Abstract: A speed reducer construction for use with a drive motor which has a drive motor housing and a drive motor shaft which extends out of the housing comprises a reducer housing which is adapted to be coupled to the drive motor housing and encloses a portion of the motor drive shaft. The motor drive shaft is advantageously journalled in the reducer housing and it carries a worm made of a Nylatron material which is rotatable therewith. An output shaft extends transversely to the drive shaft and is journalled in the reducer housing and it carries a sleeve which is keyed thereto for rotation therewith. A gear is freely rotatable on the sleeve alongside a collar portion of the sleeve and is in meshing engagement with the worm. The drive of the motor through the worm to the gear and the output shaft is regulatable by a clutching device including a clutch spring which is biased against an end of the gear with a biasing force which is regulated by a torque adjusting wheel which is threaded on the sleeve.

Abstract: An industrial robot comprises a robot body having an operating portion (13), a driving motor (19) for driving the operating portion (13) and the a handle (29). A casing (21) of the driving motor (19) is secured to an outer wall of the robot body by bolts (25), and an output shaft (26) of the driving motor (19) is connected to the operating portion (13). An inner brake device of the driving motor (19) secures the output shaft (26) to the casing (21) when the driving motor (19) is stopped. If the driving motor (19) is stopped by a malfunction or the like, the bolts (25) are taken out and the handle (29) is attached to the casing (21) of the driving motor (19). By operating the handle (29), the output shaft (26) of the driving motor (19) is rotated together with the casing (21) and the operating portion (13) of the robot is moved.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatus for synchronizing the speeds of two or more engines, each having its own throttle lever connected by an associated cable to a respective hand throttle lever. More particularly, the throttle lever of one of the engines is moved independently of its associated cable and its respective hand throttle lever to increase or decrease the speed of the engine until its speed matches the speed of the other engine or engines, whereby the speeds of the engines may be synchronized without moving their associated cables or their respective hand throttle levers.

Abstract: A substantially universal power feed for a drilling machine has a unique clutching arrangement whereby overloads are substantially eliminated. A further safety feature comprises a shear plate which functions to stop rotation of the power feed in the event of clutch malfunction or over adjustment of the clutch release spring. The power feed is also of the type that the feeders arbor may be rotated with the clutch disengaged from the motor so that the operator has a choice of using the power feed or manually feeding the drill without the necessity of physically removing the power feed from the drilling machine.

Abstract: An adjusting device in accordance with the invention for vehicular door locking systems operates such that in each adjusting action the adjusting force of the drive motor is checked to determine whether it is great enough to operate the output element. Only when this checking has a positive result is an adjusting action initiated.

Abstract: An electromechanical device for activating a rotating post that moves the leaf of a swinging door on a vehicle, especially a mass-transit vehicle. An electric motor activates the column by means of an intermediate worm gear. The motor outtake shaft is coupled to the worm-gear intake shaft. A worm wheel is coupled to the worm-gear outtake shaft, which activates the rotating post. The electromechanical activating device contains an emergency mechanism for uncoupling the worm-gear outtake shaft from the worm wheel in relation to their rotation. The mechanism incorporates a coupling that can be disengaged between the outtake shaft and the worm wheel, which is mounted over it coaxially. The mechanism also involves several balls situated such that they can be forced into recesses in the outtake shaft while simultaneously engaging axial grooves in the inner surface of the worm wheel.

Abstract: A cleaning device for guns in which a cleaning brush fastened to a brush carrier is moved to-and-fro in the barrel by means of a rod. A drive unit with drive wheels which can be engaged with the rod is arranged in the front of the muzzle of the gun so that the cleaning operation can be simply carried out with a small expenditure of time and labor.

Abstract: A clutch or rolling door operating mechanism permits use of two sources of power for moving the door between open and closed positions. A drive gear rotates about an eccentrically mounted shaft which itself is turned through a clutch of the fixed drag type to swing the gear into engagement with the drive train for moving the door via manual power and to permit the gear to swing into disengagment with such drive train for moving the door by electric power operation. In one form a circuit interlock prevents motor operation during manual driving of the door; in a second form an audible "clacker" sounds to indicate manual operation of the operating mechanism.

Abstract: A linearly reciprocable actuator is reciprocated by a mechanism which includes a rotatable part which is operably connected to the actuator to produce linear movement of the actuator in response to rotation of the rotatable part. A fine drive motor is operably connected to the rotatable part for rotating the rotatable part in a precisely controlled manner. The fine drive mechanism is operably disconnectable from the rotatable part to permit the latter to be rotatable independently of the fine drive motor. A coarse drive mechanism is connected to the rotatable part independently of the fine drive motor for rotating the rotatable part in a coarser manner than the fine drive motor when the fine drive motor is operably disconnected from the rotatable part.

Abstract: The disclosure is concerned with an electrically operable central locking and unlocking device for vehicle doors with mechanical locks at each door or lid, and with electromechanical actuation for such door locks in which the actuation is transferred by a vertically movable actuating rod capable of moving between an unlocked position and a locked position, to a control rod of the associated door lock. The device includes a reversible electric motor, a transmission, and an actuating mechanism for the actuating rod. The device also includes exterior ridges on a spindle-nut and projecting formations which serve to carry along the actuating rod during the lock stroke and during the unlocking stroke. The ridges can override, after completion of the lock stroke, as well as after completion of the unlock stroke, the projecting formations.

Abstract: An electrically-operable actuator 10 which includes a reversible direct current electric motor 16, a reduction gear train and a reciprocable member 96 adapted at one end to be coupled, for example with a locking lever of a motor vehicle door latch has, in the reversible direct current electric motor 16, a permanent magnet stator 18 in the form of a cylindrical ring, the internal diameter of which is at least twice the actual length thereof; a coil-wound armature 24 in the form of a salient pole rotor having a diameter of at least twice the actual thickness thereof; and a flat disc-shaped segmented commutator secured to said rotor concentric with, and adjacent, a pinion output gear 40 on said rotor.

Abstract: There is provided a sheet advancing device including a driving source for driving a sheet advancing roller, a manual advancing member for manual drive of the sheet advancing roller, detention mechanism with a detention function for elastic detent of rotation of the sheet advancing roller at a determined position, and control means for disabling the detention function in sheet advancement with the drive source but enabling the detention function in sheet advancement with the manual advancing member.

Abstract: A device for selectively controlling the manual or automatic operation of inking or damping rollers of a printing press wherein the torque which produces the adjusting movement is transmissible through a non-positive coupling and a spring-biased manually releasable and automatically engaging connecting element, characterized in that a first start-stop lever is connected to an input coupling member for the automatic starting and stopping of printing, an operating lever is connected to a handle for manual control of the starting and stopping of printing and a second start-stop lever is connected to an output coupling member and is operative to engage and disengage the rollers.

Abstract: There are disclosed several embodiments of a fail safe gate valve and actuator having means for yieldably urging the gate from one position to which it is moved under one or more controlled conditions to its other position upon failure of one such condition, means including a handwheel mounted on the actuator for moving the gate to its one position, and means automatically responsive to a control signal for rendering the handwheel inoperative to move the gate to its one position upon reestablishment of said one controlled condition. In certain embodiments, the control signal is automatically responsive to the reestablishment of said one controlled condition; and, in another embodiment, it is automatically responsive to the failure of said one controlled condition. The controlled conditions are disclosed as being one or both of a predetermined fluid pressure condition, and or a predetermined environmental temperature condition.

Abstract: A height gauge has a touch signal probe provided on a slider vertically movably supported on a support for the purpose of measuring the dimensions or the like of an object by bringing the probe into contact with the object. A rack is formed on the support, and a driving shaft is disposed on the slider, the driving shaft having a pinion engaged with the rack. To the driving shaft are secured a pulley to which the turning force from a motor is transmitted and a control wheel for manually rotating the driving shaft. A clutch member is interposed between the pulley and the control wheel. When the clutch member is engaged with the pulley, the slider is automatically moved up and down, while when the clutch member is engaged with the control wheel, the slider can be manually moved up and down. The height gauge further includes a control circuit which stops the drive of the motor when the touch signal probe generates a touch signal and which holds the indication of a measured value being displayed at that time.

Abstract: A valve actuator control system, although suitable for many control functions, is especially adapted for remote control of plug-type valves utilizes a unique configuration providing a unitary explosion-proof container to house all electrical components and also providing a manifold assembly that is adapted for either a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator motor with relatively minor modification. The manifold assembly is designed to accept all utilized control valves, relief valves, check valves, flow control devices, and manually operable override controls thereby simplifying installation and maintenance and reducing attendent costs. Three independent solenoid valves, responsive to mechanical feedback provided through the plug-valve's operating stem and integrated into the manifold within the explosion-proof container, provide for actuator motor control including a novel dual speed capability for enhancing plug-valve performance while precluding costly premature wear.

Abstract: A mechanical drive system for driving a syringe, or other fluid infusion system, over extended period of times, which drive system also provides manual advance and quick release features. Manual advance and quick release is selectively provided by mechanically decoupling the gear train from the syringe drive mechanism.

Abstract: A mechanism (10) engageable with a threaded shaft (12) which includes a pair of nut halves (16,18) movable into and out of engagement with the shaft (12). The nut halves (16,18) are received within spaced frame plates (32,34) with one nut half (16) attached to the plates (32,34) and the other nut half (18) slidable between the plates (32,34). An elliptical cam member (44) received between the slidable nut half (18) and an end plate (36) connecting the frame plates (32,34) is operable to move the nut halves (16,18) between their engaged and disengaged positions.

Abstract: A sidereal-rate drive assembly for an astronomical telescope which includes a worm gear for rotating the telescope about its polar axis and which is engaged by a motor driven worm. The worm gear fits over the end of a polar shaft, and it and the end of the polar housing are grooved to form ball bearing races. A plurality of balls are placed in the races to constitute a ball bearing so that the worm gear may be freely rotatable on the polar housing about the polar axis. The telescope mount includes a polar shaft which extends through the worm gear into the polar housing along the polar axis. The worm gear is frictionally coupled to the polar shaft through a sleeve composed of nylon or other appropriate material, and through a fiber washer, or the like. The weight of the telescope provides a desired friction force to enable the worm gear to turn the telescope mount about the polar axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved mount for parabolic antenna and in particular to one comprising a base, a swivel table rotatably mounted on the base, a gear box fastened on the swivel table, a driving rod having at one end a worm disposed in the gear box, a driven rod having at one end a worm gear engaged with the worm of the driving rod and at the middle portion a worm protruding from the gear box, a main worm gear meshing with the worm of the driven rod, a pad disposed between the main worm gear and the swivel table, and a supporting frame fixed on the main worm gear.

Abstract: Microprocessor controlled automatic power control for adjusting the engine power setting in an engine-transmission power train in which the transmission drive reduction is variable in ratio, by step change or continuously so, such as for use in farm tractors. The microprocessor control monitors the position of this automatically moving lever and the desired transmission output speed to keep the setting adjusted so that engine power is set, within a deadband, to maintain a desired engine speed preferably resulting in minimum fuel consumption or in maintaining constant transmission output speed. Preferably, the microprocessor has a higher priority primary function of also automatically adjusting the transmission drive reduction ratio, for the same purpose but with higher sensitivity. The power control lever is specifically designed to automatically return the power setting to manual control as soon as the operator grabs the handle.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in supporting a plurality of override control handles of a control valve assembly, the control handles supported for movement in a first direction between engagement and disengagement with the control valve spools and supported for movement in a second direction to cause controlled movement of the valve spools. The apparatus includes a plate having slots housing the control handles and the plate being supported for slideable movement such that movement of one control handle between a valve spool engaging position and a disengaged position causes movement of the other control handles between an engaged position and a disengaged position.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a circuit breaker has a spring which is to be tensioned by means of a shaft. On said spring sits a clamp-roll freewheel as a directional lock, whose outer part is connected via a flexible strip traction member to one or more eccentric members. The clamp rollers can be pressed out of their operating position by means of cage disks, which occurs upon reaching the end position of the spring-tensioning shaft by means of a release lever in connection with toggle levers.

Abstract: This invention discloses apparatus for controlling the throttle of an aircraft engine so that it is either in the fully automatic electronic fuel control mode or in the completely manual mode while using a single throttle lever. In the event of a power failure in the aircraft, automatic reversion to the manual throttle control mode of operation is provided. The apparatus for achieving this consists of an outer housing shell having a lever arm extending radially therefrom, the outermost end of the lever arm being pinned to a source of translational motion such as provided by a push rod attached to the manual throttle lever. Within one end of the outer housing shell there is an output spool having on its outward facing end a boring sized to accommodate the throttle shaft of the engine fuel metering system. An input spool is mounted for rotation within the second end of the outer housing shell. The outward facing end of the input spool is secured by a shaft to the electronic fuel control equipment.

Abstract: An electric auxiliary drive for a pedal-driven road vehicle is provided. The drive comprises an electric motor, a rechargeable multicell battery to power the motor and switch means to control the motor. The motor is adapted to operate in a first mode in which it functions as a mover, drawing energy from the battery and imparting it to the vehicle, and in a second mode in which it functions as a generator, drawing energy from the vehicle and imparting it to said battery. There is further provided a first transmission means to provide a permanent kinematic connection between the motor and the pedal axle of the vehicle for the moving thereof when operating in the first mode and a second transmission means to selectively provide a kinematic connection between one wheel of the vehicle and the motor, to enable the motor to operate in the second mode.

Abstract: A ratchet system includes a "T" shaped stop-engaging member mounted in a plane perpendicular to a rotating spindle and parallel to a circular carrier member having stop members mounted on the periphrey and rotating with the spindle. The stem of the "T" member is rotatable mounted in a housing surrounding the spindle and upon selective rotation, the ends of the "T" member cross-bar engage the stop members to prevent rotation in a selected direction. The "T" cross-bar transmits the engagement force directly to a recess in the inner wall of the housing. A hand-actuated knob assembly located outside the housing is connected to the "T" member stem by a resilient bushing which provides a restoring force to return the "T" member to a stop engagement position following defection by stop members traveling in a direction counter to that intended to be prohibited.

Abstract: A device for driving a movable member in vehicle comprises a driving motor provided to be rotated in s predetermined direction, a reduction gear train for decelerating the rotating motion of the driving motor, and crank mechanism for transmitting the rotation of the motor to an output shaft to be coupled with a driven member and a casing for enclosing the motor, reduction gear train and the crank mechanism.Adjacent two gears in the reduction gear train are rotatably supported coaxially to the casing, and both gears are disposed relatively movably in the axial direction. The two gears are coupled through a clutch mechanism to integrally rotates, disengaged by a manual operating member as required, and only the gear near the output shaft can be rotated.

Abstract: A manual override handle assembly for the operation of a hydraulic control valve of the type having a movable spool includes a housing forming a hollow chamber in which a spool extension is slidably mounted. A handle assembly extends outwardly from the housing and is mounted for pivotal movement within the chamber. The handle is movable to an inoperable position wherein the handle is disassociated from the spool extension so that movement of the spool extension will not result in movement of the handle. The handle is further movable to an operable position wherein the handle engages the spool extension so that movement of the handle results in movement of the spool extension.

Abstract: A remote actuator for an automobile power door lock application has a housing, a first gear reduction stage in a first tier in the housing, a second gear reduction stage in a second tier in the housing, a reversible pancake-type electric motor in the second tier in the housing operative to drive the second gear means through the first gears with two stages of gear reduction between respective ones of a pair of parked positions, a linear actuator in the housing in a third tier thereof movable in extending and retracting directions between positively defined limits, and a rotary detent clutch between the second gear means and the linear actuator operative to move the latter in the one of the extending and retracting directions corresponding to the direction of rotation of the second gear means and to release the linear actuator at either of the limits thereby to permit overdrive of the second gear means to the corresponding one of the parked positions.

Abstract: The invention comprises an improved override and an interrelated valve system. A main valve has an actuator, the actuator in turn having a control for communicating a control signal to the actuator for selectively causing the actuator to place the main valve in its open or closed position. The override is associated with the main valve and selectively shiftable between an engaged mode in which the override is operatively connected with the main valve for moving the main valve between its open and closed positions, and a disengaged mode in which the operative connection between the override and the main valve is interrupted, whereby the main valve may move independently of the override. A shut-off functionally interconnects the override and the actuator control and is operative, upon shifting of the override to its engaged mode, to block the control signal from the actuator.

Abstract: A rotational-locking member such as an endless screw for actuating a sliding door by means of a nut is locked in position by rotational displacement of the nut and is unlocked by means of a device comprising a pulley coupled to the endless screw and rigidly fixed to a clutch-disk. A second clutch-disk slidably mounted on a square sleeve of a bevel-pinion can be rotated by means of a pair of bevel-pinions and a lever. A lug of the second disk cooperates with a helical groove of a stationary cam in order to subject the disk to a helical movement, the rotational motion component of which is imparted to the endless screw after engagement of the disks in order to unlock the screw.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for an energy accumulator of a stored energy circuit breaker includes a toothed ratchet wheel intermittently coupled to a shaft connected to an energy accumulating spring through a crank arm. A pair of drive levers are rotatably mounted upon the shaft and support a U-shaped drive claw and a pawl. The toothed periphery of the ratchet includes a gap wherein teeth are not formed. A drive spring biases the drive claw and pawl into engagement with the periphery of the ratchet, with the ratchet being positioned in the gap when the energy accumulating spring is fully charged. The drive levers are connected to one end of a connecting rod, the other end of which is connected to a motor assembly which causes reciprocating motion of the connecting rod when the motor assembly is energized. A lock means selectively prevents the shaft from rotating when the energy accumulating spring is fully charged.

Abstract: A bearing support and disconnect for a motor shaft is provided as a separate unit connected to the motor shaft. The unit includes a bearing mounted spindle and a shiftable member for bringing the spindle into and out of driving relation with the motor shaft.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatus and methods for synchronizing the speeds of two or more engines, each having its own throttle lever connected by an associated cable to a respective hand throttle lever. More particularly, the throttle lever of one of the engines is moved independently of its associated cable and its respective hand throttle lever to increase or decrease the speed of the engine until its speed matches the speed of the other engine or engines, whereby the speeds of the engines may be synchronized without moving their associated cables or their respective hand throttle levers.

Abstract: A winch operating a drum around which a control cable is wound, the control cable controlling the opening and closing of shutters and smoke exhaust vents. The drum is driven by a gear train which may be immobilized by an electromagnetic brake or lock, such that the shutters or vents may be held closed or open, or in any intermediary position. In addition, the drum is provided with a ratchet wheel which can be immobilized by a solenoid operated rod. The electromagnetic brake or lock and the solenoid operating the ratchet wheel rod are controlled by push-buttons, and an emergency control is provided for releasing simultaneously the ratchet wheel and the electromagnetic brake or lock, such as to operate the drum for instantaneously opening the shutters and air vents to evacuate smoke and gases from the building.

Abstract: A vehicle transmission control apparatus including a plurality of shift members for operating a vehicle transmission; a lever adapted for movement in one sense into a plurality of positions, one end of the lever being operatively coupled to a different one of the shift members in each of the positions; the lever being further adapted for pivotal movement in response to which the one end of the lever actuates the operatively coupled shift member; a select actuator comprising a select cylinder and a select piston retained thereby, the select piston being coupled to the lever and hydraulically controlled to produce the movement thereof in the one sense; a shift actuator comprising a hydraulic cylinder and a shift piston retained thereby, the shift piston being coupled to the lever and hydraulically controlled to produce the pivotal movement thereof and a control member coupled to the lever and manually operable to produce therefor both the pivotal movement and the movement in the one sense.

Abstract: Engine barring devices are connected to engines. Known barring devices have been used to rotate crankshafts of engines and adding features to these known devices increases the complexity and cost of such devices. The subject barring device includes a shaft adapted for both axial and rotational movement. A gear is attached to one end of the shaft and is moved axially in a first direction to a first position where a holding device holds the shaft in the first position. In the first position the gear is engaged driving with a flywheel connected to the crankshaft of the engine. A tool engaging portion located on the shaft is adapted to engage with a turning tool. With the shaft in the first position, the turning tool can be used to rotate the crankshaft of the engine. A locking device is included to hold the crankshaft in one of the plurality of rotational positions.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to an armored vehicle having a rotatable cupola or turret for rotating a weapons system to the target. A system for driving the turret through an arc of rotation includes a ring gear fixed to the vehicle body and a pinion gear fixed for relative rotation to the turret for engaging the ring gear. The pinion gear is driven by a hydraulic motor to rotate the pinion and ultimately drive the turret. Integrated with the hydraulic motor and the ring gear is a manual disconnect apparatus which provides for manual operation in lieu of the motorized operation of the pinion gear. This manual apparatus includes a series of gears and an actuating assembly for moving at least one of the gears between an operative mode when a manual drive train is connected with the pinion gear and an inoperative mode when the manual drive train is disconnected from the pinion gear.

Abstract: A remotely controllable linear power actuator for the control of manually operable hydraulic valve handle or the like. A down-geared motor drives an adjustable friction slip clutch connected to a plate that can be rotated around the axis of the clutch by operation of the motor. A freely movable second plate is pivotally connected to the first elongated plate and the linearly movable output shaft is connected to the opposite end of the second plate. Thus, until the two plates are interconnected against pivotal rotation the output shaft which is connected to the valve handle may be easily moved manually. A solenoid interlock on one plate may be actuated to force the solenoid armature, or a steel ball driven by the armature, into a corresponding hole in the other plate to thereby connect the two plates at some point distant from the pivot pin.

Abstract: The specification discloses a linear actuator including a quick-release mechanism enabling the actuator to be successfully commercially utilized in a variety of applications including a vehicle speed control. More specifically, the actuator includes an axially reciprocable rod, a mechanism for angularly shifting the rod about its axis between first and second angular orientations, and a quarter-turn coupling for releasably coupling the rod to an element, such as a throttle cable, to be driven thereby. Angular shifting of the rod couples and releases the rod and driven element through the quarter turn coupling. Also disclosed is a vehicle speed control responsive to vehicle acceleration and/or vehicle tilt to deactivate the speed control when either the acceleration or tilt falls outside of acceptable parameters.

Abstract: An actuator for moving the stem (9) of a gate valve or the like is provided with hydraulic means (15,17) for driving the stem (9) axially inward and a volute spring (7) for returning the stem axially outward upon loss or other removal of the control hydraulic pressure. A ball screw (49) and ball nut (54) assembly rotatable by a disengageable drive shaft (63) is operable to manually drive the stem (9) inward during periods of insufficient control pressure.

Abstract: A modular thrust control lever assembly for manual pilot control of the forward/idle/reverse thrust operational modes of multiple engine aircraft and including manually manipulable pilot control levers (24L, 24R) each having a fixed lever portion (69L, 69R) and an integral crank (42L, 42R) mounted about a fixed pivot axis (44) and a radially extendable handle portion (85L, 85R and 26L, 26R) with the fixed pivoted lever portions (69L, 69R) and radially extendable handle portions (85L, 85R) being secured together by a slide assembly (70L, 70R) and a lever assembly (71L, 71R) having a roller (64L, 64R) movable in an arcuate slot (66L, 66R); pivotal inhibit means (48L, 48R, and 49L, 49R) for inhibiting motion of the roller (64L, 64R) within the slot (66L, 66R) when the engines are not properly configured; means (31L, 31 R, 60L, 60R, 58L, 58R, 55L, 55R) for disengaging said inhibit means when the engines are properly configured; a plurality of resolvers (30L, 30R) of opposite hand and disposed at different distanc

Abstract: A reduction gear mechanism comprising a worm and a worm wheel which mechanism includes a magnet clutch wherein a coil is disposed in one side of the worm wheel which serves as a rotor, while an armature is disposed in the other side of the same. Upon energization of the coil, the mechanism acts as a normal reduction gear whereas, upon deenergization, an output power shaft of the clutch can be rotated freely or independently. Since the incorporation of the magnet clutch results in no substantial increase of the size of the reduction gear mechanism, the mechanism can be advantageously installed where a space for installation is restricted, such as a door of an automobile.

Abstract: A carrier-driving device mainly used for a video-projection system, preferably comprising a carrying member to be loaded with a projector mirror; two supporting arm assemblies each having telescopically elongatable hollow arms, on which the carrying member is supported; two driving cables for moving the hollow arms telescopically; driving wheels having peripheral teeth and engaging with the cable; a device for rotating the wheels; and a disengaging device for disengaging the drive wheels so that the mirror can be manually actuated when needed. The cables are each characterized by a belt-like shaped central portion, with strong and resilient side portions formed on both sides of the central portion and a plurality of holes so formed in the central portion as to be aligned in the longitudinal direction of the cable at a predetermined pitch, thereby to engage the holes with the peripheral teeth of the respective drive wheel.

Abstract: A rotary actuator having an output driver rod mounted within an output sleeve that is rotated by a drive motor. A driving mechanism for coupling the drive motor to the output sleeve includes a worm wheel that is mounted on the output sleeve so as to be freely rotatable relative to the output sleeve and a driving portion for transmitting power from the worm wheel to the output sleeve. A clutch also is mounted on the output sleeve for rotation with and for axial movement along the output sleeve. When in its first position, the clutch couples the drive portion of the drive mechanism to the output sleeve for transmitting rotational force. The clutch is normally biased into its first position for engagement with the drive portion of the drive mechanism and thus for coupling it to the output sleeve for transmitting rotational force. A declutch mechanism causes the clutch to be moved into a second position out of engagement with the drive portion.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved "harmonic screw" type actuator wherein rotary motion of the power input component is converted into linear motion of the output component by means of a strain wave imposed upon a flexible sleeve member of the assembly, which is flexed into intermittent screw engagement by a member which is motor-driven to rotate relative to the periphery of the flexible sleeve; thereby causing progressively advancing/retreating inter-engagements of thread-like surfaces formed on the axially stationary and axially movable components of the system. A variety of automatic "fail-safe" provisions are included as well as means for manual operation in power loss situations.

Abstract: In general, a motorized valve actuator includes an electric drive motor having a rotatable shaft for providing an actuating torque. An output member is provided for operating a valve to be coupled thereto and a gear member is adapted to be mounted intermediate the shaft and the output member and in a first position or in a second position. The gear member includes first means for driving coupling of the motor shaft and the output member when the gear member is mounted in the first position and second means for decoupling the output member from the shaft when the gear member is mounted in the second position. In the latter position, the gear member permits the output member to be driven by a source of power external to the actuator.

Abstract: A valve actuator has an electric driving motor for driving an output shaft through reduction gearing and a manual operator for driving the output shaft manually. A drive transfer device for transferring the drive from the electric motor to the manual operating means incorporates an electric switch which is operated by the initial movement of a manual operator of the drive transfer device to cause the motor if rotating to be brought to a stop. Continued movement of the manual operator causes the drive transfer device to transfer the drive to the output shaft from the electric motor to the manual operator. The drive transfer device advantageously includes a clutch between the motor shaft and a worm shaft forming part of the reduction gear. The driven clutch member may form an integral part of a unit which is slidable as a sleeve along the worm shaft but is keyed for rotation to the worm shaft, the unit also having a pinion for meshing with a drive gear forming part of the hand drive.

Abstract: A modular drive arrangement for adjustable beds, and the like, comprises interchangeable motor drive units, and manual crank units. The motor drive units have an output shaft at one end, with a coupling that releasably connects with the controller shafts of the bed to manipulate the adjustable sections of the bed. A first, quick-disconnect latch member is located on the bed frame, and mates with a second, quick-disconnect latch member on the opposite end of each motor drive unit to support the motor drive units on the bed frame. The manual crank units have a coupling at one end, which releasably connects with the controller shafts to rotate the same.

Abstract: A fluid coupling assembly is provided for fluid transfer with relatively small pressure loss between a pair of fluid flow conduits and with little or no fluid spillage upon subsequent conduit separation. The coupling assembly comprises male and female valve units mounted respectively on the flow conduits and matingly engageable to align valve unit flow paths for fluid transfer between the flow conduits. The flow path of each valve unit is normally closed by an externally finned, motor-driven poppet valve having a valve head contoured for seated reception onto a valve seat and for substantially flush surface abutting engagement with the valve head of the other poppet valve to define a substantially minimum residual volume between the valve heads when the two valve units are matingly engaged.