Abstract: A surgical operating table has leg sections, which are displaceable about a vertical axis and a horizontal axis. Each leg section is locked in position by two gas struts, which lock respectively about the vertical and horizontal axes. Vent buttons on the gas struts are connected via push rods to opposite ends of a lateral beam. The lateral beam is engaged, close to the end coupled to the strut locking about the vertical axis, by a manual release handle beneath the foot end of the leg section. Lifting the handle displaces the one end of the beam initially and then the other end, so that the leg section is released for movement about the vertical axis before it is released for movement about the horizontal axis.

Abstract: A motorized dining table construction 10 including a table member 20 having a table top 21 provided with central recess 22 dimensioned to receive a rotatable insert unit 12 which is provided by a drive unit 13 operatively associated with a variable speed control unit 14 which comprises a foot pedal operated rheostat based control member 50.

Abstract: A battery operated, rotatable platform display device for use in retail establishments. The display device employs a friction clutch provided between the base of the rotatable platform and an underlying drive plate upon which the rotatable platform is supported via a rotatable drive shaft.

Abstract: A transfer unit for moving an object vertically, horizontally or rotationally has a drive mechanism installed on a horizontal bed, with a transfer portion mounted on the drive mechanism. The transfer portion includes a vertically disposed rotatable threaded shaft which cooperates with a nut mounted thereon to provide a vertical movement component for the transfer portion. A workpiece receiver mounted on top of the transfer portion is rotatable about a vertical axis. Motors are provided for rotating the nut and the workpiece receiver, respectively.

Abstract: A rotating illuminating table with a circular top portion connected to a stem portion which is mounted in a circular base portion. The circular base portion contains light bulbs and a rotational drive for rotating a top surface which is contained within the base portion. Colored glass and beads are randomly located on the top surface. Light shines from the base portion through the colored glass, into and through the top portion. The light shines through a plurality of spokes located on the bottom of the top portion and through glass plates which rest on top of the spokes. The glass plates can be multiple colors providing a specific desired color effect. The light illuminates the objects on top of the table and creates a changing colored pattern on the ceiling.

Abstract: A multi-degree-of-freedom table support unit U comprising a lengthwise and crosswise motion mechanism with two outer support plates integrally combined with an inner support plate sandwiched therebetween, and with bearings B installed between the inner support plate and outer support plates. A spherical bearing mechanism consisting of a spherical face 5 formed on a surface of the inner support plate having a spherical body 6 slidably engaged with the spherical face. A rod 8 is installed in an opening 7 formed in at least one of the outer support plates, with its tip connected with the spherical body; and a straight motion bearing mechanism for back-and-forth movement of the rod is provided. There is also provided a multi-degree-of-freedom table mechanism, in which support units with the above structure are used to support a stage 14 on a support frame 13, so that the stage 14 can be moved in X, Y and Z directions by driving the rods of the support units back and forth.

Abstract: A motor, a ball screw shaft, etc. are accommodated within a frame that forms an outer frame. Direct-acting guides are provided on both sides of a groove-shaped opening defined in the frame. The ball screw shaft is centrally disposed within the frame. A table slides along the direct-acting guides under the action of rotation of the ball screw shaft. The ball screw shaft has ball-screw splines formed over its entire length and both ends thereof supported by the motor and a bearing. The center of rotation of the ball screw shaft is brought into alignment with the centers of rotation of the motor and the bearing by balls inserted into the ball-screw splines.

Abstract: A work station has a work platform adopted for generally vertical movement by means of an electric motor through a drive shaft and sprocket arrangement that drives an endless belt or chain around a pair of vertically aligned sprockets on each side of the station, the work platform being carried on supports secured to the belt or chain to impart vertical movement to the supports and thus to the work platform.

Abstract: An adjustable mounting for a deflector of a trough assembly in a glass machine is adjustable in two perpendicular directions in a horizontal plane. More than one deflector may be used.

Abstract: A television stand including a base having a base bearing plate positioned on an exterior surface thereof and a motor drive compartment and a shaft passageway formed therein for receiving a motor drive assembly and a drive shaft respectively; a motor drive assembly positioned within the motor drive compartment, the motor drive assembly including a clutch coupled between a motor output shaft and a turntable drive shaft, the turntable drive shaft having a turntable drive gear attached to second end thereof, the turntable drive gear being positioned exteriorly of the base and above the base bearing plate; rotatable turntable having a turntable drive socket formed therein adjacent to an exteriorly positioned turntable bearing plate; and a turntable thrust bearing having a central bearing aperture, a section of the drive shaft being positioned through the central bearing aperture, the turntable thrust bearing being positioned between the base thrust bearing plate and the turntable thrust bearing plate.

Abstract: A shaking table assembly includes a plurality of first linear guides arranged in parallel with each other. A supporting table is slidably mounted on the first linear guides along a longitudinal direction thereof. A plurality of second linear guides are fixedly mounted on a top surface of the supporting table and are arranged in parallel with each other and perpendicular to the plurality of first linear guides. A testing table is slidably mounted on the second linear guides along a longitudinal direction thereof.

Abstract: The apparatus for setting furniture in variable elevated positions of the present invention is comprised of a rail (14) which is vertically secured onto the surface of an interior wall; elevating means (12) which vertically move upon and along said rail (14) and include a furniture supporting means and a guide means for engaging with said rail and preventing rotation of said elevating means (12); and means to effect the vertical motion of said elevating means. Said means to effect the vertical motion of said elevating means is comprised of pulley sets (22, 24, 30, 36) and a rope (32) connected to said pulleys, so if a portion of said rope (32) is pulled, said elevating means (12) is elevated, and if said rope (32) is released, said elevating means (12) is lowered.

Abstract: A positioning stage device capable of regulating in a wide range the rotational angle of a Z-stage supporting a suction chuck. The suction chuck is constructed integrally with the Z-stage, which is supported by a bearing so as to be movable along the Z-axis and rotatable about the Z-axis. A rotation stopper plate integral with the Z-stage is supported on both faces by bearing pads of an air bearing supported by a rotary ring, and is rotated about the Z-axis together with the air bearing by means of a motor, whereby the rotational angel of the Z-stage is regulated.

Abstract: An electric actuator has a body with a hole defined therein and an electric motor fixed to an end of the body. The electric motor has a rotatable shaft to which a feed screw is coaxially connected, and a feed nut is threaded over the feed screw. The hole receives an elongate cylindrical tubular member slidably fitted therein which surrounds the feed screw. The feed nut is secured to an end of the tubular member, and a support for feeding a workpiece supported thereon is fixed to the other end of the tubular member. The feed screw, which serves as a drive force transmitting shaft, is protected by the surrounding tubular member from the deposition thereon of dust, dirt, or other foreign matter and hence from unwanted shutdown or breakage.

Abstract: A motorized collapsible platform assembly which is adapted to be removably attached to a vertical support surface is provided. The assembly has a rotatable platform which may be rotated from a vertical storage position to a horizontal position providing a horizontal work surface. The assembly has a telescoping vertical support member which allows for adjusting the size of the work surface. The vertical support member is connected to a rigid horizontal ledge to which the rotatable platform is hingedly attached. The platform can be remotely rotated by a motor which is attached to the vertical support member and has a drive shaft connected to the underside of the platform.

Abstract: A drive apparatus equipped with a ball screw which drastically improves the feeding accuracy of the driven members. The drive apparatus is equipped with detecting devices that have mutually different resolutions so as to detect the amount of rotation of each of a plurality of nuts possessed by the ball screw, thereby improving the overall resolution of the apparatus.

Abstract: A mixing device for a microwave oven consists of upper and lower elements. A multiplicity of bearing members is provided therebetween. Each of these elements is formed with at least one surface and a plurality of individual separated from each other bearing cups. Each bearing cup has a limited receiving area for receiving the corresponding bearing member. Each receiving area is larger than the largest outside periphery of the corresponding bearing member. In an assembled condition of the mixing device, the surfaces of the upper and lower elements face each other so that the receiving areas of the upper element are substantially aligned with the corresponding receiving areas of the lower element forming a plurality of bearing couples. Each bearing couple accommodates free movement of the corresponding bearing element. Upon rotation of the driving rod, the upper element undergoes orbital motion relative to the lower element.

Abstract: A keyboard musical instrument allowing a player to perform using acoustic tones or electronic sounds is provided. The keyboard is movable between various positions, such as between a raised and a lowered position. In an electronic sound mode, the keyboard is lowered so as to increase a gap between hammer assemblies and associated strings. The keyboard is lowered using cams or lifters to pull down the keyboard so as to increase a gap between hammer assemblies and associated strings. In this mode, each hammer assembly rebounds on a stopper when a corresponding key is selected, thereby giving a desirable piano touch.

Abstract: There is provided an improved turntable structure wherein a turning plate may be motor-driven or manually driven at the option of a user. The turntable includes a turning plate supported on a base plate via a rotation ring assembly. On the bottom surface of the turning plate is mounted a driving device from which extends a tie rod by which the user may manipulate the position of a driving wheel in the motor of the driving device to engage or disengage from the rotation ring assembly. The rotation ring assembly includes an upper sleeve affixed to the bottom surface of the turning plate, a lower sleeve affixed to the top surface of the base plate, and a bushing circumferentially opposing both the upper and lower sleeves. A plurality of roller balls are captured in aligned grooves formed into opposing surfaces of each of the upper and lower sleeves and the bushing.

Abstract: An improved rotary push arcade game including a turntable having a central aperture. Prize objects which are positioned on the surface of the turntable are moved by a pivoting arm member positioned above the turntable. An improved tip of the arm member is engaged with the surface of the turntable and is used to engage an object and push the object into a collection pocket. The collection pocket detects the presence of the object and provides the object to the player. An object dispenser which is positioned in the central aperture of the turntable is used for dispensing additional objects onto the surface of the turntable as required. A wheel mechanism coupled to the turntable near the edge of the turntable causes the turntable to rotate.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a compact drive system, which is capable of highly synchronizing the parallel movement of travellers. In the drive system of the present invention, a pair of racks are arranged parallel in a first direction. A pair of travellers are capable of moving in the first direction. A first shaft is arranged in a second direction and rotatably connected to the travellers. A second shaft is arranged in the second direction and rotatably connected to the travellers. A pair of first pinion gears are fixed to the first shaft and respectively engaged with each rack. A pair of second pinion gears are fixed to the second shaft and respectively engaged with each rack. Driving means moves the travellers in the first direction. The first pinion gears are engaged with the racks with torsion, which has been applied to the first shaft in a first circumferential direction. The second pinion gears are engaged with the racks with torsion in a second circumferential direction.

Abstract: A merchandising system for holding items, such as compact discs, is disclosed. The system includes a base on which several item holders are rotatably mounted. Each item holder is configured to receive at least one and preferably a plurality of items arranged vertically. A plurality of motors rotate the items while cooperating sensors provide an output corresponding to the rotational position of the item holder. A controller is coupled between the sensors and motors to maintain alignment of rotation based on the output signals received from the sensors.

Abstract: An attachment for a work supporting table of a-metal working machine is provided which will effectively substantially enable the supporting surface to be increased to enable an existing machine to handle large work pieces.

Abstract: A base board supported on an X-Y stage or the like of an exposure apparatus includes a cylindrical fixed member. Porous pads held on the fixed member support the inner circumferential surface of a guide member provided as one body with a holding member for holding a wafer in a non-contact state. The base board is rotated around its central axis by a .theta. linear motor, and is reciprocated in the vertical direction by Z linear motors provided at an equal interval in the circumferential direction. Each of the Z linear motors and the .theta. linear motor includes a rotor fixed to the holding board, and a stator that includes a coil fixed to the base board.

Abstract: A drive apparatus, along with an XY drive apparatus on which it is equipped, is provided which, together with allowing highly accurate driving and positioning of a driven object by absorbing deflection in the radial direction of a nut, achieves reduced size of the apparatus and simplification of its structure.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a rotary drive system, which is capable of simultaneously rotating a plurality of output shafts in the same manner. The rotary drive system of the present invention includes a driving mechanism for moving a moving body around in a plane; a plurality of output shafts being arranged perpendicular to the plane, the output shafts being capable of rotating on their axes at prescribed positions; and a plurality of output levers wherein a first part of each output lever is rotatably connected to each output shaft and a second part thereof is rotatably connected to a face of the moving body, which is parallel to the plane, and wherein the distance between the first and second parts of each output lever is made equal.

Abstract: A motor, a ball screw shaft, etc. are accommodated within a frame that forms an outer frame. Direct-acting guides are provided on both sides of a groove-shaped opening defined in the frame. The ball screw shaft is centrally disposed within the frame. A table slides along the direct-acting guides under the action of rotation of the ball screw shaft. The ball screw shaft has ball-screw splines formed over its entire length and both ends thereof supported by the motor and a bearing. The center of rotation of the ball screw shaft is brought into alignment with the centers of rotation of the motor and the bearing by balls inserted into the ball-screw splines.

Abstract: The object of the of the present invention is to provide a two dimentional drive system having a small and simple structure. The two dimensional drive system comprises: a first lever whose one end is fixed to a first shaft; a second lever whose one end is fixed to a second shaft; a third lever whose one end is fixed to a third shaft; a fourth lever whose one end is fixed to a fourth shaft; a first moving guide whose one end is rotatably connected to the other end of the first lever and whose the other end is rotatably connected to the other end of the second lever; a second moving guide whose one end is rotatably connected to the other end of the third lever and whose the other end is rotatably connected to the other end of the fourth lever; and a moving body being capable of moving on the first moving guide and the second moving guide.

Abstract: A supporting device for supporting a member having an inside movable portion includes a main frame, a supporting reference plate on which the member is to be placed and a plurality of driving mechanisms each being disposed between the main frame and the supporting reference plate and each having a high-rigidity displacement providing element and a low-rigidity supporting element of low damping factor, disposed in series.

Abstract: A table translation apparatus for a wood working machine is disclosed wherein a table can be repetitively moved at a high speed within a small distance to enhance the working efficiency for wood. A pair of front and rear screw shafts are supported for rotation linearly at front and rear portions of a bed extending forwardly and backwardly and driven to rotate forwardly or reversely independently of each other by a motor. A pair of front and rear shuttles are held in threaded engagement with the front and rear screw shafts, respectively. A pair of front and rear side clutches for releasably connecting the table and the front and rear side shuttles to each other, respectively, are provided on the table mounted for forward and backward sliding movement on the bed.

Abstract: A transmission mechanism for converting a rotary movement into a translatory movement includes an internal and an external coupling member which have cooperating double thread systems made of a magnetizable material. The external coupling member includes a series of permanent magnets which are polarized in an axial direction and are provided at regular intervals between the individual threads of the thread system so that the individual threads each form a common pole shoe for the permanent magnets providing a maximum magnetic flux density along the portion of the thread system containing the permanent magnets. The presence of a non-magnetizable material between the threads provides that the mutually facing walls of the coupling members are smooth, and a static gas bearing can be applied between these walls.

Abstract: A cooking vessel placed in a desired orientation on a turntable on an oven is automatically returned to that desired orientation at the end of a cooking operation. A sensor on the floor of the cooking chamber senses the movement of support rollers of the turntable to determine the angle by which the turntable must be rotated at the end of the cooking operation to bring the cooking vessel back to the desired orientation.

Abstract: A turntable table having an electrical receptacle which receives current from a standard wall outlet through conductors carried by the turntable and an associated bracket frame to transfer the voltage to an electrical appliance. The turntable can also be controlled by an electric system to rotate the turntable through touch.

Abstract: An examination table has a patient support plate attached to a floor stand so as to be movable relative to the floor stand in the longitudinal direction of the support plate. The support plate is generally rectangular, and has one side which is longer than the other. The support plate is moved relative to the floor stand by a motorized articulated lever, having first and second arms. Respective ends of the two arms are joined so as to be rotatable around a second shaft, and an opposite end of the first arm is rotatable around a first shaft connected to the support plate, and an opposite end of the second arm is rotatable around a third shaft attached to the floor stand. All three shafts are oriented perpendicularly to a horizontal plane in which the support plate is disposed, so that the first and second arms always move in a plane parallel to this horizontal plane.

Abstract: An X-Y table assembly including a first, second and third tables all fabricated from a sheet metal by bending is provided. Each of the first, second and third tables includes a bent section formed with a guide groove, and two associated guide grooves of any adjacent two of the tables are located opposite to each other to define a guide groove in which a plurality of rolling members are provided. Thus, a linear relative motion can be provided between the first and second tables in X direction, and another linear relative motion can be provided between the second and third tables in Y direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a drive apparatus that is compact in size, low in cost, allows the attaining of a high degree of accuracy as well as high-speed driving, and suppresses the production of noise.The present invention is composed so that a drive roller rolls along a track rail as a result of providing a torque generation device on a slider guided by said track rail, and attaching the output shaft of said torque generation device to said drive roller.

Abstract: The audiovisual telecommunication terminal makes it possible to orient the flat screen relative to the position of the face of the operator in front of the same. The terminal comprises means for the flexible driving of the mobile part (20) carrying the flat screen relative to the fixed part (10). The transmission is of the "pulley block" type and uses a motor (12) driving a belt (8) fixed on the one hand to a drive shaft (18) and on the other to the fixed part (10) in order to exert tension on the mobile part (20). The reverse movement can be brought about by helical springs (19).

Abstract: In the two dimensional drive system of the present invention, each end of a first X-shaft is connected to each first Y-guide, and the first X-shaft is capable of moving along the first Y-guides. Each end of a second X-shaft is connected to each second Y-guide, and the second X-shaft is capable of moving along the second Y-guides. Each end of a Y-shaft is connected to each X-guide, and the Y-shaft is capable of moving along the X-guides. A first moving body always locates at a cross point of the first X-shaft and the Y-shaft, and is capable of moving thereon. A second moving body always locates at a cross point of the second X-shaft and the Y-shaft, and is capable of moving thereon. An X-drive mechanism moves the Y-shaft along the X-guides. A first Y-drive mechanism moves the first X-shaft along the first Y-guides. A second Y-drive mechanism moves the second X-shaft along the second Y-guides.

Abstract: A precision positioning stage assembly, comprising a movable stage, a drive screw having it axis parallel to the direction of movement of the stage, a follower threadably engaged with the drive screw, and a linear guide rail for supporting one side of the stage. The linear guide rail has its axis parallel to the direction of movement of the stage. A drive member is secured to the stage which has a pair of oppositely disposed contact surfaces spaced apart a predetermined distance. A torque member is secured to the follower, the torque member having a drive section for placement between the contact surfaces and moving the stage along the guide rail. The drive section and the contact surfaces have a configuration so as to provide substantially point contact therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention provides a drive apparatus that is compact in size, low in cost, allows the attaining of a high degree of accuracy as well as high-speed driving, suppresses the production of noise, and demonstrates favorable ease of assembly when incorporating within machine tools and so on. The present invention is able to obtain the effects of reduction of costs, high accuracy and high-speed driving as a result providing a torque generation device on a slider guided by a track rail, attaching a drive roller to the output shaft of the torque generation device, and said drive roller rolling along the track rail. In addition, the above-mentioned effect of improved ease of assembly is obtained by attaching the torque generation device facing horizontally on the side of the slider.

Abstract: A table moving apparatus includes a reference table, a object movable holizontally to generate a driving force acting holizontally, a lever member receiving the driving force to swing round a fulcrum and change the driving force to a vertical force, and a movable table receiving the vertical force to move vertically. The height of movable table on the reference table can be made relatively low. Pitching and rolling errors can be reduced. When the ratio of the lever member is of the reduction type, the resolution of the movable table can be made high or good. When the ratio of the lever member is of the enlargement type, the movable range of the movable table can be made large.

Abstract: A method of using a work station having separate front and back tops having separate powered drive arrangements for permitting independent height adjustment. A controller, which is programmed by an operator, permits storage of a number of predetermined height locations each defining distinct heights for both tops. The operator effects programmed movement of the tops to predetermined height locations for predetermined times and in a predetermined sequence, with the rear top moving initially and the front top moving thereafter.

Abstract: A self-releveling, height adjustable, hydraulically operated desk and a hydraulic circuit therefor are disclosed in which the desk top is supported for vertical movement upon master and slave rephasing cylinders connected in series. The desk top may be releveled by extending the cylinders to their limits of extension. The desk and circuit may include a height adjustable monitor support. The monitor support may also be supported for vertical movement upon master and slave rephasing cylinders for self-releveling. The hydraulic circuit includes check valves to prevent the desk top and the monitor support from being raised with respect to the supporting structure except upon activation of the hydraulic pump.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a two dimentional drive system. The drive system comprises a pair of guides provided on a base, the guides arranged in parallel in the X-direction; a rod arranged in the Y-direction, each end of the rod being slidably attached to the guides. A moving body is capable of moving on the rod. A first motor, which has a first shaft, is provided for rotating the first shaft. The first motor is provided to the base. A second motor, which has a second shaft, is provided for rotating the second shaft, the second motor is provided to the moving body. A first link includes a first end and a second end, the first end of the first link is connected to the first shaft. A second link includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the second link is connected to the second shaft. The second end of the second link is rotatably connected to the second end of the first link.

Abstract: A telescoping platform assembly able to convert each unit of distance moved by a driver into two, four, or greater number of units of platform extension includes five or more interconnected slide members. The interconnected slide members are extended by operation of a powered driver coupled to the second slide member cooperating with first, second, and third cable and pulley mechanisms. The first cable and pulley mechanism couples the first, second, and third slide members together so that the third slide extends twice as far as the second slide member. The second cable and pulley mechanism couples the second, third, and fourth slide members together so that the fourth slide members extends three times as far as the second slide member. The third cable and pulley mechanism couples the third, fourth, and fifth slide members together so that the fifth slide member extends four times as far as the second slide member.

Abstract: A work station, particularly for supporting a computer, having separate front and back tops having separate powered drive arrangements for permitting independently height adjustment. The drive arrangement includes a separate drive motor associated with each top, with the motors being controlled by a controller, such as a microprocessor. The controller is preferably controlled by an operator using a portable keypad control which can be positioned on one of the tops. The controller can be programmed by the operator to permit storage of a number of predetermined height locations each defining distinct heights for both tops.

Abstract: There is disclosed an intermediate support device which can be moved in a controlled manner in a direction of movement of a table of a table feed apparatus. The intermediate support device includes a nut threadedly engaged with a screw shaft rotatably supported at opposite ends thereof, a slider of a linear guide device disposed parallel to the nut, a connecting member which interconnects the slider and the nut, and rotatably supports the nut through a rolling bearing, and a brake device mounted on the connecting member so as to restrain the rotation of the nut. The brake device is turned on to allow the free rotation of the nut, and is turned off to lock the nut on the connecting member, thereby controlling the movement of the nut, so that the screw shaft is supported at an optimal portion thereof to thereby increasing the natural frequency of the screw shaft.

Abstract: A rotating device possesses a fixed portion and a movable portion equipped with a rotary shaft, and is equipped with a rotor that can be fastened in an integrated manner to the rotary shaft via a fastening device. Said rotating device is composed of a driving device which directly rotates the rotary shaft, a fluid bearing device which reduces the friction between the fixed portion and the movable portion, a disk provided on the movable portion which is elastically deformable in the direction of thrust, a clamping device provided on the fixed portion which stops the rotation of a turntable by clamping the disk, a positioning jig which makes fine changes in the position of the rotor in the radial direction with respect to the rotary shaft, and a monitoring device which monitors the status of rotation of the rotor.

Abstract: A motion guiding device includes a first movable member movable in a first direction, a second movable member movable in a second direction different from the first direction and for guiding motion of the first movable member in the first direction through a gas pressure, a base for supporting the first and second movable members independently of each other, with respect to a vertical direction through cooperation of a gas pressure. In addition, a guide is fixed to the base for guiding motion of the second movable member in the second direction through cooperation of a gas pressure and a magnetic force of a permanent magnet, a first linear motor moves the first movable member in the first direction, relative to the second movable member, and a second linear motor moves the second movable member with the first movable member in the second direction.

Abstract: An X-Y drive apparatus suitable for use in positioning an electronic component or the like at a desired position, such as a mounting position of a printed circuit board, is provided. Each of X and Y table units includes an elongated housing provided with a pair of stationary pulleys at its opposite ends and a table provided with a pair of moving pulleys. A pair of brackets is also mounted on the housing, each located between one of the stationary pulleys and a corresponding one of the moving pulleys. A belt, having its one end fixedly attached to one of the brackets, extends first around one of the moving pulleys, then around each of the stationary pulleys, and then around the remaining moving pulleys with its remaining end fixedly attached to the remaining bracket.