Abstract: An automatic speed reducing ratio-switching apparatus comprising an input side carrier, an output side carrier, and an intermediate carrier includes first and second planetary gear mechanisms juxtaposed in the axial direction of an input shaft, first and second inner clutch members which are rotatable in one direction while locking rotation in the other direction of the input shaft, and have mutually different locking directions, first and second outer clutch members which are rotatable in one direction while locking rotation in the other direction of the input side or output side ring gear, and have mutually different locking directions, and a viscous resistance member functioning under a static frictional force to integrally rotate the input side or output side sun gear, the input side or output side planet gears, and the input side or output side ring gears respectively in an identical direction.

Abstract: Helical gears are used for a sun gear, planet gears, and an internal gear. Accordingly, when a load, which exceeds a preset torque, is applied to the internal gear, the internal gear is moved in a direction toward an input shaft or a direction toward an output shaft while making rotation in a direction different from that of the sun gear to automatically switch the speed reducing ratio.

Abstract: A driving force is transmitted from a driving section to a cylinder mechanism having a piston while subjected to speed reduction. Further, an operation oil is charged into a rotary housing of a power transmission switching mechanism that is arranged between the driving section and the cylinder mechanism. First plates and second plates are alternately arranged along an inner shaft, the first plates being connected on a side of the driving section, and the second plates being connected on a side of the cylinder mechanism.

Abstract: Helical gears, which are provided for a sun gear, planet gears, and an internal gear, have helix angles ? of not less than 25 degrees and not more than 45 degrees. Pawls provided for lock sections and internal gear lock receiving sections of the internal gear have rising angles ?, respectively, that satisfy the relational expression, 0?tan ?<(?·di)/{dp·tan(90??)}, wherein ? is the helix angle of the sun gear, ? is the screw efficiency of the sun gear as a sliding screw, dp is the pitch circle diameter of the sun gear, and di is an outer diameter of the internal gear defining a center of application of torque of the pawls.

Abstract: An actuator control system comprises an electric actuator, a driver, and a controller. The electric actuator is provided with a buffering mechanism which absorbs impact applied to a piston rod. The buffering mechanism includes piston dampers which absorb impact applied to a piston, a first end damper which is provided at an end of a housing facing the piston, and a second end damper which is provided on a rod cover separated from the housing by a predetermined distance.

Abstract: Helical gears are used for a sun gear, planet gears, and an internal gear. Accordingly, when a load, which exceeds a preset torque, is applied to the internal gear, the internal gear is moved in a direction toward an input shaft or a direction toward an output shaft while making rotation in a direction different from that of the sun gear to automatically switch the speed reducing ratio.

Abstract: An electric actuator comprises a feed screw shaft which allows a piston and a piston rod to make rectilinear reciprocating motion by converting the rotary driving force of a rotary driving source into rectilinear motion to transmit to the piston and the piston rod, a rod cover which separated from a housing at a predetermined distance in the axial direction, and a pair of guide rods each of which has one end connected to the rod cover and the other end connected to the housing and which are parallel to one another with the piston intervening therebetween to guide the piston.

Abstract: To attract a workpiece with a limited contact region, e.g., a doughnut-shaped compact disc having a central circular hole, a skirt of a substantially arcuate attractor is held against an annular land extending around the central circular hole. Suction forces are applied through a plurality of suction holes surrounded by the skirt to attract the annular land for attracting and carrying the compact disc. A mini disc having an annular step along a peripheral region around a central hole thereof may stably be attracted and carried by an attractor having inner and outer annular contact members which axially project different distances to contact the peripheral region and an area, respectively, that is radially spaced from the peripheral region by the annular step.