The invention relates to an autonomous system for determining items of information representative of the movement of an articulated chain (CA—1, CA—2, CA—3) comprising at least two solid elements (ES1—1, ES2—1, ES1—2, ES2—2, ES3—2, ES1—3, ES2—3, ES3—3, ES4—3) and at least one articulation (ART1—1, ART1—2, ART2—2, ART1—3, ART2—3, ART3—3) connecting said two elements. The system comprises at least two devices (DISP1—1, DISP2—1, DISP1—2, DISP2—2, DISP3—2, DISP1—3, DISP2—3, DISP3—3, DISP4—3) for measuring inter-device distances, mounted fixedly on two distinct elements of said articulated chain and suitable for transmitting the measurements made. Moreover, the system comprises means for determining at least one distance separating two measuring devices based on at least one measurement supplied by a measuring device, and calculation means (CALC), mounted on said articulated chain, suitable for calculating items of information representative of the movement of said articulated chain based on the measurements transmitted by said devices for measuring inter-device distances.

A test device for testing concentricity between first and second holes in parallel plates includes a positioning pole and a test pole. The positioning pole includes a head segment having a tapered positioning portion. The positioning pole axially defines a through hole. The test pole is telescopically received in the through hole of the positioning pole. The test pole includes a test head with a diameter slightly less than a diameter of the second hole. The positioning portion of the positioning pole extends into the first hole with the conic section of the positioning portion abutting against an inner wall bounding the first hole. The test head of the test pole faces the second plate and approaches and confirms the concentricity of the hole in the second plate by sliding the test pole relative to the positioning pole.

The slide operation-type dovetail groove sliding stage may include a sliding lock screw for locking sliding of a sliding component, by causing the screw to abut on an inverted triangle-shaped protrusion, provided on a sidewall of a sliding component approximately parallel to a sliding direction and coupled to the sliding component, to bring the protrusion into contact with a dovetail of the fixed component and by tightening the screw. The sliding lock screw may be used as a sliding adjustment screw for performing fine adjustment of a degree of sliding of the sliding component with respect to the fixed component by adjusting an amount of rotation of the screw which abuts on the protrusion to bring it into contact with the dovetail of the sliding component, and a driving means which an operator grasps to perform an operation of sliding the sliding component to a desired position.

A device and method for inspecting a width of thread roots of a tubular component for exploration or working of hydrocarbon wells, the device including two arms each including a first and a second end, the first ends being connected together by a deformable portion allowing an angular displacement between the second ends, the second ends each carrying a contact element and a mechanism determining the angular displacement.

A tool for measuring, marking, or cutting material, the tool formed of a rigid sheet of transparent material having a plurality of lines formed thereon, and a plurality of windows formed in the lines to enable viewing of material underlying the tool. The windows can be outlined in opaque lines, and alternating windows can be filled with contrasting transparent colors.

A physiological measurement device or wearable device simulator includes a frame and a plurality of surfaces distributed within the frame. For each surface, a surface actuator links the surface of the frame. At least one of: i) force or position imparted by the surface on a physiological feature of a subject by the surface actuator; and ii) the force imparted by the physiological feature of the subject on the surface, can be employed to modulate the positions of the surfaces relative to each other independently of the forces imparted by or on those surfaces, thereby measuring the physiological feature of the subject or simulating a wearable device interface.

A rugged hand-held mobile computing device for a forester to collect and use dendrometric data from trees and tree stands is claimed. The device includes a processor which operates in connection with a memory, a user interface, a GPS receiver, a sound sensor capable of emitting an ultra-sonic pulse and a computer readable code embodied on the memory. The device communicates with a transponder by way of the ultra-sonic pulse emitted by the sound sensor. The transponder also emits an ultra-sonic pulse back to device. The device calculates the distance traveled based on the knowledge of the speed of the pulses. The memory, which also includes basic mapping software, uses the data to update a map in real time with the location of the trees and other information collected.

Systems and methods for providing aircraft heading information are provided. In one embodiment, an attitude heading reference device comprises: at least one interface for receiving heading information from one or more IRUs; at least one set of gyroscopes and accelerometers; a memory device for storing data representing heading information received via the at least one interface; and a heading calculator coupled to the at least one interface, the at least one set of gyroscopes and accelerometers, and the memory device. The heading calculator generating a heading output signal based on heading information when reliable heading information is received over the at least one interface; the heading calculator generating the heading output signal based on data from the memory device regarding previously reliable heading information and an output of the at least one set of gyroscopes and accelerometers when reliable heading information is not received over the at least one interface.

A recreational or outdoor mirrored compass is comprised of a base member, a hinged cover with a mirror and a sighting window for sighting a land mark, and a vial assembly pivotally coupled to said base member. The vial assembly comprises a vial, a magnetized indicator member pivotally journaled in the vial and an azimuth ring. At least parts of the inner sides of the sighting window are tapered in the line of sight.

In a method for calibrating a star probe of an image measuring machine, the star probe includes one or more probe heads. Probe configuration information for the star probe is configured when there is no probe configuration file of the star probe stored in a storage device of the image measuring machine, and one of the probe heads to be calibrated is selected from the star probe. The method calibrates a radius value of the selected probe head, and calibrates the deviation between the center point of the selected probe head and the focus of the camera lens. The method further generates a star probe model of the star probe according to the probe configuration information and the probe calibration information, and displays the star probe model of the star probe on a display device of the image measuring machine.

A disposable saliva ejector that utilizes a single planar, double leaf shaped plate design that is embossed on their inner faces with a series of arced ribs and folded about its midpoint. A tab and slot arrangement about the center of the plates, joins the two plates. The distal tips are held together by a dovetail arrangement on raised pads at the distal tips of each plate. The distal and proximal tips are also held in operational contact by the suction forces passed through the device. The arced ribs form a series of channels about perimeter of the device. A trough runs along the linear axis of both of the plates to direct any fluid and debris that is sucked into the channels into a connected suction tube. Placement of the saliva ejector within the mouth lies along the interior of the patient's cheek, keeping the oral cavity clear of viewing obstructions. The discharge end connects to a discharge tube, wrapping around the oral commissure then hooking onto the patient's outer cheek. Once properly placed within the patient's mouth the dental assistant is relieved from providing suction during various procedures.

An oral cavity suction system that incorporates a disposable saliva ejector residing along the interior of the patient's cheek that utilizes a single planar, double leaf shaped plate design that is embossed on their inner faces with a series of arced ribs and folded about its midpoint. The arced ribs form a series of channels about perimeter of the device that directs saliva into a trough running along the linear axis of both of the plates to direct this saliva into a connected “U” connector that hooks around the patient's cheek. A sterile suction tube is also connected on one end to the “U” connector suction tube and on its other end to a quick connect fitting that mates to a tube adapted with a fitting for connection to a high volume suction pump.

A planning and guiding method and excavation guiding device correctly implant an artificial tooth root at a predetermined site, perform various excavation processes on a cortical bone section and a spongy bone section by stage-based guidance, and guide eccentric excavation of the cortical bone section and concentric excavation of the spongy bone section according to a bone pattern, such that the artificial tooth root thus implanted is not only positioned at a planned ideal site but also manifests appropriate initial stability.

An orthodontic apparatus for installation in a patient's mouth is disclosed. The orthodontic apparatus includes a first extension wire, a second extension wire, and a palatal archwire. Each of the first and second extension wires includes a proximal portion and a distal portion. The proximal and distal portions and the palatal archwire are manipulatable to apply corrective buccal, labial, and transverse forces on the patient's dento-alveolar complex (DAC), to correct the shape of the patient's palate.

Root canal abutment devices and methods which facilitate the adjustment or removal of an oral appliance, e.g., a crown or bridge, from a reconfigurable abutment assembly are described. The adjustable abutment assembly may be secured within a pulp chamber of a pre-existing tooth. The abutment assembly has a projecting abutment portion with one or more shape memory alloy sleeves or plates or elements extending along the abutment. Each of the sleeves has a length with at least one curved or arcuate portion. Energy may be applied to the elements such that the arcuate portion flattens to allow for the oral appliance to be placed thereupon while removal of the energy allows the elements to reconfigure into its curved configuration thereby locking the oral appliance to the abutment. Removal of the oral appliance may be effected by reapplication of energy to the elements.

A multi-layer coating of alternating titanium nitride (TiN) and titanium carbo nitride (TiCN) layers is applied to at least part of a dental device for use in attaching crowns, overdentures, and the like in a patient's jaw, where the outermost layer is TiCN with a predetermined percentage of carbon to produce a pink color. The pink outermost layer is of sufficient thickness to conceal the color of the underlying layers, and is very hard and resistant to wear and damage in use. At the same time, the outermost TiCN layer is of a color consistent with the gingival anatomy, and is very hard and resistant to wear and damage in use.

Apparatuses, components, devices, methods, and systems for determining jaw movement are provided. An example patient assembly for capturing motion data of a patient includes a clutch configured to be worn by the patient on a dentition of the patient. The clutch includes a dentition coupling device configured to couple to the dentition of the patient and includes an extension member configured to protrude through the patient's mouth. The clutch also includes a position indicating system rigidly connected to the dentition coupling device. An example position indicating system emits a plurality of light beams. Some examples also include an imaging system and a motion determining device. An example imaging system captures a plurality of image sets that each include at least one of a plurality of screens upon which the light beams project. An example motion determining device processes the captured image sets to determine the motion of the patient's dentition.

The present invention is directed to a system of devices and a method for preparing a tooth to receive a restoration. The system includes a dental instrument for removal of portions of a tooth in the mouth of a patent and an overlay for guiding the dental instrument during the step of tooth removal. The overlay is designed for temporary installation into the mouth of the patient to guide the dental instrument to remove tooth material. The overlay has one or more sets of guide walls, with a predetermined configuration capable of contacting one or more guide projections of the dental instrument, and a receptacle capable of receiving and attaching to the dental instrument.

A post for a dental crown is disclosed having improved structural features—including increased post strength and reduced likelihood of root fracture. In one embodiment, the post includes a quadrangle (4-way) split shank for increased compliance and root stress reduction while providing very high mechanical grip strength and pull-out resistance. In another embodiment, a shortened threaded section and a thread-free shank tip minimize the possibility of root fracture while still providing high grip strength and pull-out resistance. Embodiments also include a radiused transition from a primary thread to a secondary thread portion of the shank for stress reduction; and axial grooves, cross-axis through holes and other shape features of the post head for increased crown retention strength.

An archwire for use with a passive self-ligation orthodontic bracket is described and which includes a resilient main body which is received in the archwire slot, and which further has a predetermined width dimension, and a variable thickness dimension, and wherein the variable thickness dimension of the archwire can be varied so as to facilitate an adjustable application of a force to the passive self-ligation orthodontic bracket so as to achieve a clinician selectable and controllable second and third order movement of a patient's tooth.

An oral treatment device that includes a mouthpiece and an electromagnetic radiation source. In one aspect, the oral treatment device includes a mouthpiece comprising a curved wall having a concave inner surface and a bite platform extending from the concave inner surface of the curved wall to a distal end, the distal end of the bite platform extending continuously in a non-interrupted manner from a first end of the bite platform to a second end of the bite platform; an electromagnetic radiation source configured to emit electromagnetic radiation from the curved wall; and wherein the bite platform comprises a collapsible region such that the mouthpiece is alterable between: (1) a biased state in which the curved wall has a first curvature; and (2) a flexed state in which the curved wall has a second curvature that is different than the first curvature.

An oral treatment device that emits light onto surfaces of a user's teeth. In one aspect, the oral treatment device includes an intraoral mouthpiece. The mouthpiece comprises a lamp support structure comprising a lamp support surface and is formed of a first material. A flexible lamp is mounted to the lamp support surface so that a light emitting surface of the flexible lamp assumes a concave curvature, thereby forming a lamp assembly. A guard component is overmolded to the lamp assembly. The guard component is formed of an elastomeric material having a hardness that is less than a hardness of the first material. In one embodiment, the oral treatment device may be a teeth whitening device.

An oral treatment device that emits light onto surfaces of a user's teeth. In one aspect, the oral treatment device includes an intraoral mouthpiece comprising: a lamp support surface; and a lamp. When the lamp is mounted to the lamp support surface, a first contact surface of the lamp contacts a first contact surface of a first electrical contact element of the lamp support surface; and (2) a second contact surface of the lamp contacts a second contact surface of a second electrical contact element of the lamp support surface.

An oral treatment device that emits light onto surfaces of a user's teeth. In one aspect, the oral treatment device includes an intraoral mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may comprise a lamp support structure comprising a lamp support surface; first and second lamps, each of the first and second lamps comprising a plurality of light emitters that generate light which is emitted from a rear surface of the lamp; each of the first and second lamps mounted to the lamp support surface, thereby forming a lamp assembly, each of the first and second lamps operably coupled to a control circuit having a power source; and a lamp retaining component coupled to the lamp support structure, a lower portion of the first lamp and an upper portion of the second lamp retained between the lamp retaining component and the lamp support surface of the lamp support structure.

An oral treatment device that emits light onto a user's teeth. The oral treatment device includes an intraoral mouthpiece comprising: a lamp comprising: a flexible sheet body having a front surface and a rear surface; and a plurality of light emitting diodes embedded within the flexible sheet body that generate light which is emitted from the rear surface of the flexible sheet body. The flexible sheet body comprises: a flexible lens plate formed of a biocompatible material. The plurality of light emitting diodes are printed to the front surface of the flexible lens plate, the rear surface of the flexible lens plate forming the rear surface of the flexible sheet body. The rear surface of the flexible sheet body of the lamp having a concave curvature and being exposed so as to form a light emitting surface of the mouthpiece.

An oral treatment device that emits light onto surfaces of a user's teeth. In one aspect, the oral treatment device includes an intraoral mouthpiece. The mouthpiece comprises: a first light emitting surface configured to emit light onto a user's maxillary teeth, the first light emitting surface having a concave curvature; a second light emitting surface configured to emit light onto a user's mandibular teeth, the second light emitting surface having a concave curvature; the first and second light emitting surface located on opposite sides of a horizontal reference plane; the first light emitting surface inclined so that a first acute angle is formed between with the first light emitting surface and the horizontal reference plane; and the second light emitting surface inclined so that a second acute angle is formed between with the second light emitting surface and the horizontal reference plane.

Methods are provided for regulating tooth movement and for maintaining or improving tissue health using heavy forces. Such methods comprise allowing a heavy force to be exerted on one or more teeth of a patient in need thereof; and administering an effective amount of light to the maxillary or mandibular alveolar bone of the patient, wherein the light is administered before, during, or after the heavy force is exerted. The light can have a wavelength in the range of about 585 nm to about 665 nm, or about 815 nm to about 895 nm. An apparatus useful for providing light therapy is also provided.

A three-dimensional (3D) scanner device for generating a three dimensional (3D) surface model of shaped objects, such as dental structures, applicable for use in the field of dentistry, particularly to dental prosthetics manufacturing is described. The scanning device can include a probe head having a particular configuration and utility. Methods and systems relating to the device and components thereof are also disclosed.

A mouthpiece delivery apparatus and methods for the using the same are provided. In at least one specific embodiment, the mouthpiece delivery apparatus can include: a mouthpiece that can include a top receiving wall, a bottom receiving wall, a first side wall and a second side wall, where the bottom receiving wall can include a base member and an edge member; an adapter section, where the adapter section is configured to attach to a dispensing apparatus; and a body section, where the body section is attached to the mouthpiece at a first end and attached to the adapter section at a second end.

A torque converter comprising a torque input element (19), an impeller wheel (3) rotationally coupled to the torque input element (19) and able to hydrokinetically drive a turbine wheel (4), a torque output element (8), clutch means (10, 38) movable between an engaged position in which the torque input element (19) and the torque output element (8) are rotationally coupled through damping means (12, 43, 44, 45), and a disengaged position in which the torque input element (19) and the torque output element (8) are rotationally coupled through the impeller wheel (3) and the turbine wheel (4), with a first bearing (31) being axially mounted between the impeller wheel (3) and the reactor (5), with a second bearing (31') being axially mounted between the reactor (5) and the turbine wheel (4).

A torque converter, including: an axis of rotation; a cover arranged to receive torque from an engine and including a first indentation; an impeller shell fixedly secured to the cover; at least one impeller blade fixedly secured to the impeller shell; a turbine including a turbine shell and at least one turbine blade fixedly secured to the turbine shell; and a lock-up clutch including a first carrier plate fixedly secured to the cover and including a first protrusion disposed in the first indentation and a clutch plate non-rotatably connected to the first carrier plate.

A fluid driving device, a motor assembly and a friction clutch thereof are disclosed. The friction clutch includes: a fixing member fixed on a rotary shaft; a connecting member slidable disposed on the rotary shaft, wherein when the rotary shaft starts rotating, an axial distance between the connecting member and the fixing member changes such that a friction force between the fixing member and the connecting member increases until the connecting member rotates synchronously with the fixing member; a loading member slidable disposed on the rotary shaft, the loading member and the connecting member being circumferentially positioned; and a restoring member configured to reduce an amount of change of the axial distance between the fixing member and the connecting member when the rotary shaft stops rotating.

A multi-plate dual clutch for coupling a motor vehicle engine to a drive shaft of a motor vehicle transmission and to an auxiliary power take-off output shaft of the motor vehicle. The dual clutch includes a drive clutch for coupling the motor vehicle engine with the drive shaft, and an auxiliary power take-off clutch for coupling the motor vehicle engine with the auxiliary output shaft. The drive clutch and the auxiliary power take-off clutch can each to be operated independently of one another by a separate lever mechanism. The dual clutch includes a wet chamber housing in which the drive clutch and the auxiliary power take-off clutch are accommodated in fluid-tight relationship, while the respective lever mechanisms for the drive clutch and the auxiliary power take-off clutch are located outside the wet chamber housing.

The present disclosure provides a double clutch assembly and a device for assisting an actuator of the double clutch. The device applies an assistance force to the actuator upon an operation of the actuator. In particular, the double clutch assembly includes first and second actuators which engage or disengage first and second clutches, respectively. The device includes: an elastic member to apply an elastic force; a first transfer portion to transfer the elastic force of the elastic member to the first actuator; and a second transfer portion to transfer the elastic force of the elastic member to the second actuator.

A driving device for a deceleration clutch, comprises a on a driving motor shaft. The drive wheel has a supporting surface with a height difference in the axial direction. A head of a shift fork lever controls the clutch sleeve to move up and down. A tail of the shift fork lever is supported on the supporting surface. The tail of the shift fork lever relatively slides on the supporting surface, so that a height of the tail of the shift fork lever changes which drives a height of the head of the shift fork and further drives the clutch sleeve to move up and down. Alternatively, the drive wheel has a supporting slide rail with a height difference in the axial direction, or has cam circumference that is radially gradient, or a bracing rod is eccentrically arranged on an end surface of the drive wheel.

A clutch center includes a pressure receiving part and is accommodated inside a clutch housing. A pressure plate includes a pressure applying part disposed at an interval from the pressure receiving part in an axial direction. A clutch portion is disposed between the pressure receiving part and the pressure applying part, and allows and blocks transmission of a power between the clutch housing and the clutch center. A first cam portion is disposed on one side of the clutch center in the axial direction, and increases an engaging force of the clutch portion when a forward drive force acts on a clutch device. A second cam portion is disposed on the other side of the clutch center in the axial direction, and reduces the engaging force of the clutch portion when a reverse drive force acts on the clutch device.

A clutch center includes a pressure receiving part and is accommodated inside the clutch housing. A pressure plate includes a pressure applying part disposed at an interval from the pressure receiving part in an axial direction. A clutch portion is disposed between the pressure receiving part and the pressure applying part, and allows and blocks transmission of a power between the clutch housing and the pressure plate. A first cam portion is disposed on one side of the pressure plate in the axial direction, and increases an engaging force of the clutch portion when a forward drive force acts on a clutch device. A second cam portion is disposed on the other side of the pressure plate in the axial direction, and reduces the engaging force of the clutch portion when a reverse drive force acts on the clutch device.

A vehicle includes a continuously variable transmission, a gear mechanism and a controller. The continuously variable transmission and the gear mechanism are provided in parallel with each other between an input shaft and an output shaft. The controller is configured to i) when the vehicle travels in a state where both a first clutch and a third clutch provided on the gear mechanism side are released, gradually increase a hydraulic pressure of the first clutch such that the first clutch is engaged, ii) calculate a command hydraulic pressure for setting the first clutch to a pressure regulating state on the basis of a command hydraulic pressure of the first clutch at a timing at which the amount of change in an output-side rotation speed of the first clutch becomes larger than a predetermined value, and iii) control the first clutch by using the calculated command hydraulic pressure.

A torsional vibration damper assembly for a hydrokinetic torque coupling device, comprises a torsional vibration damper, and a dynamic absorber operatively connected to the torsional vibration damper. The torsional vibration damper comprises a driven member rotatable about a rotational axis, a first retainer plate rotatable relative to the driven member coaxially with the rotational axis, and a plurality of damper elastic members interposed between the first retainer plate and the driven member. The damper elastic members elastically couples the first retainer plate to the driven member. The dynamic absorber includes an inertial member. The inertial member is mounted to the torsional vibration damper rotatably relative to the driven member. The inertial member is rotationally guided and centered relative to the rotational axis by the driven member of the torsional vibration damper.

The present invention relates to a lockup apparatus for a torque converter and aims to obtain a smooth relative movement of a equalizer plate with respect to a deformation of a drive plate. The drive plate 26 as an inlet sided rotating member is connected to a driven plate 22 as an outlet sided rotating member by means of damper springs 28 in a rotating direction. The damper spring 28 is constructed by a pair of divided parts 28A and 28B. An equalizer plate as an intermediate member 29 is arranged so as to slide rotatably on bearing parts 26-1 of the drive plate 26 and supporting parts 40 fixed to the equalizer plate 29 are arranged between the divided parts 28A and 28B of the damper springs 28. The bearing part 26-1 of the drive plate 26 has an outer peripheral surface 26-1a', of which arc shape has a center C' of a curvature which is offset from the center C of the arc shape of the inner peripheral surface 29a of the equalizer plate 29.

A torsional vibration reduction device that is provided inside of a fluid power transmitting device that has a driving side member that generates a fluid flow, and a driven side member that is driven by the fluid flow, includes a rolling element configured to move in a reciprocating manner according to a variation in torque; a retaining member that has a rolling chamber configured to house the rolling element in a manner that enables the rolling element to move in a reciprocating manner; and a housing configured to shield the rolling element and the rolling chamber from fluid inside of the fluid power transmitting device. The retaining member is enclosed and fixed inside the housing, and the housing is fixed to the driven side member.

A hydraulic circuit supplies pressurized hydraulic fluid to and from a torque converter that is operatively associated with a lockup clutch. The torque converter is disposed upstream of an outlet regulator that maintains a predetermined pressure in the torque converter. Power transmission in a powertrain can be directed through the torque converter during a hydrodynamic mode and can be directed through the lockup clutch during lockup mode. To switch between the hydrodynamic mode and the lockup mode, the hydraulic circuit includes a diverter valve to selectively direct pressurized hydraulic fluid between the torque converter and the lockup clutch. When operating in the lockup mode, the diverter valve further diverts hydraulic fluid discharged for the torque converter to bypass the outlet regulator disposed downstream of the torque converter.

Systems and methods for mounting components to machinery, including machinery with a rotatable shaft, are disclosed. Embodiments include systems and methods for mounting auxiliary devices, such as hydraulic pumps or electric generators, to a power takeoff (PTO). In some embodiments, the mounting system maintains alignment of the auxiliary device with the PTO while allowing hand rotation of the auxiliary device to an appropriate orientation and secures the auxiliary device to the PTO in the selected orientation. Embodiments include a stationary member that connects to a PTO and captures a rotatable member between the stationary member and the PTO. When the appropriate orientation of the auxiliary device is achieved, the rotatable member can be moved toward the auxiliary device to connect to the auxiliary device and to engage the stationary member (and to possibly engage teeth in the stationary member) to lock the orientation of the rotatable member.

A clutch pack includes a first set of clutch plates and a second set of clutch plates. The first set of clutch plates are arranged in an alternating configuration with the second set of clutch plates. The first set of clutch plates has radially outward extending teeth. The second set of clutch plates has radially inward extending teeth that define channels that are configured to allow air to flow into the clutch pack in an axial direction such that lubrication fluid located between adjacent clutch plates is channeled radially outward.

A clutch device 1 is provided with a first clutch C1 and a second clutch C2, which disengageably transmit a rotational motion. The first clutch C1 includes a first outer drum 111, first outer plates 111a, a first inner hub 113, and first inner discs 113a. The second clutch C2 includes a second outer drum 121, second outer plates 121a, a second inner hub 123, and second inner discs 123a. The first outer drum 111 and the second outer drum 121 are connected, and the second inner hub 123 is journaled by the first inner hub 113 through the intermediary of a ball bearing 131.

A clutch actuation device includes two plates that can selectively extend and compress relative to one another to selectively engage or disengage a clutch. Each plate includes a plurality of grooves, each groove having a deep end portion, a shallow end portion, and a ramped or inclined surface between the end portions. Each groove on the first plate corresponds with a respective groove on the second plate to define a plurality of pockets. Within each pocket is an elongated member having a pair of curved ends and an elongated shaft therebetween. The curved ends sit in the deep end portions of the grooves. To extend the plates relative to one another, the first plate is rotated relative to the second plate. This causes the curved ends of the elongated members to pivot within the deep end portions, and the elongated shaft extends away from the ramped surface, separating the plates.

The invention relates to a device for actuating a clutch-controlled transfer case having a two-stage intermediate gearing and a clutch-controlled transfer case that has a two-stage intermediate gearing and that is equipped with such a device. The device comprises: a rotatably driven selector shaft,a drive for rotating the selector shaft,a clutch cam disk, which can be rotated about a clutch cam disk axis by means of the selector shaft, andat least one scissor lever, wherein: one end (06) of at least one scissor lever is guided in a gate provided on the clutch cam disk,the gate has a curved path for each scissor lever, in which curved path the end of the scissor lever associated with the curved path is guided,the curved path winds around the clutch cam disk axis by at least 360°,the curved path has at least one helical segment having a continuously increasing or decreasing distance from the clutch cam disk axis, along which segment one end of a scissor lever guided therein experiences a continuously increasing or decreasing change in deflection with respect to the clutch cam disk axis during a rotation of the clutch cam disk with increasing angle of rotation, andthe clutch cam disk is disposed in such a way that the clutch cam disk can be rotated with respect to the selector shaft between two stops by an angle-of-rotation range such that, by means of rotation of the selector shaft within the angle-of-rotation range situated between said stops, shifting back and forth between the shifting stages of the intermediate gearing occurs, and, by means of rotation of the selector shaft beyond the angle-of-rotation range, the end of the at least one scissor lever experiences a deflection for actuating the clutch while a selected shifting stage is maintained.

A lockup clutch for a torque converter is provided. The lockup clutch includes a clutch plate and a piston assembly. The piston assembly includes a base section and a shim fixed to the base section. The shim is arranged for contacting the clutch plate to cause engagement of the lockup clutch. A method of forming a lockup clutch is also provided. The method includes fixing a shim to a base section to form a piston assembly; and arranging the piston assembly adjacent to a clutch plate such that the shim is arranged for contacting the clutch plate to cause engagement of the lockup clutch. A torque converter is also provided.

The disclosed technology relate to a device and system that include an outdoor power equipment power unit or cart configured to releasably couple a number of different interchangeable attachments or work implements to a common power unit, where some attachments include and/or require operator presence control, while other attachments do not include and/or require operator presence control. The outdoor power equipment power unit includes a power transfer coupling member operatively coupled to the drive shaft and configured to transfer rotational power to the associated attachment; and an operator presence actuation member operatively coupled to the operator presence control member, the operator presence actuation member configured to rotate in response to user actuation of the operator presence control member.

A ball ramp actuator assembly including a control ring, an activation ring including a first section and a second section, two circumferential plate grooves formed between the control ring and the sections of the activation ring which contain rolling elements, two clutches, a gear and an actuator. The first and second sections are splined together allowing for axial movement. The first clutch is connected to the first section of the activation ring and a second clutch is connected to the second section of the activation ring. The rotation of a section of the activation ring axially in one direction allows the corresponding plate groove to expand and apply a load to the corresponding clutch while the other section of the activation ring remains inactive and rotation in the opposite direction activates the other clutch respectively.