Abstract: There is disclosed a torque wrench, including a main body, an actuator including a piston/cylinder arrangement and cooperating spool valve which selectively supplies pressurized fluid to either side of the piston member. The actuator is supported in the main body and adapted to act upon and selectively reciprocate a thrust member relative to the main body, the thrust member being adapted to engage and pivot a torque arm for providing a torque output at an output shaft via a ratchet arrangement incorporated between the torque arm and the output shaft. The torque arm is supported independently of the thrust member and is not physically connected thereto.

Abstract: A drive arrangement for moving a glass panel of a window of a vehicle has a motor and an input member connectable with the motor means for moving the glass panel. The input member is rotatable in two opposite directions so as to close or to open the glass panel. At the same time, the input member is displaceable between a first position in which it is coupled to a drive shaft of the motor and is rotated by the latter, and a second position in which the input member is uncoupled from the motor so as to be rotated by hand. A lock is provided which is inoperative in the position when the input member is coupled to the motor, and is operative in the position when the input member is uncoupled from the same. When the lock is operative permits rotation of the input member for closing the glass panel, but does not permit the rotation for opening of the latter so that unauthorized opening of the glass panel is prevented. The lock is formed as an overrunning lock provided with a locking element.

Abstract: A valve actuator is disclosed having a motor operating mode and a manual operating mode, with the shifting from motor to manual operation accomplished by sliding the manual operator axially inward toward the actuator mechanism. The invention features a sliding rod mechanism abutting and coaxially aligned with the motor and manual operator, which shifts engagement from motor to manual upon movement inward of the manual operator. The rod mechanism is sized to prevent simultaneous engagement of the motor and the manual operator with the actuator gearing, and resilient biasing means may be provided to continuously bias the actuator toward motorized operation and disengagement of the manual operator.

Abstract: A power jack, particularly adapted to equip the control system of an aeroe, including stress-responsive components, for example, a helical coil spring, in which indicator instruments record any locking between the relatively movable elements of the jack, such as a rotatable shaft and an encompassing sleeve to thereby disengage a disengaging element and allow the control functions to bypass the jack.

Abstract: A tape trip mechanism is featured that is easily retro-fittable to postage tape dispensing machines in the field. The tape trip device is automatically operative in response to electrical control signals generated by a digital scale, a computer, or other electrical-type mail equipment. The tape trip mechanism is mounted within the postage tape dispensing machine by fastening the mechanism into existing holes in the inside frame. A flexible cable of the mechanism actuates the machine dispensing system by rotating a shaft supporting a manual trip lever. When the manual lever is exercised, the flexible cable is caused to collapse, and therefore, the cable does not interfere with the manual operation. Thus the automatic electrical control is independent from the manual control, allowing the user a greater flexibility in machine operation.

Abstract: A gear shaft assembly is disclosed which utilizes a hollow splined shaft having a sliding worm gear sleeve splined thereon engaged with a driven gear. The splined shaft has clutch members at each end, engageable at one end with a motor shaft and at the other end with a manual operator shaft. A sliding rod assembly in the hollow shaft prevents simultaneous engagement of the splined shaft with the motor shaft and the manual operator shaft.

Abstract: A motor driven actuator, providing continuous positioning of an output shaft, and employing energy storage which allows the shaft to return to a predetermined position on failure of the input power source or other predetermined occurrence. Drive motor torque requirements are minimized through sequential application of input torque to the energy storage and actuator load. This arrangement insures that adequate energy storage for return of the output shaft is continuously available during normal actuator operation including alternate output shaft positioning.When utilized to operate a fluid control valve, the valve actuator combination provides a fail-safe valve which under emergency or other prescribed conditions provides return of the valve to a safe condition from any normal operating position throughout the limit of the valve travel.

Abstract: A spring resistance cartridge assembly for a valve actuator is disclosed which offers resistance to movement in either direction of an axial member extending therein. The cartridge assembly has a base plate securable to an axial member and an opposing fixed plate which is secured in a non-movable position. Between the base plate and the fixed plate are two compression plates having spring members trapped therebetween. Bolts and studs attach the compression plates one to each, the base plate and the fixed plate.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention may comprise a housing or other stationary member which may have a chamber therein. A drive member is disposed in the chamber for movement therein. An elongate torque transmission member is rotatably mounted in the housing so as to extend into the chamber toward the drive member. Means are provided to prevent the torque transmission member from moving longitudinally with respect to the housing. An annular connector is disposed between the torque transmission member and the drive member. The connector is connected to the torque transmission member for longitudinal but non-rotating relative movement and threadedly connected to the drive member. Thus the connector can be moved longitudinally along the torque transmission member during normal or automatic operation of the actuator.

Abstract: The disclosure is of a selective-mode valve operator comprising a handwheel adapted to be mounted on a valve body with an output sleeve keyed onto the input shaft or stem of the valve. A motor may be mounted directly onto the handwheel, and locking means selectively lock the handwheel to the output sleeve or to a stationary member. When the handwheel is locked to the output sleeve, shift means prevent motor operation, and when it is locked against rotation the shift means enable motor operation. The shift means pass through a neutral condition whereby one mode is inactivated before the other mode is activated.

Abstract: A semi-automatic coarse-fine focusing apparatus for microscopes adjusts the focus of a microscope through rotation of a shaft which rotates a pinion that drives a rack to reciprocate. The rack carries a specimen being observed by the microscope. The shaft which rotates the pinion is in turn driven by a gear that is meshed with a helix formed on a cylinder by a helical thread disposed therearound. The helix is non-rotatably mounted on another shaft that includes a knob which is manually turned to turn the helix and thus rotate the gear for coarse adjustment. The helix is preferably rigidly mounted on the shaft and the shaft is slidable. One arm of a bell crank engages an end face of the helix to reciprocate the helix and thus rotate the gear for fine adjustment. The other arm of the bell crank is engaged by a cam which pivots the bell crank according to the position of the cam. The position of the cam is determined by an electric motor which is preferably controlled by signals that vary with image contrast.

Abstract: An automatically releasing lock system is disclosed for use on a motor having an output shaft with a resiliently biased sliding engagement member on the shaft, biased toward engagement with a driven shaft. The system utilizes a locking recess formmed in the engagement member with cam surfaces formed therein, and detent rods resiliently biased into engagement in the engagement member recess.

Abstract: An electric window regulator for motor vehicles is provided with a handle which can be coupled to the window winding drum to effect manual operation of the window in an emergency, the handle having a portion which screws into the hub of the drum to displace a spring loaded splined coupling member and disengage the winding drum from the electric motor reduction gear drive, thereby permitting manual operation of the drum by the handle.

Abstract: In a device such as a spectrophotometer with an associated chart recorder in which the speed ratio between a first displaceable member and a second displaceable member may be selectively changed within a predetermined range of speed ratios, in a first embodiment of invention which is mechanical in nature, a number of gear trains in constant mesh with each other are provided to obtain the different speed ratios. Each of the gear trains has associated therewith a rotary disc with circumferentially even spaced apertures, the gear train obtaining an input from the first displaceable member by means of arms rotatable concentric with the discs, the arms carrying a pin adapted to enter into positive engagement with any one aperture, the number apertures depending on the scale served by the associated gear train.

Abstract: An engine cranking adapter having a plurality of different pinions for selective use with any one of a plurality of different engine cranking ring gears. The adapter is mounted to a wall portion of the engine structure adjacent the periphery of the ring gear and may substitute in such mounting for the normal starter motor. The adapter is provided with structure for facilitating manual controlled rotation of the ring gear as in servicing the associated engine. The adapter may be removably mounted to a bracket which, in turn, may be removably mounted to an engine wall portion adjacent the periphery of the ring gear.

Abstract: A drive arrangement for transport vehicles is operative for moving a step plate between operative positions so that passenger access to the vehicle is facilitated. The drive arrangement includes a turnable shaft coupled to the step plate, and a motor coupled with the shaft for turning the latter about its axis and for moving the step plate between its operative positions. An uncoupling device disengages the motor from the shaft so that the step plate can be manually moved. The drive arrangement also comprises a switching arrangement having first cam parts spaced from and about the shaft, and second cam parts mounted on the shaft for joint rotation therewith. The second cam parts each have a predetermined angular position relative to the shaft and to the first cam parts for controlling the operation of the motor so that manual movement of the shaft upon uncoupling of the motor therewith forceably positions the second cam parts to retain their respective predetermined positions.

Abstract: Discloses an electromechanical device for changing the gear ratio of a variable speed gear mounted to the hub of the rear wheel of a bicycle. The device consists of a changeover switch section to be mounted to the steering handle of the bicycle and an essential section to be coupled with the variable speed gear so as to operate the gear, said essential section includes a motor, gear means to be operated by said motor, and an electric circuit for connecting said motor to a power source. The electric circuit controls the motor according to the operation of the change-over switch and also controls the operation of the variable speed gear so that the gear ratio may be changed.

Abstract: In a valve-actuating mechanism of the kind which is manually manipulated for actuating the valve-actuating member, the combination of a helical cam surface formed on a friction ring, a follower solid with the handwheel shaft and two confronting cylindrical surfaces carrying clutching dogs, a spring being inserted therebetween. Frictional forces are exploited for causing the axial displacement of the handwheel overcoming the spring bias.

Abstract: A de-clutch mechanism is actuated, when the power is off, by manual actuation of a de-clutch lever shaft. When thus actuated, the de-clutch mechanism couples a rotatable driven sleeve to a handwheel drive and decouples the sleeve from the power drive. When the power is activated, the de-clutch mechanism automatically disconnects the handwheel drive. A typical application of the de-clutch mechanism is in valve operators.

Abstract: In an actuator assembly for a vehicle brake a follower member normally operated by a wedge to apply a brake comprises a pair of hydraulic pistons working in a common bore in a housing, and the housing is provided with a supply port communicating with a pressure space defined between the adjacent ends of the pistons which abut when the wedge is displaced, and with an abutment face with which the innermost piston is engageable when the wedge is in its retracted position and the pressure space is pressurized.

Abstract: A rotary duplicator includes a handwheel for manually moving the cylinders to insert and remove masters, to make adjustments, etc. To minimize risk to the operator when the machine is running, there is provided a means for disconnecting the handwheel automatically and holding it stationary whenever the machine is turned on.

Abstract: The shaft to be operated is connected to a gear and is operable by an electrical device. This apparatus comprises a handwheel provided with a gear and integral with a rod movable between a coupling position in which the two gears are engaged and an uncoupling position to which it is elastically biased. A first pivotal arm has an end connected to move with the rod. A second pivotal arm is movable between a first and second position for locking the first arm in positions corresponding respectivey to the uncoupled and coupled states of the apparatus. A system controlled by the electrical device shifts the second arm to its first and second position when the electrical device is put in action and out of action respectively.

Abstract: A feed mechanism for a machine tool having an improved stop mechanism which includes a movable stop, a stationary stop, and a rotatable control member. The stationary stop is located on a rotational path of the movable stop which is freely rotatable about a handle shaft. The control member, which can be rotated together with the handle shaft, is adapted to rotate the movable stop together therewith except through a predetermined angular extent, such that the handle shaft for feeding a movable unit of the machine tool may be rotatable more than the movable stop by the predetermined rotational extent.

Abstract: A window lifter of a motor vehicle actuated by an auxiliary force whose drive is adapted to be engaged electrically; the actuating member for engaging or closing the electric switches for the up and down movement of the window is thereby constructed at the same time as crank arm for the mechanical manual actuation of the window lifter in case of emergency.

Abstract: A differential gear system is disclosed for selectively transmitting power from one of two alternative power sources and which is particularly suited for use in actuating assemblies. The differential gear system includes an input gear rotatable about a sleeve assembly and in driving engagement with a spider gear assembly keyed to the sleeve assembly and driving an output gear also rotatable about the sleeve assembly. In one mode of operation, a first input gear system drives the differential input gear about the sleeve assembly while the sleeve assembly is held stationary by a second input gear system whereby power is transmitted through the spider gear assembly to the differential output gear. Alternatively, second input gear system drives the sleeve assembly while the first input gear system holds the differential input gear stationary whereby power is transmitted through the spider gear assembly to the differential output gear.

Abstract: A power transmission apparatus is disclosed in which a power output shaft is connected to both a manual input means and a power input means. Means are provided to automatically disengage the power input upon actuation of the manual input. Alternative embodiments disclose means to prevent rotation of the manual input handle during engagement of the power input means.