Abstract: A friction mechanism for control apparatuses is for use in a control apparatus provided with a discoidal accelerator wheel supported in a freely rotating manner in a housing member and for applying frictional resistance to the said accelerator wheel. The said friction mechanism consists of a friction block supported in the housing member so as to mate with the accelerator wheel in the vicinity of its rim, a pressing member for pressing the friction block supported in the housing member in a direction axial to the accelerator wheel, and a conversion mechanism for converting the pressing force of the said pressing member (a chief constituent of which is the inclined surface formed on the friction block) from the said axial direction to a direction inclined toward the center of the accelerator wheel.

Abstract: A telescopic steering column apparatus has a press member for face-to-face abutment or a pair of lock members for two-point abutment and a toggle mechanism which is extended to a straight state and retracted to a bent state so that the length of the toggle mechanism is lengthened in the straight state and shortened in the bent state whereby the toggle mechanism acts as a wedge in the straight state for the face-to-face abutment or the two-point abutment.

Abstract: An angle adjusting mechanism for a supported article includes a fixedly positioned holding member and a rotary member relatively rotatable with respect to the holding member. A plurality of plates are disposed between the rotary and holding members. The holding member is provided with a plurality of claw teeth at the inner periphery of one arcuate segment and the rotary member is provided with a respective plurality of claw teeth over a different arcuate segment of the inner periphery thereof. A first plurality of fixed plates, including claw teeth on their peripheries, engage the teeth of the holding member, on a second plurality of rotary plates, including claw teeth on their peripheries, engage the claw teeth on the inner periphery of the rotary member.

Abstract: A bench type router/shaper which includes (i) a spindle drive pack which incorporates the motor and the spindle into a unitary package so as to establish and maintain a spacial relationship between the motor and the spindle, (ii) a semi-elastic drive belt encompassing the spindle and drive shaft which has a modulus of elasticity effective for providing effective power transmission while permitting removal and replacement of the drive belt without repositioning of the spindle and/or the drive shaft, (iii) a spindle adjustment mechanism for repositioning the longitudinal position of the spindle and thereby the depth of the cutter which includes a rotatable bell crank, a spindle in communication with the first extremity of the bell crank for linear movement of the spindle based upon rotational movement of the bell crank, and a rotatable handle in communication with the second extremity of the bell crank for producing rotation of the bell crank based upon rotation of the handle and (iv) a protective shield over t

Abstract: A foot-operated parking brake system includes a rotor assembly rotatable in an interlocked relation with a parking brake pedal and having two reels. Coils are wound around the respective reels for holding the rotor assembly yieldingly fixed with a predetermined fastening force and thereby holding the parking brake pedal in its brake applied position. The rotor assembly can be released from the fastening force by twisting the coils in unwinding directions thereof and thereby reducing respective fastening forces exerted by the coils beyond the bias of a coil which urges the parking brake pedal toward its brake released position.

Abstract: In a mechanism for converting oscillatory rotation of an input shaft to unidirectional rotation of an output shaft, two bevel gears are mounted around the input shaft and a bevel gear intermeshed therewith is coupled to the output shaft. Each bevel gear mounted around the input shaft can be alternately coupled to and uncoupled from the input shaft via an associated pawl disposed in a socket in the input shaft and biased toward an operative position wherein such pawl is extended into a single recess in a bearing surface of such bevel gear. Paired pawls and paired recesses may be optionally employed where high torque is encountered. Oscillatory rotation of the input shaft is limited to a range of approximately 180.degree. between two limiting positions. Camming surfaces on the pawls and the gears respectively provide for movement of each pawl from its operative position.

Abstract: A steering wheel rod support for vehicles, which is designed in such a way that it partly can be displaced a distance essentially in the longitudinal direction of the steering wheel rod (15) and partly can be tilted in a vertical plane about a transverse spindle (19), and which comprises fastening means (1), such as a stationary, stable box, by means of which the entire steering wheel rod support can be mounted in the vehicle, a bearing housing (2) for the steering wheel rod, lock plates (3) fastened in the bearing housing (2), lock means (4), which cooperates with the lock plates and is designed to lock the steering wheel rod support in an adjusted position, as well as actuation means (5) for the lock means, the lock plates (3) being able to be actuated by means of two cooperating, longitudinally directed pistons (20, 21), which are designed to be able to press the lock plates (3) against the sides (7) of the box (1) in order to obtain a friction locking between the lock plates (3) and the sides (7) of the b

Abstract: A drilling tool has a shifting unit including a rotatable shifting lever (6) with a shifting cam (9) for switching between different operating positions corresponding to different operating speeds. For holding the shifting lever (6) in the operating positions, a spring clip (14) is mounted on the lever and is rotatable relative to the tool housing. The spring clip has detents (14a, 14b) arranged to snap into recesses (1d, 1e) in a bolt-like part of the housing which rotationally supports the shifting lever (6).

Abstract: A valve includes a hollow body having both a valve seat, and a threaded portion having helical right-handed threads. A stem disposed within the body has a threaded portion at one end, with left-hand threads. The stem is moved within the body by turning a cap assembly which has both a left-hand threaded portion engaging the threaded portion of the stem, and a right-hand threaded portion engaging the threads on the valve body. Large stem displacements per turn are realized.

Abstract: A control knob assembly to be mounted to a panel for use with an adjustable rotary device of the type having a push and/or pull function comprising a control knob having a first portion dimensioned to be grasped by a user, a second portion which is cylindrical in shape and extends from the first portion and a bore extending into the cylindrical portion aligned along the axis of the cylindrical portion, the bore dimensioned to receive a shaft of the rotary control member. A mounting element for mounting assembly to a panel is provided and includes a plurality of annularly arranged, flexible clamping elements, each having a threaded outer surface and a smooth inner surface. The inner surfaces of the clamping elements generally define a smooth cylindrical bore which is dimensioned to receive the cylindrical portion of the control knob and the outer surfaces of the clamping elements define a threaded surface. A locking ring is provided and dimensioned to be circumferentially mounted on the clamping elements.

Abstract: A motion transmitting remote control assembly (10, 10') including a conduit (12), and a motion transmitting core element (14) movably supported by the conduit (12). An adjustment device (18, 18'), comprising first (20, 20') and second (22) members, is provided for adjusting the effective length of the core element (14). The first member (20, 20') and the second member (22, 22') include coacting ratcheting teeth (36, 38) to limit relative motion between the first (20, 20') and second (22, 22') members to one direction. The first (20, 20') and second (22, 22') members have elliptical cross sections with the first member (20, 20') being molded of a rigid organic polymeric material. The second member (22, 22') is molded of a resilient organic polymeric material for deforming inwardly along its major diameter in response to a pinching force applied thereto, and outwardly along its minor diameter to disengage the ratcheting teeth (36, 38) allowing relative longitudinal movement in both directions.

Abstract: A damper control arrangement employs friction in providing appropriate resistance against motion of a manual operator as manually operated and thereby provide proper stiff feeling for a manual operator. The friction is provided by a resilient or elastic friction member which is coupled with a louver assembly with the manual operator with frictional engagement therewith by a tightening torque of fastener.

Abstract: This device, of the type comprising a fixed part including a support element (1) adapted to be fixed on one part of the frame or the handle bar of the bicycle and a moveable part (2) including an operating hand-lever (3) which can rotate relative to the support element, a control mechanism (9) of which a first part (11) co-operates with the fixed part of the device and of which a second part (10) co-operates with the moveable part of the latter and a cable for actuation of the derailleur-gear, is characterized in that the cable for acutation of the derailleur-gear is connected to an actuation plug (4), rotated by the operating hand-lever (3) and on which are provided the control mechanism (9) and the means (16) for attaching the moveable part of the device to the fixed part of the latter.

Abstract: A solenoid parking brake release assembly (10) for setting a parking brake (12) and automatically releasing the parking brake (12) includes a lever (26) connected to the foot pedal (28) for rotating a rack portion (30) upon depression thereof. The rack portion (30) coacts to rotate a gear (46) about which is a torsion spring (54) which frictionally grips the gear (46) to maintain same in a rotated position. The torsion spring (54) includes a first end connected to the core element (66) of a solenoid (64) such that upon energization of the solenoid (64), the core element (66) is drawn into the solenoid (64) which releases the frictionaly grip on the gear (46) allowing the parking brake (12) to be released. The solenoid (64) is energized by the gear voltage from the gear selector (14) of a vehicle transmission when the ignition is on, the parking brake (12) is depressed, and one of the forward or reverse gears are selected.

Abstract: A shaft-locking device which locks rotation of a movable shaft by a clamping force of a coil spring closely surrounding a fixed shaft and a movable shaft. Both sides of the coil spring are inserted surrounding the fixed shaft and a central portion of the coil spring surrounds the movable shaft. In case of rotation of the movable shaft on both sides, the locking torque is applied. Further, the closed state of the coil spring to the movable shaft is maintained uniformly without any relation to operation by separating the end portions of the coil spring at the movable shaft side of the coil spring from an outer circumference of the movable shaft so that a constant locking torque may be always obtained.

Abstract: A mechanism for locking and unlocking a reciprocating shaft includes a plate fixed to the shaft having an inclined surface. A housing surrounds the shaft and plate having a wall surrounding the inclined surface. A set of balls is located between the inclined surface and the housing wall. An assembly is translatable relative to the shaft and is biased by a spring to jam the balls between the inclined surface and the housing wall to lock the shaft against reciprocation. The assembly is movable against the force of the spring by a fluid pressure actuated cylinder to move the balls away from the inclined surface to unlock the shaft.

Abstract: A control mechanism having a dial and cooperating structure for selectively locking the dial in any one of a plurality of angularly related positions. The locking mechanism is configured to provide a force or manipulating characteristic precluding operation thereof by accident or by young children, such as infants, thereby effectively precluding undesired resetting of the associated control mechanism. The locking structure is formed integrally with the respective relatively movable parts of the mechanism, including the structure for providing the biasing of the locking mechanism to the locking disposition. The locking mechanism is resiliently biased and includes a graspable portion which when grasped to effect movement of the control overcomes the resilient biasing. The biasing structure automatically relocks the dial upon release of the graspable portion.

Abstract: An improved throttle control which includes a metal throttle lever, a metal bracket, a plastic detent plate and the lever being pivotally mounted to the bracket with the detent plate therebetween and a spring biasing the lever toward the detent plate. The detent plate includes an annular ridge facing the lever and immediately surrounding the mounting means and an arcuate ridge facing the lever and spaced radially outward from said annular ridge. The arcuate ridge includes at least one recess which coacts with a detent on the lever to provide an easily detected preset throttle position. The detent on the lever rides on the arcuate ridge and the force necessary for lever movement is determined by the friction force created between the lever detent and the detent plate arcuate ridge. The lever also includes an arm which engages a throttle cable and the bracket receives and secures the end of the throttle cable sheath.

Abstract: A speed-change operating device for a bicycle includes an operating lever for actuating a derailleur, the operating lever being supported rotatably through a lever shaft to a base member adapted to be supported on the bicycle. A friction mechanism applies to the lever an adjustable rotational resistance against a bias force of a return spring associated with the derailleur. A positioning mechanism includes a positioning member having a plurality of engaging portions for precisely setting the respective speed change stages of the derailleur and an engaging member engageable with at least one of the engaging portions. An operating mechanism selects between an operating mode and a non-operating mode of the positioning mechanism so that the positioning mechanism can be placed in a non-operating mode, when desired, with the speed-change operation being performed in such non-operating mode only with the friction mechanism resisting the return spring.

Abstract: A speed control device for a bicycle is provided, which includes a positioning mechanism comprising a positioning member having a plurality of engaging portions, an engaging member selectively engageable one at a time with the engaging portions and an elastic member for biasing the engaging member toward the engaging portions. A reaction force of the elastic member affects the torque of the operating lever to generate a clicking vibration felt by the cyclist. The speed control device includes a thrust bearing which, when the operating lever is operated and the engaging member disengages from one of the engaging portions and transfers to the adjacent engaging portion, bears the reaction force of the elastic member, thereby reducing the torque of the operating lever and amplifying the clicking vibration thereof.

Abstract: A speed-change operating device for a bicycle includes an operating lever for actuating a derailleur, the operating lever being supported rotatably through a lever shaft to a base member adapted to be supported on the bicycle. A friction mechanism applies to the lever an adjustable rotational resistance against a bias force of a return spring associated with the derailleur. A positioning mechanism includes a positioning member having a plurality of engaging portions for precisely setting the respective speed change stages of the derailleur and an engaging member engageable with at least one of the engaging portions. An operating mechanism selects between an operating mode and a non-operating mode of the positioning mechanism so that the positioning mechanism can be placed in a non-operating mode, when desired, with the speed-change operation being performed in such non-operating mode only with the friction mechanism resisting the return spring.

Abstract: A telescopic helm (10) having a steering drive shaft (12) and a steering wheel shaft (14) separated by a collet (32) to axially adjust the position of a steering wheel hub (18) of a vehicle. The steering wheel shaft (14) has an inner wedged surface (20) and the collet (32) has an outer wedged surface (22) which, when in contact with each other, produce a radially, inwardly directed force that grips the steering drive shaft (12) preventing axial movement of the steering wheel shaft (14). When the wedged surfaces (20,22) are moved out of contact with each other, the radially inwardly directed force is relieved allowing the steering wheel shaft (14) to move axially relative to the support structure (24). The assembly is characterized by the collet (32) having fingers defining the wedged surfaces (22) for clamping engagement inwardly about the steering wheel shaft (14).

Abstract: A speed-changing device for a bicycle wherein a boss of an operating lever is rotatably supported to a lever shaft, a holder supported non-rotatably to a fixing member including the lever shaft incorporates a sound-generating mechanism comprising a ridge-groove member having a ridge-groove surface and a sound-generator engageable therewith to generate a sound, thereby forming a sound-generator unit, one of the ridge-groove member and sound-generating of the unit is adapted to engage for associated motion with the boss of the operating lever, so that the operating lever is turned to generate a sound.

Abstract: A speed-change lever device for a bicycle in which a boss of an operating lever is rotatably supported to a lever shaft, and in which a friction plate is supported to an eccentric portion of the lever shaft to give a resistance against rotation of the operating lever. An urging member is provided having a not-round through bore by which it is fitted onto the not-round portion of the lever shaft. A screw member is provided to engage with screw threads in the lever shaft forwardly or backwardly to adjust thereby a rotational resistance given to the lever through the urging member. The urging member includes an urging portion for urging the friction plate toward the boss of the operating lever through a forward screw-movement of the screw member during assembly.

Abstract: A structure of a telescopic steering apparatus for a vehicle, in which a pair of clamping numbers and a guide member for guiding the pair of clamping members to an inner tube are provided for fixing and unfixing the inner tube constituting a telescopically movable portion of a column jacket to an upper jacket constituting a fixed portion so that a rigidity of a steering shaft is improved when the telescopically movable portion of the column jacket is extended to a maximum position. In addition, a guide member and alleviator are fitted around inner and outer peripheral surfaces of the upper jacket and inner tube so that when the inner tube is drawn into the upper jacket, a shock upon collision of the inner tube and upper jacket is damped.

Abstract: A lamp fixture housing is mounted recessed in a ceiling. A slide member is positioned within the housing and slides within two vertical slots located in the housing wall. A lamp assembly is connected to the slide member. A lever arm is pivotally connected to the housing and passes through a central slot in the slide member. The lever arm holds the slide member and lamp assembly in the desired position.

Abstract: A device for operating the gear change of a bicycle comprises a main body mounted rotatably on a support pin and provided with an operating lever. A member driven by the main body and whose rotation is prevented by friction coupling means is also mounted rotatably on the support pin. Interposed between the driven member and the main body are one-way engagement means for coupling the driven member to the main body for rotation only when the operating lever is rotated in the direction of return of the derailer spring. These one-way engagement means are controlled directly by the same operating lever, which is constituted by an element separate from the main body and articulated to this body.

Abstract: In a gear selector for controlling speed gears with a spring-loaded derailleur for sports and racing bicycles, there are associated with the gear selector operating lever (1), mounted rotatable against friction on a pivot (2), a snap-action mechanism controlling a plurality of lever positions with which a like number of positions of correct alignment of the speed gear with the various sprockets of the free wheel correspond, and means for activating and deactivating said mechanism on command. This snap-action mechanism comprises a notched member (4) with notches (18) in different positions, which is immediately interchangeable so as to adapt the gear selector to the control of any type of free wheel and of the most varied combinations of sprockets in free wheels, and at least one pawl for engaging the notches of said member and constructed integrally (5) with the spring which urges it into said engagement.

Abstract: The present assembly provides a vehicle seat adjuster apparatus and method for a fore and aft adjustable or reclining vehicle seat. The preferred embodiment adjuster includes a first cam and a second cam in rolling contact with a portion of the seat or a rod to restrain relative movement thereof. Movement in one direction is restrained by the first cam and movement in a second direction, opposite the first, is restrained by the second cam. A handle is provided to release the cams from engagement to allow adjustment of the seat.

Abstract: A soft-release lever-operated control system for parking brake cables is disclosed including a helical main clutch spring arrangement permitting movement of the operating lever only toward the brake-engaged position, and a release device for releasing the main clutch spring to permit return of the operating lever toward the brake-released position. According to another embodiment of the invention, a second helical clutch spring arrangement is provided that is activated when the operating cable is returned to the brake-released position, thereby to activate a cable tension adjusting device that removes slack contained in the inner brake cable operating member. According to a further embodiment, a push-to-release arrangement including a toggle pawl and spring device is operable upon tapping of the operating lever to place the system in a brake-released condition.

Abstract: A torque takeout mechanism for a rotary electronic part, such as a potentiometer, comprises a first rotor capable of rotating with the rotating shaft of the electronic part, a second rotor engaging with the first rotor, a flat plate disposed between the first and second rotors, a spring member resiliently sandwiched between the first rotor and the flat plate, and an O-ring made from rubber and resiliently sandwiched between the second rotor and the flat plate. The flat plate is held to the body of the electronic part so as not to be rotatable with the rotating shaft, but the plate is movable lonitudinally of the rotating shaft.

Abstract: An adjustable cable end coupling includes an elongated female coupling having an internal bore and containing a resilient locking tab having teeth extending into the interior of the coupling bore. An elongated male insert attached to a cable end and having a plurality of circumferential teeth formed therein is insertable within the coupling bore so that the resilient locking tab teeth engage the teeth of the male insert to hold it in a set position within the coupling. Manual force on the insert may be used to overcome the locking forces of the resilient tab on the insert to permit adjustment of the relative position of the insert within the coupling.

Abstract: A pivotable control level disposed between a pair of spaced plates, with a motion resisting element mounted on the lever and compressed by the plates to provide a constant resistive force or "feel" to the system operator. A separate adjusting mechanism selectively increases or decreases the amount of compression exerted by the plates on the element to either increase or decrease the resistive force felt by the operator.

Abstract: A shaft is journaled to rotate in a housing and is formed with an enlarged disc which carries an elastomeric ring. As the shaft rotates, the ring is compressed against and is massaged by protrusions extending axially into the housing and coacting with the ring to apply a retarding torque to the shaft. In one embodiment, the protrusions are semispherical buttons which are formed integrally with the end wall of the housing. In another embodiment, the protrusions are spherical balls which are free to spin in semispherical pockets formed in the end wall of the housing.

Abstract: A rotatable shaft carries a hard plastic disc located in a housing. A braking member in the form of a steel washer is sandwiched between the plastic disc and a washer-like elastomeric spring which is compressed against an axially facing wall of the housing. The spring urges the braking member frictionally against the disc to retard rotation thereof and dampen rotation of the shaft. By adjusting a screw, the disc may be shifted axially toward or away from the spring to change the compression thereof and thereby change the retarding torque applied to the disc.

Abstract: A symmetrical braking system for a graphic recorder includes a generally cylindrical brake support supported by a carriage drive and having a combination of cam surfaces. A brake rotor is rotatable supported upon the brake support and defines an arrangement of captivating notches which receive a pair of brake shoes in an overlying arrangement. Bearing means are coupled to each of the brake shoes and are driven by the cam surfaces of the brake support. A coupling arrangement is secured to the brake rotor and provides a coupling for rotational forces between the brake rotor and an actuator beam extending through the brake structure. Rotational forces applied to the actuator beam are coupled to the brake rotor and the bearing means cooperate with the cam surfaces to move the brake shoes into or out of engagement with the actuator beam as a function of rotational position.

Abstract: A speed-change operating device for a bicycle includes an operating lever for actuating a derailleur, the operating lever being supported rotatably through a lever shaft to a base member attached to the bicycle frame. A friction mechanism applies to the lever an adjustable rotational resistance against a bias force of a return spring associated with the derailleur. A positioning mechanism includes a positioning member having a plurality of engaging portions for precisely setting the respective speed change stages of the derailleur and an engaging member engageable with at least one of the engaging portions. An operating mechanism selects between an operating mode and a non-operating mode of the positioning mechanism so that the positioning mechanism can be placed in a non-operating mode, when desired, with the speed-change operation being performed in such non-operating mode only with the friction mechanism resisting the return spring.

Abstract: A manually operable device for displacing movable stages includes first and second assemblies each comprising a main handle and a sub handle. A first pinion shaft is extended through both the handle assemblies and its lower end is fixedly secured to a sub handle of the first handle assembly. A second pinion shaft is rotatably provided about the first pinion shaft and its lower end is made integral with a main handle of the second handle assembly. Pinions provided at the upper ends of each shaft mesh with racks for displacing a movable stage in first and second orthogonal directions. The first and second pinion shafts have a threaded part at their lower end parts. The threaded part of the first pinion shaft is threadably engaged to a sub wheel of the first handle assembly, whereas the threaded part of the second pinion shaft is threadably engaged to a sub wheel of the second handle assembly.

Abstract: A pedal-load lightening apparatus comprising a pedal arm and a lever rockable in one therewith. A torsion coil spring is provided between the lever and a support bracket. The coil spring urges the pedal arm to return to its initial position before the arm, starting from the initial position, reaches a neutral position at a predetermined rotational angle to the initial position. When the neutral position is reached, the spring starts to urge the pedal arm in a treadling direction. Moreover, an urging element is attached to the support bracket or the lever. The urging element is adapted to press the pedal arm in the treadling direction, with a force smaller than the repulsive force of the torsion coil spring, within a stroke of the arm between the initial position and a position near the neutral position.

Abstract: There is disclosed a releasable locking mechanism for holding a rotating device in place. The mechanism is particularly adapted for use with an electrophoresis device comprising a support for mounting at least one gel plate assembly in a generally vertical orientation, a pair of buffer tanks for each gel plate assembly, means for mounting the pair of tanks at opposite ends of each gel plate assembly, and means for applying a current at the opposite ends of each plate assembly.The locking mechanism preferably features a two-position push latch and either a lock plate provided with teeth or a disk brake, the latch being positioned to directly or indirectly cause engagement of the teeth of the plate or brake when in one of its two positions.

Abstract: A safety device for the control lever of a construction machine having hydrostatic transmission which comprises a casing provided on the machine and a control rod rotatably connected at one end thereof with the control lever associated with the hydrostatic transmission, said control rod being formed with a slender portion at the other end portion which is slidably accommodated by the casing, said slender portion having a coil spring interposed within the casing, and said coil spring being stressed sufficiently to automatically return the control lever to the neutral position when the operator takes his hands off the control lever.

Abstract: A crane apparatus is provided with a lock mechanism which releasably locks the pivot axle of the personnel bucket against pivotal movement relative to the upper boom arm. The pivot axle is affixed to the bucket and projects through and is journaled on the upper boom arm. Locking elements are affixed to the pivot axle and clamping elements are affixed to and mounted within the upper boom arm. A locking bolt is operable to cause the clamping elements to be clamped against the locking elements and to lock the pivot axle against pivotal movement relative to the upper boom arm.

Abstract: A vehicle steering column is comprised of a lower column mounted to undergo angular displacement around one end portion thereof and an upper column telescopically connected to the other end portion of the lower column to undergo angular displacement together with the lower column and linear displacement relative to the lower column along a column axis. A plurality of ball members are disposed between the lower and upper columns for restraining free linear displacement of the upper column to thereby allow the upper column to undergo frictional linear displacement in response to the application of a given amount of force to the upper column. A support member is engaged with the upper column for restraining free angular displacement of the upper column to thereby allow the upper column to undergo stepwise angular displacement in response to the application of a given amount of force to the upper column.

Abstract: A reciprocating device for spray painting an object includes a plurality of mounting arms each having one end releasably retaining a spray painting device and an opposite end releasably coupled to one of a pair of spaced apart generally parallel vertically extending posts. The posts are attached to a driving mechanism which includes a servomotor coupled to one end of a crank arm having its other end rotatably coupled to a sliding block engaging a generally horizontally extending rod to convert the rotary motion of the motor to vertical motion of the rod. The rod is coupled to the ends of the posts and the motor is controlled as to its direction of rotation, speed of rotation and degree of rotation to define the excursion of the reciprocating movement and the speed of the movement. The assembly is mounted on rails for movement toward and away from the object to be painted by another driving mechanism.

Abstract: A speed-change operating device for a bicycle includes an operating lever for actuating a derailleur, the operating lever being supported rotatably through a lever shaft to a base member attached to the bicycle frame. A friction mechanism applies to the lever an adjustable rotational resistance against a bias force of a return spring associated with the derailleur. A positioning mechanism includes a positioning member having a plurality of engaging portions for precisely setting the respective speed change stages of the derailleur and an engaging member engageable with at least one of the engaging portions. An operating mechanism selects between an operating mode and a non-operating mode of the positioning mechanism so that the positioning mechanism can be placed in a non-operating mode, when desired, with the speed-change operation being performed in such non-operating mode only with the friction mechanism resisting the return spring.

Abstract: A control mechanism for a coupling device such as a clutch or variable speed drive or brake comprises an electric motor. A mechanism links the electric motor to an actuator device for the coupling device. A brake device is coupled to this linking mechanism. The brake device is also coupled to the drive shaft and comprises two friction pads at diametrally opposed positions relative to the drive shaft in contact with the drive shaft. A spring urges the pads towards the drive shaft substantially radially. The brake device comprises a casing rotationally immobilized relative to the drive shaft, which passed through the casing, which encloses the two friction pads. The casing has a back wall and one of the pads is disposed between the drive shaft and this wall. The other pad is slidably disposed in the casing and pressed against the drive shaft by the spring, which is prestressed in compression.

Abstract: An operating lever for a bicycle is provided with a support means having a lever shaft and supporting a lever body to a fixing member. A resistance applying means is separate from the support means and is tightened radially with respect to the lever shaft to apply resistance to rotation thereof, so that the rotational resistance is not varied when in use, and is capable of fine adjustment.

Abstract: A mechanical detent for engaging a valve spool having a linear element wire spring positioned transverse to the valve spool for engaging circumferential grooves in the spool. The linear element spring includes a single wire spring having a triangular or square shape, or alternatively, one or more non-integral straight wire springs. Extensions of the linear element spring extend a distance away from the spool that is greater than the spring wire diameter. The extensions allow the spring to be movable out of the groove, while still permitting a small diameter spring wire.

Abstract: The rectilinear jack comprises a cage defining an inner chamber at an upper portion while a lower portion of the cage is thinned out in order to form an end lug with a hole for fixation of the cage. The upper portion of the cage is substantially of a lozenge shape for enclosing a cam with two noses placed substantially at 120.degree. with respect to each other. The cam displaces two substantially V-shaped parts bearing on inclined inner walls of the inner chamber while an open lower portion thereof contains trains of rollers kept in engagement with the above parts by a spring. The trains of rollers bear on an upper portion of a jack stem having at least one connection head.

Abstract: An arrangement whereby the resisting force tending to oppose the shifting of a lever is roughly constant, irrespective of the direction in which the lever is shifted. For this purpose, the lever 1 is roughly freely rotatively mounted on its support 4 and an intermediate ring 7 is provided and frictionally mounted relative to the support, the lever 1 defining a cavity 18 which opens onto the outer surface of the ring 7 and in which is received an element 19 for achieving a coupling between the lever and the ring. The cavity defines a cam surface which is so oriented as to achieve a unidirectional coupling by a wedging of the coupling element between the lever and the ring.