An apparatus reconfigures or configures a wheel associated with a train. The apparatus comprises a tool configured to engage the wheel a compound slide system for positioning the cutting tool in at least two axes. The compound slide system is controlled so that the wheel is configured in accordance with a profile. The slide system can be moved mechanically and/or pneumatically and/or can use a mechanical profile. The apparatus can have a low profile and a low weight.

In an ultrasound-assisted method, in each of at least two sonotrode arms (8, 9) of a sonotrode (7) that is fixed in a protruding manner, said sonotrode arms being connected to each other by means of a respective joint (10) in each case, a respective ultrasonic wave that is transverse to the protrusion direction and that oscillates in a resonance mode is produced, wherein ultrasonic waves superposed in the at least one joint (10) and oscillating in the sonotrode arms (8, 9) of the joint (10) oscillate at a phase offset from each other, and the oscillation planes of the superposed ultrasonic waves are parallel to each other. An ultrasonic system suitable for carrying out the method comprises an ultrasound source (1), a sonotrode (7) protruding from a sonotrode retainer (6), wherein the sonotrode (7) has at least two sonotrode arms (8, 9), which are connected to each other by means of a respective joint (10) in each case and of which at least two produce different resonance modes under ultrasonic excitation, and ultrasonic waves superposed in the at least one joint (10) and oscillating in the sonotrode arms (8, 9) of the joint (10) oscillate at a phase offset from each other. The invention further relates to a corresponding sonotrode (7).

An outer member and an inner member constituting a wheel bearing device are assembled and the brake rotor is fixed to the hub ring of the inner member. In this state, the pad slide surfaces of the brake rotor are lathed with the reference provided by a wheel pilot end surface. Alternatively, the wheel pilot end surface of the hub ring by chucking the knuckle pilot of the outer member with the wheel bearing device put in its assembled state, and the pad slide surfaces of the brake rotor are lathed with the reference provided by the wheel pilot end surface.

A motorized drapery system having an elongated rotating drive element that has a non-circular cross-sectional shape such as square, rectangular, trapezoidal, cross shaped or any other non-circular shape that is twisted. In one arrangement the drive element is twisted in one direction along its entire length. In another arrangement the drive element is twisted in one direction in a first section and twisted in an opposite direction in a second section thereby providing a center opening/center closing drapery. A plurality of rings are positioned around the drive element including at least one driver ring that includes a feature that connects to the drive element and is configured to facilitate movement along the drive element, and a plurality of idler rings that are configured to slide along the drive element. A curtain is connected to the rings and opens and closes as the rings move along the drive element.

A portable apparatus for configuring a wheel associated with a track is provided. The apparatus is in a fixed position with respect to a rail associated with the track when in operation. The apparatus includes a tool configured to engage the wheel, a position system for positioning the cutting tool in at least two axis, and a computer control. The computer control is coupled to control the positioning system. The positioning system is controlled so that the wheel is configured in accordance with a profile.

An electronic control system is programmed to control movement of a cutting tool relative to a rotating workpiece. After engagement of the stock, the tool is controlled to follow a curved path until the cutting surface of the tool reaches a predetermined depth of cut in the stock. The tool is then controlled to follow a straight/linear path, with the cutting surface of the tool engaged with the stock at said predetermined depth of cut. The control system varies the feed rate as the tool rolls into cut along a known path of curvature, to control the thickness of the material which is removed as the tool rolls into cut, e.g. to induce fracture as the material begins to coil. The feed rate as the tool rolls into cut is programmed to vary in relation to an arc of engagement between a cutting surface of the cutting tool and the stock into which the cutting tool is being moved.

A portable apparatus for configuring a wheel associated with a track is provided. The apparatus is in a fixed position with respect to a rail associated with the track when in operation. The apparatus includes a tool configured to engage the wheel, a position system for positioning the cutting tool in at least two axis, and a computer control. The computer control is coupled to control the positioning system. The positioning system is controlled so that the wheel is configured in accordance with a profile.

A portable apparatus for configuring a wheel associated with a track is provided. The apparatus is in a fixed position with respect to a rail associated with the track when in operation. The apparatus includes a tool configured to engage the wheel, a position system for positioning the cutting tool in at least two axis, and a computer control. The computer control is coupled to control the positioning system. The positioning system is controlled so that the wheel is configured in accordance with a profile.

A plunging type constant velocity universal joint includes outer and inner joint members that transmit torque therebetween through intermediation of a ball while allowing angular displacement. The outer joint member is configured to receive an internal component comprising the ball and the inner joint member so that the internal component is slidable in an axial direction. The universal joint also includes a stopper mechanism that has an annular groove, and is configured to restrict axial displacement of the internal component by allowing the ball to interfere with a circlip fitted to the annular groove. The annular groove has a conical surface, which is inclined with respect to an axial direction so that the conical surface and an axial tangent line at a contact point between the ball and the circlip form a wedge angle opened from an opening end portion of the outer joint member toward a far side.

A curtain assembly comprises a rotatable drive element wherein at least one helical guide structure is formed on, or into, the outer surface of the drive element. A drive attachment element having a structure that communicates with the helical guide structure to move the drive attachment element axially along the drive element when the drive element is rotated. Specific embodiments incorporate either a manual or motor-driven rotation assembly for rotating the drive element. Further specific embodiments involve a helical guide structure that comprises a helical groove and a structure that comprises a tooth that engages with the helical groove.