Abstract: An outdoor power equipment unit includes independent suspension system having a frame, a first wheel assembly, a second wheel assembly, a first laterally-extending suspension arm pair, and a second laterally-extending suspension arm pair. The first wheel assembly includes a first wheel and a first side suspension arm. The first side suspension arm is pivotably coupled at a first end to a first side structural member and is fixedly coupled at a second opposite end to a joint of the first wheel assembly. The second wheel assembly is arranged similarly to the first wheel assembly. Both the first laterally-extending suspension arm pair and the second laterally-extending suspension arm pair are configured to independently pivot about the frame to be vertically displaceable relative to the frame.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a movable chair support structure including a movable mechanism, a fixing support structure and a chair support structure. The movable mechanism includes a transmission component and a movable component. The chair support structure includes a chair support portion, which has a length of 500 mm to 530 mm. When the movable chair support structure is disposed on the ground, the chair support portion is inclined relative to a direction parallel to the ground. The chair support portion is pivotally connected to the movable component. The movable component is pivotally connected to the fixing support structure. The transmission component is independently pivotally connected to the chair support portion and the movable component, respectively. The transmission component rotates relative to the chair support structure and drives the movable component to move, so as to adjust a position of the chair support structure relative to the fixing support structure.

Abstract: An assembly for converting motion comprises a first arm and a second arm rotatable about first and second fixed pivots; a third arm pivotably connected to the second arm; a first connecting arm pivotably connected to and extending between the first arm and the third arm; a second connecting arm pivotably connected to and extending between the first arm and the second arm; and a locking assembly comprising a first locking member and a second locking member, the first locking member connected to one of the arms and engaging with the second locking member at one or more positions from the retracted position to the extended position. The assembly may comprise the guide assembly comprising a guide member and an engagement member moveably engageable with the guide member.

Abstract: An assembly for converting motion comprises a first arm rotatable at a first position about a first fixed pivot; a second arm rotatable at a first position about a second fixed pivot; a third arm linked at a first position to the second arm at a second position on the second arm, the third arm being linked at a second position to the first arm at a second position on the first arm; wherein one of the first and second positions on the third arm is movable and the other of the first and second positions is fixed relative to the third arm; and a connecting arm extending between the first arm and the second arm, the connecting arm pivotably connected at a first position to a third position on the first arm and pivotably connected at a second position to the second position on the second arm.

Abstract: A scissors-type linkage assembly for a key device includes: a first lever having a lever body and a pivot shaft, the pivot shaft having at least one arcuate portion and at least one non-arcuate portion; and a second lever formed with a pivot hole that receives the pivot shaft and that has a rounded hole portion and a non-rounded hole portion. The arcuate portion contacts slidably and rotatably a wall of the rounded hole portion. The non-rounded hole portion is wider than the non-arcuate portion. The non-arcuate portion is movable toward or away from a wall of the non-rounded hole portion and is capable of limiting an angle of rotation of the pivot shaft when contacting the wall of the non-rounded hole portion.

Abstract: A link structure can include an outside link member and an inside link member. Shaft holes can be formed in respective inner lateral sides of the outside link member and face each other across a first opening portion. First stopper members can be arranged on the respective inner lateral sides, and each have a first inclined face and a first stopper surface. The outside link member can be elastically deformable based on a pressure applied to the first inclined surfaces that increases a distance between the shaft holes. The inside link member can include a second opening portion, link rotational shafts that are disposed in the shaft holes, and second stopper members each having a second inclined surface and a second stopper surface. The inside link member can be elastically deformable based on a pressure applied to the second inclined surfaces that decreases a distance between the link rotational shafts.

Abstract: A scissor-stacked assembly and a method of routing a cable thereto is provided. The assembly includes a plurality of inner arms and outer arms that are connected to one another by retaining pins. The retaining pins are located at central portions of the inner and outer arms and retained by a cap and retaining means. The arms create a plurality of pantographs that allow the assembly to move between a collapsed position and a raised position. Also included is a method of routing a cable through the assembly. The method includes the use of wire forms or tie bars to affix a cable or hose to the wire form or tie bar. The hose is wrapped around crosstubes connecting right and left side arms of the assembly and is attached to the wire forms or tie bars by the use of zip ties or hose clamps.

Abstract: A seating unit that includes a linkage mechanism adapted to adjust between closed, extended, and reclined positions is provided. The linkage mechanism includes a seat-mounting plate mounted to a footrest assembly, a back-mounting link and a rear bellcrank both rotatably coupled to the seat-mounting plate, an activator bar that controls a footrest drive link, and a linear actuator for carrying out automated adjustment of the linkage assembly. In operation, a stroke in a first phase of the linear actuator generates a torque on the activator bar. The footrest drive link converts the torque into a laterally-directed force that pushes the footrest assembly into the extended position. A stroke in the second phase acts to push the activator bar forward and translate the seat-mounting plate forward at a consistent inclination angle. The forward translation causes the rear bellcrank to rotate, thereby biasing the back-mounting link rearward into the reclined position.

Abstract: A seating unit that includes a linkage mechanism adapted to move the seating unit between extended and reclined positions, and a chassis is provided. The linkage mechanism includes a seat-mounting link, a base plate fixedly mounted to the chassis, a back-mounting bracket rotatably coupled to the seat-mounting link, a back drive link in generally laterally-spaced relation to the seat-mounting link, and a front-lift assembly that is rotatably coupled to the seat-mounting link. In operation, a rearward occupant force on the back-mounting bracket generates a rearward bias that is converted to a laterally-directed force through the back drive link to the front-lift assembly. Upon receiving this force, the front-lift assembly translates the seat-mounting link forward and upward in relation to the base plate, such that, the seat-mounting link is consistently biased in a particular inclination angle with respect to the base plate throughout adjustment.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a flexure stage comprises a base, a stage, a positioning mechanism, and a control device. The base and stage have first and second portions that are spaced apart from each other. The positioning mechanism is coupled between the base and the stage. The positioning mechanism includes an actuator and a flexure structure engaged by the actuator. The flexure structure includes base links coupled to the first base portion, stage links coupled to the first stage portion, and an intermediate link coupled to both the base and stage links. All structures are coupled by flexure hinge connections. The control device generates a control signal to change position of the stage by sending a control signal to the actuator which provides a force to elastically deform the flexure structure and correspondingly move the stage.

Abstract: A motion apparatus having two or five degrees of freedom includes a plurality of arm flexures, a plurality of parallelogram flexures or a plurality of compound parallelogram flexures. The motion apparatus minimizes direct, parasitic, and coupled error motions.

Abstract: A portable, easily composable supporting skeleton which serves as a supporting structure of buildings composable in situ. The skeleton comprises a pipe-like spacer. Two dismountable node plates can be fixed to the spacer by way of clamping assemblies. Each node plate includes an eye having a through-hole. A joint assembly which comprises a crosswise tie-piece can be interconnected pivotably to the through-hole of the eye of one of the node plates.

Abstract: Spacers 26 each of which has a concave surface 27 complementary to the spherical surface of a ball 25 at each end thereof are disposed at areas between the adjacent balls 25, 25. A ball circulation mechanism comprises; a through hole 15 which extends in parallel to an axial line 4 of the ball nut 12 inside a thick wall part 14 of the ball nut 12; and adapters 23, 24 having open ends 23a, 24a provided with tongue portions 23c, 24c for scooping up or returning balls 25 between a ball screw groove 11 of a ball shaft 10 and a ball screw groove 13 of the ball nut 12, and the other open ends 23b, 24b being connected to be in communication with the through hole 15, and each adapter being fitted into recesses 16, 17 provided on both axial ends in the thick wall part 14 of the ball nut 12. Therefore, there is no need of upsizing a ball screw, and thus a compact ball screw which has a high load-carrying capacity and is suitable for a reciprocating movement can be provided.

Abstract: A clamping mechanism for an adjustable steering column includes clamping members which are drawn by a spring against sides of a steering column mounting bracket which flexes to clamp a steering column supporting adjustment bracket. The clamping members are located at opposite pivot points of a parallelogram linkage which has intermediate pivot points coupled to a Bowden cable with sheath. Operating the Bowden cable to draw arms of the linkage together against the bias of the spring causes the clamping members to be unclamped to allow adjustment of the steering column.

Abstract: This device provides tailored motion of one object relative to a second object. The device consists of mechanical linkages which change length as a function of pivot angle. The linkages consist of simple pivot arms and pivot points. The pivot arm lengths and pivot point positions are selected to provide a chosen path of relative motion for the objects connected by the device.

Abstract: A supporting platform with a tough structure has a height which can be optionally adjusted. In the present invention, since the intermediate section which links the base section to be placed on the floor with a platform on which a person or object is placed comprises expandable and contractable links, a gear mechanism for regulating the movements of these links and a gear stop mechanism for regulating the gear, it is possible to provide a supporting platform of extremely high durability.

Abstract: A combined mobile chair and gurney (10) having an outer base support frame (12) and an inner movable frame (14). Outer support frame (12) has a pair of opposed vertical side frames (16) and a plurality of lower cross members (30) extending between the lower ends of the side frames (16). Inner movable frame (12) has a lower base (84) supported on cross members (30) of the outer frame (12), and a pair of linkages (72, 74) supported on the base (84) connected to three hinged segments (48, 52, 54) which define a rear back support segment (48), an intermediate seat support segment (52), and a front leg support segment (54). The linkages (72, 74) are operatively connected to drive nuts (106, 126) which are mounted on an externally threaded power screw (108) for movement. A patient is supported in a supine position at the uppermost position of the hinged segments (48, 52, 54) shown in FIG. 2 and is supported in a seated position at a lower position of the hinged segments (48, 52, 54) as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

Abstract: An articulated arm transfer device employs a rhomboidal link structure defined by two separated pairs of forearms pivotally joined at the elbows and at the wrists. Each wrist supports a holding structure and the elbows are driven in mirror-image semicircular paths by a pair of upper arms which are superimmposed alternately under each pair of forearms as the upper arms are rotated about mutually adjacent shoulder joints. The motion is such that at any time one holding structure is moving rapidly between an extended position and a park position while the other holidng structure is slowly traveling a negligible distance between a park position and a retracted position.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating material into first and second portions according to size including a plurality of shafts, a plurality of spaced disks radiating outwardly from each of the shafts to define apertures and linkage interconnecting the shafts for moving the shafts toward or away from one another to vary the size of the apertures while the apparatus is performing the separating function.

Abstract: A mower is provided which includes a pair of link mechanisms for mounting a cutter unit on the side of a mower body in suspended form. Each link mechanism includes a pair of lifting links. The paired lifting links are pivotably connected to the side of the mower body at opposing end portions. The other end portions of the paired lifting links are connected together so that the paired lifting links can be rotated upward and downward about the respective pivot points. The cutter unit is supported by respective intermediate portions of the lifting links in suspended form, and lifted by rotating the lifting links of the paired link mechanisms upward and downward in a linked relation.

Abstract: An instrument support platform system with a base, an elongated platform having front and rear portions, and a linkage coupling the base and platform. The linkage causes the rear of the platform to be raised, and the front held without lowering, when the platform is tilted down, and the reverse when the platform is raised and the rear is held without lowering. The center of gravity of an instrument on the platform is therefore held at an absolute level and slightly raised when tilting the platform, making the assembly counterbalanced and gravity biased to a level platform position.

Abstract: A steering column having a pair of steering column members arranged coaxially about a first axis. One of the steering column members is axially movable along the first axis relative to the other steering column member. The steering column members are supported for angular movement about a second axis extending transverse to the first axis. A first lock releasably locks the members in one of a plurality of relative axial positions along the first axis. A second lock releasably locks the members in one of a plurality of angular positions about the second axis. A control lever is mounted for pivotal movement toward and away from a neutral position. An actuator operates in response to pivotal movement of the control lever away from the neutral position in a direction of desired movement of the one member to actuate one or both of the first and second locks to release the one member for movement to the desired position in the same direction in which the control lever is moved.

Abstract: An elevating apparatus including a base, a platform, at least a pair of pivotally interconnected boom assemblies connecting the base and the platform together, the pair of boom assemblies including a pair of hollow middle booms pivotally interconnected substantially centrally thereof by a shaft, and upper and lower booms telescopically disposed in each of the middle booms and movable out of upper and lower ends of the middle booms, the lower booms having ends pivotally mounted on the base in spaced relation and the upper booms having ends pivotally mounted on the platform in spaced relation, each of the boom assemblies including a synchronizer for synchronizing intervals of extension of the upper and lower booms from the middle boom, a pair of hydraulic mechanisms operatively coupled between the shaft and the base at spaced locations thereon for moving the middle booms to displace the upper and lower booms into and out of the middle booms to lift and lower the platform, and a controller for selectively contro

Abstract: The mechanism comprises a movable part having one main point actuated by a crank, another main point guided along a slide having a desired profile, and a driven point which follows a desired path, depending upon the path of the two main points. A driven member is articulated to the movable member about the driven point. Moreover, the driven member is guided with respect to the crank along a path which is in a certain similarity with respect to the path of said other main point. The driven member moves parallel to itself when the crank is actuated.

Abstract: Solid or liquid products, such as deodorants are advanced for use and retracted for storage in a dispenser which includes a container, a product supporting cup slidably-mounted within the container, and a delivery mechanism to move the cup upwardly and downwardly within the container. The delivery mechanism which is integrally-formed from plastic with the cup includes a first arm and a second arm each of which have first and second ends connected by an intermediate hinge. The first ends of the first and second arms are connected to the cup with cup hinges. The first and second arms of the delivery mechanism are bent at their intermediate and cup hinges so that the first and second arms form a scissor arrangement with the first ends of the first and second arms crossing and the second ends of the first and second arms crossing. After the arms of the delivery mechanism are positioned in this scissor arrangement, the cup containing a product and the delivery mechanism are inserted into the container.

Abstract: A hydraulically powered lazy tong apparatus is provided for efficiently converting hydraulic power to rotational mechanical power. The apparatus may be employed independently or as part of another system that inherently requires the flow of hydraulic fluid. The apparatus comprises a pair of hydraulically powered piston and cylinder assemblies which are operatively connected to opposed ends of at least one lazy tong assembly. The lazy tong assembly preferably is connected by levers to a plurality of additional lazy tong assemblies. By this arrangement, the hydraulic power of the piston and cylinder assemblies is converted to linear mechanical movements, with the relative speed and power of that movement being determined in part by the dimensions of the lazy tong assemblies and the levers therebetween. The linear mechanical movement generated by the lazy tong assemblies is converted to rotational movement through a rack and pinion or chain apparatus.

Abstract: A rear-edge flap is held on an aircraft wing by means of two pantograph-like guide systems carrying swivel heads on which the flap is pivoted. Control arms extend from the guide systems to cause the flap to be pivoted and the guide systems extend the flap. Details concerning bearings and kinematics are disclosed. Application of the invention to all rear flaps of two aircraft wings is described.

Abstract: A precision actuator of minimum thickness which provides high output force with low input torque and includes a single-piece metallic rhombus with a drive assembly made up of a right-hand threaded rod that passes through a right-hand threaded side apex of the rhombus connected by a coupling to a left-hand threaded rod that passes through a left-hand threaded side apex opposite the other threaded apex of the rhombus. The right-hand threaded and left-hand threaded rods are secured to the coupling such that the drive assembly rotates as a unit. Right-hand rotation of the drive assembly increases the distance between the threaded apexes while drawing the end apexes closer together and left-hand rotation of the drive assembly draws the threaded apexes closer together forcing the end apexes further apart.

Abstract: A mechanism for controlling either momentary or maintained, continuous operation of devices such as valves, presses, machines and other devices which require simultaneous use of two hands by an operator to prevent accidents and injury. The mechanism includes a moveable linkage formed from rigid links pivotally connected in a closed polygon, preferably a parallelogram. A pair of hand-controlled plungers, which are biased to return the linkage to its rest position when released, enable movement of the linkage to momentarily or continuously operate an electrical switch, pneumatic valve or other contact control device only when both plungers are depressed simultaneously. A raised surface for guiding movement of the linkage is included to prevent unintended or single-handed operation. Constant depression of one plunger with intermittent operation of the other, or sequential operation of the plungers, will not engage the contact or control device.

Abstract: A translating mechanism for accurately positioning and locking an object relative to a reference plane comprises a base plate which defines the reference plane and a platform supported parallel to the base plate for movement in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the base plate. A spring between the base plate and platform urges the latter away from the plate and an adjustment screw operably connected to the platform and to the plate permits changing of the spacing between the platform and plate against the bias of the spring. Nestable U-shaped arms pivotally connected to the plate and platform, respectively, and to each other directly slideably engage the plate and platform, and maintain parallelism therebetween during their relative movement. A flexible end wall adjacent to the platform releasably clamps the platform against the opposite end wall to lock same in any position within its range of movement. This also minimizes the load path length between platform and base.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed herein for translating an input power force into an increased power output via power multiplier modules or units. Each multiplier module comprises a scissors arrangement of levers or links having one end fixed and its opposite end movable. The links are advanced and retracted in a scissors action by intermediate links having their opposite ends connected together by pivotal means. The intermediate links are operably moved by differentially rotating wheels which oscillate in a reciprocal manner to advance and retract the links. A power input mechanism is operably coupled to a selected one of the wheels for imparting a driving force thereto. Successive modules or units are driven as slave units from the first unit arranged in a serial or additive arrangement.

Abstract: The invention relates to an expandable beam structure comprising a plural-sided structure, each side formed of consecutive pairs of scissor links pivotally connected end-to-end to form a side. The plural-sided figure is connected by intermediate sides and the main sides are interconnected through pivot members which pivot the ends of the links and interconnect the sides. The pivot members combined to form a locking device to maintain the beam in an erected position and further support a tensioning means whenever it is desired to tension the beam.

Abstract: Disclosed is a switch suitable for use in power systems. The switch is of the vertical break type, having two stationary support insulators and one reciprocatory, insulative push rod, wherein movement of a switch blade takes place in a plane which also includes the insulators and the push rod. The two insulators are mounted on a base, one insulator supporting a switch blade hinge assembly, and the other insulator supporting a contact assembly for the switch blade. A novel linkage mounted to the hinge assembly connects the blade to the push rod and permits at least 90.degree. of movement of the blade without adversely affecting dielectric clearances between the push rod and the insulators. The insulators remain stationary when the switch operates, only the push rod and the novel linkage moving to provide motive force to the blade. The push rod may be reciprocated by interconnection to a rotatable shaft via a lever.

Abstract: A trash compactor has a rotatable lead screw and stationary nut for raising and lowering the compacting ram by rotation of the screw. A housing surrounds the nut for preventing rotation of the nut with respect to the screw while permitting limited pivotal movement of the nut with respect to the housing responsive to eccentric compaction forces applied to the compacting ram. The housing is distortable for the same reason and to permit absorption of shocks arising from compaction. The nut may be formed of a self-lubricating plastic. The drive mechanism may be used in a trash compactor having an extensible linkage of the scissors jack or lazy tongs type in which the lead screw is journalled in one of the intermediate junction points of the linkage. The housing containing the nut is located at the other of the junction points so that rotation of the screw extends and retracts the linkage.

Abstract: The mounting ends of one superimposed pair of base legs of a lazy-tongs arrangement are pivoted to fixed brackets, and the mounting ends of the other superimposed pair of base legs are mounted for both pivotal movement, and sliding movement relative to the fixed pivot brackets. The opposite ends of a bridge means are each connected with one superimposed pair of the base legs at a point between the mounting ends thereof and the scissors pivot pins connecting the central portions of the base legs, and the central portion of the bridge means is connected to the outer end of the power piston of a hydraulic cylinder. When the hydraulic cylinder is activated to move the power piston outwardly, the bridge means acts to exert force simultaneously on both superimposed pairs of base legs to thereby forcefully extend the lazy-tongs arrangement.

Abstract: A trash compactor has a compacting head supported by two sets of links, each set having a pair of links pivotally interconnected by a member common to both pairs and spacing the two sets of links apart. Corresponding ends of the links are pivotally connected to the head and means connect the other ends of the links to the compactor in a manner enabling the linkage to be unfolded to extend the head into a compacting position or retracted therefrom. Vertical screws, rotated by a reversible drive are threaded through the pivot member to effect such folding and unfolding of the linkage. The ends of the pivot member are within vertical guides and the linkage includes stabilizing links connected to the head.

Abstract: The trash compactor has a throat above the chamber in which the trash receiving unit is located. The trash receiving unit consists of a pan and a container, both dimensioned so that their walls are shielded by the throat. The pan fits the chamber with its walls spaced from the walls of the housing and receives a trash bag within it. The container is open at the top and bottom with its walls upwardly and inwardly tapering with its lower end fitting within the bag and holding it bottomed against the pan. Both the pan and the container are of a plastic having a good memory and they are detachably interconnected. A carrying strap enables the unit or the pan with the bag therein and with the container removed, to be carried to a pick-up or disposal site.