Abstract:
A variable cam timing assembly (10) and method for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle includes a cam phaser (22) connected between an inner camshaft (12a) and an outer camshaft (12b) of a concentric camshaft (12). A torsional drive mechanism (14) connects between the cam phaser (22) and the inner camshaft (12a) for transmitting rotational torque. The torsional drive mechanism (14) permits adjustment for perpendicularity and axial misalignment of the inner and outer camshafts (12a, 12b), while maintaining a torsionally stiff coupling between the cam phaser (22) and one of the inner and outer camshafts (12a, 12b) of the concentric camshaft (12). The torsional drive mechanism (14) can be formed from one of a flexible shaft coupling (40), a transversely split driven gear (140), a transversely split sprocket ring gear (240), a transverse face spline gear (340), and a pin and slot combination drive (440).
Abstract:
An access casing assembly structured for placement at least partially within a subterranean formation by forcing the access casing assembly thereinto, comprising a plurality of casing sections operably coupled to form a central elongated cavity for providing access to the subterranean region is disclosed. Further, a tip portion of the access casing assembly may include a porous filter through which liquid or gas may communicate with the central elongated cavity. Also, a receiving member or at least one engagement hub may form a portion of the central elongated cavity and may include an engagement feature configured for selectively and lockingly engaging a locking structure of a device to be positioned within the access casing assembly. Methods of use are disclosed. A tensiometer is disclosed including a chamber structured for allowing at least partially filling with a fluid subsequent to contact therewith.
Abstract:
The invention discloses an arrangement and an associated method for contactless transmission of electrical signals between two units 1, 2, wherein a first unit 1 has a transmitting element 11 emitting electrical signals and at least one conductor 13 connected thereto, and wherein a second unit 2 has a receiving element 29 and a coupling element 31 connected thereto. The coupling element 31 is formed by means of a resistance material and decouples an electrical signal carried in the conductor 13.
Abstract:
The invention discloses an arrangement and an associated method for contactless transmission of electrical signals between two units 1, 2, wherein a first unit 1 has a transmitting element 11 emitting electrical signals and at least one conductor 13 connected thereto, and wherein a second unit 2 has a receiving element 29 and a coupling element 31 connected thereto. The coupling element 31 is formed by means of a resistance material and decouples an electrical signal carried in the conductor 13.
Abstract:
A suction lysimeter for sampling subsurface liquids includes a lysimeter casing having a drive portion, a reservoir portion, and a tip portion, the tip portion including a membrane through which subsurface liquids may be sampled; a fluid conduit coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to the membrane, and which in operation facilitates the delivery of the sampled subsurface liquids from the membrane to the reservoir portion; and a plurality of tubes coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to the reservoir portion, the tubes in operation facilitating delivery of the sampled subsurface liquids from the reservoir portion for testing. A method of sampling subsurface liquids comprises using this lysimeter.
Abstract:
A variable cam timing assembly (10) and method for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle includes a cam phaser (22) connected between an inner camshaft (12a) and an outer camshaft (12b) of a concentric camshaft (12). A torsional drive mechanism (14) connects between the cam phaser (22) and the inner camshaft (12a) for transmitting rotational torque. The torsional drive mechanism (14) permits adjustment for perpendicularity and axial misalignment of the inner and outer camshafts (12a, 12b), while maintaining a torsionally stiff coupling between the cam phaser (22) and one of the inner and outer camshafts (12a, 12b) of the concentric camshaft (12). The torsional drive mechanism (14) can be formed from one of a flexible shaft coupling (40), a transversely split driven gear (140), a transversely split sprocket ring gear (240), a transverse face spline gear (340), and a pin and slot combination drive (440).
Abstract:
A variable cam timing apparatus (10) and method of assembly for transmitting rotational torque between a driving rotary member (15b) and a driven rotary member (15a). The flexible coupling (14) can include an axis of rotation coinciding with, and an outer peripheral edge (14a) extending at least partially around, or completely surrounding, a common rotational axis of the driving rotary member (15b) and the driven rotary member (15a). The flexible coupling (14) including a flexible body (14b) having a plurality of apertures (14c, 14d) formed therein at angularly spaced positions relative to one another for connection therethrough with respect to the driving and the driven rotary members (15b, 15a) permitting adjustment for perpendicularity and axial misalignment, while maintaining a torsionally stiff coupling between the driving and driven rotary members (15b, 15a). A cam phaser (22) and concentric camshaft (12) define at least in part the driving rotary member (15b) and the driven rotary member (15a) for operating a poppet-type valve (64) of an internal combustion engine (66) of a motor vehicle (68).
Abstract:
A variable cam timing apparatus (10) and method of assembly for transmitting rotational torque between a driving rotary member (15b) and a driven rotary member (15a). The flexible coupling (14) can include an axis of rotation coinciding with, and an outer peripheral edge (14a) extending at least partially around, or completely surrounding, a common rotational axis of the driving rotary member (15b) and the driven rotary member (15a). The flexible coupling (14) including a flexible body (14b) having a plurality of apertures (14c, 14d) formed therein at angularly spaced positions relative to one another for connection therethrough with respect to the driving and the driven rotary members (15b, 15a) permitting adjustment for perpendicularity and axial misalignment, while maintaining a torsionally stiff coupling between the driving and driven rotary members (15b, 15a). A cam phaser (22) and concentric camshaft (12) define at least in part the driving rotary member (15b) and the driven rotary member (15a) for operating a poppet-type valve (64) of an internal combustion engine (66) of a motor vehicle (68).
Abstract:
Exfiltrometer apparatus includes a container for holding soil. A sample container for holding sample soil is positionable with respect to the container so that the sample soil contained in the sample container is in communication with soil contained in the container. A first tensiometer operatively associated with the sample container senses a surface water potential at about a surface of the sample soil contained in the sample container. A second tensiometer operatively associated with the sample container senses a first subsurface water potential below the surface of the sample soil. A water content sensor operatively associated with the sample container senses a water content in the sample soil. A water supply supplies water to the sample soil. A data logger operatively connected to the first and second tensiometers, and to the water content sensor receives and processes data provided by the first and second tensiometers and by the water content sensor.