Backlash is controlled in an opposed-piston engine that includes two crankshafts disposed in a parallel, spaced-apart relationship and a gear train coupling the first and second crankshafts, the gear train including a driving gear coupled to the first crankshaft and a split gear assembly engaged with the driving gear to transfer rotation from the driving gear to the split gear assembly. The split gear assembly includes first and second gears, a spring mechanism that acts to angularly offset the first gear relative to the second gear in a first direction, and a one-way clutch mechanism that prevents relative angular movement of the first gear relative to the second gear in a second direction opposite the first direction.

A transmission includes an input shaft coupled to a prime mover, a countershaft, main shaft, and an output shaft, with gears between the countershaft and the main shaft. A shift actuator selectively couples the input shaft to the main shaft by rotatably coupling gears between the countershaft and the main shaft. The shift actuator is mounted on an exterior wall of a housing including the countershaft and the main shaft. An integrated actuator housing includes a single external power access for the shift actuator. A controller interprets controls the shift actuator with actuating and opposing pulses, and interprets a shaft displacement angle, determines if the transmission is in an imminent zero or zero torque region, and performs a transmission operation in response to the transmission in the imminent zero or zero torque region.

A device for creating more natural three-dimensional image effects which may be recorded, for example, by video cameras. The device has an intermittent image pathway occluder for receiving at least two image pathways which alternately and intermittently occludes the two image pathways, a horizontal imaging-shifting component for shifting at least one of the image pathways leftward or rightward, a vertical imaging-shifting component for shifting the image pathways upward and downward, and an image pathway compositing component which forms a coincident superimposed composite three-dimensional image after the image pathways have been shifted by the horizontal and vertical imaging-shifting components, and after passing through the intermittent image pathway occluder. Also, a device for enhancing the more natural three-dimensional effect of such images which are created and which may be recorded and/or displayed.

A power take off unit includes an input gear, an output gear, and an intermediary gear that cooperate to transfer power from a rotational power source to an operating target. The power take off unit has a control module that biases the intermediary gear relative to the input gear and the output gear to reduce gear rattle vibrations associated with intermeshed tooth looseness.

A power take off unit includes an input gear, an output gear, and an intermediary gear that cooperate to transfer power from a rotational power source to an operating target. The power take off unit has a control module that biases the intermediary gear relative to the input gear and the output gear to reduce gear rattle vibrations associated with intermeshed tooth looseness.

A gear mechanism includes a first gear, a second gear, an idler gear and a mover/stopper. The idler gear has an inner circumference with a centrally located inner space and an outer circumference rotatable relative to the inner circumference. The mover/stopper includes a bolt inserted through the inner space in a loosely fitted state and having a shaft part capable of assuming different radial positions relative to the inner space, and a receiving part holding the idler gear via the bolt. The idler gear and the bolt are configured such that the idler gear is allowed to be radially displaced relative to the bolt and to be tightened to the receiving part at a meshing engagement position by the bolt to be radially fixed and such that the inner circumference is allowed to be axially held between the receiving part and the bolt to be fixed.

A gear mechanism includes a first gear, a second gear, an idler gear and a mover/stopper. The idler gear has an inner circumference with a centrally located inner space and an outer circumference rotatable relative to the inner circumference. The mover/stopper includes a bolt inserted through the inner space in a loosely fitted state and having a shaft part capable of assuming different radial positions relative to the inner space, and a receiving part holding the idler gear via the bolt. The idler gear and the bolt are configured such that the idler gear is allowed to be radially displaced relative to the bolt and to be tightened to the receiving part at a meshing engagement position by the bolt to be radially fixed and such that the inner circumference is allowed to be axially held between the receiving part and the bolt to be fixed.

A method is disclosed for preparing a steering gear for subsequent use as part of a steering system of a motor vehicle, the steering gear includes at least a gear and a pinion meshing with the gear, and at least the teeth of the gear and/or of the pinion being made of plastic. The pinion is first pressed against the gear by way of a first force, while at the same time the pinion and the gear are rotated first in a first direction of rotation and subsequently in the second direction of rotation. The first force is preferably selected so high that plastic deformation of the plastic of the pinion and/or of the gear is achieved. Subsequently, the pinion is pressed against the gear by way of a second, defined force, which is less than the first force, the second force being permanently set.

A steering assembly includes a rack assembly coupled to a road wheel. The rack assembly includes a housing, a ball screw, a bearing, and a retainer. The housing defines an injection port. The ball screw is at least partially received within the housing. The bearing is received within the housing and rotatably supports the ball screw. The retainer is received within the housing and includes a first retainer portion and a second retainer portion. The first retainer portion cooperates with the housing. The second retainer portion extends from the first retainer portion and is spaced apart from the housing. The second retainer portion defines a channel. The channel, the second retainer portion, and a surface of the housing defines an injection pocket.

A steering assembly includes a rack assembly coupled to a road wheel. The rack assembly includes a housing, a ball screw, a bearing, and a retainer. The housing defines an injection port. The ball screw is at least partially received within the housing. The bearing is received within the housing and rotatably supports the ball screw. The retainer is received within the housing and includes a first retainer portion and a second retainer portion. The first retainer portion cooperates with the housing. The second retainer portion extends from the first retainer portion and is spaced apart from the housing. The second retainer portion defines a channel. The channel, the second retainer portion, and a surface of the housing defines an injection pocket.