Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100093476 | INFINITELY VARIABLE TRANSMISSIONS, CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSIONS, METHODS, ASSEMBLIES, SUBASSEMBLIES, AND COMPONENTS THEREFOR - Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for infinitely variable transmissions (IVT) having a variator provided with a plurality of tilting spherical planets. In one embodiment, a variator is provided with multiple planet arrays. In another embodiment, a hydraulic system is configured to control the transmission ratio of the IVT. Various inventive idler assemblies and planet-pivot arm assemblies can be used to facilitate adjusting the transmission speed ratio of an IVT. Embodiments of a transmission housing and bell housing are adapted to house components of an IVT and, in some embodiments, to cooperate with other components of the IVT to support operation and/or functionality of the IVT. Various related devices include embodiments of, for example, a control feedback mechanism, axial force generation and management mechanisms, a control valve integral with an input shaft, and a rotatable carrier configured to support planet-pivot arm assemblies. | 04-15-2010 |
20100093479 | CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSIONS AND METHODS THEREFOR - Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT) having a variator provided with a plurality of tilting, traction planets and traction rings. In one embodiment, a variator is coupled to a rangebox to provide multiple operating modes. In another embodiment, a hydraulic system is configured to control the transmission ratio of the variator and the rangebox. Various inventive shift-cam-and-sun subassemblies can be used to facilitate shifting of the transmission ratio of a CVT. Embodiments of a transmission housing and bell housing are adapted to house components of a CVT and, in some embodiments, to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT. Various related devices include embodiments of, for example, a pivot arm, a control feedback mechanism, axial force generation and management mechanisms, a control valve integral with an input shaft, a pivot pin hub, and a rotatable carrier configured to support planet-pivot arm assemblies. FIG. | 04-15-2010 |
20110034284 | CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION - Embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT). In one embodiment, a control system is adapted to facilitate a change in the ratio of a CVT. In another embodiment, a control system includes a control reference nut coupled to a feedback cam and operably coupled to a skew cam. In some embodiments, the skew cam is configured to interact with carrier plates of a CVT. Various inventive feedback cams and skew cams can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. In some embodiments, the planet subassemblies include legs configured to cooperate with the carrier plates. In some embodiments, a neutralizer assembly is operably coupled to the carrier plates. Embodiments of a shift cam and a traction sun are adapted to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT. Among other things, shift control interfaces for a CVT are disclosed. | 02-10-2011 |
20110105274 | INFINITELY VARIABLE TRANSMISSIONS, CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSIONS, METHODS, ASSEMBLIES, SUBASSEMBLIES, AND COMPONENTS THEREFOR - Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously and infinitely variable transmissions (IVT). In one embodiment, a variator is adapted to receive a control system that cooperates with a shift nut to actuate a ratio change in an NT. In another embodiment, a neutral lock-out mechanism is adapted to cooperate with the variator to, among other things, disengage an output shaft from a variator. Various inventive mechanical couplings, such as an output engagement mechanism, are provided to facilitate a change in the ratio of an IVT for maintaining a powered zero operating condition. In one embodiment, the output engagement mechanism selectively couples an output member of the variator to a ratio adjuster of the variator. Embodiments of a ratio adjuster cooperate with other components of the IVT to support operation and/or functionality of the IVT. Among other things, user control interfaces for an IVT are disclosed. | 05-05-2011 |
20120115667 | CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION - Disclosed embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT). In one embodiment, a CVT has a number of spherical planets in contact with an idler. Various idler assemblies can be used to facilitate to improve durability, fatigue life, and efficiency of a CVT. In one embodiment, the idler assembly has two rolling elements having contact surfaces that are angled with respect to a longitudinal axis of the CVT. In some embodiments, a bearing is operably coupled between the first and second rolling elements. The bearing is configured to balance axial force between the first and second rolling elements. In one embodiment, the bearing is a ball bearing. In another embodiment, the bearing is an angular contact bearing. In yet other embodiments, needle roller bearings are employed. | 05-10-2012 |
20130143708 | INFINITELY VARIABLE TRANSMISSIONS, CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSIONS, METHODS, ASSEMBLIES, SUBASSEMBLIES, AND COMPONENTS THEREFOR - Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for infinitely variable transmissions (IVT) having a variator provided with a plurality of tilting spherical planets. In one embodiment, a variator is provided with multiple planet arrays. In another embodiment, a hydraulic system is configured to control the transmission ratio of the IVT. Various inventive idler assemblies and planet-pivot arm assemblies can be used to facilitate adjusting the transmission speed ratio of an IVT. Embodiments of a transmission housing and bell housing are adapted to house components of an IVT and, in some embodiments, to cooperate with other components of the IVT to support operation and/or functionality of the IVT. Various related devices include embodiments of, for example, a control feedback mechanism, axial force generation and management mechanisms, a control valve integral with an input shaft, and a rotatable carrier configured to support planet-pivot arm assemblies. | 06-06-2013 |
20140073470 | INFINITELY VARIABLE TRANSMISSIONS, CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSIONS, METHODS, ASSEMBLIES, SUBASSEMBLIES, AND COMPONENTS THEREFOR - Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for infinitely variable transmissions (IVT) having a variator provided with a plurality of tilting spherical planets. In one embodiment, a variator is provided with multiple planet arrays. In another embodiment, a hydraulic system is configured to control the transmission ratio of the IVT. Various inventive idler assemblies and planet-pivot arm assemblies can be used to facilitate adjusting the transmission speed ratio of an IVT. Embodiments of a transmission housing and bell housing are adapted to house components of an IVT and, in some embodiments, to cooperate with other components of the IVT to support operation and/or functionality of the IVT. Various related devices include embodiments of, for example, a control feedback mechanism, axial force generation and management mechanisms, a control valve integral with an input shaft, and a rotatable carrier configured to support planet-pivot arm assemblies. | 03-13-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20130032055 | Side Contoured Open Top Hopper Railcar with Biased Door Seal and Enlarged Contoured End Door - A railroad open top hopper car comprises a pair of spaced trucks supporting a railcar body, the body comprising a pair of side structures railcar, wherein each including (i) a top chord extending the side structure length, (ii) a plurality of upper side stakes extending from the top chord, (iii) an intermediate side chord extending the side structure length and below the top chord and coupled to the upper side stakes, (iv) a plurality of lower side stakes extending from the intermediate side chord, and (v) a side sill extending the length and below the intermediate side chord and coupled to the lower side stakes. The body forms discharge chutes forming pockets for the body with a plurality of intermediate doors and end doors, wherein the end doors are larger than the intermediate doors. Each door may include a biased door seal. | 02-07-2013 |
20140158017 | OPEN TOP HOPPER RAILCAR WITH BIASED DOOR SEAL AND ENLARGED CONTOURED END DOOR - A railroad open top hopper car comprises a pair of spaced trucks a railcar body, the body comprising a pair of side structures railcar, wherein each including (i) a top chord extending the side structure length, (ii) a plurality of upper side stakes extending from the top chord, (iii) an intermediate side chord extending the side structure length and below the top chord and coupled to the upper side stakes, (iv) a plurality of lower side stakes extending from the intermediate side chord, and (v) a side sill extending the length and below the intermediate side chord and coupled to the lower side stakes. The body forms discharge chutes forming pockets for the body with a plurality of intermediate doors and end doors, wherein the end doors are larger than the intermediate doors. Each door may include a biased door seal. | 06-12-2014 |
20150336591 | OPEN TOP HOPPER RAILCAR WITH BIASED DOOR SEAL AND ENLARGED CONTOURED END DOOR - A railroad open top hopper car comprises a pair of spaced trucks a railcar body, the body comprising a pair of side structures railcar, wherein each including (i) a top chord extending the side structure length, (ii) a plurality of upper side stakes extending from the top chord, (iii) an intermediate side chord extending the side structure length and below the top chord and coupled to the upper side stakes, (iv) a plurality of lower side stakes extending from the intermediate side chord, and (v) a side sill extending the length and below the intermediate side chord and coupled to the lower side stakes. The body forms discharge chutes forming pockets for the body with a plurality of intermediate doors and end doors, wherein the end doors are larger than the intermediate doors. Each door may include a biased door seal. | 11-26-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090244276 | Pipeline Inspection System - An inspection system configured for “no-blow” use in a pressurized gas pipeline includes a push rod wound around a spool for convenient deployment and portability. A camera disposed on one end of the push rod is configured to relay images back to a monitor. A motor is configured for remote actuation by an operator, and provides for self-propelled movement of the camera in the pipeline. An entry tube is configured for sealed entry into the pipeline to facilitate entry of the camera and push rod. A guide shoe at the end of the entry tube provides a smooth transition for the camera and push rod as it leaves the entry tube and enters the pipeline. An automatically deployable and retractable positioning system is used to keep the camera away from an interior surface of the pipeline, and in the case of smaller pipelines, centers the camera within the pipeline. | 10-01-2009 |
20100236639 | System And Method For Accessing A Pressurized Gas Pipeline - A system and method for inhibiting gas release while accessing a pressurized gas pipeline includes a magnetic plug holder for magnetically engaging a pipe plug to a rod. A housing is sealingly engaged to a valve attached to the pipeline, and the rod is movable through the housing in a sealing fashion such that the plug holder can be moved linearly and rotationally relative to the housing. The housing can be sealingly attached to a portion of the valve, the valve can be opened, and the plug holder with a threaded plug magnetically engaged thereto lowered through the valve. The rod can be rotated from outside the housing to thread the plug into the threaded hole in the pipeline. | 09-23-2010 |
20110175996 | Pipeline Inspection System - An inspection system configured for “no-blow” use in a pressurized gas pipeline includes a push rod wound around a spool for convenient deployment and portability. A camera disposed on one end of the push rod is configured to relay images back to a monitor. A motor is configured for remote actuation by an operator, and provides for self-propelled movement of the camera in the pipeline. An entry tube is configured for sealed entry into the pipeline to facilitate entry of the camera and push rod. A guide shoe at the end of the entry tube provides a smooth transition for the camera and push rod as it leaves the entry tube and enters the pipeline. An automatically deployable and retractable positioning system is used to keep the camera away from an interior surface of the pipeline, and in the case of smaller pipelines, centers the camera within the pipeline. | 07-21-2011 |
20140218501 | Pipeline Inspection System - An inspection system configured for “no-blow” use in a pressurized gas pipeline includes a push rod wound around a spool for convenient deployment and portability. A camera disposed on one end of the push rod is configured to relay images back to a monitor. A motor is configured for remote actuation by an operator, and provides for self-propelled movement of the camera in the pipeline. An entry tube is configured for sealed entry into the pipeline to facilitate entry of the camera and push rod. A guide shoe at the end of the entry tube provides a smooth transition for the camera and push rod as it leaves the entry tube and enters the pipeline. An automatically deployable and retractable positioning system is used to keep the camera away from an interior surface of the pipeline, and in the case of smaller pipelines, centers the camera within the pipeline. | 08-07-2014 |
20140261796 | SYSTEM FOR EXTRACTING LIQUID FROM A PIPELINE AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING SUCH A SYSTEM - A system for extracting liquid from a pipeline includes a flexible elongate member having a first end and including a conduit having an intake port proximate the first end for receiving the liquid therein. The system also includes a camera arrangement attached to the first end of the flexible elongate member, and a connection arrangement disposed between the camera arrangement and the first end of the flexible elongate member. The connection arrangement including at least one opening in fluid communication with the intake port such that the liquid can pass through the opening and into the intake port. | 09-18-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080223448 | Mixing Eductor - An eductor for mixing two liquids wherein the eductor includes a closed or non-air gap back flow prevention member. The vacuum profile of the eductor is altered by changing an opening in a passage portion to controllably divert water flow around the venturi tube or diverting the water without the opening. This affords the changing of the vacuum profile without redesigning the entire eductor. | 09-18-2008 |
20100132814 | TWO EDUCTOR / FOUR-WAY SELECTOR VALVE ASSEMBLY - A selector valve assembly for use in conjunction with an eductor dispensing system which reduces the incidence of product carry-over when the valve is moved from one position to another. The selector valve assembly also reduces the incidence of improper dispensing. In a preferred manner, the selector valve assembly has a single valve member and accommodates four product inlet lines for selectively passing chemical concentrate to two eductors. The selector valve assembly is composed of a minimum of ports, thereby reducing maintenance and cost. | 06-03-2010 |
20110232774 | MIXING EDUCTOR - An eductor for mixing two liquids wherein the eductor includes a closed or non-air gap back flow prevention member. The vacuum profile of the eductor is altered by changing an opening in a passage portion to controllably divert water flow around the venturi tube or diverting the water without the opening. This affords the changing of the vacuum profile without redesigning the entire eductor. | 09-29-2011 |
20120247593 | TWO EDUCTOR / FOUR-WAY SELECTOR VALVE ASSEMBLY - A selector valve assembly controlling the flow of different flow paths of fluid. The assembly includes a body member having a compartment with an end wall, an outlet passage in the end wall, two ports connected to the body member and communicating with the outlet passage in the end wall, and two passages communicating with the compartment. A rotatable member is sealable positioned in the compartment and has a side wall and an end wall. A first passageway extends a distance into the rotatable member from the end wall thereof and a second passageway extends through the side wall thereof and communicates with the first passageway. Rotation of the rotatable member selectively orients the second passageway with each of the two passages to cause liquid in the two passages to pass to the first and second passageways and subsequently to the outlet passage and at least one of the ports. | 10-04-2012 |
20140158209 | TWO EDUCATOR / FOUR-WAY SELECTOR VALVE ASSEMBLY - A method of controlling the flow of different flow paths of fluid is provided. The method includes rotating a valve to a first position, receiving a first concentrate in the first position, discharging the first concentrate through one of two outlets, rotating the valve to a second position, receiving a second concentrate in the second position, and discharging the second concentrate through one of the two outlets. | 06-12-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100236513 | AIR INTAKE SYSTEM FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - An air intake system for internal combustion engine includes an intake manifold having an inlet flange and a throttle body attached to inlet flange. The throttle body includes a matching throttle body flange which physically mates with the intake flange. A friction promoting surface having a positive coefficient of sliding friction is incorporated in at least one of the inlet flange and the throttle body flange so that sliding motion of the throttle body relative to the intake manifold will be resisted. | 09-23-2010 |
20100313421 | METHOD FOR MOLDING PRODUCTS ADAPTED FOR USE IN DIFFERENT APPLICATIONS - A method is provided for forming intake manifolds for an internal combustion engine and for fastening such manifolds to the engines. The method includes: molding a plurality of identical ones of the intake manifolds, each one of the intake manifolds being molded with at least one hollow projection extending outwardly from an outer surface of the manifold, each one of the projections being molded with a cap at the distal end to seal the distal end of the hollow projection; removing the cap at a selected one or ones of the projections while leaving the cap on unselected one or ones of the projections; fastening each one of the intake manifolds to a corresponding one of a plurality of internal combustion engines; and for each one of the fastened intake manifolds, attaching a hose or hoses to the distal end or ends of the selected one or ones of the plurality of projections. | 12-16-2010 |
20100326395 | Cover with Integrated Braces - A composite material intake manifold cover includes braces integral to the outside surface of the cover to stiffen the cover and reduce noise and vibration associated with the cover. The cover has a flange around the periphery with a raised weld bead, the weld bead provided for welding the cover to a mating piece. The flange extends outwardly from the cover for a first distance over most of the periphery and a second distance to support the braces over the remainder of the periphery. The braces extend upwardly from the upper surface of the flange at the sections of the flange extending out the second distance and may be placed between adjacent intake runner ports. By providing portions of the flange extending out a greater distance, a more substantial brace can be supported, thereby improving the noise and vibration characteristics relative to conventional stiffening ribs. | 12-30-2010 |
20110259293 | Intake Manifold - An intake manifold assembly has one or more shells coupled together and coupled to a cover. When the manifold cover, or other exterior surface, is rounded, the manifold does not sit stably on a flat surface when the rounded is placed onto the flat surface. The manifold may roll off a table and be damaged. To mitigate such situation, the rounded surface is provided with at least two standoffs extending outwardly from a surface of the cover with distal ends of the standoffs substantially lying in a common plane. The standoffs have a central axis and the standoffs extend outwardly from the surface along the central axis at least as far as any other feature of the intake manifold assembly. | 10-27-2011 |
20110315125 | VACUUM PORT HAVING A FLOW DISRUPTOR - An intake system is provided. The intake system including an intake manifold coupled to an engine and a vacuum port located in said intake manifold and in an air flow path downstream of a throttle body and upstream of said plurality of intake runners, the vacuum port including a molded flow disruptor including a cross-beam traversing an outlet of the vacuum port. The intake system may further include a vacuum passage coupling the vacuum port to a vehicle subsystem. | 12-29-2011 |
20110315131 | Vacuum Port Having a Flow Disruptor - An intake system of an engine is provided. The intake system including an intake manifold, a vacuum port located in said intake manifold and in an air-flow path downstream of a throttle body and upstream of a plurality of intake runners, the vacuum port including a molded flow disruptor including a cross-beam traversing an outlet of the vacuum port, the cross-beam oriented at an angle between 0 and 90 degrees with respect to an axis of a throat in the intake manifold, and a vacuum passage coupling the vacuum port to a vehicle subsystem. | 12-29-2011 |
20120012078 | INTAKE MANIFOLD FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - An intake manifold for an internal combustion engine having a housing having a uniformly thick, outwardly facing arch shaped elongated arm for mounting to a cylinder head of the internal combustion engine with an outer surface of the arm having an outwardly facing projection disposed along a portion of a length of the elongated arm. The projection is integrally formed with the arm. The projection is at, or proximate to, the apex of the arch of the arch shaped arm. | 01-19-2012 |
20130112159 | PCV SYSTEM HAVING INTERNAL ROUTING - A positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system is provided herein. The PCV system includes an engine assembly, the engine assembly including an engine block, a cylinder head, a valve cover, and an intake manifold and a PCV passage providing fluidic communication between a crankcase of the engine assembly and a cylinder intake port of the engine assembly without hoses or conduits external to the engine assembly. | 05-09-2013 |
20130186364 | CYLINDER HEAD ASSEMBLY HAVING A DRAINAGE PASSAGE - A cylinder head assembly is provided. In one example, the cylinder head assembly includes a cylinder head, a cam cap coupled to the cylinder head having a component port, and a cam cover coupled to the cylinder head. The cylinder head assembly cylinder head assembly further includes a drainage passage including an inlet opening and an outlet extending through an exterior cylinder head surface. | 07-25-2013 |
20140041640 | VACUUM PORT HAVING A FLOW DISRUPTOR - An intake system is provided. The intake system including an intake manifold coupled to an engine and a vacuum port located in said intake manifold and in an air flow path downstream of a throttle body, the vacuum port including a molded flow disruptor including a cross-beam traversing an outlet of the vacuum port. The intake system may further include a vacuum passage coupling the vacuum port to a vehicle subsystem. | 02-13-2014 |
20140047700 | Composite Engine Part and Fastener Assembly and Method of Securing a Composite Part to an Engine - A method of securing a composite plastic part to an engine with a bolt or a bolt and washer. The bolt has a head including teeth that are adapted to engage either the part or the washer. The bolt is tightened to cause the teeth to compress the surface of the part to resist rotation that may become loosened as a result of vibration of the engine. The part may be an intake manifold, a cam cover or an oil pan. Locking features, such as teeth, may be provided on the clamping surface of the bolt and on both surfaces of the washer. Alternatively, a knurled or serrated surface may be provided instead of the teeth. | 02-20-2014 |
20150267609 | ENGINE COVER INTEGRATED CAPTIVE FASTENER - An engine cover assembly having an integrally attached captive or part-in-assembly fastener for attachment to an engine is disclosed. The engine cover assembly includes an engine cover having a fastener aperture formed in a recessed area thereof and a captive fastener assembly integrally attached to the engine cover. The captive fastener assembly includes an elongated fastener having a head or shoulder, a load limiting spacer disposed next to the shoulder of the elongated fastener, and a load limiter positioned next to the load limiting spacer. The load limiter has shoulders formed at both ends. The elongated fastener has a threaded end for attachment to a threaded insert positioned in the engine. Insulators are attached to the load limiting spacer and are positioned to either side of an area of the engine cover adjacent the fastener aperture, thus capturing the engine cover between the elongated fastener head and the load limiter. | 09-24-2015 |