Abstract: A variable pitch clamshell hinge for use with clamshell housings includes a first shaft coupled to a first variable diameter device and a second shaft coupled to a second variable diameter device. The first variable diameter device and the second variable diameter device are coupled together using an inelastic linking element. As the shafts are rotated in a first direction the variable diameter devices increase in diameter. As the shafts are rotated in a second direction that is opposite the first direction, the variable diameter devices decrease in diameter. As the variable diameter devices increase in diameter, the inelastic linking element exerts a compressive force on the variable diameter devices, decreasing the distance (i.e., the pitch) between the shafts. As the variable diameter devices decrease in diameter, the inelastic linking element relaxes the compressive force on the variable diameter devices, increasing the distance between the shafts.

Abstract: A control device for a continuously variable transmission includes: a line pressure generating means configured to generate a line pressure; a pilot valve configured to supply a pilot pressure regulated so as not to exceed a first predetermined pressure when the line pressure exceeds the first predetermined pressure; a control means configured to control solenoid valves by the pilot pressure, and thereby to generate belt clamping forces; an oil vibration sensing means configured to sense an oil vibration; and a line pressure increase means configured to increase the line pressure to be greater than the first predetermined pressure when the oil vibration sensing means senses the oil vibration.

Abstract: In a control device for an automatic transmission having a flow control mechanism that causes a part of a working oil discharged from a mechanical oil pump to flow into the mechanical oil pump when a differential pressure between an upstream side and a downstream side of a narrowed portion increases beyond a predetermined value, the narrowed portion being provided in a discharge passage through which the working oil discharged from the mechanical oil pump flows, a line pressure is raised when an oil temperature of the working oil is equal to or higher than a predetermined oil temperature and an engine torque is equal to or smaller than a predetermined engine torque.

Abstract: A refrigerant system is provided with a variable speed drive for at least one of its fluid-moving devices, wherein the variable speed drive is provided by an automated mechanical drive. In the disclosed embodiment, one of the pulleys for driving the fluid-moving device has a variable diameter to vary the speed at which the fluid-moving device is driven. The pulley may include two plates that are biased in one direction by a spring or permanent magnet force, and in an opposed direction by a hydraulic or electro-magnetic force. A control adjusts the amount of hydraulic or electro-magnetic force delivered to the plates to achieve a desired speed for the fluid-moving device.

Abstract: A fan drive arrangement and method is provided for facilitating the cooling of engine coolant flowing through a radiator and an engine. The fan drive arrangement includes a variable pitch sheave assembly which moves between a first high speed position and a second low speed position. Variable pitch sheave assembly is interconnected by first and second drive belts to first and second drive pulleys operatively connected to the crankshaft of the engine and by first and second fan belts to corresponding fan pulleys connected to a fan shaft of a fan. Variable pitch sheave assembly includes first and second drive belt receiving grooves for receiving corresponding drive belts therein and first and second fan belt grooves for receiving corresponding fan belts therein. The depths of the fan belt grooves and the drive belt grooves of the variable pitch sheave assembly are varied in response to the temperature of the engine coolant flowing through the radiator so as to vary the fan speed accordingly.

Abstract: A solenoid operated control valve in an automatic transmission is operated by dither current. A flow rate of oil through the solenoid operated control valve is calculated. At least either one of the frequency and amplitude of the dither current is corrected by the flow rate. The solenoid operated control valve is operated by the dither current.

Abstract: A hydraulic control method is applied to a continuously variable speed change gear mechanism including a pulley having a fixed pulley member fixed to a rotary shaft and a movable pulley member movable by oil pressure toward and away from the fixed pulley member so that a groove width between the fixed and movable pulley members is decreased or increased to thereby reduce or increase the effective rotational radius of a belt extending between the pulley members and thus change a change gear ratio and control the gear change.

Abstract: A hydraulic control method is applied to a continuously variable speed change gear mechanism including a pulley having a fixed pulley member fixed to a rotary shaft and a movable pulley member movable by oil pressure toward and away from the fixed pulley member so that a groove width between the fixed and movable pulley members is decreased or increased to thereby reduce or increase the effective rotational radius of a belt extending between the pulley members and thus change a change gear ratio and control the gear change.