Abstract: An information processing apparatus and method and a program storage medium by which a recording medium of an apparatus connected to a network to which the information processing apparatus is connected can be utilized effectively wherein if reservation of recording of a predetermined program is performed for a video recorder, then a data amount necessary to record the reserved program is calculated. Then, those of apparatus connected to a network which include a recording medium which can record the calculated data amount are searched for. In response to a result of the search, a distribution of data amounts to be recorded into the recording media of those apparatus is determined. Then, areas are secured in the recordable areas of the recording media so that the determined data amount may be recorded.

Abstract: An axial-to-rotary motor includes a double acting pneumatic motor of piston-cylinder type. An endless drive belt extends over a first pulley, which is fixed mounted in relation to the pneumatic motor, and over a second pulley mounted spaced from the piston rod. The motor further includes one or more output shafts arranged for being continuously rotated. The piston rod end of the pneumatic axial motor is connected to a yoke which, with the outer frames thereof, encloses the two paths of the drive belt, and which encloses a ratchet device which provides a drive force against one of the drive belt paths at the active expelling stroke of the piston rod. The yoke also provides a drive force against the second drive belt path at the retraction stroke of the piston rod, whereby the drive belt will move in one and the same direction at both piston movement directions.

Abstract: A hardgeared infinitely variable transmission (IVT) is provided in which at least one quick return mechanism is hardgeared to the rotating transmission input shaft. The quick return mechanisms convert the rotating motion of the transmission input shaft to a variable motion consisting of a near constant linear velocity portion and a rapid return portion for each cycle of input rotation. The near constant linear velocity portion of the motion of each quick return mechanism is selectively engaged to a conversion device which translates the motion to an output rotation. The input/output speed ratio is adjusted by varying the amount and direction of quick return mechanism motion which is selectively engaged to the conversion device. An infinite range of speed ratios can be produced, as well as output rotation in both forward and reverse directions relative to the input rotation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for displacing a linear output member by wrapping at least a pair of flexible strands around the periphery of the linear member. The flexible strands are each attached at each end to spaced-apart rotatable members. Rotation of the rotatable members in opposite direction causes engagement of the flexible strands with the linear member as a wrap around the periphery of the linear member. After a grip is effected on the linear member, rotation of the rotatable members in the same direction causes the linear member to be linearly displaced.