Abstract: The movable contact (52) of an on-off switch is moved, through drive means (5), by balls (4) rotated by a disc (23) in the peripheral surface of which regularly spaced cavities are provided to accomodate the balls. The balls can be either withdrawn or inserted through a channel or bore (20) which can be closed by a plug (7) so that the switching pattern can be varied depending upon the angular position of the disc. The device can be used e.g. in a selector switch or a program control apparatus.

Abstract: A position memory device for a reclining seat to memorize tilted positions of a seat back. The memory device includes a memory wheel adapted to be rotated with movements of the seat back, a reset cam integrally formed with the memory wheel, and a reset lever urging against the reset cam so as to rotate the memory wheel relative to the seat back. Two memory switches adapted to engage respective ends of a recessed portion of the memory wheel to sense when the memory wheel is rotated to a determined position with the seat back in the memorized position, thereby improving the accuracy of returned positions of the seat back and decreasing operative forces of the reset lever.

Abstract: A tracking type welding apparatus wherein a torch follows a probe along a weld seam and the probe senses lateral seam deviations and stores them in a pin cam and wherein the deviations are later used to move the torch in the same manner. The pin cam is remote from the torch and probe assembly and is electrically synchronized with it. Means are also disclosed to permit a single pin cam wheel to store horizontal and vertical deviation information and gap width information simultaneously.

Abstract: A memory and control device utilizes rotating cams for moving a positionable device, such as a power seat, to pre-set positions and selectively repositioning the device to such pre-set positions, and is also provided with a manual control means to position the seat in any selected orientation. A different motor is utilized for each of the three directions of actuation associated with the device, each of said motors being controlled by solenoid actuated contacts so that the high current required to operate the motors does not pass through switches operating the motors. The switches may be disposed in a control panel and may be actuated by finger depression of actuation areas positioned and marked to correspond to the desired positioning direction.

Abstract: A mechanical memory device comprising (a) a bar, (b) means supporting the bar for substantially linear movement, (c) input means for linearly moving the bar to plural selected positions, and (d) plural bar position sensing and actuating means, each having means for sensing a selected position of the bar, for storing the sensed bar position and for actuating the bar to cause it to occupy the position thereof corresponding to the stored position.

Abstract: A programmer includes an intermittently rotating drum, having thereon a series of actuators arranged in a pre-selected manner, for actuating in a predetermined order, a plurality of devices, such as fluid valves, each of which, when actuated, causes an operation to be performed. The drum is indexed by a stepping motor controlled by impulses of energy to a pilot valve in response to rotation of the drum. The actuators are removably mounted on the drum, so that the programming of the series of operations as to the order thereof, and duration of each, can be done quickly and easily, in advance. Individual valves can also be shut off when not needed.

Abstract: A rotary mechanical amplifier for rapidly switching a controlled member between two positions, which comprises a rotary drum carrying a series of cylindrical rods regularly spaced in circular configuration about the axis of rotation of the drum. Each rod is selectively slidable axially between two positions in response to control signals, for example by means of electromagnetically controlled sprung bolts or catches. In one axial position, the rods tangentially engage a curved surface of a lever or other controlled member to move it to a position where it can be held without vibration by tangential engagement with successive rods.