Abstract: A rudder control linkage having thermal compensation features employs a stationary thermal compensation rod, a lever with a fixed pivot, a reversing link with a movable pivot, a summing link, pilot and yaw damper input rods, and output rods. In an airplane having a fin and a rudder, the linkage is utilized to cancel undesired yaw inputs to the rudder caused by fin bending and differential thermal expansion which, if not corrected, would deleteriously affect airplane trim.

Abstract: An arm structure for an industrial robot, comprising a first robot arm (16) supported on top of a vertical robot shaft (14), and a second robot arm (20) pivotally joined through a transmission-reduction gear box (18) to the free end of the first robot arm (16). A plurality of coupling bolts (22) are extended through the interior of the first robot arm (16), each coupling bolt (22) has one end (22b) fastened to the flange (18b) of the transmission-reduction gear box (18) and the other end (22a) projecting from and fastened to the rear end of the first robot arm (16). Fastening nuts (24) each engage at least one end (22a or 22b) of each coupling bolt (22) to couple the first robot arm (16) and the transmission-reduction gear box (18) so as to preload the first robot arm (16) by a compressive force.

Abstract: A universal head for fitting to a machine tool slide comprises a spindle head supporting a spindle and a head carrier interposed between the spindle head and the slide in order to transmit torque from the machine tool drive shaft to the spindle. The carrier is rotatable with respect to the slide and the spindle head is rotatable with respect to the carrier along mutually oblique axes. Ordinarily, relative rotation between the spindle head, carrier and machine tool are prevented by hydraulically-actuated brakes and only the spindle is driven by the drive shaft; however, when it is desired to reorient the spindle axis, rotation of the spindle is prevented while the brakes are selectively released so that drive shaft rotation results in movement of the spindle head.

Abstract: A power assist handle for providing control signals to a servo mechanism includes a spring-guided means of allowing motion of an input handle in only two directions in a configuration which has almost no friction between stationary and moving parts. Motion is sensed by a pair of Hall-effect sensors, each of which provides a signal output proportional to the displacement of the input handle in a respective orthogonal direction. The sensors and associated permanent magnets are arranged so that each is sensitive in one of the two directions and insensitive in the other.

Abstract: A robot arm consisting of an upper arm link and a lower arm link which are interconnected by a uniaxial joint. The upper arm link is connected with a structure via a universal joint. In order to attain a weight balance, a bellcrank level is placed on the upper arm link, on whose one lever arm an upwardly directed equalizing force acts and whose other lever arm is connected to the lower arm link. If both arm links are in alignment with one another, then the point of application of force on the one lever arm has its greatest distance to the universal joint. If, on the other hand, the lower arm link is swung out of its alignment with the upper arm link, then the distance between the point of application of force and the universal joint is decreased.

Abstract: An orienting and angular positioning device for the rotational axis of a rotatable load such as a dish antenna for the dynamic tracking of a non-stationary satellite is described. The antenna is supported on a support member which is rotatably mounted on one mounting plane of a wedge-shaped intermediate member which has two mounting planes which are inclined relative to one another at a predetermined angle A. The other mounting plane of the wedge is rotatably mounted to an inclined upper mounting plane of a fixed member. Releasable mechanisms are provided for holding the fixed member solidly connected with the support member and for holding the intermediate member solidly connected with the support member. A drive unit is fixed to the intermediate member and has a drive pinion engaged with a gear on the support member.

Abstract: A robotic arm and control system comprising a multi-axis, open-loop system of coupled structural members, wherein each structural member is pivotably coupled to one another to form a number of joints, wherein position calibration is provided by way of position sensors disposed at each joint, and controls for manipulating each joint in a predetermined manner and for monitoring the output of each position sensor, the controls first causing all structural members to move with respect to one another so that each position sensor outputs a home signal, the controls then manipulating each structural member in a predetermined sequence until each structural member is caused to be within a predetermined distance from its home position.

Abstract: The control surface drive has three shafts. The shafts are rotatably coupled by four universal joints. Mechanisms are provided to guide the shafts as outboard wing sections are moved between folded and unfolded positions. Rotary coupling between the inboard and outboard control surface drives is maintained during folding motion of the outboard wing sections.

Abstract: A head assembly for a manipulator has a rear segment rotatable about an inner axis fixed relative to the manipulator and extending through the rear segment, an intermediate segment supported on the rear segment for rotation about an intermediate axis defined by the rear segment and intersecting the inner axis at an acute intermediate angle open away from the rear segment, and a front segment having a holder adapted to carry a tool and suppported on the intermediate segment for rotation about an outer axis fixed relative to the intermediate segment, extending through the front segment, and intersecting the intermediate axis at an acute outer angle open away from the intermediate segment. A drive rotates the intermediate and outer segments on the inner and intermediate segments about the respective intermediate and outer axes.

Abstract: A counterbalance assembly for use with a rotatable arm in a robotic manipulator, wherein such arm is rotated about a rotation axis. The assembly further includes one or more compression springs for providing resistance to compressive forces, and converting apparatus for translating the rotational movement of the rotatable arm about the rotation axis into linear deflection of such compression spring, whereby resistance of the compression spring to linear deflection in either direction along its longitudinal axis establishes an effective counterbalancing force which reduces the load bearing on the arm drive regardless of the direction in which the rotatable arm is rotated.

Abstract: A robot including a balancing mechanism or balancer with a compression spring which flexes to compensate for the gravitational moment between an arm assembly and a base of the robot. The compression spring is chosen to have a force-deflection characteristic to account for the gravitational moment and the geometry of the mechanism. The arm assembly has a pivotal connection which pivotally supports the arm assembly on the base of the robot for movement about a pivotal axis. The mechanism can be adjusted for various arm assembly lengths and/or payloads. The mechanism includes a spring support, a connecting rod having a longitudinal axis and connected to the spring support for communicating motion of the spring support to the arm assembly at an attachment point offset from the pivotal axis. The resulting balancing mechanism is relatively compact, which lends itself to robotics applications where space is limited.

Abstract: A transport mechanism for silicon wafers comprises an elongate four arm linkage and a wafer support arm which is secured to the linkage through a gearing system. One of the short arms of the linkage is fixed, and as the linkage is rotated, the gearing system produces a different motion in the support arm. Preferably pinion gears are secured to the ends of the long arms and engage a pinion gear secured to one end of the support arm, so as to produce linear motion of a wafer placed on the support arm.

Abstract: A control lever apparatus for actuating two sheathed control cables, such as push/pull cables, for connecting together two or more control stations, particularly in marine applications. A manual lever and sprocket are journalled for concurrent rotation relative to a body having a longitudinal body axis. A sheath anchoring structure cooperates with the body and has a sheath clamp adapted for securing the sheaths of the control cables laterally spaced apart and disposed parallel to the body axis. A length of chain passes over the sprocket and has two opposite end portions which extend generally axially of the body. A core connector is secured to each end of the chain and is adapted to be secured to the cores of the control cable assemblies. The apparatus provides a positive and simple mechanical connection between two or more control heads which can be simply installed, and for usual lengths of cable runs does not incur excessive frictional losses.

Abstract: An examination unit which is particularly suitable as an ophthalmologic examination unit for the examination of a patient by an ophthalmologist, comprises a storage region for an examination apparatus, wherein the storage region is defined by a wall, and an opening in the wall for passing the examination apparatus therethrough from the storage region. In order to ensure an easy transfer of the examination unit to the patient a support frame is provided in the storage region having a pivot bearing with a pivot axis. A swivel arm is pivotable around the pivot axis from a rest position in which the swivel arm is positioned within the storage region, into an operating position in which the swivel arm has the free end thereof laterally swung out of the storage region through the opening. Furthermore, the examination apparatus is suspended at the free end of the swivel arm.

Abstract: The specimen (P) can be turned about each of three axes (A, B and C) by rtion of the input shaft (10). The apparatus exhibits three brackets (H1, H2, H3) mounted on each other in the manner of a cardan joint and supported by the frame (GR). The first bracket (H1) is fixed on the frame (GR) via a clutch coupling (K1). Additional couplings (K2 and K3) connect the second bracket (H2) to the first bracket (H1) and the third bracket (H3) to the second bracket (H2). Of the three couplings, only one is ever released, while the two others are engaged. In this manner the specimen (P) can describe a movement about each of the three axes by rotation of the single input shaft (10).

Abstract: A robot installation in a production line includes at least one robot (1) of pendulum type, the arm system (10, 14) of which is pivotable about at least one axis (12). The secondary arm (14) of the robot and a counterweight (16) are so displaceably arranged on the primary arm (10) of the robot that the centre of gravity of the arm system lies on or in immediate proximity to the pivot axis (12) independently of the position of the secondary arm (14) on the primary arm (10). To this end, the counterweight (16) and the secondary arm (14) are movably interconnected by means of a rope (18) running around rope wheels (20) at the ends of the primary arm (10). When mounting several robots of this kind on a stand (34, 35) positioned across the production line (31), the robots are mounted symmetrically in pairs on opposed side walls of the overhead stand part (35).

Abstract: A robot arm drive apparatus of an industrial robot comprising: an electric motor having a drive shaft; a first robot member having the electric motor mounted thereon; a second robot member rotatably supported on the first robot member; and reduction gear means for reducing rotation of the electric motor and then transmitting to the second robot member. The reduction gear means has a primary reduction gear for reducing the rotation of the electric motor and a secondary, planetary reduction gear for further reducing rotation of output of the primary reduction gear. The primary reduction gear has a reduction ratio such that the maximum number of rotations of the electric motor is reduced less than the characteristic torsion frequency of the drive system.

Abstract: In a device for controlling elements of a machine, comprising two control members of the joy stick type from one or other of which said elements may be controlled, these members being intended to be actuated by separate operators and each being mounted for tilting about at least one axis and connected to at least one sensor delivering an electric signal representative of the amplitude of tilt of the associated joy stick about said axis on each side of a neutral position, a signal processing system is provided receiving the signals from two sensors and delivering a single control reference addressed to said controlled elements of the machine.

Abstract: A toy is constructed to include two unique linkages with the first linkage including a series of links located in a sequential array with each link pivotally connected to its next immediate adjacent neighbor and every other link operatively connected such that each link can pivot with respect to its neighbor and motion of a link pivotally connected to one side of a link is communicated to the link pivotally connected to the other side of that same link. This allows the linkage to propagate motion along the totality of the sequence in response to movement of any one link. The second linkage includes a first member which is pivotally connected to a rotating crank pin and connected at its upper end to a second lever which is pivotally connected to a body on which the crank pin rotates.

Abstract: The invention provides a retractile polyarticulated mechanism comprising at least one elementary mechanism (4) formed of two endmost pieces (5, 6) one of which is a reference and, for connecting these endmost pieces (5, 6) together at least three legs (7,8,9) situated in separate planes and formed of two parts (10 and 11, or 12 and 13, or 14 and 15) each associated, on the one hand, with the other part forming the same leg by a spherical connection (16, 17 and 18) and, on the other hand, with an endmost piece (5, 6) different from the one with which this other part is associated by a rotoid connection (either 19 or 20, either 21 or 22, or finally 23 or 24).

Abstract: A plurality of interconnected linkages are shown with a resilient clip-like member operatively connected to a first of the linkages and resiliently engaging another of the linkages so as to cause an abutment carried by the first linkage to be held in contact with the other linkage and thereby eliminate rattling noises as would otherwise occur between the first and the other linkage.

Abstract: A means for counterbalancing a mass (9) in mechanisms such as a robot arm (1), wherein the robot arm (1) has a fixed support point (2) and is attached to one end of a spring (3) for counterbalancing arm loading. The other, remote point of attachment (6) for the spring (3) is movable in relation to the fixed support point (2) for the arm (1), so that the distance between said remote point of attachment (6) for the spring (3) and the fixed support point (2) for the robot arm (1) can be varied for altering the geometry of the system, according to the weight of the mass, the tool (9), attached to the end of the robot arm (1), whereby the robot arm (1) can be counterbalanced in all positions and can be adjusted to different masses without reducing the dynamic properties of the robot arm (1).

Abstract: A method of remodeling a control section of a backhoe comprising adding a relay unit including relay rotary sleeve shafts and rotary shafts rigidly attached to a carrier base to extend in two parallel rows, and operatively connecting the rotary sleeve shafts and rotary shafts selectively to drive rods which are pushed or pulled by an oscillation in one direction of one of the hand levers, respectively, and to driven rods operatively connected to those of the valves which should be actuated by the drive rods, respectively.

Abstract: A hopper for an automatic weighing apparatus has a link mechanism for opening and closing a hopper gate and an attachment mechanism for attaching a hopper body to the automatic weighing apparatus. The link mechanism includes a drive link pivotably mounted on a bracket, a follower link angularly movable in unison with the gate, and an intermediate link interconnected between the movable ends of the drive and follower links. When the gate is closed, the drive and intermediate links are aligned along a substantially straight line to prevent the weight of articles in the hopper from opening the gate.

Abstract: A cam-actuated robotic manipulator system comprising an articulated robot arm adapted for multiple degrees of angular motion, and an actuator system which includes series-connected four-bar linkages and a cam input mechanism for controlling each degree of motion of the robot arm. The several series-connected four-bar linkages for each degree of motion share at least some common axes of rotation, one of which is position-variable for adjusting output position of the corresponding manipulator arm segment for a given cam input. The input mechanism to each four-bar linkage arrangement comprises conjugate cams and conjugate cam followers having an overload mechanism connected therebetween to detect obstruction to movement of the corresponding arm segment for disengaging the cam drive mechanism, and thereby preventing damage to the robot manipulator arm and actuator.

Abstract: Upper parallelogram links (8, 8, 5, 12) and lower parallelogram links (14, 14, 12, 17) are series connected at an intermediate driving unit 12 with direction of the journal shafts (7, 7, 10, 10) of the upper parallelogram links and direction of the journal shafts (13, 13, 16, 16) of the lower parallelogram links being perpendicular to each other; thereby a third driving unit 17, to which a shaft of a hand 19 is mounted, is always kept in parallel to a first driving unit 5 irrespective of the position of the hand 19; thus a reliable handling by hand is assured, and also accurate horizontal motions are attainable with conventional computing means.

Abstract: A remote manipulator for a robotic system has a plurality of intercoupled manipulator links and a principal manipulator drive unit coupled to manipulate the remote position of an end-effector supported by said links in response to a manipulator control signal. Coarse adjustment of the end effector is refined by a precision control subsystem which augments the principal manipulator to achieve a "control-in-the-small" robotic manipulator system. The augmenting precision-achieving subsystem includes a coupling mechanism, coupled with one of the links, for establishing the position of one of the links relative to another link, and a precision adjustment device, associated with the coupling mechanisms for adjusting the position of the one link relative to another link as established by the coupling mechanism, independently of the action of the principal manipulator drive unit and effectively without bearing the load supported by the one of said links.

Abstract: A flexible arm particularly a robot arm comprising a plurality of elements arranged in a series with adjacent elements in abutting relationship, said elements being interconnected via cables and if desired a power transferring actuating device. The arm has very good rigidity in the bending plane of each element and high torsional resistance together with low manufacturing costs. Each element is designed with opposed single or double-curved segments, or flat surfaces, or combinations thereof with the curved surfaces of each segment engaging the curved or flat surfaces of the adjacent segments, whereby the elements when actuated by the power transferring device have a rolling motion relative to each other.

Abstract: A triaxial hinge for robots, mechanical handling apparatus and the like comprising three different kinematic elements, namely, a first, a second and a third element, of which the first element on the arm of the handling apparatus or robot is rotatably secured around a first axis while the kinematic elements that follow are substantially disposed in continuation of the respective preceding element and each having a rotation axis, wherein each one of the kinematic elements has on its outer end a receiving flange to which is secured the kinematic element that follows, and said three kinematic elements can be hydraulically driven separately or independently of each other.

Abstract: A robot having an arm and an adapted actuating mechanism of a parallelogram construction, formed of vertical arms having the forward and rearward movement regulated within a fixed range, parallel rods having the up and down movement regulated within a fixed range, upper links and a forward horizontally extending horizontal arm is supported by side plates. At least the above mentioned vertical arms are provided with an X-axis driving device and the parallel rods are provided with a Z-axis driving device and means to balance the load of the work and arm mechanism.

Abstract: A flexible loader apparatus as used for supplying a workpiece to or removing a machined workpiece from a machine tool is provided which has a base (6) secured to a headstock (5) of the machine tool, slides (7,8) shiftable in a direction parallel to the axial line (9) of the main spindle of the headstock (5) guided by the guide member (10) of the base (6), a first servo-motor (16) to move the slides (7, 8), an arm (18) supported at its one end on the slides (7, 8) at their one ends so as to be rotatable about a second axial line (17) parallel to the axial line (9) of the main spindle, a second servo-motor (26) to rotate the arm (18), a wrist member (21) supported by the arm (18) at its free end so as to be rotatable about a third axial line (20) parallel to the axial line (9), a hand member (23) supported by the wrist member (21) so as to be rotatable about an axial line (22) orthogonal to the third axial line (20), fingers (25) mounted to the hand member (23) and adapted to be opened and closed by a fluid cyl

Abstract: A carrier that is adjustably interconnected with its base by means of parallelogram articulation including spherical bearings. The framework interconnecting the support with its base, includes two generally horizontal arms laterally spaced apart and interconnected at their forward ends with the support by spherical bearings and at their rear end to a hinge plate about spaced vertical pivots. The hinge plate is mounted for vertical swinging movement about a horizontal axis on and relative to the base. Another parallelogram linkage, this one arranged in a vertical plane, is provided by a fluid pressure cylinder disposed below the horizontal arms and serving as a tilting cylinder, which is connected by spherical bearings at its forward and rear ends to the carrier and to the base, respectively. A fluid pressure cylinder serving as a lifting cylinder pivotally interconnects the base and the lower part of the hinge plate.

Abstract: A robotic manipulator includes a plurality of segments connected by joints between a fixed base and the distal end of the arm. At least one of the joints comprises a servomotor having a stator and a rotor one of which is attached to a segment positioned closer to the fixed base, the other component of the servomotor being attached to a driven segment positioned closer to the distal end of the arm. The said mechanical arm is directly driven by the servo motor without provision of any transmission mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for splitting logs and the like is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an elongated track having an upstanding splitting wedge attached thereto and a ram slidingly mounted thereon. The ram includes an upstanding abutment plate and an upstanding drive plate which is spaced from the abutment plate on the opposite side thereof from the wedge. A cable-wound-drum electrical power unit which is operable with advance, hold and release modes is mounted at an intermediate point on the track between the drive and abutment plates with the cable of the power unit extending from the drum to the drive plate. Upon implementation of the advance mode of the power unit, the cable is wound onto the drum to pull the drive plate towards the power unit and thereby advance the abutment plate towards the wedge.

Abstract: A flexible arm particularly a robot arm comprising a plurality of elements engaging each other and being arranged in a series, said elements being interconnected via cables and if desired a power transferring actuating device. The purpose of the invention is to provide an arm having very good rigidity in the bending plane of the element and a high torsional resistance together with lower manufacturing costs as compared to conventional robot arms. This has been achieved by each element being designed with arched opposed single-or double-curved segments which with the curved surfaces of each segment engaging the surfaces of the adjacent segments, whereby the elements are arranged when actuated by the power generating and/or power transferring device to have a rolling motion relative to each other.

Abstract: Arm having a gravity-balancing function effective for use in welding robots as well as robots employed in a variety of industrial fields. Projectively provided over the fulcrum of an arm (1) is a rotary sheave (2), whose position is perpendicularly maintained regardless of the vertical swaying of the arm (1). A wire (6) is extended from an action point (A) on a line traced by the center of gravity of the arm (1), to the rotary sheave (2), and is connected to a spring mechanism (3) which may extend by the length of elongation equal to the distance between the action point (A) and the rotary sheave (2), whereby a moment due to the weight of the arm (1) is completely balanced to provide an arm with gravity-balancing.

Abstract: A welding torch is supported by a mount which can be oscillated about a vertical pivot that is carried by and movable with an up-down frame which is carried by and movable with a forward-rearward frame that is carried by and movable with a laterally-movable frame. As a result, that welding torch can be oscillated about a pivot which is movable vertically, forwardly and rearwardly and from side to side. A plurality of cams are mounted adjacent each other and act through linkages to provide any desired individual or combined oscillation, up-down, forward-rearward, or lateral movement of that welding torch.

Abstract: A reel spin mechanism for use in an amusement or game device includes a reel mounted for rotation, and a disc having notches in its periphery is attached to the reel. A drive lever mechanism having a drive member at its distal end is pivotally mounted, and a system for pivoting the drive lever mechanism toward and away from the disc is provided to engage and disengage the drive member with a notch on the disc. The pivoting system effects full engagement of the drive member with a notch and then effects a few degrees of controlled rotation of the reel in a first direction of rotation. Another mechanism thereafter imparts spin to the reel in a direction opposite the first rotative direction of the reel.

Abstract: A mounting bracket for mounting a control actuator has a mounting surface, a mounting portion and a bore in the mounting portion. The control actuator is mounted on the mounting surface and the mounting portion is connected to a wall at an aperture in the wall. An input shaft is pivotally positioned within the bore and extends through the aperture. A device connects the input shaft to the control aperture.

Abstract: In a leverage system, a four-member articulated linkage pivoted at one extremity on a support, one linkage member being rigid with a load arm carrying a gripper assembly for holding a tool, is connected via a pair of force-transferring levers to a pneumatic cylinder for counterbalancing gravitational moments. One lever is articulated at one end to a pivot of the four-member linkage and at another end in a toggle link to the piston of the cylinder, while the other lever is pivotally connected at one end to the piston and the toggle lever and at an opposite end to an arm of a bell crank forming a linkage member.

Abstract: A manufacturing machine such as an automatic assembly machine is disclosed which includes a work station which can include linear motion devices and rotary motion devices. A conveyor system is disclosed for transporting a workpiece to and from the work station, and positioning means are disclosed for precisely positioning the workpiece to the work station.

Abstract: A mechanical power transmission apparatus, of the differential gear type, for actuating an airplane control surface requiring two independent actuator inputs to a single control surface. Predetermined, proportionately variable, asymmetric loads between the two actuators are accomodated by a load sensitive brake in conjunction with a fuse link which fails in the event of single actuator or drive means failure. The fuse link is provided by employing a shear pin to attach the pinion gear in the differential to the pinion shaft. The shear pin failure strength in conjunction with the load variable brake determines the allowable differential torque between the two driven bevel gears.

Abstract: In a continuous casting plant comprising a fixed frame, a table, and a mold supported by said table, a mold rocking device comprising at least one first bell-crank lever keyed at its apex to a first shaft rotatably journalled by said fixed frame, said first lever being pivotably connected at one end to one side of said table; at least one second bell-crank lever keyed at its apex to a second shaft, parallel to said first shaft, rotatably journalled by said fixed frame, said second lever being connected, in a slidable and pivotable manner, at one end to the side of said table opposite to the one to which the said first lever is pivotably connected; the second end of said second bell-crank lever being connected to a rocking device; and means for transmitting the said rocking movement from said second bell-crank lever to the second end of said first bell-crank lever.

Abstract: The disclosed mechanical arm comprises a base having mounted thereon a plurality of pivotally connected links, each having its own individual motor operatively connected through driving kinematic chains with said links, and a tensioning mechanism including a tensioning member and kinematic chains connecting said tensioning member with the links; said tensioning mechanism being provided with differential gears in a number equalling that of said driving kinematic chains tensioned by said tensioning member, one output of each said differential gears being connected to said individual motor, and two other outputs thereof being connected to the preceding and successive ones of said differential gears; the two unoccupied outputs of the terminal ones of said differential gears being connected, respectively, to said base and said tensioning member.The invention is primarily intended for automation of main and auxiliary operations in various industries, e.g. for handling of production tools and equipment.

Abstract: A mechanical power transmission apparatus, of the differential gear type, for actuating an airplane control surface requiring two independent actuator inputs to a single control surface. Asymmetric loading to the control surface is accommodated by a mechanical fuse link. The fuse link is provided by employing a shear pin to attach the pinion gear to the pinion shaft, designed to fail at a predetermined differential torque between the two driven bevel gears. Positive disengagement of the gears is provided following fuse link release.

Abstract: Linkage mechanisms for industrial manipulators are disclosed which are based on so-called straight line mechanisms. The preferred straight line mechanism is of the conchoid type. The linkage mechanisms may be employed to move functional elements of industrial manipulators in straight lines without the use of lead screws or revolute jointed arms.

Abstract: A temperature compensated passive linkage for interconnecting two members having different coefficients of expansion. Preferably the linkage is utilized for interconnecting the stabilizer of a plane with its elevator. The stabilizer may be a graphite epoxy composite while the elevator may consist of aluminum-fiberglass. The differences in the rate of expansion of the two members is compensated by the linkage of the invention which in turn will move a side load hinge fitting to minimize aerodynamic and mechanical problems.

Abstract: A control apparatus is disclosed for regulating the movement of a control stem which is biased in a given direction. The apparatus comprises a housing forming a chamber and a plurality of passages. The chamber receives the control stem in its direction of bias, the latter abutting against a restraining sphere disposed in the chamber. A pair of pistons are movably disposed in remaining ones of the passages to maintain the sphere in the chamber. The pistons are movable to allow the sphere to enter a passage so that the stem can move further into the chamber. The pistons can be moved manually or automatically, as by means of a fusible element which melts in response to the heat of a fire.

Abstract: In this telephone answering device, each of the mechanical control arms is pivotally mounted in simplified fashion to a molded plastic chassis. Overcenter springs provide bistable mechanical positioning of each control arm. The answer-playback control arm functions to position an erase head against the incoming message recording tape, to engage or disengage the outgoing announcement tape loop drive, and to actuate a switch that connects power to the device during rewind and playback operations. A forward-rewind control arm shifts the magnetic tape drive motor to the forward or rewind position, and is linked to the answer-playback control arm by a lost motion linkage so as to ensure the correct relative settings of the two control arms.

Abstract: A group operated circuit disconnect apparatus for overhead electric power lines has a base in the form of a box-like housing which mounts on a pole, an upright shaft extends through the housing, and a transverse shaft also extends through the housing. A linkage is mounted on the shafts in the housing so that axial rotation of the upright shaft axially rotates the transverse shaft, and this causes three circuit disconnect switches mounted on the housing to be moved simultaneously between closed positions and open positions, or vice versa, as the upright shaft is manually rotated. An end of the housing has a removable closure plate for access to the linkage.