Abstract: A door handle for a vehicle including a handle for opening and closing a vehicle door, and a base fixed to an outer panel of the vehicle door and rotatably supporting the handle includes an opening formed on the outer panel and including a portion having a first width, and a base frame formed on one end side of the base and including a portion having a second width larger than the first width. The portion having the second width of the base frame intrudes into a vehicle interior side of the outer panel through the opening when the base frame is fixed to the outer panel from a vehicle exterior side. The door handle for a vehicle further includes a tightening portion formed on the other end side of the base and tightening the base relative to the outer panel.

Abstract: A locking apparatus for a door comprises a key which is engageable with a lock from a first side of the door to enable the door to be unlocked The key, which is preferably a card, is subsequently only removable from its engagement with the lock at a second side of the door remote from the first side. The key is only removable, once engaged in the lock, when the door is again locked, or removal of the key may itself cause locking of the door.

Abstract: A privacy keypad providing privacy for keypad character entry and concealment of a joint in an escutcheon. A privacy keypad may include a faceplate, a keypad disposed on the faceplate, and at least one protrusion integral with the faceplate. An escutcheon for a door lock may include a housing, a keypad disposed on the housing for unlocking the door lock, and at least one protrusion integral with the housing. The protrusion may obstruct at least partially a line of sight to the keypad. An escutcheon may include top and bottom covers with the top cover projecting outward from the surface of a door more than the lower cover, resulting in an at least partially hidden joint between covers. Top and bottom covers may be interchangeable with covers having similar edges.

Abstract: A combination device that, when operated through a dial through a pre-determined combination, rotates internal Barriers and aligns a system of holes that allow an optical emitter to extend a beam of light to an optical receptor which sends a signal to a locking mechanism to disengage its lock. Also, by rotating the dial outside of the pre-determined combination, the Barriers' holes are out of alignment and thusly no signal may be sent, which sends a signal to a locking mechanism to engage its lock.

Abstract: A press control system includes at least one sensor for registering current states of at least one component of a press and at least one regulating and control device for generating actuating signals for actuating the at least one component of the press. A press simulator is integrated into the press control system for training purposes and/or diagnostic purposes on the press.

Abstract: A tool for grooving an outer surface of a valve guide comprising a tool body, a tightening nut disposed about a portion of the tool body, one or more rollers rotatably mounted within a bushing, and a handle for rotating the one or more rollers of the tool about the outer surface of the valve guide, wherein the tool is capable of grooving the outer surface of the valve guide while the cylinder head is mounted to an engine. The grooves on the outer surface of the valve guide allow the valve stem seal to grip the valve guide more effectively, thereby improving the retention force on the valve guide. As a result, the movement of the valve stem seal is minimized. A method of using the tool is also described.

Abstract: A hemming die tool assembly for use with an anvil supporting a workpiece to be hemmed. A mounting plate is pivotally secured about an axis relative to the anvil while a vertical slide is slidably attached to the mounting plate along a first direction. An elongated channel is attached to the vertical slide so that the axis of the channel is transverse to the first direction. A hemming tool is secured to the vertical slide while a rocker arm is pivotally secured at one end to the mounting plate about the pivotal axis of the mounting plate while a second end of the rocker arm is longitudinally slidably mounted in the channel. A first cam assembly pivots the mounting plate between a retracted position, in which the hemming tool is positioned away from the workpiece, and an extended position in which the hemming tool overlies the workpiece.

Abstract: A metallic plate is curved and folded by means of a press such that a curved portion is formed along an edge thereof, and two opposing straight portions are parallel, which are on two sides of the curved portion; the press includes first and second lower dies, and first and second hydraulic actuated upper dies; the first lower die has notches along it; the second lower die has a trench along it, whose cross-section is like an U; the second upper die has a pressing portion fitting the trench; the plate is first formed with two parallel folded portions, which each defines an obtuse angle, and together define an intermediate portion, with the notches and the first upper die; the width of the intermediate portion equals the arc length of the trench; next, the intermediate portion is sandwiched between and pressed with both the second dies to have the same curvature as the trench.

Abstract: A caliper atomic force microscope (AFM) comprises two AFM probes (each comprised of an oscillator and an attached tip) that operate on a sample in a coordinated manner. The coordinated operation of the AFM probes may be spatially or temporally coordinated. The result of the coordinated operation may be an image of the sample or a dimensional measurement of an unknown sample. The probes of the caliper AFM may be tilted, or the tips may be tilted at a non-orthogonal angle with respect to the probes, so as to enable the tips to access vertical sample surfaces or to enable the tips to touch each other. The tip shapes may include conical, boot-shaped, cylindrical, or spherical and materials from which the tips are fabricated may include silicon or carbon nanotubes. The oscillators may be beveled to allow the tips to operate in close proximity or in contact without interference of the oscillators. The disclosure of the present invention is discussed in terms of an atomic force (van der Waalls) interaction.

Abstract: An energy-autonomous sensor for detection of physical environmental parameters, having at least one sensor element, one storage element and one control circuit, with a timer circuit which is activated on reaching a predetermined electrical voltage on the storage element, activates the sensor and the control circuit at predetermined time intervals, and deactivates them after a predetermined operating time, such that this results in a time duration of sensor operation and a sensor operation pause.

Abstract: A pneumatic testing apparatus is provided for accelerating a mass. The apparatus has a housing defining a reservoir and a cylinder having an opened proximate end and a closed distal end. The opened proximate end is positioned within the reservoir and a piston is positioned in the cylinder. The piston has a first side and a second side. A shaft connects to the first side of the piston, the shaft being positioned coaxially within the cylinder and extending through its closed distal end. An exhaust orifice is located at the closed distal end, wherein the mass is positioned on the portion of the shaft extending from the distal end of said cylinder and is accelerated as a gas at a first pressure located in the reservoir enters the open proximate end of the cylinder and urges against the second side of said piston, thereby causing the piston to accelerate toward the distal end of the cylinder and simultaneously accelerate the mass.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus is provided for detecting leaks in a bladder of a mold. The mold comprises a lower platen and an upper platen, and an inner cavity having an inflatable bladder contained therein. The bladder is mounted to the mold via one or more mounting rings, wherein the one or more mounting rings further comprises a vent passage having a first end adjacent to the bladder wherein the first end comprises an annular shaped groove; the vent passage having a second end in fluid communication with a valve, the valve having a first position connected to vent, and a second position connected to a pressure measuring device. A method of detecting leaks in a bladder of a mold having a gaseous inflation cycle and a deflation cycle is provided. The method comprises the steps of: creating a vent passage in a section of the mold in contact with the a bladder of the mold; venting said vent passage to atmospheric pressure; during a portion of the deflation cycle, sensing the pressure in the vent passage.

Abstract: An underground storage system includes a primary containment unit and a secondary containment unit arranged to sealingly encompass the primary containment unit. The underground storage system further includes a leak detection system which is fluidly connected to the secondary containment system, and which is adapted to detect fluid leaks in the primary containment system and the secondary containment system.

Abstract: A device and method for measuring the back pressure in chemical reactor tubes includes many automated features. Inflatable tube seals may be automatically inflated. The device may measure several tubes at once. It may transmit data electronically to a remote computer for analysis and graphic display.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring compositional parameters of solid, liquid, and gas components of a mixture flowing in a pipe is presented. The apparatus combines three different compositional measurements (e.g., the speed of light (microwave), the speed of sound (sonar), and mass loading of vibrating tubes or absorption of radiation) simultaneously to provide a real time, multi parameter, compositional measurement of gas-entrained mixtures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device comprising a thermobalance equipped with a detector (5) for measuring acoustic signals emitted by a sample (6) hanging from the balance beam and a preamplifier (2) incorporated in the vicinity of the head of the balance. The invention allows gas phase kinetic study of the degradation of materials and of depositions on these materials under temperature (100 to 1400° C.). In particular, corrosion phenomena such as: oxidation, sulfurization, carbonizing, metal dusting, nitriding, hydridation, chlorination, molten salt attack, and combinations of these degradations. Besides, deposits on the materials can be due to coking phenomena (carbon deposits), deposition of molten salts, volatile compounds condensation. The invention allows evaluation of the efficiency of inhibitors against corrosion and deposition processes.

Abstract: A process for enabling the detection of an entry of fuel into the lubricating oil of an internal combustion engine can be implemented relatively simply. The process measures a value representative of the volume of lubricating oil in the internal combustion engine and detects an entry of fuel into the lubricating oil on the basis of an evaluation of results of the measurement which were obtained for different points in time.

Abstract: In a borehole logging tool, the flow of conductive fluid into or out of a wellbore at the wellbore wall is detected and measured with a sensor loop proximate the borehole inner wall. The sensor loop includes a series of contiguous sensors that act as electromagnetic flowmeters and provide fluid measurements covering the entire circumference of the sensor loop. The sensor loop includes an elastic element that forces the sensor loop outward to maintain pressure along the sensor loop circumference against the interior borehole wall. The sensor loop is designed to lie at a non-perpendicular angle to the wellbore axis, and mechanical arms press the top and bottom of the loop against the borehole inner wall.

Abstract: In a method for determining the radial modulus of elasticity of paper or a corresponding web-like material that can be reeled or wound on a reel, the connection between the force and deflection of a material arranged in layers is measured. The measurements of force and deflection necessary for calculating the radial modulus of elasticity are performed on a reel of paper or corresponding material outside the reeling or winding position by loading the reel with a press member.

Abstract: A thermal type air flow meter that makes it possible to precisely and easily determine whether a sensor element is a non-defective or a defective by screening is provided. First and second diaphragm sections composed of an electrical insulating film are formed in a semiconductor substrate. A heating resistor and a resistor for intake air temperature sensor are disposed on them to obtain a sensor element for thermal type air flow meters. The length of the short sides W1 of the rectangular first diaphragm section is made substantially equal to the length of the short sides of the second diaphragm section rectangular as well. Thus, the pressures applied to each of the diaphragm sections are substantially identical with each other in pressurization during screening.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor, with a sensor housing (8) whose through-hole is intended for a connecting cable (1) that is attached to the sensor (11, 12), such that the connecting cable (1) is surrounded by a pressure spring element (4). In accordance with the invention, a conical supporting sleeve (3) is positioned next to the pressure spring element (4); also furnished is a cable seat housing (2) of thermoplastic material with a conical hole. The conical supporting sleeve (3) engages with this conical hole. A cable jacket (1b) belonging to the connecting cable (1) is squeezed between the conical supporting sleeve (3) and the cable seat housing (2), while the pressure spring element (4) is encompassed by a spring housing, (5) and the cable seat housing (2) can be secured to the sensor housing (8) by means of a cap sleeve (7).

Abstract: An acoustic distance measuring device adapted to measure the level of water in a ground water well by first emitting a sonic low frequency acoustic pulse and measuring the time-of-flight for each reflected pulse from the surface of the water in the well. Each reflected pulse must have an amplitude greater than a threshold amplitude or it will be rejected. Based on time-of-flight measurements from the first low frequency sonic pulse reception windows are established for a second higher frequency sonic pulse. To refine the time-of-flight measurements for the second pulse only those reflected pulses whose reception times fall within the reception windows are accepted. A more accurate calculation of the distance from the sonic pulse emitter to the surface of the water is accomplished by using the refined time-of-flight measurements from the second higher frequency pulse.

Abstract: A capacitance type physical quantity detector includes a sensor unit of which the capacitance varies depending upon a change in the physical quantity and a C-V converter unit which converts a change in the capacitance of said sensor unit into a voltage. The C-V converter unit includes an operational amplifier, a feedback capacitor, switching means connected in parallel with said feedback capacitor, a reference voltage-generating circuit for applying a reference voltage to the operational amplifier, and a drive voltage-generating circuit for applying a drive voltage to said sensor unit. At least any one of the feedback capacitance of said feedback capacitor, the reference voltage formed by said reference voltage-generating circuit or the drive voltage formed by said drive voltage-generating circuit varies depending upon the temperature to correct temperature characteristics of the sensor unit.

Abstract: High temperature sensor sleeve includes a sensor housing formed of low coefficient thermal expansion material for holding a sensing device, and a metal housing surrounding the sensor housing. The sensor housing provided in a sleeve-like configuration having inner/outer surfaces providing thermal insulation to sensors held within its center. A metal housing also formed in a sleeve-like configuration has inner and outer surfaces. The inner surface of the metal housing is fused with the outer surface of the sensor housing. The metal housing includes a mechanical interface for securing metal housing to a sensed system. The mechanical interface can include a threaded outer surface and an integrated metal flange formed in a hex nut-like configuration, the flange. The integrated metal flange enables mechanical insertion of the sensor sleeve into a system wherein a hole formed in the system includes complimentary threading for receiving the threaded outer surface of the metal housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to construction principles, operating and manufacturing methods for inertial sensors, i.e., sensors for rapidly detecting movement and acceleration in all degrees of freedom in space, and for separately detecting the position with respect to the perpendicular under the action of acceleration due to gravity. Use is made of the knowledge that to maintain a common convection zone of two or more sensor elements, the power fractions supplied to these elements vary with change in position, movement and acceleration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microgyroscope, that is to say an inertial micromechanical sensor dedicated to the measurement of angular velocities, which is produced by micromachining techniques on a silicon wafer. The gyroscope comprises two symmetrical moving assemblies coupled via a coupling structure. Each of the two assemblies comprises a moving mass surrounded by a moving intermediate frame. The frame is connected to the coupling structure and can vibrate in two degrees of freedom in orthogonal directions Ox and Oy in the plane of the wafer. The mass is connected on one side to the frame and on the other side to fixed anchoring regions via linking means that allow the vibration movement along the Oy direction to be transmitted to the mass without permitting movement of the mass along the Ox direction. An excitation structure is associated with the frame in order to excite its vibration along Ox. A movement detection structure is associated with the mass in order to detect its vibration along Oy.

Abstract: One or more fixed sensing electrodes are employed to sense movement of a mass both within the plane of the mass/electrodes and along an axis normal to that plane. In order to measure movement of the mass along the axis normal to the plane, a reference capacitance is measured between the fixed sensing electrode(s) and an underlying conducting plane and a measurement capacitance is measured between the mass and the underlying conducting plane. A value Cv-KCf may be computed, where Cf is the reference capacitance, Cv is the measurement capacitance, and K is a predetermined constant. In accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, a standard one or two axis acceleration sensor that measures movement of the mass within the plane can be used to also measure movement of the mass in the axis normal to the plane.

Abstract: A process for making an impactor detector involves steps of fabricating a semiconductive seismic mass layer; fabricating a seimconductive substrate having a recess in a surface thereof; fixing the seismic layer to the surface of the substrate so that the seismic mass layer covers the recess; etching a portion of the seismic mass layer overlying the recess to form a seismic mass that is supported over the recess by a beam; printing an electrically conductive circuit on the seismic mass and on the substrate, the printed circuits allowing an electrostatic force to be applied between the seismic mass and the substrate; and fixing a cap over the seismic mass to define a sealed cavity enclosing the seismic mass between the recess and the cap. The process provides an improved impact detector that is reliable and may be fabricated at a lower cost as compared with conventional processes and designs.

Abstract: A method for inferring possible or impending corrosion or fouling of process elements from fluid flowing in a pipe of an industrial process is described. A frequency response of a body is measured. The measured frequency response is compared against a stored value. Corrosion or fouling of the process elements is identified based upon the comparison between the measured frequency response and the stored value.

Abstract: A passive vehicle acoustic data analyzer system having at least one microphone disposed in the acoustic field of a moving vehicle and a computer in electronic communication the microphone(s). The computer detects and measures the frequency shift in the acoustic signature emitted by the vehicle as it approaches and passes the microphone(s). The acoustic signature of a truck driving by a microphone can provide enough information to estimate the truck speed in miles-per-hour (mph), engine speed in rotations-per-minute (RPM), turbocharger speed in RPM, and vehicle weight.

Abstract: A high spatial resolution phase-sensitive technique employs a scanning near field ultrasound holography (SNFUH) methodology for imaging elastic as well as viscoelastic variations across a sample surface. SNFUH uses a near-field approach to measure time-resolved variations in ultrasonic oscillations at a sample surface. As such, it overcomes the spatial resolution limitations of conventional phase-resolved acoustic microscopy (i.e. holography) by eliminating the need for far-field acoustic lenses.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for applying at least one load to a specimen (12) according to one embodiment of the invention may comprise a mass (18). An actuator (20) mounted to the specimen (12) and operatively associated with the mass (18) moves the mass (18) along a linear displacement path (22) that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the specimen (12). A control system (26) operatively associated with the actuator (20) operates the actuator (20) to reciprocate the mass (18) along the linear displacement path (22) at a reciprocating frequency, the reciprocating frequency being about equal to a resonance frequency of the specimen (12) in a test configuration.

Abstract: A digital pressure meter is equipped with an operational (OP) amplifier circuit, and a thermistor circuit is connected with the OP amplifier circuit for causing change of an amplification ratio of the OP amplifier circuit with such that a temperature compensation for output signals is effected; the thermistor circuit includes thermistors with positive temperature coefficient or ones with negative temperature coefficient; with the help of the thermistor circuit, the digital pressure meter can perform a measurement with an accuracy of ±1% FSO (full scale output) within the working temperature range.

Abstract: A humidity sensor includes a resin molding body having a wall portion as a barrage, a chip having at least a humidity sensing function and fixed to a portion of the resin molding body inside the wall portion, and a terminal conductor insert-molded in the resin molding body and partially leaded to an exterior of the resin molding body. Here, the terminal conductor is electrically connected to the chip inside the wall portion of the resin molding body. In the humidity sensor, a protecting material having a humidity sensing property is filled in the wall portion and covers an entire electric connecting portion of the chip and the terminal conductor. The structure of the humidity sensor can be suitably used for a composite sensor including a chip having a humidity sensing function.

Abstract: A variable reluctance load cell for measuring the static or slowly fluctuating load, or tension, on devices is contained in a support tube. A sensor in the tube utilizes opposing C and I shaped magnetic cores attached to opposing ends of the support tube. A magnetic circuit is formed having an inductance defined by the size of the gap between the magnetic cores with the reluctance dominated by the gap. The sensor inductance is coupled with a fixed, predetermined capacitance in a resonant LC circuit, and the resonant frequency is a function of the gap. The sensor is in a cavity within the tube, and the cavity is sealed in a manner that prevents water or other damaging agents from entering the sensor. In this manner, mounting the sensor and tube to a static device and measuring the AC voltage at the sensor, the amount of load, or stress can be determined.

Abstract: A device to evaluate the thermoformability of plastics using pressure, vacuum or both is provided. The device includes at least one set of adjustable radiant heater panels laid parallel to the plastic material, a non-contact temperature measuring device, a carriage to move the plastic heated to preset temperature to forming, where a forming die attached to an end of mechanical device moves downwards or upwards at an adjustable speed forcing the heated plastic material to conform to the outer shape of the die while providing the actual force required to push the hot plastic as function of time or forming distance. A processor under the control of software measures the thermoforming characteristics of the sample.

Abstract: A method and a device for determining the velocity of a mass flow of powdered/granular bulk material in a conduit (1). Periodic disturbances are introduced into the mass flow that affect its electrical properties at at least one first point of the conduit (“point of disturbance”) (SST). Using an electrode mechanism (ME1 . . . ME6) an electrical current is produced by the mass flow at at least one second measuring point situated downstream of the point of disturbance (“measuring point”) (MST), and temporarily occurring changes of the current based on the disturbances introduced upstream are measured via an evaluation circuit (REV). The speed of the mass flow is determined from the time dependency between measured changes and introduced disturbance.

Abstract: A system and method provides a flow measurement system for steady-state and transient flow. A housing contains a sleeve such that the sleeve is isolated from external mechanical Strains along the sleeve caused by flow pressure changes through the flow element are detected and related to fluid flow rate.

Abstract: A rotary type component force measuring device capable of finding a highly accurate component force is provided.

Abstract: A power sensor module suitable for automotive and other high volume applications is disclosed. The power sensor module combines a speed sensing and torque sensing operation into a single unit. A power measurement can be derived from torque and speed. Combining torque sensing and power sensing within a single module instead of using separate modules for each allows for reducing redundancies and lowering cost.

Abstract: Wheel bearing comprising a rotating part and a stationary flange, and rolling contact elements arranged between them. A brake caliper is supported on the stationary flange. At least one sensor is arranged on the stationary flange. The sensor measures the braking force by measuring the change in length in the material of the stationary flange in the flow of force between first fastening openings for receiving the brake caliper and a form-locking connecting element for connecting to a wheel carrier.

Abstract: In a cold test device for electronic components, there are a cryogenic fluid supply line (5) for supply of a liquid cryogenic fluid, an evaporator (9), a cryogenic fluid line (11) for transporting the gaseous cryogenic fluid to the electronic component (3), in the cryogenic fluid line (11) which transports the gaseous cryogenic fluid there being a volumetric flow regulator (13, 13?, 13?) which stabilizes the pressure and the volumetric flow of cryogenic fluid.

Abstract: Methods and devices for accelerated light stability testing.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for simulating corrosion activity in liquid and vapor/condensate corrosion environments. The apparatus includes a container, including a lower region containing the liquid and an upper region, including a condenser, a heater for providing heat to the lower region such that the liquid is maintained at a given temperature, a vacuum pump for providing a partial vacuum at a given pressure in the upper region of the container, one corrosion probe removably positioned in the liquid, and a second corrosion probe removably positioned above the liquid.

Abstract: A Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) belt inspection device comprising a detection section for a running track and a determination section for distinguishing at least whether the cause of that running track is a substance attributable to an impurity, such as metal powder, etc. or an object attributable to an irregular-shaped area based on the periodicity of that running track. Particularly, when the cause of a running track is determined to be a substance attributable to an innocuous impurity, such as metal powder, etc., unnecessary part replacements can be avoided and a significant cost reduction achieved.

Abstract: The present invention discloses various methods in which a quality of a diffusion media for use in a fuel cell assembly can be qualitatively evaluated. The material constant, an internal contact angle, a ratio of high and low energy pores, and an external contact angle can be calculated for the diffusion media and compared to a predetermined standard to evaluate the quality of the diffusion media.

Abstract: Parametrically disciplined operation of a symmetric nearly degenerate mode vibratory gyroscope is disclosed. A parametrically-disciplined inertial wave gyroscope having a natural oscillation frequency in the neighborhood of a sub-harmonic of an external stable clock reference is produced by driving an electrostatic bias electrode at approximately twice this sub-harmonic frequency to achieve disciplined frequency and phase operation of the resonator. A nearly symmetric parametrically-disciplined inertial wave gyroscope that can oscillate in any transverse direction and has more than one bias electrostatic electrode that can be independently driven at twice its oscillation frequency at an amplitude and phase that disciplines its damping to zero in any vibration direction. In addition, operation of a parametrically-disciplined inertial wave gyroscope is taught in which the precession rate of the driven vibration pattern is digitally disciplined to a prescribed non-zero reference value.

Abstract: An apparatus for converting rotary motion to rectilinear force has an eccentrically unbalanced flywheel whose rotational speed varies through each rotation so that the unbalance is oriented in a particular direction. The flywheel has a weight protruding from one side surface which is made from a ferromagnetic material. A first magnet is located radially outwardly adjacent the weight when the weight rotates past it, and a second magnet, which is substantially diametrically opposed to the first magnet, is located radially inwardly adjacent to the weight when the weight rotates past it. The first and second magnets are moveable between a first position where there is a high level of magnetic attraction between them and the weight, and a second position where there is substantially no attraction.

Abstract: Ball screw mechanism, with a spindle nut (1) which is arranged rotatably on a ball-rolling spindle (2) and between which and the ball-rolling spindle (2) balls (3) roll on ball grooves (4, 5), and with a driving wheel (20, 26), connected fixedly in terms of rotation to the spindle nut (1), for driving the spindle nut (1), the spindle nut (1) being capable of being mounted on a housing (8) by means of a bearing, in particular a rolling bearing (7), the bearing having an outer ring (9, 23) capable of being fixed to the housing (8), the outer ring (9, 23) having a ring (15, 29) surrounding the spindle nut (1), and with a bearing running surface (10, 11) formed on the inner circumference of said ring, and a radial flange (16, 28) adjoining the ring (15, 29), the radial flange (16, 28) being capable of being fixed to the housing (8).

Abstract: In combination, a mechanical actuator and a speed changer coupled directly to one another. The mechanical actuator comprises an actuator housing, an actuator output shaft supported within the actuator housing for linear reciprocation inwardly and outwardly therefrom, an actuator input shaft supported rotationally within the actuator housing with an end of the actuator input shaft projecting outwardly from the actuator housing, and a mechanical arrangement within the actuator housing for translating rotational motion of the actuator input shaft into linear motion of the actuator output shaft. The speed changer comprises a changer housing having an output flange abutted with and affixed directly to the actuator housing in surrounding relation to the actuator input shaft and a changer output shaft supported rotationally within the output flange. The changer output shaft is formed with a blind hole for receiving the actuator input shaft.