Abstract: A method of controlling an actuator comprising an electric motor and an actuator coupled to the electric motor, the method comprising controlling the electric motor to move the actuator in a direction towards an absolute mechanical end stop until a last registered soft reference position has been reached and then to overtravel the last registered soft reference position by a predetermined distance, detecting the load of the actuator, and updating the registered soft reference position on the basis of the detected load.

Abstract: An actuator includes an actuator piston movable along an axis, a first stop member rotatable about the axis and configured to limit the movement of the actuator piston in a first direction along the axis, a second stop member movable along the axis and configured to limit the movement of the actuator piston in a second direction along the axis, wherein the first direction is opposite to the second direction. A first screw connection is present between the first stop member and the second stop member such that rotation of the first stop member about the axis causes movement of the second stop member along the axis to vary the amount by which the actuator piston can move along the axis in use.

Abstract: An in-prosthesis linear drive system includes a holder frame, a power drive mounted on the holder frame, a screw nut mounted on the holder frame and coupled to the power drive and rotatable on the axis thereof by the power drive, a screw rod limiter including a center sliding guide rail mounted on the holder frame and a center sliding block slidable along the center sliding guide rail, and a screw rod threaded into the screw nut and connected with the center sliding block of the screw rod limiter and movable along the axial direction of the screw nut upon rotation of the screw nut. Thus, using the screw nut to drive the screw rod achieves the effect of minimizing the occupation of the prosthesis internal space.

Abstract: A multi-actuation system includes a first electrohydraulic servo valve and a first actuator. A first fluid line fluidically connects the first electrohydraulic servo valve to the first actuator. The multi-actuation system also includes a second electrohydraulic servo valve and a second actuator. A second fluid line fluidically connects the second electrohydraulic servo valve to the second actuator. A ring fluidically connects the first fluid line with the second fluid line.

Abstract: Thread locks that can be used to secure a threaded bolt within an aperture are disclosed. Devices including a threaded aperture, such as a T-bolt, are also disclosed, which can optionally utilize thread locks disclosed herein. Embodiments disclosed herein are particularly useful in farm animal containment structures, however, the scope of the disclosure is not limited to such applications.

Abstract: A game controller button biasing mechanism includes a battery cover having a trigger support, a trigger body coupled to the trigger support to pivot about a pivot point, the trigger body having a back shaped to engage with a game controller button, and wherein the trigger support comprises an adjustable protrusion disposed in an opening to control biasing of the game controller button by the back of the trigger body via a biasing bar coupled to the trigger body.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus as well as to a method for the manufacture or processing of large tooth systems for internal or external teeth or large cogs in small production runs, wherein at least two machining methods are used with the aim of a complete machining of precision-relevant surfaces at these workpieces and while realizing production times which are as short as possible.

Abstract: A driver comprises a direction-switching means which switches a rotation direction of a rotary driving source based on a direction instruction signal, a current amplifier/limiter which converts a voltage outputted from the direction-switching means into a corresponding current and which limits the current to a preset reference current IMAX (threshold value), a current sensor which detects the current supplied to the rotary driving source, and a current loop which feeds back a detection signal supplied from the current sensor to an upstream side of the current amplifier/limiter.

Abstract: A multi-stop mechanism for providing multiple stop positions between first and second objects that are movable into and out of contact with one another. The multi-stop mechanism of the present invention includes a housing which secures the multi stop mechanism to the first object and/or the second object, a rotatble shaft rotatably mounted to the housing, and plurality of stops located on the rotatable shaft. When the shaft is rotated within the housing, the stops are rotated to different positions relative to the housing. As such, the rotatable shaft positions one of the stops to contact the first or second object that the multi-stop mechanism is not attached to.

Abstract: A multi-stop mechanism for providing multiple stop positions between first and second objects that are movable into and out of contact with one another. The multi-stop mechanism of the present invention includes a housing which secures the multi stop mechanism to the first object and/or the second object, a rotatble shaft rotatably mounted to the housing, and plurality of stops located on the rotatable shaft. When the shaft is rotated within the housing, the stops are rotated to different positions relative to the housing. As such, the rotatable shaft positions one of the stops to contact the first or second object that the multi-stop mechanism is not attached to.

Abstract: A reciprocal-movement power tool includes a movable blade reciprocally movably provided on a main body. A receiving plate that supports an angle iron to be cut is supported on the main body at a position in front of the movable blade. The movable blade is fixed on a front tip of a rod-shaped shuttle screw. The shuttle screw moves back and forth in the axial direction within a tubular screw shaft. The screw shaft is carved with a female screw portion and is rotated through a joint spindle that is deceleratingly rotated upon rotation of the motor through a deceleration means. The shuttle screw has a male screw portion that is threadingly engageable with the female screw portion.

Abstract: An improved linear actuator incorporates a DC motor whose stator is secured to a frame is provided for. To improve operational longevity and reliability of a linear actuator, the improved actuator includes a retention clutch and an axial load limiter. An axially configured retention clutch is configured to slidably fit within the open inner channel diameter of an axial load limiter and over a motor shaft of a linear actuator. In operation, the retention clutch reduces the impact loads on the stop and extending the fatigue life of these wearable components. Similarly, when the screw encounters axial loads during operation, these loads are distributed across both the axial load limiter and the motor, thereby reducing direct forces on the motor and contributing to an extended use of the motor component.

Abstract: An operator (10,210) for moving in upward and downward directions a sectional door (D) having a counterbalancing system (30) including a drive tube (31) interconnected with the door comprising, a reversible motor (41), a drive gear (52) selectively driven in two directions by the motor, a driven gear (54) freely rotatably mounted on the drive tube and engaging the drive gear, a slide guide (56) non-rotatably mounted on the drive tube, a disconnect (70) mounted on the slide guide and selectively movable between a first position rotatably connecting the driven gear and the slide guide and a second position disconnecting the drive gear and the slide guide, and an actuator (80) for selectively moving the disconnect between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: The actuator comprises: an actuator member which is moveable relative to the structure and can perform an actuation movement in one direction and a return movement in the opposite direction, an electric motor including a rotor portion which can translate from a first, rest axial position to a second, working axial position as a result of an energization of the stator and against the action of a spring, a gear transmission which is coupled to the actuator member and can be coupled for rotation with the rotor portion when the latter is in the working axial position in order to bring about an actuator movement of the actuator member, and a stop device with a retaining member which can adopt an inactive condition and an active condition and an active condition in which it permits and prevent a return movement of the actuator member, respectively.

Abstract: A brake (10) having particular application for a linear motion device (12) includes a channel (82) secured to the base plate (14) in which a body (120) secured to the sliding plate (16) partially extends. A tape seal (112) of the channel (82) extends through a slot (180) formed in the body (120) so that the calipers (15) moveably mounted to the body (120) are located within a hollow interior of the channel (82). The calipers (152) include cylindrical carriers (154) slideably received in cross bores (130) in the body (120) and are biased to a disengaged position by a spring (164) sandwiched between a snap ring (162) in the cross bore (130) and the carrier (152). A diametric groove (156) is formed on the inner axial end of the carrier (154) and slideably receives a side (140) of an actuator element (138) which extends in a non-axial direction.

Abstract: A robotic mechanism for an automated storage library having media cartridge storage cells each housing a media cartridge includes drive wheels operable to ride on tracks of the automated storage library to access the media cartridges in the media cartridge storage cells, a drive mechanism for driving the drive wheels, and a clutch mechanism for disconnecting the drive mechanism from the drive wheels to enable the robotic mechanism to be pushed by an external force along the tracks when the robotic mechanism is disabled and unable to move.

Abstract: The actuator (1) comprises:

Abstract: A linear actuator utilizing limit switches to implement reliable and effective travel limit functions. The actuator having a robust construction, lower part count, smaller dimension, and lower assembly cost.

Abstract: A device simulating the action of a solenoid, wherein the displacement of a shaft 6 is controlled by a reducer 5 driven by a motor 10 through a coupling 4. The coupling is controlled by a small solenoid 2, through an actuator 3, the energizing of which is obtained in parallel with said motor 10.

Abstract: A food slicer for automatic operation having a staged dynamic brake for bringing the slicer carriage to rest at a predetermined location in a smooth manner. A sensor or system of sensors are utilized to detect the slicer carriage location. The sensor output is fed through a microprocessor which controls a dynamic brake which in turn acts upon the slicer carriage. The brake acts upon the carriage in two or more stages, so as to bring the carriage to rest in a smooth manner. The invention may also operate to as to bring the carriage to rest in a predetermined location.

Abstract: A wiper assembly 30 for a rear view mirror 14 of a vehicle 22 that is automatically activated by a moisture sensor 60 attached to the exterior surface of a housing 12. The housing 12 is attached to the vehicle 22 by a mounting bracket 18 that includes an arm 20 interconnecting the vehicle 22 and the housing 12. The bracket arm 20 has an interior passage 21 that receives electrical wiring 50 that electrically connects a power source in the vehicle 22 to an electric motor 40 that drives the wiper assembly 30. A rack 44 and pinion 42 structure, in conjunction with motor reversing limit switches 48 provides for reciprocating movement of a wiper blade 36 across the reflective surface 16 of the mirror 14. An override switch 70 is located in the vehicle 22 so that the driver may selectively override the automatic activation of the wiper.

Abstract: A food slicer for automatic operation having a staged dynamic brake for bringing the slicer carriage to rest at a predetermined location in a smooth manner. A sensor or system of sensors are utilized to detect the slicer carriage location. The sensor output is fed through a microprocessor which controls a dynamic brake which in turn acts upon the slicer carriage. The brake acts upon the carriage in two or more stages, so as to bring the carriage to rest in a smooth manner. The invention can also operate to as to bring the carriage to rest in a predetermined location.

Abstract: A linear drive for displacing a component, in particular an aircraft wing component, is provided with an input part (1) on the driving side and an output part (4) on the driven side, there being provided between input part (1) and output part (4) an uncoupling device which interrupts a force-locking or a form-locking connection between input part (1) and output part (4) when a predetermined force is exceeded. The input part (1) comprises a freewheel outer part (2) which is connected to the output part (4) via a freewheel inner part (3). Disposed between the freewheel outer part (2) and the freewheel inner part (3) is a tubular freewheel cage (5) with a plurality of pockets (6) which house clamping members (7A, 7B) prestressed by control springs (8) so that they can move in an axial direction. The pockets (6) are provided with inclined ramps (9A, 9B) extending in an axial direction. Spring assembly (10), generating an axial prestress, is disposed between the freewheel inner part (3) and the output part (4).

Abstract: A device for mechanically limiting the travel of a moving object along a path parallel to a travel rack bar. The ends of the travel rack bar include narrow extensions that come within a pair of elongated members of a moving rack member that are kept at a cooperative spaced apart relationship with respect to each other. The travel is accomplished through a pinion gear that is meshed with the travel rack and when it reaches the end of the narrow extension it pulls in the spring loaded moving members thereby maintaining the meshed engagement of the pinion gear at all times with either the rack member extension or the moving member.

Abstract: A rotary actuator and a linear actuator are combined to provide an output shaft with independent linear and rotary motion. The linear actuator causes the rotary actuator to move linearly, and there is a guide which restricts the movement of the rotary actuator to linear motion and a bearing which receives the output shaft of the rotary actuator to prevent orbiting and deflection of the rotary output shaft.

Abstract: Methogology and apparatus are described which employ an improved modular service station design wherein a printhead-servicing sled is selectively vertically driven to effect execution of servicing tasks. In keeping with its desired modularity, the sled is made readily removable using an improved clamp and sled arrangement. The sled is driven by a unique drive system such drive system being capable of effectively selectively stalling or locking instrumentality such as the sled in various positions defined along its path of vertical movement. To save time and space, both the printhead and the servicing mechanism such as the wipers and the caps are moved so as to place them in proper relative positions for execution of a task.

Abstract: A multi directional actuator capable of moving a shaft in at least two directions independently including one linear and one rotary movement. A base plate is provided to receive a first actuator having a linearly moving shaft which is extended from and retracted into the actuator. A second actuator is connected for movement by the first actuator and where the second actuator operates an output shaft which is selectively rotated through a portion of an arc. A guide arrangement is provided to direct movement of the second actuator by the first actuator and to journal the shaft of the second actuator to prevent orbiting and deflection of the shaft of the second actuator. Limit switches can be provided to indicate end of the stroke of the linear and rotary actuators and the first and second actuators can be separated to allow use of limit stops to limit rotation of the shaft of the second actuator.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns an actuator for converting rotary movement into linear movement. The actuator comprises a prime mover turning a reduction gear assembly which, in turn, drives a mechanical transmission including a linearly moving control element. To achieve precise movement of the control element to a desired position, and to ensure the desired position is retained as exactly as possible, a reduction gear assembly which is self-locking with respect to the maximum back-driving torque exerted on the reduction gear assembly by the mechanical transmission, is combined with a low friction, non-self-locking mechanical transmission. Preferably, the reduction gear assembly is implemented in the form of a strain wave reduction gear set and the mechanical transmission element is implemented in the form of a cooperating ballscrew and ballnut.

Abstract: In a turret mill of the kind in which a doughnut 20 moves with the tool head along a threaded vertical rod 1, a tube 4 is slidably mounted on the rod 1 between end plates 5 and 6 which support a turret 7. The turret 7 can be rotated to bring a series of axially adjustable stop elements 9 into position for contact with the doughnut 20, allowing downward movement of the tool head to be stopped in various quickly selectable positions. Such contact with a stop 9 causes the lower plate 6 to act on a head 3 secured to rod 1, which in turn operates a cutout 17 via a lever 16 to stop vertical feed of the tool head. Upward movement of the doughnut 20 engages the upper plate 5, which acts on the rod 1 via a plunger 25 and lever 26, causing the rod to move downwards. This again operates the cutout 17 to stop the tool head.

Abstract: A linear actuator has reversible electric motors driving a screw-threaded shaft engaging a roller nut. A tubular housing attached to the nut has at its remote end an internal seating member and load securing lugs. An hydraulic shock absorber unit, providing linear deceleration, is normally held in its most relaxed condition between the seating member and an end of a spacer tube butting against the nut. When the nut is within the shock absorber stroke distance of the driven end of the shaft, the free end of the shaft compresses the shock absorber unit against the seating. When the nut is within shock absorber stroke distance of the free end of the shaft, a ring engages a stop collar, thereby holding the shock absorber body at a fixed distance from the free end of the shaft, and the spacer tube compresses the shock absorber unit. A centrifugal brake is provided on a drive coupling pulley, and restrains rotation of the shaft above a predetermined rate.

Abstract: The device comprises at least one lead screw (2) driving a sliding yoke (23) whose guide bar (22) is mounted on a rocker arm (19). The lead screw actuates a switch (27) by means of a cam (28) via the sliding yoke. A deliberate action on the rocker arm moves away the sliding yoke (23) which is brought instantaneously into initial position by a spring (25). The lead screw (2) is for preference disengageable by means of an arm (29) driven by the axle of the sliding yoke. This arm provides an angular positioning of the lead screw by acting on a heart-shaped cam (10).The device permits rapid, sure and precise setting of the stopping points of a motor.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus for the rotation of, for example, workpieces to be machined, on a carrier which can be set in rotation by a pinion shaft with toothed strips via a rack, the rack being arranged perpendicularly to an axis of the pinion shaft in a cylinder bore of a housing slidably between covers closing the cylinder bore, pistons provided on the rack at each end forming with a respective cover a chamber which can be subjected to pressure medium, and the toothed strips of the pinion shaft meshing with the toothing of the rack between the two pistons, wherein the spacing of the toothing and pinion shaft or toothed strips is variable.

Abstract: A screw thread cutting apparatus (tapping attachment) which is provided with a clutching apparatus within the attachment, having the capability of de-clutching the drive from the driver in the event of excessive torque. The clutching apparatus involves a clutching member or members carried by the driver and a clutching member or members carried by the driven part, and a displaceable clutching member which can produce a clutching or de-clutching action between the other members. The clutching apparatus can be built into an adapter for holding a tap provided with quick change capability. The clutching apparatus can also be built directly into the driver.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for producing clutching and de-clutching particularly adaptable for use in a tapping attachment for threading holes. The clutching apparatus includes clutching members driven by the driver or driving machine and clutching members carried by the driven part. An intermediate member is provided which provides for clutching engagement and de-clutching between the members on the driving part and the members on the driven part. The clutching apparatus has the capability of producing de-clutching in response to excessive torque applied to the apparatus, and also, it has the capability of producing de-clutching in response to the tap having reached a predetermined depth and the hole being tapped. The apparatus can be built into a tapping attachment or into a tap holding adapter having the capability of quick change release, and also, the mechanism can be built directly into the driving apparatus.

Abstract: A braking system for a vehicle having a propelling electric motor and an electromagnetic brake, includes a friction brake; a manually operable brake control lever; an interlocking device for transmitting a displacement of the brake control lever to operate the friction brake; a detecting device for detecting the displacement of the brake control lever and outputting a displacement detection signal; and a control device connected to the electric motor, the electromagnetic brake and the detecting device for controlling the electric motor and the electromagnetic brake and receiving the displacement detection signal from the detecting device.

Abstract: A device in which a sliding-gear nut is displaced on a threaded rod, one of these elements being driven in rotation by the motor to be controlled, the sliding-gear nut actuating a switch when it arrives at the end of its travel after a determined number of revolutions of the motor. The sliding-gear nut is integral in rotation with a second nut intended to interact with a second threaded part situated at the end of the first threaded part, of diameter greater than the diameter of the first threaded part and the pitch of the screw thread of which is substantially greater than the pitch of the screw thread of the first threaded part, with the result that when the second nut engages with the second threaded part, it is displaced more quickly than the first nut and quickly actuates the switch.

Abstract: In the electric actuator of the present invention, the power converting mechanism is provided for converting the rotary power of the motor into linear power of the driven member, which needs no special component part. Therefore, in comparison with the prior art power converting mechanism, it is advantage in that the scale of speed reduction and the stroke can be freely determined, with remarkably reduced number of parts and in low cost. The electric actuator according to the present invention is also provided with the improved clutch device employing the engagement of the weight and the recessed portion for secure transmission of the rotary power of the motor, resulting in full utilization of the capacity of the motor in simplified structure.

Abstract: An indexing apparatus for a rotary table has a support shaft rotatably supported by a base member in which indexed terminal positions of the rotary table is determined by abutment of a stopper member provided on the rotary table against positioning members provided on the base member. The indexing apparatus comprises a rack-pinion mechanism comprising a rack and a pinion fixed around the support shaft of the rotary table for rotating the same, a feed screw shaft rotatably supported by the base member and extending along the rack in a direction of the movement thereof, a breakable electric motor for driving the feed screw shaft, and a feed nut engaging the feed screw shaft. The rack and the feed nut are arranged so that either one of them has integral portions disposed at both sides of the other with spaces left on both the sides in the direction of the movement of the rack. Annular springs are disposed in each space.

Abstract: A clutch and brake control circuit includes first and second relays connected to an interlock circuit and to the brake and clutch coils on a vehicle. The relays are interconnected with the coils so that the clutch coil cannot be energized unless the brake coil circuit is complete. Preferably, the brake coil circuit includes a delay timer for assuring that the brake is energized for a preselected time period after the clutch coil is deenergized. The circuit is constructed such that if the clutch coil is reenergized during the time period, power to the brake coil is interrupted and the clutch coil turns on immediately without delay. Any time after the clutch coil is deenergized, a clutch switch connected to the interlock circuit and the relays must be actuated before the clutch will engage. The interlock circuit, which may include such elements as transmission, parking brake and seat switches, is fully integrated with the brake and clutch control.

Abstract: An auxiliary steering device for outboard motors is disclosed. The auxiliary steering device includes an elongated housing defining a longitudinal axis. A reciprocating moving mechanism is coupled with the elongated housing for movement along a line defined by the longitudinal axis. A motor is coupled with the moving mechanism to reciprocatingly drive the moving mechanism along a line defined by the longitudinal axis. A tie rod is coupled with the moving mechanism and the outboard motor to pivot the outboard motor which, in turn, steers the boat in response to the movement of the moving mechanism along the line defined by the longitudinal axis. A controller is also associated with the motor and a mechanism for limiting movement of the reciprocating moving member along the longitudinal axis is provided to limit movement in both directions along the line defined by the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: In a linear actuator comprising a motor-driven screw shaft, an overload detection mechanism comprises a pair of cup-shaped spring seats with substantially cylindrical portions. The spring seats are mounted at one end of the screw shaft by a pair of bearings and have a spring therebetween under a predetermined preload. Limit switches are provided for detecting overload on the screw shaft as a result of axial movement of the spring seats. The cylindrical portions of the cup-shaped spring seats serve as strikers for said limit switch means.

Abstract: A power door lock actuator avoids back driving the motor during manual operation through the use of main and secondary shafts with opposed external threads that cooperate to send a drive member to a neutral position without changing the direction of the motor.

Abstract: A shock absorbing overtravel stop apparatus which includes a rotatable drive shaft 10, a screw shaft 15 driven by the drive shaft 10, and a nonrotatable travelling nut 30 threaded on and moveable axially along the screw shaft 15. At one end 28 of the screw shaft 15, the apparatus is provided with a rotating stop 38 and a stationery stop 40. At the other end 20 of the screw shaft 15, there is provided a bearing housing 21, journalling the screw shaft 15 for rotation and mounting the screw shaft for axial movement along the axis. The travelling nut 30 is moveable in one direction to engage the stops 38, 40 whereupon the rotary motion of the screw shaft 15 is terminated. The travelling nut 30 is also moveable in the other direction into contact with the bearing housing 21 to exert an axial force upon the screw shaft 15 such that the screw shaft 15 moves axially to engage the stops 38, 40 whereupon the rotary motion of the screw shaft 15 is terminated.

Abstract: A mechanical actuator assembly which automatically releases the load controlled by the actuator when the actuator jams or otherwise fails. The actuator assembly has two kinetic energy sources, the outputs of which are normally summed for application to the load. A monitoring device monitors the two kinetic energy outputs. When the relationship between those outputs deviates substantially from a predetermined relationship, the load is disconnected from the actuator assembly.

Abstract: A linear actuator includes an electric drive motor which is connected to a drive screw through a gear train. Rotation of the drive screw causes the drive nut to move axially in order to impart axial motion to an extension member. Limit switches function to disengage power to the electric motor upon the extension member reaching the outer or inner limits of its stroke. Also, a thermal sensing element located in the windings of the electric motor interrupts power to the motor upon the heat-up of the motor windings above a predetermined temperature, as when the drive nut jams or locks up. A sealed housing contains the drive screw, drive nut and extension to protect against entry of dust. The housing has reaction surfaces which cooperate with the drive nut to permit linear movement of the nut while holding the nut against rotation.

Abstract: A rotary torque transmission apparatus for a 4-wheel drive vehicle in which a rotary torque of a worm wheel of 4-wheel drive vehicle provided with a reciprocably movable fork shaft, to which a shaft fork for moving a 2-4 wheel change over slider to and fro is fixed, is transmitted to an output shaft via a torsion spring, wherein the worm wheel driven by a motor is disposed on an output shaft supported by a casing so as to be rotatable relative to the output shaft; and a pair of rotary plates so arranged as to be rotatable together with the worm wheel is disposed inside the torsion spring arranged between a pair of fixed plates fixed to the output shaft in such a way that each end of the torsion spring is retained between one rotary plate and one fixed plate disposed on the opposing side to each other, respectively.

Abstract: An improved shift motor assembly for selectively moving a shift rod or similar member between two gear-engaging positions for use, for example, in a two-speed axle assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes a mechanism for limiting the amount of linear movement of a drive nut of a gear changing apparatus. The movement limiting mechanism interrupts an electrical circuit between a source of electrical energy and a bi-directional motor utilized to move the drive nut, thereby preventing linear movement of the drive nut beyond predetermined limit positions in either directions. The movement limiting mechanism includes a movable electrical contact which normally engages a stationary electrical contact. The movable and stationary electrical contacts form a single pole, single throw electrical switch which is connected in series between the source of electrical energy and the motor.

Abstract: A stepping motor suitable as a drive source for driving a head carriage in a magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus for use in an electronic still camera or the like. In the stepping motor, a magnet rotor is formed in the outer circumferential surface with alternately arranged north and south poles, while two excitation coils, which serve as the stator part of the stepping motor, are located such that they embrace the magnet rotor from both axial ends thereof. The two excitation coils are embraced by two yokes, respectively. Each of the yokes is provided with pole teeth, formed so as to cover the circumference of the magnet rotor. A slidable screw parallel to the shaft serves as a linear actuator.

Abstract: To provide a torque limiting and overtravel stop device for aircraft actuation systems, where the overtravel stop is lightweight, bi-directional, repeatable and on-jamming, and allows for many revolutions of rotation between each end stop, the device includes a drive shaft having an input end and an end disposed in remote relation to the input end. A torque limiter is operatively associated with the drive shaft for rotational movement therewith and includes an input side adapted to receive input torque from the drive shaft and an output side adapted to transmit input torque from the drive shaft. The device includes a driven shaft having an input end driven by said drive shaft and an end disposed in remote relation to the input end with a traveling nut being disposed on the driven shaft for movement between the ends thereof. Gears are operatively related between said drive shaft and said driven shaft to normally provide a relative speed difference between the traveling nut and the driven shaft.

Abstract: A diskette transport is provided wherein diskettes are withdrawn from the bottom of a stack, transferred to a work station, where the actual duplication or other operation takes place, and withdrawn from the work station and deposited into an appropriate bin, depending on whether the diskette passes or fails some test.