Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a start/stop feature. In one example, a method includes adjusting start/stop conditions in response to a vehicle operator customizing start/stop conditions. The vehicle operator customizes start/stop conditions for a plurality of different driving conditions.

Abstract: A hydrostatic system has a pressure source and a hydraulic motor or a consumer. An additional hydraulic motor/pump unit is furnished for controlling the volumetric flow for the consumer or the power output of the hydraulic motor.

Abstract: A clutch assembly for a hoist may comprise a first epicyclic gear train and a first set of friction disks rotationally coupled to the first epicyclic gear train. A second set of friction disks may be in operable communication with the first set of friction disks. Torque may be transferred between the first set of friction disks and the second set of friction disks by means of a friction coupling between the first set of friction disks and the second set of friction disks. A pinion may be rotationally coupled to the second set of friction disks. A splined portion of the pinion may form an output of the clutch assembly.

Abstract: A starter air valve (SAV) system can include a pressure actuated SAV actuator configured to be operatively connected to a SAV and a first pressure valve configured to selectively allow pressure from a pressure source to the SAV actuator when in fluid communication with the SAV actuator. The first pressure valve can be a pulse-width modulation solenoid valve configured to provide a duty cycle of pressure from the pressure source to the SAV actuator.

Abstract: A pedal-force simulator device is described as having a housing in which an actuable pressure plunger is mounted in an axially displaceable manner, and having at least two coil springs, which are disposed parallel to one another between an end face of the pressure plunger and an axial stop of the housing. It is provided that at least one disk spring is interposed between the coil springs and the axial stop and/or between the coil springs and the pressure plunger in each case.

Abstract: A method of reducing cold startup time of a genset which includes an engine and a generator for providing a requested power to a utility grid or load comprises determining if the generator is electrically coupled to a utility grid or load. In response to determining the generator is electrically coupled to the utility grid or load, a speed bias value is controlled in response to the power being produced by the genset. The speed bias signal represents a difference between a target power output and a current power output of the genset. The power of the engine is controlled using the speed bias value.

Abstract: A system for gas turbine engine motoring includes an air turbine starter coupled to a gearbox of a gas turbine engine and a starter air valve in fluid communication with the air turbine starter to drive motoring of the gas turbine engine responsive to a regulated pressure from a compressed air source. A manual override of the starter air valve is adjustable to one or more predefined intermediate positions that partially open the starter air valve to limit a motoring speed of the gas turbine engine below a resonance speed of a starting spool of the gas turbine engine responsive to the regulated pressure.

Abstract: A starter air valve (SAV) system includes a pressure actuated SAV actuator configured to be operatively connected to a SAV, a first pressure valve configured to selectively allow pressure from a pressure source to the SAV actuator when in fluid communication with the SAV actuator, and a second pressure valve configured to selectively allow pressure from the pressure source to the SAV actuator when in fluid communication with the SAV actuator. A manual override (MOR) valve selector is disposed between the first pressure valve, the second pressure valve, and the SAV actuator, the MOR valve selector configured to selectively fluidly connect the first pressure valve and the SAV actuator in a first position and to fluidly connect the second pressure valve and the SAV actuator in a second position.

Abstract: A driving device including a drive shaft and a first engaging member. The drive shaft rotates around a first axis. The first engaging member is disposed on the first axis to rotate integrally with the drive shaft. The power transmission mechanism includes a second engaging member, a propeller shaft, a piston, and a reduction gear. The second engaging member is disposed on the first axis engageable with/disengageable from the first engaging member. The propeller shaft is rotatable integrally with the second engaging member around the first axis. The piston reciprocates the second engaging member between a first position and a second position along a direction of the first axis. The reduction gear is joined to the other end side of the propeller shaft to decelerate the rotation of the propeller shaft. The reduction gear causes an output shaft joined to an object to rotate around a second axis.

Abstract: An engine arrangement includes a first engine unit, a second engine unit and at least one member for fastening the second engine unit to the first engine unit. The first unit and the second unit include fluid ports for achieving a fluid flow between the first and second unit. The engine arrangement further includes a valve for opening and closing at least one of the fluid ports and the fastening member is moveably arranged relative to the first unit and second unit and is arranged to act on the valve.

Abstract: Provided is an engine with a starter valve arranged in a compact space and with a cylinder head having a cooling water passage and a starter valve feeding compressed air to a combustion chamber. The starter valve is arranged parallel in the axial direction to a cylinder while fitted into a sleeve, and a portion of the cooling water passage is formed by the outer surface of the sleeve fitted into a starter valve insertion hole formed in the cylinder head. A starting air passage orthogonal to the axial direction of the starter valve insertion hole is formed in the cylinder head, and a portion of the wall surface of the starting air passage is formed by the end surface on one side of the sleeve.

Abstract: A starter air valve (SAV) system includes a pressure actuated SAV actuator configured to be operatively connected to a SAV, a first pressure valve configured to selectively allow pressure from a pressure source to the SAV actuator when in fluid communication with the SAV actuator, and a second pressure valve configured to selectively allow pressure from the pressure source to the SAV actuator when in fluid communication with the SAV actuator. A manual override (MOR) valve selector is disposed between the first pressure valve, the second pressure valve, and the SAV actuator, the MOR valve selector configured to selectively fluidly connect the first pressure valve and the SAV actuator in a first position and to fluidly connect the second pressure valve and the SAV actuator in a second position.

Abstract: An axial, through-shaft actuator that is particularly useful for a variably actuatable water pump having a pump chamber, with an inlet and an outlet is provided. A hollow drive shaft extends into the pump chamber. A drive wheel is connected to the drive shaft. A variable flow impeller assembly having an impeller part connected to the drive shaft and a cover part, which is axially movable relative to the impeller part is located in the pump chamber and is movable from a first, pumping position to a second position to prevent pumping. A cup actuator assembly is axially movable on the hollow drive shaft, and includes an actuator plate and a pin extending through the hollow drive shaft that connects the axially movable impeller part and the actuator plate. An actuator displaces the actuator plate in the axial direction of the drive shaft to move the axially movable part.

Abstract: An emergency starter that allows responsiveness within a few seconds, without having disadvantages associated with mass and size of a back-up hydraulic or pneumatic starter. An instantaneous gas thrust of pyrotechnic type is coupled with a positive displacement transmission generator in conjunction with automatic coupling to/uncoupling from a set that is to be started. An emergency start-up system includes at least one pyrotechnic gas generator connected to an electrical initiator itself connected to a computer, a positive displacement motor housing straight-cut gears, the pyrotechnic gas generator being coupled to the motor by an inlet in the casing. The motor includes a mechanism of connection capable of moving at one end of the drive shaft configured to couple the transmission shaft to a driven shaft of the set that is to be started via a centrifugal clutch.

Abstract: An object is to provide a starting diagnosis apparatus for an internal combustion engine system, capable of diagnosing an abnormal location of an internal combustion engine system.

Abstract: A system for packaging electronic components in a rotatable shaft includes an annular carrier shaft having a first end that is axially spaced from a second end and an inner surface that is radially spaced from an outer surface, and a plurality of transmitter assemblies annularly arranged within the carrier shaft. Each transmitter assembly includes a transmitter housing radially supported within the carrier shaft via a pair of circumferentially spaced rail members. Each transmitter assembly comprises a daughter board that extends laterally and longitudinally across a bottom portion of the transmitter housing and at least one electronic component electrically coupled to the daughter board. The electronic component extends substantially perpendicular to the daughter board within the transmitter housing.

Abstract: A linear reciprocating engine may include a cylinder having a first combustion chamber at one end and a second combustion chamber at an opposing end, first and second cylinder heads located at an end of the first and second combustion chambers, respectively, and a double-faced piston slidably mounted within the cylinder. The engine may further include a first piston rod portion extending from a first face of the double-faced piston through the first combustion chamber, and a second piston rod portion extending from a second face of the piston through the second combustion chamber. Passageways in the piston rod portions may be configured to communicate gases between the combustion chamber and a location outside the cylinder and configured to prevent gases from being exchanged between the cylinder and a location outside the cylinder via a path that crosses both face of the piston.

Abstract: A number of variations include a product comprising a transfer case comprising a hydraulic system comprising a hydraulic fluid and a hydraulic pump or hydraulic motor wherein the hydraulic system is constructed and arranged to capture energy from regenerative braking of the at least one brake of at least one drive.

Abstract: A permanently engaged starter assembly includes a ring gear, a return gear, and a starter gear. The return gear is fixed to a shaft of a starter return mechanism. The starter gear is arranged for fixing to a shaft of a starter motor and arranged in a torque path between the ring gear and the return gear. In an example embodiment, the ring gear has a central axis and the return gear is radially outside of the starter gear when measured from the ring gear central axis. In an example embodiment, the ring gear includes a first gear tooth, the return gear includes a second gear tooth, and the starter gear includes third and fourth gear teeth engaged with the first and second gear teeth, respectively.

Abstract: A barring-tool system improving safety, speed, effectiveness, and number of personnel required for maintenance, repair, and inspection of large engines, generators, and turbines, providing controlled bidirectional rotation and locking of crankshafts during maintenance, and a method for maintenance of large engines, generators, and turbines using the barring-tool system.

Abstract: An exemplary gearbox assembly includes a shear bracket connectable to a flange of a housing structure, and a support pin extending along a longitudinal axis, the support pin supporting the shear bracket relative to a turbomachine, the shear bracket moveable axially relative to the support pin.

Abstract: An adjustable air-powered starter motor that provides a plurality of different operational configurations. The air-powered starter motor includes a motor housing assembly that houses at least a portion of a rotary actuator assembly, and which may be connected to a cover assembly. The motor housing may be selectively attached to a mounting structure along first or second sides of the motor housing. Additionally, the motor housing may be attached to the mounting structure at a plurality of different angular orientations. The motor housing further includes an air inlet having first and second air inlet ports that are positioned on opposite sides of the motor housing, and an air outlet port that is positioned along a lateral axis that is generally parallel to, and offset from, a lateral axis of the inlet port. A mounting pin may align and interconnect the motor housing and rotary actuator assembly at each operational configuration.

Abstract: A hydraulic soft-start system includes a flow control valve which is in fluid communication with a pressure source and an inlet of a motor. The system includes a first flow restricting orifice and a second flow restricting orifice disposed between a pilot for actuating the flow control valve and the inlet of the motor. A first flow is passed from the pressure source via the first orifice to an inlet of the motor, placing the motor in a partially-actuated state. The flow control valve is actuated after a threshold pressure of the pilot is reached allowing a second flow to pass from the pressure source to the motor inlet. The second flow is higher than the first flow, thereby placing the motor in a fully-actuated state.

Abstract: A hydraulic soft-start system includes a first flow restricting orifice and a flow control valve both being in fluid communication with a pressure source and an inlet of a motor. Also provided is a second flow restricting orifice disposed between a pilot for actuating the flow control valve and the inlet of the motor. A first flow is passed from the pressure source via the first orifice to an inlet of the motor, placing the motor in a partially-actuated state. The flow control valve is actuated after a threshold pressure of the pilot is reached allowing a second flow to pass from the pressure source to the motor inlet. The second flow is higher than the first flow, thereby placing the motor in a fully-actuated state.

Abstract: Methods and devices for performing a low torque low speed test to determine whether a rotor of a turbomachinery is free to rotate are provided. A method includes automatically applying a torque to the rotor, the torque gradually increasing up to a predetermined torque value. The method further includes monitoring the speed of the rotor while the torque is gradually increased. The method also includes outputting an indication that the rotor is free to rotate after the speed of the rotor becomes positive, or outputting an indication that the rotor is locked when the speed of the rotor remains zero and the applied torque has reached the predetermined torque value.

Abstract: An electrical accessory for a vehicle includes a housing having a connector portion having a connector cavity therein, and a plurality of terminals that electrically connect at a circuit element in the housing and that protrude at least partially into the connector cavity. The housing has at least one fill port and at least one channel for receiving a sealant material through the fill port, whereby the sealant material flows along the at least one channel and at and around at least one terminal to substantially seal the at least one terminal relative to the housing. The fill port is accessible from outside of the housing after the electrical accessory is assembled.

Abstract: A system for controlling a starter for starting a power source includes an air starter relay valve fluidly connected between an air tank and the starter. The air starter relay valve is configured to control an amount of air supplied to the starter from the air tank. The system also includes a control device connected to the air starter relay valve and configured to control the air starter relay valve. The system further includes a fuel valve interlock fluidly connected to a source of fuel via a fuel line. The fuel valve interlock is configured to open based on a pressure in the fuel line and configured to send a signal to the control device for controlling the air starter relay valve when the fuel valve interlock is opened.

Abstract: A dual drive pump system for rear wheel or front wheel drive automatic transmission in a motor vehicle includes a dual drive pump disposed off-axis of the transmission input shaft axis and driven by a gear train driven by a hub. The dual drive pump is also driven by a gear train driven by an auxiliary motor. Torque multiplication through the gear train allows the dual drive pump to have a smaller displacement while still providing the hydraulic pressure needs of the transmission. The dual drive pump may be driven by either an engine or the auxiliary motor depending on the operating conditions of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: An adjustable air-powered starter motor that provides a plurality of different operational configurations. The air-powered starter motor includes a motor housing assembly that houses at least a portion of a rotary actuator assembly, and which may be connected to a cover assembly. The motor housing may be selectively attached to a mounting structure along first or second sides of the motor housing. Additionally, the motor housing may be attached to the mounting structure at a plurality of different angular orientations. The motor housing further includes an air inlet having first and second air inlet ports that are positioned on opposite sides of the motor housing, and an air outlet port that is positioned along a lateral axis that is generally parallel to, and offset from, a lateral axis of the inlet port. A mounting pin may align and interconnect the motor housing and rotary actuator assembly at each operational configuration.

Abstract: A hydrostatic starter device (10) for an internal combustion engine (2) having a hydrostatic power unit (11) connected with the output shaft (4) of the internal combustion engine (2) is driven with hydraulic fluid from a hydraulic fluid accumulator (12). The hydrostatic starter device (10) has an electrohydraulic charging device (30) to charge the hydraulic fluid accumulator (12) with hydraulic fluid and the hydrostatic power unit (11) is in a drive connection by a clutch device (25) with the internal combustion engine (2). The hydrostatic power unit (11) can be connected in a drive connection with the internal combustion engine (2) by the clutch device (25).

Abstract: A dual drive pump system for rear wheel or front wheel drive automatic transmission in a motor vehicle includes a dual drive pump disposed off-axis of the transmission input shaft axis and driven by a gear train driven by a hub. The dual drive pump is also driven by a gear train driven by an engine starter motor. Torque multiplication through the gear train allows the dual drive pump to have a smaller displacement while still providing the hydraulic pressure needs of the transmission. The dual drive pump may be driven by either an engine or the engine starter motor depending on the operating conditions of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for starting an engine which can decrease the amount of compressed air consumed by air motors and can lessen an increase in a size of a compressed air tank and an increase in a size of an air compressor, and in a method of starting an engine using a plurality of air motors, the number of air motors being operative is decreased before the engine can start increasing its engine speed for itself, at starting. That is, during increasing of the engine speed of the engine at the starting, the number of air motors being operative is decreased from, for example, two to one.

Abstract: A hydraulic soft-start system includes a first flow valve in fluid communication with a pressure source and an inlet of a motor. A first restricting orifice is disposed between the first valve and the inlet. A second flow valve is in fluid communication with the first valve and the inlet. A pilot for actuating the second valve is in fluid communication with the inlet. A second restricting orifice is disposed between the pilot and the inlet. Upon actuation of the first valve, a first flow is passed from the pressure source via the first orifice to the inlet, placing the motor in a partially-actuated state. The second valve being actuated after a threshold pressure of the pilot is reached allowing a second flow to pass from the pressure source to the inlet. The second flow being higher than the first flow, thereby placing the motor in a fully-actuated state.

Abstract: An energy storage system, for a hybrid vehicle including an internal combustion engine having an output shaft and a transmission operably coupled to the output shaft, includes a reservoir containing working fluid, a reversible pump/motor in fluid communication with the reservoir, a first clutch selectively drivably coupling the output shaft of the engine and the reversible pump/motor, a second clutch selectively drivably coupling an output shaft of the transmission and the reversible pump/motor, and an accumulator containing working fluid and gas. The accumulator is in fluid communication with the reversible pump/motor to deliver pressurized working fluid to the reversible pump/motor when operating as a motor to drive one of the respective output shafts of the engine and the transmission, and to receive pressurized working fluid discharged by the reversible pump/motor when operating as a pump driven by the one of the respective output shafts of the engine and the transmission.

Abstract: A pneumatic starter device for an internal combustion engine includes a cylinder-piston assembly, which can be operated either as a compressor or as a starter motor and which is drive-connected to the internal combustion engine. A pressure accumulator and a valve arrangement are associated with this assembly. The valve arrangement, which is between the assembly and the pressure accumulator, can be activated by a control unit and can be switched between a compressor mode and a starter mode. Before the cylinder-piston assembly is started up, it is set to a crank angle position in a range of positions that produce maximum output torque.

Abstract: A dual drive pump system for rear wheel or front wheel drive automatic transmission in a motor vehicle includes a dual drive pump disposed off-axis of the transmission input shaft axis and driven by a gear train driven by a hub. The dual drive pump is also driven by a gear train driven by an engine starter motor. Torque multiplication through the gear train allows the dual drive pump to have a smaller displacement while still providing the hydraulic pressure needs of the transmission. The dual drive pump may be driven by either an engine or the engine starter motor depending on the operating conditions of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle control system is programmed to stop the vehicle's internal combustion engine upon certain conditions including the vehicle being stopped and engine temperature having reached a minimum operating level. On vehicles equipped with air brakes and having an engine driven air compressor, engine restarts are provided by an air pressure supported hydraulic motor once triggered by operator actions such as releasing the brake and/or depressing the vehicle's accelerator indicative of the driver's intention to move the vehicle.

Abstract: A starter drive assembly includes a starter output shaft having a plurality of circumferentially-spaced axial grooves, a clutch assembly, and a barrel assembly. The clutch assembly includes a clutch plate configured to engage the axially grooves of the output shaft such that the output shaft and the clutch plate rotate together during an engine starting operation. The clutch assembly further includes a screw shaft selectively matingly couplable to the clutch plate, wherein the screw shaft is configured to engage the clutch plate during rotation in a first direction and disengage the clutch plate in a second direction such that the screw shaft and the clutch plate rotate together in the first direction. The barrel assembly includes a first end configured to threadably engage the screw shaft, and a second end that includes a pinion gear configured to engage the ring gear during the engine starting operation.

Abstract: An energy storage system for a hybrid vehicle, with an internal combustion engine having an output shaft, includes a reservoir containing working fluid, a reversible pump/motor in fluid communication with the reservoir, and an accumulator containing working fluid and gas. The accumulator is in selective fluid communication with the reversible pump/motor to deliver pressurized working fluid to the reversible pump/motor when operating as a motor, and to receive pressurized working fluid discharged by the reversible pump/motor when operating as a pump. The energy storage system also includes an electric motor having a rotor selectively coupled to the output shaft to transfer torque to the output shaft. The reversible pump/motor is coupled to the rotor to transfer torque to the rotor when operating as a motor, and to receive torque from the rotor when operating as a pump.

Abstract: A method of starting an engine with an engine starter that includes pressurizing a motor supply chamber with a fluid, selectively pressurizing an actuating chamber in response to the pressure in the motor supply chamber, moving a first valve along a first axis in response to pressure in the actuating chamber and moving a pinion toward engagement with the engine in response to movement of the first valve. The method further includes further pressurizing the actuating chamber, moving a second valve along a second axis in response to the further pressure in the actuating chamber, rotating the pinion in response to movement of the second valve, meshing pinion teeth with teeth on the engine, and starting the engine in response to rotation of the pinion.

Abstract: A vehicle control system is programmed to stop the vehicle's internal combustion engine upon certain conditions including the vehicle being stopped and engine temperature having reached a minimum operating level. On vehicles equipped with air brakes and having an engine driven air compressor, engine restarts are provided by an air pressure supported hydraulic motor once triggered by operator actions such as releasing the brake and/or depressing the vehicle's accelerator indicative of the driver's intention to move the vehicle.

Abstract: A method of starting an engine with an engine starter that includes pressurizing a motor supply chamber with a fluid, selectively pressurizing an actuating chamber in response to the pressure in the motor supply chamber, moving a first valve along a first axis in response to pressure in the actuating chamber and moving a pinion toward engagement with the engine in response to movement of the first valve. The method further includes further pressurizing the actuating chamber, moving a second valve along a second axis in response to the further pressure in the actuating chamber, rotating the pinion in response to movement of the second valve, meshing pinion teeth with teeth on the engine, and starting the engine in response to rotation of the pinion.

Abstract: An engine starter includes a motor housing having an inlet and an outlet for a motive fluid, a fluid-driven motor within the motor housing, the motor including a rotor and a stator, the stator directing a flow of fluid over the rotor, thereby inducing rotation of the rotor about an axis and exerting an axial force on the rotor and an output shaft operably coupled to the rotor such that rotation of the rotor drives rotation of the shaft about the axis. A front and a rear ball bearing assembly support the rotor. A front biasing member is pre-loaded to exert a first biasing load on the front ball bearing assembly and a rear biasing member is pre-loaded to exert a second biasing load on the rear ball bearing assembly in opposition of the axial force exerted on the rotor. The biasing members distribute the axial force between the two ball bearing assemblies.

Abstract: A pneumatic starter system for a combustion engine of a recreational vehicle including one or more pistons moving within a respective plurality of cylinders includes a pneumatic pressure source and a starter converting the pneumatic pressure source into rotational force applied to the one or more pistons causing movement of the one or more pistons and ignition of the combustion engine.

Abstract: A control system and strategy for starting power systems having a plurality of power modules. For example, a multi-engine generator set switcher locomotive has three power modules each of which have an engine associated therewith. Upon receiving a command from the locomotive indicating to the engine control module to start at least one power module, i.e., engine, the control strategy determines whether to start the engine with an air or electric start. The control strategy starts only a single engine at a time, thereby avoiding overloading the airflow capacity of the compressed air source or the electric power capacity of the electric source. The control strategy also implements a command to start every engine with an air starter, if possible, to preserve the electric starter motor and the electric power capacity of the electric source.

Abstract: A starter for moving a movable portion of an engine to start the engine includes a gear housing, a gear assembly within the gear housing, an output member at a first end of the gear assembly adapted to operably couple to the movable portion of the engine, a motor housing, and a rotor rotatably mounted within the motor housing. The rotor has a shaft portion and a vane portion that are an integral, unitary piece. The shaft portion has splines for mating with the gear assembly. The splines prevent relative rotational movement between the rotor and the gear assembly and permit relative axial movement. The rotor is formed from aluminum and at least a portion of the rotor includes an anodized coating.

Abstract: A starter includes: a gear housing mounted near an engine to be started; a speed reducing gear assembly within the gear housing; an output member aligned with a movable portion of the engine and rotatable under the influence of the gear assembly to move the movable portion to initiate operation of the engine; a motor housing mounted to the gear housing; and a fluid-driven motor within the motor housing and including a motor shaft rotating at a first speed to drive rotation of the speed reducing gear assembly, such that the output member is driven at a second speed lower than the first speed. The motor housing and motor are serviceable without changing the alignment of the output member relative to the movable portion of the engine.

Abstract: A pressure washer, connected to a water source by a hose, includes a frame, an engine supported by the frame and having a crankshaft, a pump driven by the engine, a wheel supported for rotation relative to the frame, an input configured to receive water from the hose and discharge the water against the wheel to cause the wheel to rotate, and a spring having a first end that is coupled to the crankshaft and a second end that is rotatable about an axis relative to the first end in response to rotation of the wheel to wind the spring. The wound spring is released to rotate the crankshaft to start the engine.

Abstract: An engine starter assembly, coupled to a rotatable member of an internal combustion engine, includes an accumulator device coupled to the rotatable member for storing energy, an input device impinged by a fluid stream, and a fluid input receiving the fluid stream and directing the fluid stream toward the input device. Energy from the fluid stream is stored in the accumulator device due to the impingement of the fluid stream on the input device. The stored energy in the accumulator device is thereafter released to rotate the rotatable member to start the engine.

Abstract: A starter for moving a movable portion of an engine to start the engine includes a gear housing, a gear assembly within the gear housing, an output member at a first end of the gear assembly adapted to operably couple to the movable portion of the engine, a motor housing, and a rotor rotatably mounted within the motor housing. The rotor has a shaft portion and a vane portion that are an integral, unitary piece. The shaft portion has splines for mating with the gear assembly. The splines prevent relative rotational movement between the rotor and the gear assembly and permit relative axial movement. The rotor is formed from aluminum and at least a portion of the rotor includes an anodized coating.