Abstract: A system and method for lowering a pantograph includes a frame that may be extended or retracted. The system and method may include various structure for retracting the frame and for increasing a rate at which the frame is retracted. In particular embodiments, an electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic motor may be used to retract the frame during normal operations, and a continuity circuit operably connected to the motor may accelerate the rate at which the motor retracts the frame.

Abstract: An air driven actuator (100) uses oppositely disposed reciprocating air drivers (122, 124) to cause a single ratchet (146) to rotate via a drive plate (150) and a pawl (170). The ratchet (146) rotates a drive tube (144) that can further extend or retract landing gear on a semi-trailer.

Abstract: A pressure-to-rotation converter includes a securing device, an actuating device, a transmission device, and a drive device. The securing device includes a bottom plate formed with a guide groove unit, and a top plate formed with a hole unit registered with the guide groove unit. The actuating device includes a follower unit movably received in the guide groove unit and an actuating unit movably received in the hole unit for driving movement of the follower unit to drive in turn movement of the transmission device. The drive device includes a swing unit coupled to a rotary drive shaft and driven by the transmission device to swing and thereby rotate the rotary drive shaft.

Abstract: A yawing system (2) for a wind turbine and a method of operating the yawing system (2) are disclosed. The yawing system (2) comprises at least one yaw drive arranged to cause the yawing system (2) to perform yawing movements, a yaw bearing allowing mutual movement between two parts of the yawing system (2) during yawing movements, and ahydraulically driven preload mechanism (1) being adapted to provide an adjustable pre-load force to the yaw bearing. The preload mechanism (1) is automatically operated as a consequence of operating the yawing system (2). Thereby it can be ensured that the preload force is adjusted in accordance with whether yawing movements are being performed, or the position of the nacelle should be maintained. The preload mechanism (1) may be modular, in the sense that two or more preload mechanisms (1) operate independently of each other, thereby providing redundancy.

Abstract: Phase gear and lever mechanism converts reciprocating power to rotary power with phase gear providing power stroke of greater duration than travel stroke so as to develop efficient power through a power stroke. A modified lever and gear mechanism converts reciprocating power to rotary power at variable out power ratio. Both converting mechanisms are applied as bicycle drive mechanisms. Both mechanisms are applied together in a bicycle one as a drive mechanism, the other for synchronizing the drive mechanism.

Abstract: A vibration exciter is provided. The vibration exciter includes a shaft and at least two unbalanced weights arranged on the shaft, in which the radial distance of the common center of gravity of the unbalanced weights from the rotational axis of the shaft is adjustable in an infinitely variable way by means of a gear. The vibration exciter comprises a gear which is a spatial coupling gear, e.g. a spatial vibration slider gear. A simple and compact configuration of the vibration exciter is thus proposed, in which the required adjusting forces for changing the imbalance are very low.

Abstract: Provided is a differential member that is used in a surgical instrument, which may be manually operated to perform laparoscopic operations or various surgical operations, to receive an input of two or more rotation motions or translation motions and output a single rotation motion or translation motion.

Abstract: The invention refers to a device for positioning the rotor of a gas turbine linearly actuating a piston rod that actuates on its end a ratched wheel that moves the rotor of the gas turbine. The device includes an eccentric wheel and a synchronous motor, such that the piston rod is moved through the eccentric wheel, connected to the synchronous motor. The device also includes an incremental counter controlling the angular position of the synchronous motor.

Abstract: A human-powered-system utilizing an arm lever assembly and/or a pedal assembly to be adapted to or incorporated into other mechanisms including, but not limited to, wheelchairs and vehicles. The arm lever assembly includes an arm lever that is reciprocated to provide power and rotated left or right to provide steering control. Both assemblies are operatively connected to a convertor, utilizing gears and one-way clutches that receives the reciprocal movements of the arm lever and converts them into a unidirectional output, to be utilized in combination or independently. The arm lever is further telescoping and when utilizing a slide mechanism operatively connected to the convertor representing a first class lever offers a range of various leverages by correspondingly changing the length of the force and load end when extended and retracted.

Abstract: A speed reduction device includes front and rear stage speed reduction mechanisms. The speed reduction device includes a connecting shaft that connects the front stage speed reduction mechanism to the rear stage speed reduction mechanism; bearings that support the connecting shaft; an oil supply port that is formed on one side of front and rear stage sides of the bearings; and communication passages that make a receiving section, which is closer to the front stage speed reduction mechanism than the bearings in a casing of the speed reduction device, communicate with a receiving section, which is closer to the rear stage speed reduction mechanism than the bearings.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes: an insertion portion; an insertion assisting mechanism portion that is provided on an outer circumference of the insertion portion and is rotatable in a first rotational direction, or a second rotational direction that is the opposite direction to the first rotational direction; a drive portion that generates a driving force for causing the insertion assisting mechanism portion to rotate; a drive shaft that can be rotated by a driving force of the drive portion, and with respect to which a torsional rigidity in a fourth rotational direction that is an opposite direction to a third rotational direction is set so as to be higher than a torsional rigidity in the third rotational direction; and a drive mechanism portion that, by means of the drive shaft rotating in the fourth rotational direction, causes the insertion assisting mechanism portion to rotate in the first rotational direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a four degrees of freedom motion apparatus, and more particularly, to a four degrees of freedom motion apparatus capable of implementing three degrees of freedom (pitch, roll, heave) motions by three actuators positioned at a lower plate and a center plate, and between the lower plate and the center plate, and a spline, and additionally implementing an one degree of freedom (sway) motion by a connecting means provided between the center plate and an upper plate.

Abstract: A vacuum powered deposition apparatus including a driving unit, a linear motion unit coupled to the driving unit and configured to move linearly according to operation of the driving unit, and an angle restriction unit coupled to the linear motion unit and configured to move in a direction perpendicular to that of the linear motion unit according to movement of the linear motion unit.

Abstract: A linear/rotary motion transforming device is disclosed. The device includes a first member, a second member, and a third member disposed along an axis such that the second member is disposed between the first member and the third member. The second member is linearly movable along the axis and rotatable about the axis. The third member is rotatable about the axis. Connecting elements pivotally couple the first member and the second member, and the second member and the third member, offset from the axis. The first member and the second member are linearly and rotatably movable relative to one another, and the second member and the third member are linearly and rotatably movable relative to one another. A load input mechanism is operably coupled to the second member or the third member. Load output is transferred via the other of the second member or the third member.

Abstract: Rotary lance drives for rotating a lance for injecting gas and powdered reagents into molten metal include a reciprocating rotary lance drive and an associated method. A lance mount which facilitates loading of a lance into a lance drive is also disclosed. Various lance designs are described for improving dispersion of reagent and decreasing process time, including lances having non-circular refractory portions and lances having cross-port arrangements for more evenly distributed reagent discharge.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is directed to a drive mechanism for translating rotational output from a moveable member of a rotary tool to an interchangeable attachment having a movable member. The drive mechanism includes a rotatable drive shaft sized and shaped for insertion into the rotary member of the rotary tool, a connector adapted to selectively secure the drive mechanism to the interchangeable attachment, a reciprocating drive member adapted to contact the movable member of the interchangeable attachment and to cause the movable member to move, when the interchangeable attachment is secured to the drive mechanism, and a transmission configured to translate rotation of the drive shaft into reciprocating motion of the drive member.

Abstract: A device for positioning at least one functional element having a hub for a shaft in a predefined angle position on the shaft includes at least one holder for receiving at least one functional element. The device may include a tailstock or coaxially aligning the shaft in relation to the hub of the at least one functional element. The tailstock may include a centring cone for receiving the shaft. The centring cone may be axially displaceable in relation to the tailstock. The tailstock may include radially expandable centring elements for centring the functional element. The centring elements may assume a defined position against the hub of the functional element in an extended position. The device may also include a movable guide block for moving the shaft.

Abstract: A linear actuator is provided that includes a housing having an input member supported for rotation therein. An output member travels linearly along the input member when the input member is rotated relative to the output member. A guide rail extends along an inner surface of the housing. The output member engages the guide rail to prevent rotation of the output member.

Abstract: An actuating apparatus includes a housing, an actuating unit, a receiver element, and a transmitter element. The actuating unit comprises a first end with a circular arc-shaped contour whose circular arc central axis is configured to act as a first pivot axis. The actuating unit is configured to be moved via an actuator and to undertake a translational main movement and a pivoting movement. The translational main movement is superimposed by the pivoting movement. The receiver element is fixedly arranged in the housing. The transmitter element comprises a magnetic field. The transmitter element is configured to be translationally movable, to be biased so as to bear against the first end of the actuating unit, and to cooperate with the receiver element.

Abstract: Apparatus for converting between rotary motion and linear motion includes a rotatable piece being rotatable about an axis; at least one member having a linking surface facing the rotatable piece and arranged for movement relative to the axis of the piece; and a means for linking the linking surface of the respective member and the surface of the rotatable piece, so that rotational motion of the rotatable piece causes linear movement of the at least one member, and/or linear movement of the at least one member causes rotational motion of the rotatable piece. A sawing device may include said apparatus for cutting by repetitive reciprocating cutting action. A saw blade may be configured for such a sawing device.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a transmission mechanism of an eyebrow tattoo machine, which includes an eccentric rotation shaft connected to a driving axle of a motor and having a bottom end configured to rotate eccentrically with respect to the driving axle, an upper bearing coupled with the bottom end of the eccentric rotation shaft, a position-limiting cover longitudinally provided with a position-limiting groove, and a swinging rod element mounted to the upper bearing and provided with a swinging rod and a position-limiting rod on two sides respectively. Since the position-limiting rod is only allowed to swing up and down in the position-limiting groove when the eccentric rotation shaft drives the upper bearing and the swinging rod element, the end of the swinging rod away from the upper bearing can swing up and down and then drive a tattoo needle to move vertically up and down through a lateral bearing.

Abstract: An air driven actuator (100) uses oppositely disposed reciprocating air drivers (122, 124) to cause a single ratchet (146) to rotate via a drive plate (150) and a pawl (170). The ratchet (146) rotates a drive tube (144) that can further extend or retract landing gear on a semi-trailer.

Abstract: An antenna pointing system for selectively moving a payload relative to a mounting surface includes at least one rotary actuator having a moving part movable relative to a fixed part mounted on the surface. A connecting rod movably connects to the moving part and to the payload. A flexible mounting structure movably attaches the payload to the mounting surface.

Abstract: A driving member (44) for an outer operational device (13) of a door lock includes a base portion (440) engaged with a connection member (595). The base portion (440) includes an engagement groove (449) having teeth (450). The connection member (595) and the base portion (440) are movable between a releasing position and a push position when a handle (197) is pivoted. A pressing rod (442) is detachably engaged with the base portion (440) and includes an insertion block (446) received in the engagement groove (449), with teeth (447) of the insertion block (446) engaged with the teeth (450) of the base portion (440). The pressing rod (442) and the base portion (440) are jointly movable. The pressing rod (442) has a driving end (445) operatively connected to a pressing member (155) of a latch device (12) having a latch (124) operatively connected to the pressing member (155).

Abstract: An operation support device includes a connecting body in which a first support body and a second support body are detachably connected to each other; a first shaft engaging section; a shaft connecting member having a connection engaging section engaged with the first shaft engaging section; and a shaft fixing member. The shaft fixing member is movably installed with respect to a first shaft section or a second shaft section and is configured to selectively form a shaft engagement fixing state in which the connection engaging section is held down to retain an engagement state such that the connection engaging section is engaged with the first shaft engaging section and a second state in which holding down to the connection engaging section is released in accordance with a moved position with a moved position of the shaft fixing member.

Abstract: A preload applying mechanism includes a preload adjusting plug that is screwed to an inner peripheral surface of a housing body, and is rotationally moved; and a needle bearing and a plate that are arranged between an output shaft and a Z1 gear. In a shoulder of the output shaft, the Z1 gear is supported by the needle bearing and the annular plate for a rolling surface of the needle bearing so that the Z1 gear is rotatable. As the preload adjusting plug presses the output shaft, the shoulder of the output shaft presses the plate, the needle bearing, and the Z1 gear toward the center bearing in the axial direction. Thus, a preload is applied to the bearing gear.

Abstract: A linear actuator comprises a reversible electric motor (2) which, via a transmission, is capable of driving a spindle (4) having a spindle nut (5) secured against rotation and comprises a power supply and a controller. The actuator moreover comprises a memory unit for collecting at least one set of data from the operation, indicating how long and how hard the actuator has worked. It is hereby possible to obtain an overview of the mechanical state of the actuator and thereby prevent unfortunate occurrences and accidents as a consequence of wear-out of the actuator.

Abstract: A motor-driven machine tool comprises a tool driven in a rotating fashion, a drive shaft driven by a drive unit and an output shaft for holding the tool. According to the invention, the rotating motion of the drive shaft can be transferred to the output shaft by way of an eccentric coupling device. A mass balancing device is provided for smoothing out vibrations, which has a stroking mass part moveably mounted in a carriage guide and impinged by an eccentric member driven by one of the shafts. The stroking mass part executes a rotary smoothing motion.

Abstract: Drive of a seat adjusting device, especially for motor vehicles, with a spindle that is fastened on a first of two rails, which are adjustable with respect to each other, by means of at least one mounting located at the end of the spindle and with a transmission driven by a motor that is mounted on the second rail, whereby the mounting has one part as a base plate, from which two walls at a distance from each other extend upward and that at least one end of the spindle is fastened between these two walls.

Abstract: A device can have an outer frame and an actuator. The actuator can have a movable frame and a fixed frame. At least one torsional flexure and at least one hinge flexure can cooperate to provide comparatively high lateral stiffness between the outer frame and the movable frame and can cooperate to provide comparatively low rotational stiffness between the outer frame and the movable frame.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a stability augmentation system includes a master linkage, a stability augmentation motor, and three linkages. A first linkage is coupled to the master linkage and operable to receive movements representative of pilot commands from a pilot command system. A second linkage is coupled between the stability augmentation motor and the master linkage and operable to receive movements representative of augmentation commands from the stability augmentation motor. A third linkage is coupled to the master linkage and operable to transmit movements representative of blade position commands to a blade control system in response to the movements representative of pilot commands and the movements representative of augmentation commands.

Abstract: A system for moving a carriage along a guide comprises: at least one sliding block that slidingly connects the carriage to the guide; a control shaft associated to the carriage; a driving unit suitable for moving said control shaft in rotation; and rotary-translatory connecting means between said control shaft and said guide. The control shaft is movable between a working position wherein it is connected to said guide for moving the carriage by said driving unit, and an idle position wherein it is disconnected from said guide for free manual pulling of the carriage through said at least one sliding block.

Abstract: A rotor blade assembly includes a rotor blade, a rotatable flap portion disposed along a span of the rotor blade. A rotary actuator is located inside the rotor blade and is operably connected to the flap portion to rotate the flap portion about a flap axis. A rotary-winged aircraft includes an airframe and a main rotor assembly operably connected to the airframe. The main rotor assembly includes a plurality of rotor blade assemblies rotatable about a rotor assembly axis. At least one rotor blade assembly of the plurality of rotor blade assemblies includes a rotor blade and a rotatable flap portion disposed along a span of the rotor blade. A rotary actuator located inside the rotor blade and is operably connected to the flap portion to rotate the flap portion about a flap axis. The rotary actuator is absent oil, grease or other fluid lubricant.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an apparatus configured to transform from a retracted configuration to a protruded configuration, and vice versa, by rotating via one or more guides disposed on a base. The apparatus may be formed in different sizes, from various materials depending on the intended use of the apparatus. In some implementations, the apparatus may comprise one or more of guides, a base, one or more members, a coupler, and/or other components.

Abstract: The mechanical system includes an interface for moving parts, with the mechanical system including a driving assembly and a driven assembly, wherein the driving assembly mates with the driven assembly at a mechanical joint (41). The driving assembly includes a rotating disc (16) and a drive arm (18) rotatably connected thereto. The driven assembly includes a pivot arm (40) which is driven by the drive arm and also a grounded member (44) fixed to the handle about which the pivot arm moves. A preload assembly, which includes a spring or springs (54, 56) is connected to the drive arm and the pivot arm so as to place a preload at the axis of rotation of the mechanical joint between the drive arm and the pivot arm.

Abstract: An output shaft, to which the rotational force of a motor is transmitted, is rotatably supported and housed in a case. One end of the output shaft protrudes from the case, and a pinion gear is provided on this one end. Teeth that mesh with the pinion gear are provided on the outer circumferential surface of cables. A guide member for guiding the cables in such a way that they mesh with the pinion gear is mounted on the case. An urging plate portion that presses against the side of the pinion gear is provided on the guide member. The urging plate portion urges the output shaft in the axial direction and, as a result, rattle of the output shaft is alleviated.

Abstract: The adjusting drive for an adjustable part of a piece of furniture such as a hospital bed or nursing bed includes a housing, and a gear transmission arranged in the housing. The drive includes a rotatable drive element, a driven element, and a motor having a drive shaft for rotationally driving said drive element. The adjusting drive is further provided with a displacement sensor for detecting the position of said driven element. The drive element is arranged between two substantially opposite gears which are mechanically contacted by the drive element. The first gears is coupled to the driven element, and the second gear is coupled to said displacement sensor.

Abstract: The present invention is a device which can be used to provide rotation motion to a driving wheel by the application of lateral motion by the user. It consists of axial track plate having a plurality of track paths with said guide paths having a plurality of slope sections. Additionally the caliper element can enable movement of a wheelchair's wheel from a first position to a second position. The caliper element is responsive to slope sections such that the slope sections can engage or disengage the caliper element. The caliper element's broad face is parallel to the track plate's broad face. The broad face is perpendicularly connected to each other via cylindrical pegs along the guide paths. The caliper element has a mating surface enabled to rotate a sprocket which is concentrically connected to a wheel hub where wheel rotates at the same angular velocity as the sprocket while the sprocket is in the engaged mode.

Abstract: A swiveling device for a swiveling C-arm of an X-ray unit includes a motorized drive unit and an adapter removably attachable to the C-arm concentrically with a swiveling axis thereof. The adapter connects the C-arm to the drive unit in driving manner. The swiveling device also includes an angular position encoder for recording the swivel angle of the C-arm.

Abstract: An apparatus for lowering and raising a pick arm is disclosed herein. An example of the apparatus includes a shuttle assembly having a first direction of movement and a second direction of movement, and a lift assembly rotatably coupled to the shuttle assembly. The apparatus additionally includes a cam coupled to the lift assembly to transform rotary motion of the lift assembly into substantially linear motion that allows the pick arm to lower as a result of movement of the shuttle assembly in the first direction and that raises the pick arm as a result of movement of the shuttle assembly in the second direction. Other components and attributes of the apparatus are also disclosed herein, as are additionally examples of the apparatus. A method of lowering and raising the pick arm is further disclosed herein.

Abstract: An adjusting apparatus includes a driver, a transmission shaft attached to the driver, and a drive shaft detachably attached to the transmission shaft. A release member is secured to the drive shaft. The transmission shaft is rotated by the driver to rotate the drive shaft and the release member together, and the release member is rotated to move merchandise that is attached to the release member.

Abstract: An apparatus for teaching concepts concerning equilibrium, symmetry of energy flow and spherical motion including a centrally located octagear with eight engaging bevel gears, each having a central axis at a 70° angle relative to its adjacent gears. Each gear has a central shaft extending outwardly from the octagear, with the shafts having identical lengths. Reciprocating motion delivered to a crank mechanism is translated into rotary motion of the shaft, this rotary motion being transmitted to the gear at the end of the shaft. Connecting the crank mechanisms of each shaft are a plurality of beams with each beam spanning the space between two crank mechanisms. Each beam is capable of flexing between a first curved position and a second curved position resulting in a change in the span length of the beam and generating reciprocatory motion transmitted to the crank mechanisms. A cube-shaped frame is also provided.

Abstract: A piston system comprises a first arm and a second arm, each mounted respectively on a first shaft and a second shaft, and being mounted for rotational oscillation about a central axis. Both arms terminate radially outward from the central axis, and are coupled to piston arrangements. The piston arrangements include pistons. Each set of pistons is mounted for movement within respective stationary chambers. Each stationary chamber may be defined, at least in part, by a piston coupled to the first arm and a piston coupled to the second arm. The stationary chambers are arranged about the central axis. The first and the second shaft are connected to an energy transfer mechanism. An energy transfer mechanism includes coupled non-circular gears arranged to convert oscillatory rotational motion to unidirectional rotational motion.

Abstract: Coupling arrangements for attaching an end effector including a plurality of distal drive train assemblies that are configured to apply a plurality of control motions to the end effector to corresponding proximal drive train assemblies that communicate with a source of drive motions.

Abstract: A dual clutch transmission for a vehicle is provided. The transmission includes a first input shaft driven by a first clutch and a second input shaft driven by a second clutch. An output shaft or shafts are driven by the input shafts having selective mesh torsional force transferring gear contact therewith. A differential input gear is driven by the output shaft or shafts. At least one of the input shafts has at least one input gear that torsionally engages with the output shaft via an idler shaft having an idler input shaft torsionally connected on the idler shaft with an idler shaft output gear through a one-way clutch and wherein the idler shaft output gear is meshed with another gear on the one input shaft.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device for simultaneously adjusting vertical height and horizontal deflection including a lower plate fixed to a floor, an upper plate, vertical height and horizontal deflection of which are adjusted, one or more variable posts connected to an upper end of the lower plate and a lower end of the upper plate, and a height adjustment unit, a lower end of which is fixedly disposed above the lower plate and an upper end of which is disposed at the lower end of the upper plate in a line contact fashion, the height adjustment unit adjusting vertical height and horizontal deflection of the upper plate at the line contact portion.

Abstract: A liquid delivery apparatus includes a base assembly; a vessel into which liquid may be introduced to at least partially fill the vessel and to pressurize the liquid in the vessel; a nozzle including a discharge tube and a nozzle outlet, wherein the nozzle is rotatable with respect to the base assembly, and the nozzle outlet is provided at a distal end of the nozzle via which the liquid may be discharged from the vessel under the pressure of the liquid in the vessel; and a valve between the vessel and the nozzle to control passage of liquid from the vessel to the nozzle outlet; wherein the valve and nozzle discharge tube are substantially in line. A drive system is also disclosed that drives rotation of the nozzle with respect to the base assembly. The drive system may be configured to propel the liquid delivery apparatus along the ground.

Abstract: An arrangement for imparting translational movement of a load with respect to a columnar structure that takes the form of at least one flexible elastic member (e.g., bungee cord) that is disposed to surround a portion of the structure and a platform coupled to the opposing ends of the flexible elastic member. The platform is used to support the load and the ends of the flexible member are coupled to the platform in a manner such that the ends are free to rotate. Thus, the application of counter-rotational forces to these opposing end terminations will impart a tension to the flexible elastic member that ultimately causes the flexible member to flip over to relieve the tension. By continuing to apply the counter-rotational forces, the flexible member will continue to flip, and progress in translational movement along the columnar structure.

Abstract: A swing drive mechanism, including: a vibrating mechanism, a motor driving the vibrating mechanism, and a transmission mechanism. The transmission mechanism is connected between the vibrating mechanism and the motor. The vibrating mechanism is provided with a grating and a photocoupler that detects the position of the vibrating mechanism. The photocoupler is electrically or electronically connected to a micro-control processor. The micro-control processor controls the photocoupler to detect the grating and adjusts the rotation speed of the motor. The micro-control processor is electrically or electronically connected to an accelerometer.

Abstract: A bi-directional rotary actuator causing the output shaft thereof to output two or more kinds of bi-directional and rotational driving forces. A bi-directional rotary actuator includes a rotary solenoid (101) serving as a driving source, a link body (104) engaged with a shaft (132) such that a rotational force can be transmitted to the shaft, an output element (105) connected to the link body, and switching operation means (106) for selecting connection between the link body and the output element. Transmission of a rotational force between the link body and the output element can be appropriately switched to either gear drive performed by meshing of gears or link drive based on a link ratio, and this allows the actuator to output bi-directional rotary driving forces having two or three rotational angles. The switching described above is performed by movement, in the direction of the axis of the shaft, of the link body by utilizing the repulsive or attractive action of an electromagnetic force.