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 energy converter apparatus connected via a rope between a buoyant marine vessel body and to a stationary or semi stationary surface with respect to the motions of the marine vessel to convert differential motions of the vessel compared to the stationary body to useful electrical energy; a rack and pinion gear box device causing the linear motions of the buoyant vessel to an axial rotational motions, the rotation in only one direction; a ratchet wheel connected to a shaft and an electric generator.

Abstract: With a rack-and-pinion mechanism, an impact force is absorbed and reduction in assembling performance is suppressed. An annular fitting groove (51) that extends in the circumferential direction of a rack guide (41) is formed in an outer peripheral face (41a) of the rack guide (41), and an O-ring (52) is fitted in the fitting groove (51) in a state in which the axial movement of the O-ring (52) is restricted. A communication groove (61) that provides communication between an internal space (55), defined by the fitting groove (51) and the O-ring (52), and the outside of the rack guide (41) is formed in the rack guide (41).

Abstract: A rack and pinion steering gear comprising a thrust element disposed in a housing for pressing a rack and pinion against one another. One side of the thrust element is supported against the rack, and another side is supported against a wedge-like part formed of two semi-circular annular elements, each of which is provided with at least one wedge surface that is disposed at an angle to a central plane of the wedge-like part. A side of the wedge-like part remote from the thrust element is supported against a set screw. The thrust element and/or the set screw is provided with an inclined surface that cooperates with the at least one wedge surface of the annular elements of the wedge-like part.

Abstract: A continuously variable speed transmission includes a first guideway, a second guideway, wherein the first guideway and the second guideway remain stationary during operation at a particular speed ratio. The transmission further includes a first member moveably connected to the first guideway and the second guideway, the first member further comprising gear teeth and a second member having gear teeth positioned at an adjustable angle relative to the first member. A gear engages the gear teeth of the first member and the gear teeth of the second member. The speed ratio of the transmission is determined based on angle of the second member relative to the first member. Either of the first member or the second member may be the input with the other member being the output depending upon whether a speed increase or a speed decrease is desired.

Abstract: A drive device for a hatch of a motor vehicle, wherein a spindle drive is provided with a threaded spindle and a spindle nut mounted on the threaded spindle, by which drive the first fastening element and the housing tube can be driven axially relative to each other. The spindle drive can be rotatably driven by an electric motor, where the output shaft of the motor can rotate the threaded spindle or a connecting component of a clutch. The spindle drive can be rotatably driven by two or more series-connected electric motors.

Abstract: A bush bearing 1 is comprised of: a synthetic resin-made bush 15 including a flexible semi-split cylindrical body 5 having an abutment portion 3 for slidably abutting against a rack shaft 25 and including a flexible open-ended annular body 14 which has a portion 6 formed integrally at one end face of the semi-split cylindrical body 5 and circular arc-shaped extended portions 12 and 13 whose distal ends 9 and 10 are opposed to each other with a clearance 11 in a circumferential direction R; and an elastic member 22 including an elastic body 21 for abutting against an outer surface 20 of the semi-split cylindrical body 5 and retained portions 16 and 17 which are respectively retained by both end portions 23 and 24.

Abstract: A semi-auto sliding mechanism is provided, including a first member, a second member, a first rack, a second rack, a pinion gear pivotally connected to the second member, and a clockwork spring connecting the pinion gear to the second member. The first and second racks are disposed on the first member. When the first member is moved relative to the second member to a first position by an external force, the pinion gear rolls along the first rack, and an elastic potential energy is stored in the clockwork spring. When the external force is released, the clockwork spring impels the pinion gear to rotate along the second rack, such that the first member moves relative to the second member from the first position to a second position.

Abstract: A transmission apparatus for transmitting tapes within a tape library is disclosed. The transmission apparatus comprises a tray for transmitting a tape cartridge. A plurality of pinion gears is provided. The pinion gears are operably connected to each other and are rotatably attached to the tray. A plurality of vertically disposed racks is provided for engagement by the plurality of pinion gears for rotational movement therealong.

Abstract: An improved drive arrangement for side engaging members of a banknote centering mechanism uses a rack and pinion combination. A low torque motor drives a spur gear that engages opposed rack gears of the side engaging members. This power transfer from the motor to the side engaging member is cost effective and provides good precision.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rack bush and a rack pinion type steering apparatus having the rack bush for a vehicle, which can smoothly support a load in an axial direction and a vertical direction of a rack bar so that it is possible to reduce abnormal abrasion of the rack bush, reduce a rattle noise caused by external force transferred through the rack bar during movement of the rack bar, and prevent damage to the rack bar and a pinion through distribution of the load due to an external impact on the shaft.

Abstract: Devices employing electroactive polymer actuators are disclosed. Acrylic dielectric material based actuators are optionally provided in which architectures are presented that allow for improved power output as compared with other known acrylic dielectric material based transducers. Such technology may be applied in motor-driven applications, lightweight flight applications and lighting applications among others.

Abstract: The invention provides an actuator apparatus which may be used to adjust flow of fluid or air in conjunction with a rack and pinion system. The device is able to rotate both vertically and horizontally via a mechanism that transforms axial movement into rotary movement. The device is useful in a range of circumstances where required specific and controllable rotary motion is required.

Abstract: The translation apparatus comprises an elongate track, an elongate fixed member and a stage. The fixed member extends parallel to the track in a fixed lengthwise position relative to the track. The stage is mounted on the track and is capable of movement along the track. The stage comprises a motive force generator, a rotatable member and a rotary brake. The motive force generator is operable to move the stage along the track. The rotatable member is coupled with the fixed member in a manner that converts motion of the stage along the track into rotation of the rotatable member. The rotary brake is selectively operable to apply a braking torque to the rotatable member. The coupling between the rotatable member and the fixed member converts the braking torque applied to the rotatable member into a braking force applied to the stage.

Abstract: A motor-driven actuator extends and retracts a piston rod. The actuator includes a housing, an electric motor having a motor shaft, a piston rod slidably extendable and retractable with respect to the housing, a speed-reduction stage coupled to the motor shaft and rotating a drive shaft parallel to the motor shaft, a speed and direction-change stage coupled to and driven by the drive shaft and rotating a wheel gear substantially perpendicular to the motor shaft, and a driving stage coupled to and driven by the wheel gear and extending and retracting the piston rod relative to the housing along a direction parallel to the motor shaft. The actuator also includes a position detector detecting when the piston rod is in the extended and retracted positions. Preferably, the position detector includes Hall effect sensors and a permanent magnet mounted on a piston driving the piston rod.

Abstract: A door driving apparatus having a motor, a sleeve formed at a drive end of a rotor of the motor, a pinion integrally fixed to a rotation shaft integrated with a spline shaft detachably fitted to the sleeve, and left and right racks disposed opposite to each other with respect to the pinion and engaged with the pinion so that the left and right racks can move in directions substantially parallel and opposite to each other. When the motor is individually removed from a rack and pinion casing, the pinion is left in the pinion and rack casing while upper and lower sides of the pinion are engaged with the right and left racks, respectively. Accordingly, the relative positions of the left and right racks are unchanged.

Abstract: A rack and pinion steering gear comprising a thrust element disposed in a housing for pressing a rack and pinion against one another. One side of the thrust element is supported against the rack, and another side is supported against a wedge-like part formed of two semi-circular annular elements, each of which is provided with at least one wedge surface that is disposed at an angle to a central plane of the wedge-like part. A side of the wedge-like part remote from the thrust element is supported against a set screw. The thrust element and/or the set screw is provided with an inclined surface that cooperates with the at least one wedge surface of the annular elements of the wedge-like part.

Abstract: A sliding rail structure for use in cuckoo clocks comprises a base including a guiding member provided thereon and having an elongated sliding piece correspondingly fixed thereon, the sliding piece including a rack mounted on one side thereof, and including an engaging recess formed on the front end thereof for inserting a stem of a cuckoo element, characterized in a casing and a housing are fixed onto the base for pressing against the two sides of the sliding piece, respectively, thus obtaining a stable reciprocating movement of the sliding piece, and the guiding member further includes an elongated slot formed at the center thereof, a peg is extendedly arranged on the bottom of the sliding piece for being fitted into the guide slot of the guiding member, and for screwing a confining element therein, thereby preventing the disengagement of said sliding piece for causing a stopping effect.

Abstract: A transporting apparatus is provided with: a transporting device (120) having: a loading device (220) which can elongate in an elongation direction toward a side of the track portion; and an elongation mechanism (600) for elongating the loading device. The elongation mechanism is provided with: a first rack (510) fixed to the main body device (210) and a second rack (520) fixed to the loading device, the first rack and the second rack each extending in the elongation direction and facing each other with a space therebetween; and a first pinion (610) engaged with the first rack, a second pinion (620) engaged with the second rack, and an odd number of third pinions (630) engaged between the first and second pinions.

Abstract: A stroke control assembly for an engine. The assembly is configured to transfer power from a rectilinear moving piston by way of an interaction between a control plate and a flywheel of the assembly. The control plate is configured to phase shift or overrun the flywheel at predetermined locations of interface between a rectilinear moving piston and the control plate. In this manner, significant forces that might otherwise be applied to the control plate, may be avoided, following these predetermined locations. The control plate may also allow a firm engagement of a mechanical rectifier (one way clutch) while tracking a substantially constant velocity piston device for about 240° of rotation thereof to optimally enhance collection of power from the rectilinear moving piston.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant classification system categorizes vehicle occupants into various classes such as adult, child, infant, etc. to provide variable control for a vehicle restraint system such as an airbag. The classification system utilizes sensors that are installed in various locations in the vehicle. The sensors are used to generate a three-dimensional profile for the vehicle occupant. Various factors can affect the accuracy of this three-dimensional profile. Fuzzy logic is used to reduce some of the inaccuracies by providing multiple decision levels for various stages of the classification. Inaccuracies are also caused by sensors shifting within the system from their original position. This condition creates offset and the system evaluates this offset and generates a correction factor to provide a more accurate three-dimensional profile.

Abstract: In a robot, a support member is supported to an arm to be reciprocable with respect to one of first and second sides of the arm in a predetermined direction. A rotary member of a converter is coupled to a motor, and a liner movable member of the converter is contacted to the rotary member and lined to the support member. The converter works to transfer rotary motion received y the rotary member from the motor as linear motion to the liner movable member rough a transfer contact portion between the rotary member and the liner movable member to thereby move the liner movable member together with the support member in the predetermined direction. The transfer contact portion between the rotary member and the liner movable member is located offset to the one of the fast and second sides of the arm relative to the other thereof.

Abstract: A pivotally-leveraged manual centrifugal drive according to a preferred embodiment of the invention for use with a bowl and a basket formed to nest within the bowl, comprising: a) a housing formed to mate with the bowl; b) a rotation wheel rotatably connected to the housing, formed to mate with the basket, and having a plane of rotation; c) a handle pivotally attached to the housing and oriented to move in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the plane of rotation of the rotation wheel; and d) gears connecting the handle to the rotation wheel. Also disclosed are an automatic clutch that engages the rotation wheel only when the handle is moved in one direction, and a braking mechanism that includes a disk having a diameter substantially smaller than the rotation wheel.

Abstract: A tunable mass damper for use in a vehicle steering system in which a rack and pinion gearing subsystem would otherwise transfer resonant vibrations to the vehicle steering wheel. The mass damper element is a generally cylindrical mass supported and suspended around the shaft extending from the pinion gear by several cantilevered spring elements. The mass damper is tunable by modifying the size of the mass or the size or material or length of the springs so that the damper's resonant frequency for axial oscillation matches the resonant vibrations present at the steering shaft extending from the pinion gear.

Abstract: An auger boring machine having a drive mechanism for moving the machine along a desired direction of travel includes a drive motor having a shaft and a pinion mounted on the shaft. A method for manufacturing a track for such a boring machine includes providing a track base rail adapted to support the auger boring machine and arranging the base rail along the desired direction of travel of the boring machine. The method also includes cutting a gear rack which includes a plurality of gear teeth along one side that are adapted to mesh with the pinion of the drive mechanism, and a flexibility notch on the side opposite the gear teeth. The gear rack is attached to the base rail with the gear teeth oriented so as to engage with the pinion of the drive mechanism.

Abstract: An operating mechanism for a reciprocating component includes a moving member having a mounting section for attaching the reciprocating component, and a base with a guide. The guide has a backward path guide section and a forward path guide section that faces the backward path guide section. The moving member accumulates a backward travel force while being guided by the backward path guide section and moved to a mid point in the backward operation, and fully moves back by releasing the accumulated travel force from the mid point. The moving member accumulates a forward travel force while being guided by the forward path guide section and moved to a mid point from the fully moved back position in the forward operation, and fully moves forward by releasing the accumulated travel force from the mid point.

Abstract: An adjusting device has a carriage, at least one guide element, on which the carriage is mounted such that it can be moved, a shifting device for moving the carriage, and a securing mechanism for securing the carriage in a desired position. To provide an improved adjusting device, which has more compact construction and enables a simpler and more precise adjustment without additional contrivances, the shifting device has an electric motor, which is integrated in the carriage, and the securing mechanism blocks any movement of the carriage when the motor stands still and is automatically released when the motor starts running.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for manufacturing operations using opposing-force support systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a track assembly adapted to be attached to a workpiece, and a carriage moveably coupled to the track assembly. The carriage includes a tool support adapted to receive and support a manufacturing tool. An opposing-force support assembly is operatively coupled to the carriage and is adapted to be secured to the workpiece. The opposing-force support assembly at least partially counterbalances a manufacturing force exerted on the workpiece by the manufacturing tool.

Abstract: A steering gear assembly includes a pinion defining a pinion axis and a rack defining a rack axis. A bearing assembly includes a roller bearing biased against the rack to generate a normal force pressing the rack into engagement with the pinion. The bearing assembly engages an outer surface of the rack at two points circumferentially spanning a large angle to provide improved support. The roller bearing is preferably a plurality of ball bearings engaging an outer race. A deformable member may be utilized that is positioned between the outer race and the rack housing. The deformable member may comprise a series of O-rings which providing a force biasing the outer race towards the pinion.

Abstract: A gear drive assembly for internal combustion and heat engines requiring the conversion and transfer of reciprocal linear powered motion input into undirectional rotary output. A rack and pinion assembly having linear power input on the rack and a one-way friction clutch engageable by a pinion gear coupled with a concentric movement cam ring. Cam followers on the rack drive the linear motion input on its return non-power stroke imparting enhanced momentum input thereto.

Abstract: A holding device is composed of a base and a cover. An air refresher is positioned in a receiving portion of the device and an electronic appliance is clamped between two clamping plates on two sides of the device. A sliding mechanism is received in the device and includes a gear that drives a sleeve to which a core of the air refresher is connected. A fan is located in the device so as to dispense the fragrance through holes defined through the base and the cover.

Abstract: A rack-and-pinion steering gear is provided. The gear comprises a lower shaft, a pinion gear, a first bearing, and a plurality of stakes. The lower shaft has a first end, a second end, and a shoulder depending radially outward from the lower shaft. The pinion gear is defined in a portion of the lower shaft proximate the first end. The first bearing has a first side, a second side, and an inner edge. The inner edge is disposed on the lower shaft such that the first side abuts the shoulder. The stakes have a first section that conforms to a radius defined at an intersection of the second side and the inner edge of the first bearing, and a second section resting against the second side of the first bearing.

Abstract: A movable stage system includes a motor which rotates a rotational element, a transmission system engaged with the motor and selectively engaged with a platform, a first lock which engages the transmission system such that the transmission system moves the platform according to a rotation of the rotational element, a second lock which engages the transmission system such that the transmission system moves the platform moves according to the rotation of the rotational element. When the first lock engages and the second lock does not engage the transmission system, the transmission system moves the platform in a first direction according to the rotation of the rotational element. When the first lock does not engage and the second lock engages with the transmission system, the transmission system moves the platform in a second direction other than the first direction according to the rotation of the rotational element.

Abstract: A vehicle door lock system comprises a sliding vehicle door, having a door path of travel generally translational to a vehicle frame. A drive unit moves the vehicle door along a door path. A drive component communicates the movement from the drive unit to the vehicle door by moving along a drive component path of travel. A latch is selectively actuated to arrest movement of the drive component and the vehicle door by blocking the drive component path of travel.

Abstract: Corkscrew machine including rotatable spiral radius pinion gear mechanically coupled to annular collar and engages inclined gear rack to translate driver up and down carrying freely rotating, helical corkscrew. Crank rotates spiral radius pinion gear to translate driver up and down relative to collar along rotation axis of corkscrew with mechanical advantage increasing as driver approaches collar. A non-rotating collar cam coupled to, translated relative to, driver, receives and follows helix of corkscrew to impart torque rotating the corkscrew when held stationary within annular collar responsive to translation of driver toward and away from annular collar. Biased, releasable collar latch captures and holds collar cam at stationary position within annular collar releasing it to translate upward with driver upon an upward cork pulling stroke of driver relative to collar when bottle is held within annular collar.

Abstract: An electromechanical drive mechanism is disclosed and includes a driving electromotor provided with a rotatable driving first axis, and mechanical transmission driven by the rotatable driving first axis, for through converting a first rotary movement of the rotatable driving first axis into a second rotary or linear movement of an actuator member driving a mechanical actuator along a range of actuator positions. The drive mechanism is furthermore provided with an forceback facility for effecting a return force on the drive mechanism towards a fallback position. The drive mechanism is furthermore mounted in a housing facility. In particular, the drive mechanism has the forceback facility operated in a mechanical manner and includes a return spring that is arranged for effecting a rotary return force on a rotatable axis that forms part of the mechanical transmission.

Abstract: A NC machine tool having a constitution in which a table (15, 115) for placing a work thereon and a spindle (14, 114) for setting a tool are relatively moved by three feed mechanisms (18-20, 118-120), for X-axis, for Y-axis, and for Z-axis, to carry out machining. A preload is applied to all the three feed mechanisms (18-20, 118-120), for X-axis, for Y-axis, and for Z-axis, using a rack-pinion (21, 22, 24, 25, 27, 28, 121, 122, 124, 125, 127, 128), and using two motors (16, 23, 29) for each axis to prevent backlash in the rack-pinion.

Abstract: A drive mechanism (14) for enabling driving and manual movement of a sliding side door (12). The assembly (14) has a track assembly (16) mounted to a vehicle body (10) at a predetermined height and a drive mechanism (18) mounted to the sliding side door (12) so as to be proximate to a door latching mechanism (19). The drive mechanism (18) has an input drive motor (22) driving an output gear assembly (24) engaging the track assembly (16) and a transmission gear assembly (23) with a sliding gear (50) which selectively couples the input drive motor (22) and an input gear assembly (23) to the output gear assembly (24) between an engaged position for driving movement or disengaged position for manual movement of the sliding side door (12). In this way, the slide side door (12) may be moved manually between open and closed positions without having to overcome the effort required of rotating the drive motor (22).

Abstract: An elevating platform assembly includes a generally vertical mast having a generally vertical rack mounted thereon. A first trolley is coupled to the mast and is moveable therealong. A drive mechanism is carried by the first trolley and includes at least one pinion in mating engagement with the rack. An elongated elevating platform extends from the mast and has a second trolley mounted adjacent one end thereof. The second trolley couples the elevating platform to the mast and is moveable along the mast. The first trolley is coupled to at least one of the second trolley and elevating platform in a manner to maintain alignment of the at least one pinion and rack when loads are placed on the elevating platform that create moments at the mast.

Abstract: An engine (10) which can deliver mechanical work for an extended duration in comparison to the duration of energy input into the engine. The engine (10) includes a drive shaft (11) through which it delivers mechanical work. The drive shaft (11) is drivingly connected to an electrodynamic machine (13) for generating electrical energy. The drive shaft (11) is driven by a drive system (15) which incorporates various drive mechanisms (16), power means (17) for operating the drive mechanisms (16) and gearing (18) for drivingly connecting the drive mechanisms (16) to the drive shaft (11). The various drive mechanisms (16) are operated in a pre-determined sequence by the power means (17). Each drive mechanism (16) is in the form of a rack and pinion mechanism. The power means (17) for operating the drive mechanisms (16) comprises spring structure (130) associated with each rack of the rack and pinion mechanisms.

Abstract: The present invention aims at providing a small size air pump which has a simple structure and is less likely to incur restrictions on its space for installation and accommodation. The present invention provides a small size air pump 1 in which a motor 4 is driven to actuate a pump section 3, so as to carry out a predetermined aspirating operation; the air pump 1 comprising a worm gear 15 disposed at an output shaft 4a of the motor 4; a worm wheel 16, disposed between the motor 4 and the pump section 3, meshing with the worm gear 15; a smaller gear 18 disposed coaxial with the worm wheel 16; a larger gear 20, disposed at a position held between the motor 4 and the pump section 3, meshing with the smaller gear 18; and an actuator element 21 having one end pivotally connected to a periphery of a flat part 20a of the larger gear 20 and the other end connected to an end part of a piston 5 of the pump section 3.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided comprising a plurality of sections together forming a connected object, which may be a sphere. One half of the sphere can be rotated with respect to another half of the sphere in various planes or along various circular paths. In one embodiment the sphere has eight sections and can be rotated along any one of three different circular paths, A, B, and C. The plurality of sections may include first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth sections. Each section may be joined to an adjacent section by a connector or in one embodiment by two connectors. Each connector may allow each section to rotate with respect to other sections. A plurality of connectors including twenty-four connectors for connecting eight sections may be provided. Each connector may be comprised of first and second curved rails and a first gear.

Abstract: A burden loading robot includes a loading portion installed in a robot main body and a balancer for offsetting off-center loading of weight of the loading portion. The loading portion includes a loading plate which can be moved away from a fixing portion to a loading position outwards from the robot main body. When the loading plate is moved to the loading position, the balancer moves to the direction reverse to that of the loading plate at the same time. Thus, off-center loading of weight generated when a burden is loaded on the loading plate is offset by the balancer, to accordingly avoid the robot from falling down.

Abstract: An extendible-retractable device, which is made up of a number of interconnected members and to which a suitable tool may be attached. The device makes it possible to continually change the position of the tool as a task is being performed. The device includes members which are attached to each other through flexible cables so that relatively small movements of a handle or similar device in the hand of the user results is relatively large extension or retraction movements of the farthest member which carries the tool.

Abstract: A servo-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system in which the rack is drive-coupled to a pinion which is mounted to move between two end positions in the longitudinal direction of the rack so that its movements control the servo motor. The end positions of the pinion are defined by two friction wheels which are driven continuously in opposite directions by the servo motor, in each case allowing an auxiliary force to be transmitted to the pinion.

Abstract: An apparatus for wiping a window has a wiper, a first track substantially parallel to at least a portion of the window and a second track substantially parallel to and displaced from the first track. A first motorized drive wheel is provided for driving the wiper along the first track in a first direction and a second motorized drive wheel for driving the wiper along the second track in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, so as to wipe the window. The wiper is preferably designed to reduce drag-back of water across the window. In a preferred embodiment, curved connecting tracks connect between the ends of the first track and the second track so as to form a closed loop track. A single motorized drive wheel is used. The single motorized drive wheel may be driven by a motor rotatably associated with the wiper, or through a flexible drive cable by a remotely mounted motor. Other embodiments use a single substantially linear track in combination with a motor running unidirectionally.

Abstract: A linear movable apparatus for imparting rotational movement to a turntable is provided. The turntable is secured to a rotatably mounted shaft having a ring gear thereon for meshed engagement with gear teeth provided on a piston rod which extends between a pair of pistons. Each piston is reciprocally carried in aligned cylinder housings mounted in a support structure. An adjustable mechanism is provided for retaining the piston rod in snug-fitting relation with the ring gear, and a bracket assembly is secured around the ring gear to support the adjustable mechanism against the ring gear.

Abstract: A document platen on which a document is placed is movably installed on the main body of a copying machine. A motor for producing a driving force is provided. An input gear to which the driving force is transmitted is located in a fixed position. A planetary gear is positioned such that it engages with and moves around the input gear. An endless gear is connected to the document platen. The endless gear has internal teeth in the form of a closed loop which engages with the planetary gear. When the planetary gear, which engages with both the input gear and the endless gear, moves around the input gear once, one reciprocating movement of the document platen is caused. With this configuration, since there is no need to provide a switching mechanism including clutches and solenoids that is used in a conventional device, the number of components is reduced, and thereby decreasing the manufacturing costs.

Abstract: A hammer movement detection device for detecting the movement of a hammer which strikes strings provided for each key of a keyboard musical instrument. The hammer movement detection device radiates light onto a hammer shank which moves with the hammer and detects at least the displacement of the hammer shank based on the light reflected from the hammmer shank. The movement detection device may be attached to a shank rail which supports the hammer shank in a freely rotatable manner. The hammer movement detection device may be supported using a fixed member which is supported above the hammer shank and below the pin board which is connected to the frame which supports the strings which are struck by the hammer.

Abstract: A reciprocating driving device is provided with a reciprocating moving member supported to be movable in a predetermined direction and the reverse direction. A first rack is provided on the reciprocating moving member, and a second rack is provided on the reciprocating moving member and arranged so as to face the first rack. A gear moves the reciprocating moving member in the predetermined direction or the reverse direction by rotating in a predetermined direction, selectively meshing with the first rack or the second rack.