Abstract:
A spatial detection apparatus comprising a rotating member having a predetermined number of teeth angularly spaced about its circumference at predetermined distances to form a bit pattern; at least one sensor capable of detecting a rising edge and a falling edge of the teeth; and a processor configured to detect at least a portion of the bit pattern based on inputs from the sensor.
Abstract:
The present invention is a method for casting a part having a complex shape or having a complex shape thereon. The method includes providing a pattern and securing at least one core to the pattern. A conformable material is located about the pattern and the core to create a complementary shape to the pattern and core in the conformable material. The pattern is removed and the core is left behind in the conformable material. The core leaves space, or an empty form, for a negative draw that cannot be formed in known casting methods. A mold is located adjacent the shaped, conformable material. A hardenable material is located between the mold and the shaped, conformable material and into the core. The hardenable material is allowed to harden and then it is removed. A cast part having a complex shape, or having a complex shape integrally formed with the part, results.
Abstract:
A center bearing assembly for rotatably supporting a shaft at varying angles relative to a support surface includes a bearing and a bearing support member that supports the bearing. The bearing support member has a curved outer surface. A bracket is provided for supporting the bearing support member. The bracket has a curved inner surface that cooperates with the curved outer surface of the bearing support member to allow the bearing support member to move relative to the bracket.
Abstract:
A plain bearing and a method for the production thereof is described, the method being for the deposition on a substrate of a layer of material having a metallic matrix, the method comprising the steps of: producing a powder of a desired aluminium-based alloy composition having a predetermined oxide content; depositing said aluminium alloy powder onto a bearing substrate by a metal spraying technique.
Abstract:
A suspension for coupling a steer axle assembly to a vehicle frame is provided that moves one or more of the spring reaction points outboard to increase roll stiffness and enable the use of a lighter axle. In one embodiment of the invention, the suspension includes a spring coupled to the vehicle frame and a shock absorber having a first end coupled to the spring and a second end coupled to a component of the steer axle assembly, such as the kingpin, at a location outboard of a longitudinal frame rail of the vehicle frame.
Abstract:
Apparatus and methods for plasma-process control are provided. One method relates to determining a physical condition of at least one object in a cavity containing gas, where sufficient electromagnetic radiation is directed into the cavity to maintain (e.g., modulate or sustain) a plasma from the gas. The method can further include monitoring a temperature of the at least one object and detecting a spike in the temperature.
Abstract:
A tandem axle assembly is provided. The tandem axle assembly includes a forward axle assembly (12) and a rear axle assembly (14) and an intermediate drive shaft assembly (16) extending between the two axle assemblies. The forward and rear axle assemblies both includes a pinion gear (98) rotating responsive to an inter-axle differential (22) and a ring gear (100) in mesh with the pinion gear. The forward pinion gear is offset from the rear ring gear by a first predetermined distance (H1) while the rear pinion gear is offset from the rear ring gear by a second predetermined distance (H2). The second predetermined distance is greater then zero, bit is less than the first predetermined distance. The variation in offsets enables both equal working angles (21,22) in the intermediate drive shaft assembly and a reduction in those angles as compared to convertional tandem axle assemblies. Further, the variation in offset results in stronger and quieter gearing.
Abstract:
A suspension and steering subassembly for a heavy truck is provided including a subframe. The subframe includes first and second side members extending substantially in the direction of vehicle travel and first and second cross members extending substantially perpendicular to the direction of vehicle travel. The first and second cross members are integral with the first and second side members such that the subframe is a unitary member. The first and second side members and the first and second cross members are further configured to receive first and second lower suspension control arms, first and second upper suspension control arms, and a portion of the steering linkage for the vehicle. The subframe may further be configured to receive a steering gear and one or more strut rods to provide fore/aft support to the subframe.
Abstract:
Variable air volume cooling system for a building which utilizes changes in the diameter of the belt (3) going around a two piece driver pulley (4) and a follower two piece driven pulley (2) to effect changes in fan speed and, accordingly, the air volume supplied. A control means (11) to operate a servo-motor (5) connected to the driver pulley (4) provides for separating the two piece driver pulley (4) to slow the fan (1), driving the two pieces of the driver pulley (4) together to speed up the fan (1), and for maintaining the same speed should a desired temperature range be obtained. The control (11) compares the temperature (16) of the area to be cooled with the speed (24) of the fan (1) to produce its outputs. Deadband operation (28) is provided to eliminate toggling and other excesses of output reversals.
Abstract:
A pressurized hydraulic fluid system includes a charge pump (16), a hydraulic motor (24) drivingly coupled to the charge pump, and a main hydraulic unit (12) adapted to function as a pump to drive the hydraulic motor. The charge pump (16) is in fluid communication with the main hydraulic unit (12) for maintaining a sufficient inlet pressure in the main hydraulic unit (12) when it functions as the pump. The system further includes a hydraulic fluid reservoir (20) in fluid communication with an inlet of the charge pump, a hydraulic accumulator (22) in fluid communication with the main hydraulic unit, and a return flow passage (11) fluidly connecting the main hydraulic unit with the hydraulic fluid reservoir (20) for returning an excess flow of the hydraulic fluid generated by the charge pump (16) to the hydraulic fluid reservoir (20).