Abstract: In a system for positioning the spoilers on the port and starboard wings of an aircraft, a mechanical mixer that incorporates a three-dimensional cam receives pilot-controlled roll (control wheel) and speed-brake inputs and combines them to produce left and right wing spoiler positioning outputs. The cam surfaces of the three-dimensional cam are contoured so that the positioning of the spoilers in reaction to the roll input effects a roll response of the aircraft that is substantially independent of the setting of the speed-brake input.

Abstract: A rotating container-bearing mechanism includes a follower which travels along an endless groove in a cooperating stationary member. The stationary member includes a radially slidable portion which defines part of the endless groove. The edges of the slidable portion overlap portions of the stationary member and cooperate therewith to form transition zones for smoothly receiving the follower. The slidable portion is actuated by means of an air cylinder and a control responsive to the absence of a container to provide a first path when a container is present and a second path when no container is borne by the follower mechanism.

Abstract: A camming system for a copier machine for providing multiple paths for a cam follower from a start of scan position. The camming system includes a cam, a cam follower, and a drive to drive the cam follower to and from a start of scan position while in contact with the cam. The cam is adapted to be rotated about the center of curvature of the cam follower axis during rotation of the cam so that the cam follower always starts its path from the same start of scan position.

Abstract: A drilling machine capable of rapid change over for drilling different parts, and which has stations for simultaneously, or sequentially, drilling holes in a particular part. The unit includes means for positively positioning the part, and gripping the part, and rotating or indexing the part to different rotational positions for the drilling operation. Control means are utilized for positively and precisely positioning the part for the various drilling operations.

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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a variable-profile cam of the kind comprising a cam-surface formed by one of the longitudinal faces of a thin strip extending freely between at least two supports, of which at least one is adjustable transversely in position, in which the thin strip is made of an elastically-deformable material, and the transverse moment of inertia of the strip can vary between the two supports, for example by variation of the width or the thickness of the strip. The invention is particularly applicable to cams for reproducing machines for the production of aspherical surfaces of moulds for contact lenses.

Abstract: Valve opening and closing timing is varied by adjusting the relative angle of the camshaft to the driving crankshaft in dependence on engine load.

Abstract: In a timing relay including an indexing gear wheel driven by a clutched gear wheel which is driven by an electric motor and in which an actuating element is controlled by means of a cam coupled to the indexing gear wheel with the actuating element being used to operate contact elements on displacement thereof, the actuating element is disposed parallel to the indexing gear wheel and is also arranged to control engagement and disengagement of the clutched gear wheel with the indexing gear wheel.

Abstract: Adjustable cam actuated switch mechanism of the type in which the switch is operated by a rotating cam means on a timing shaft. The cam means includes a cam plate that is rotatable relative to the timing shaft and the cam plate is adjustably connected to the shaft through a differential gear mechanism including a pair of spur gears of like pitch diameter but having relatively different number of teeth, one of which is drivingly connected to the timing shaft and the other of which is drivingly connected to the cam plate and a pinion gear that meshes with both spur gears and is carried by a housing that encloses the spur gears and which is rotatable relative to the timing shaft to angularly adjust the cam relative to the shaft.

Abstract: A set of removable combination cams has an assembly of identical rotary components mounted on a common rotary shaft and carrying removable cams for operation of switches. The rotary components are coupled together in such a manner that they can move relatively perpendicular to the axis of rotation, so that at least a portion of the periphery of one of the components is uncovered to allow fitting of the cam elements. Thus, the cam elements can be fitted without dismantling the assembly, and without changing the relative angular positioning of the rotary components, and without utilising resilient deformation of the materials employed, whilst retaining small axial dimensions for the assembly.