seal assembly includes a pair of opposing seal lips, a bearing contacting both seal lips, a wall structure placed between and in contact with both seal lips, and a housing enclosing the pair of seal lips and the bearing that is configured to axially slide the seal lips, wall structure and bearing as the housing axially slides.

Abstract: The invention relates to a seal arrangement for sealing a radial gap between an inner first component (8) and an outer second component (15) which can be rotated in relation to each other, the first component (8) being rotatable about an axis of rotation and the second component (15) being arranged coaxially to the first component (8). The seal arrangement comprises: a dynamic seal part (14) connected to the first component (8); a static seal part (15) connected to the second component (15); a first labyrinth seal (1) formed by a gap between a first section of opposing surfaces of the dynamic seal part (14) and the static seal part (15); and a leaf seal (2) which is radially arranged inside the first labyrinth seal (1). The invention is characterised in that the seal arrangement comprises a dust protection cover (3) connected to the second component (15), which is arranged radially outside the first labyrinth seal (1).

Abstract: A duct includes first and second bellows sections. First and second torsional rings are attached to, respectively, the first and second bellows sections. First and second dynamic seals are sandwiched between the first and second torsional rings.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a thermo valve includes an overlaying step of overlaying a valve body onto a thermo actuator so as to cover a groove portion; and a caulking step of caulking an installing portion of the valve body onto the thermo actuator. The caulking step is performed by pressing, by use of a jig, the valve body and the thermo actuator toward an axis center in a radial direction. A pressing face of the jig has a short side portion and a long side portion longer than the short side portion. Pressing is performed with the long side portion being substantially in parallel to the axis center of the thermo actuator and the short side portion being substantially in parallel to the groove portion.

Abstract: An intermitter valve for controlling the flow rate and/or pressure of a fluid produced from a well drilled into an oil and gas reservoir includes several seals between a seat connected to the valve body and a sleeve connected to a reciprocating stem. An O-ring disposed in an inner groove of the sleeve can be used to intermittently form an elastomer-to-metal seal against the seat. An O-ring disposed in an outer groove of the seat can be used to intermittently form an elastomer-to-metal seal against the sleeve. A surface proximate to the end of the sleeve can be used to intermittently form a metal-to-metal seal against a surface of the seat. The seat and the sleeve can be part of a valve kit for converting a production choke valve into a flow shut-off device.

Abstract: A ball for use within a ball valve includes an outer wall, an inner wall that defines a central bore, and a lattice structure positioned within an interior space defined between the outer wall and the inner wall. The ball may include one or more flow conditioners positioned within the central bore. The ball may be formed via an additive manufacturing process.

Abstract: A flow stopping tool for pipelines is disclosed, wherein the flow stopping tool comprises an inflatable balloon-like element that is in connection to a pressure rod, and a hinged coupling for securing the balloon-like element upon introduction into the pipeline, the hinged coupling comprising: a first element comprising a housing, a second element that is in connection to the balloon-like element; a buckling member connecting the first element to the second element, the buckling member being received in the housing of the first element. The buckling member comprises a cylinder that is configured to rotate around its longitudinal axis such that the second element can hinge with respect to the first element. The cylinder comprises at least one opening that facilitates measurement of the pressure of the flow in the pipeline, and the cylinder comprises at least one further opening that facilitates inflation of the balloon-like element.

Abstract: A nozzle check valve comprises a valve body (10) and a nozzle (20) centrally arranged within the upstream end of valve body (10), a fluid channel (90) is defined by the outer face of the nozzle (20) and the inner face of the valve body (10). A guide bush (60) is mounted on a nozzle axial extension (26) and an annular disc (30) comprising a disc sealing ring (31) connected to a central barrel (32,33) by a plurality of webs (34) is mounted on the guide bush (60) for axial movement of the annular disc (30) relative to the valve body to open and close the fluid channel (90). A spacer (80) is arranged on the nozzle axial extension (26) downstream of the guide bush (60) and a diffuser (40) is arranged on the downstream side of the spacer (80). A spring (50) between the annular disc (30) and the diffuser (40) urges the disc towards the valve closed position.

Abstract: A check valve may include an upper housing defining an inlet, a lower housing defining an outlet, and a cavity interposed between and defined by the upper and lower housings for fluidly connecting the inlet and the outlet. The check valve may further include a flexible valve member mounted in the cavity to selectively permit fluid flow in a first direction, and prevent fluid backflow in a second direction opposite to the first direction. A filter member may be mounted in the upper housing, upstream of the flexible valve member. The filter member may have an elongated portion configured to maximize surface area thereof exposed to the fluid flow, and restrict passage of undesirable matter in fluid flowing through the check valve.

Abstract: A cap assembly for a container comprises a cap and a body coupled to the cap. The body includes a peripheral wall and a valve seat. The valve seat includes a first side facing the cap and a second side facing away from the cap. A first check valve having an elastic valve body is positioned at the second side of the seat. A second check valve having an elastic valve body is positioned at the first side of the valve seat. When a pressure at the first side of the valve seat exceeds a pressure at the second side of the valve seat by a first predetermined value, the first check valve opens; and when the pressure at the second side exceeds the pressure at the first side by a second predetermined value, the second check valve opens.

Abstract: A disclosed system may add different irrigation timing intervals than those of a master flow irrigation system. Electronic timing systems are not used. Native water pressure flowing internally into the system to move components and otherwise control flow ports is used to control timing. A main fluid intake may accept fluid to pressurize and motivate a diaphragm. The diaphragm houses a ratchet flexure finger which may tangentially engage and rotate a gear spindle which is rotationally coupled to and houses one or multiple cams. A 2-way valve is in contact with one of the cams tangentially and centrically via a valve plunger. The cam(s) have lobe(s) with the peak of the profile being the nose and lower profile base circles. As the cam is rotated, it engages with the valve plunger at the nose or base circle, thus opening and closing the 2-way valve and allowing or stopping flow.

Abstract: A fluid control system includes a valve, an actuator, a primary valve timing system, and a secondary valve timing system. The valve is operable in an open position and a closed position. The actuator is operable to move the valve from the closed position to the open position. The primary valve timing system is in communication with the actuator and is operable to move the valve from the open position to the closed position after a first period of time. The secondary valve timing system is in communication with the actuator and is operable to move the valve from the open position to the closed position after a second period of time.

Abstract: In one general aspect, a flow control valve includes: a housing including a tubular wall surrounding an interior passage, and a flow control section in which the tubular wall includes a conical inner wall surface; a protrusion disposed on an exterior surface of the tubular wall at the flow control section; a sealing member disposed in the housing and configured to be selectively moved to a sealing position in which the sealing member engages the conical inner wall surface to restrict flow of a fluid through the interior passage; and a recess disposed the conical inner wall surface and configured to allow the fluid to flow past the sealing member through the recess when the sealing member is in the sealing position, wherein the recess and the protrusion are radially aligned on the tubular wall.

Abstract: A valve for closing a fluid line, comprising: an inlet element with an inlet line; an outlet element with an outlet line; a closing element which, in a first state, allows a fluid passage between the inlet line and the outlet line and which, in a second state, closes the fluid passage, wherein the closing element, in the first state, is fixedly connected to the inlet element or the outlet element and, in the second state, is detached from the inlet element or the outlet element; an actuator which, when actuated, is configured to move the closing element from the first state towards the second state; and a pretension element which is pretensioned and is configured to move the closing element into the second state after actuation of the actuator.

Abstract: A pilot valve controlled mechanical shut-down valve. The mechanical shut-down valve includes a thermostatic motor that effectuates closing of the pilot valve when the temperature of fluid flowing through the shut-down valve is one of greater than a predetermined value, less than a predetermined value, or within a range of predetermined values. As a result thereof, flow through the shut-down valve is stopped.

Abstract: A torque limiter (120) includes a coil spring (124), an inner shaft which is connected to a drive shaft (58) and is disposed to be inserted into a coil portion of the coil spring (124) so that the coil portion of the coil spring (124) is configured to come into close contact with an outer peripheral surface, a bottomed cylindrical outer member (122) which is disposed at the outside of the coil portion with a gap interposed therebetween and is provided relatively rotatable with respect to the inner shaft so that both end portions of a wire forming the coil spring (124) are locked thereto, and a drive gear (123) which is integrally formed with a plate portion (122a) of the outer member (122) and is configured to transmit a rotational force to the screw shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electromagnetically operable valve device, comprising a valve housing (10) which has a first fluid connection (P) and a second fluid connection (E), each designed for controlled opening and closing by moving a closure unit (30), and at least one further fluid connection (A) provided on the valve housing, which forms a fluid channel (46) to the first or second fluid connection that can be intermittently interrupted by the closure unit.

Abstract: A drive circuit for controlling a solenoid valve having a solenoid coil and a poppet that translates therein is provided. The drive circuit includes a first node, a second node, a control circuit, and a flyback circuit. The first node is configured to be energized by a power source to a first voltage. The control circuit is coupled to the first and second nodes, and is configured to: (1) selectively couple the first and second nodes in series with the solenoid coil, and periodically energize the solenoid coil using a pulse-width-modulated (PWM) signal having a frequency and a duty cycle configured to regulate a current conducted through the solenoid coil. The flyback circuit is coupled to the solenoid coil and configured to energize the second node to a second voltage with energy stored in the solenoid coil.

Abstract: A programmable, electronically controlled sprinkler system has a hermetically sealed internal chamber which encloses all of the internal water flow, valves, mechanical and rotational components and a plurality of magnetic coupling arrangements which allow external motors to control operation of the internal mechanical components without requiring any hydraulic seals.

Abstract: An arrangement for a globe valve for adjusting a process fluid can include a valve housing having an inlet and an outlet connected by a passage, a valve cage to linearly guide a valve member of the globe valve in an axial direction, and a position lock (securing device). The valve cage can include a passage channel(s) extending transversely in the axial direction. The valve cage can be arranged in the valve housing where: the valve cage circumferentially surrounds the passage opening with respect to the axial direction, and a radial outer side of the valve cage with respect to the axial direction is in contact with a radial inner side of the valve housing with respect to the axial direction. The position lock fixes a relative position of the valve cage relative to the valve housing and arranged on the radial outer side and/or on the radial inner side.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fixing for securing an article to a surface. The fixing comprising a coupling arrangement for coupling the fixing to an article such as cabling. Elongate members extend from the coupling arrangement and are moved together to insert the fixing into a cavity, and spring apart to retain the fixing in the cavity. The elongate members have resiliently deformable inner formations positioned which are spaced apart from the ends of the elongate members. The inner formations engage with one another and resiliently deform when the elongate members are brought together. The inner formations apply additional forces urging the elongate members apart, thereby increasing the pull resistance of the fixing. Also disclosed is a fixing in which the elongate members have conformable outer portions, to conform to the inner surface of a cavity and increase pull resistance; and a method of securing an article to a surface.

Abstract: A charge-air cooler hose includes a hollow cylindrical structure defining an air conduit, an outer surface, and a bellows section, where a plurality of convolutions are formed on the bellows section and the bellows section includes a plurality of ridges and a plurality of valleys. At least one of the plurality of ridges has a diameter and/or shape different from other ridges. In some cases, the bellows section has two ridges. In some other cases, the bellows section has three ridges. Where there are three ridges, each of the three ridges may have a diameter different from one another. In an embodiment where there are three ridges, a first ridge has a diameter D3, a second adjacent ridge has a diameter D4, and a third adjacent ridge has a diameter D5, and where D3<D4<D5.

Abstract: Refrigerant hoses include a permeation inhibiting layer, wherein the permeation inhibiting layer is formed of mixture based upon a polyether-ester block copolymer, a polyamide-polyether block copolymer, or a blend thereof. A tie layer surrounds the permeation inhibiting layer, and the tie layer is based on a butyl rubber. A reinforcing layer surrounds the tie layer, and a cover layer is disposed adjacent the reinforcing layer. In some cases, an innermost rubber tube is disposed inwardly adjacent the permeation inhibiting layer, and the innermost rubber tube is comprised of rubbery polymer. The refrigerant hoses may further include a second tie layer surrounding the reinforcing layer, and a second spiral reinforcing layer disposed between the cover layer and the second tie layer. Furthermore, the hoses may have a permeation rate of not greater than 0.0020 g/cm/day of R-1234yf refrigerant.

Abstract: Formation of a sterile connection includes inserting a first aseptic coupling device into a second aseptic coupling device while a locking ring of the first aseptic device is in an indexed initial position, rotating the locking ring to a secured position in which a compressive force is created and in which a first membrane from the first aseptic coupling device and a second membrane from the second aseptic coupling device can removed thereby resulting in a first a first sealing member of the first aseptic coupling device sealing with a second sealing member of the second aseptic coupling device to form a sterile fluid passageway.