A device and corresponding methods for applying a coating material are disclosed. The method may include applying a first coating material on a threaded region of an opening in a multi-piece assembly, and inserting at least one fastener to the threaded region. The fastener may include a mating thread selectively secured to the threaded region of the opening to create a first friction interface between the fastener and the multi-piece assembly. The method may further include tensioning the fastener between a load surface of the multi-piece assembly and the mating thread. In one example, the load surface may define in part a second friction interface between the fastener and the multi-piece assembly that is spaced away from the threaded region such that the first coating material does not influence the second friction interface. In another example, the first coating material may be applied in a substantially uniform thickness.

In some aspects, reciprocating engines can include a drive mechanism for generating a rotational motion output from reciprocating piston assembly, where the drive mechanism includes an axially translating y-axis component to reciprocate along a y-axis with the piston assembly; an x-axis component: i) configured to reciprocate substantially perpendicularly to the y-axis, ii) having an internal ring gear, and iii) having an orbital engagement component substantially concentric with the internal ring gear; an output shaft assembly having an output pinion gear engaging tangentially with the internal ring gear; and a stationary engagement component substantially concentric with the output shaft assembly, the stationary engagement component interfacing with the orbital engagement component, the interfacing between the stationary engagement component and the orbital engagement component applying a force to the x-axis component to maintain contact between the internal ring gear and the output pinion gear.

Disclosed herein is an apparatus for extracting thermal energy from thermal expansion of a working medium in the apparatus. The apparatus includes a thermal expander, a compressor for compressing the working medium after the expansion, and a force modulation unit connecting the thermal expander to the compressor. The force modulation unit consists of two conversion gears that are connected by a lever system. The lever system can be dynamically controlled so that the non-constant force from thermal expansion is modulated into a substantially constant output force of the apparatus.

A hydrostatic pressure to kinetic energy conversion system comprises a hydraulic head water column having a lower end which diverges to a pair of pressure channels. A valve system interfaces the water column and the pressure channels so that hydrostatic pressure from the water column alternately pressurises each channel. The system further comprises racks forced by pistons to act oppositely to rotate a driveshaft therebetween. Furling bladders within the channels forcibly unfurl under pressure to force the pistons. Proximal ends of the pistons may comprise sufficiently small diameter for envelopment by the furling bladders.

A tool includes a core ring including a first end and an opposing second end. An opening is defined through the first and second ends. The core ring includes a first radial engagement component. The tool also includes a pin including a shaft having first and second sides. The first side of the shaft is disposed at least adjacent the opening of the core ring. The pin further comprises a second radial engagement component configured to engage with the first radial engagement component of the core ring. The second side of the shaft extends axially outwardly from the second end of the core ring. The tool also includes a sleeve connected to the core ring. The first side of the shaft of the pin is slidable with respect to the sleeve. At least a portion of the sleeve extends axially outwardly from the first side of the core ring.

A tool including a core ring having a first end, an opposing second end, and a first radial engagement component. The tool also includes a pin including a shaft having first and second sides. The first side of the shaft is disposed at least adjacent an opening through the ends of the core ring. A second radial engagement component of the pin is configured to engage with the first radial engagement component of the core ring. The second side of the shaft extends axially outwardly from the second end of the core ring. A sleeve is connected to the core ring. The first side of the shaft of the pin is slidable with respect to the sleeve. The sleeve and the core ring together are axially shiftable relative to the pin. At least a portion of the sleeve extends axially outwardly from the first side of the core ring.

A drive system includes: a remote drive configured for being driven by an electrical motor; and an actuator spaced apart from and fluidically coupled with the remote drive and configured for being fluidically powered by the remote drive.