Abstract: In a wave gear device provided with a cup-shaped flexible external gear, the difference in the direction of the thrust force applied to the wave generator during speed reduction or speed increase is used to reduce the input-side holding torque. During speed reduction, thrust force F1 is applied to the wave generator in the direction toward the open side of the flexible external gear, and during speed increase, thrust force F2 is applied in the opposite direction. The plug of the wave generator is pressed against the friction plate mounted on the motor housing by the thrust force F2 applied during speed increase, and the friction force that is produced is used as part of the input-side holding torque for restraining the wave generator from rotating.

Abstract: A wave gear drive comprises a circular rigid internal gear and a flexible external gear inside the rigid internal gear. A wave generator in the flexible external gear flexes the flexible external gear into an elliptical shape. The cross-section of the flexible external gear perpendicular to the axis at a point in the tooth trace direction of the flexible external gear is set as the main cross-section. The rigid internal gear and flexible external gear are gears with a module m, and the flexible external gear has a number of teeth that is smaller than the number of teeth of the rigid internal gear. The moving route M of a tooth of the flexible external gear with respect to a tooth of the rigid internal gear that accompanies rotation of the wave generator when meshing of the teeth in the main cross-section is approximated by rack meshing.

Abstract: A lifting mechanism for an exercise apparatus frame base includes a housing made of lightweight material with a positioning cavity having a through hole. A covering cap having a circular internal rim is integrally formed within the positioning cavity and made by high strength material an injection molding process is performed. The bottom of the covering cap includes an axle hole corresponding to the through hole. The top of the covering cap has an opening with a positioning flange extending outwards. In this way, the drawback that the inside of the conventional plastic housing is easily damaged by the transmission gear can be eliminated. As a result, the weight can be minimized and the strength can be maintained.

Abstract: An actuator comprising: two motors; an output member; and a harmonic gear comprising: an elliptical wave generator component; a flexible spline component which is coupled to the wave generator by a bearing and flexes to conform to the elliptical shape of the wave generator; and a circular spline component which surrounds and meshes with the flexible spline component. One of the harmonic gear components is coupled to the output member, and each of the other harmonic gear components is coupled to a respective one of the motors.

Abstract: A drive unit includes an input shaft connected to an engine, a power conversion unit including rotating electric machines and planetary gears to convert power applied from the input shaft, and gears as the power output unit transmitting power output from the power conversion unit to a drive shaft of the vehicle. Planetary gears of the power conversion unit are formed separately from the gears. The rotating electric machines of the power conversion unit are stored in a unitary case.

Abstract: A coaxial transmission, especially a hollow shaft transmission for industrial drive engineering, having a high power density. The transmission comprises an input element (7), an element (3) and an output element, a drive torque being multiplied and transmitted between the input element (7) and the output element via a plurality of radially mobile toothed sections (5). At least one toothed section (5) has a bearing element (11) which is enlarged in its effective zone with respect to an input element (7).

Abstract: To provide a power plant which is capable of reducing power passing through a distributing and combining device, thereby making it possible to attain reduction of the size and manufacturing costs of the power plant and enhance driving efficiency of the same. The power plant 1 for driving driven parts DW and DW includes a prime mover 3, a first distributing and combining device 20 having first, second and third elements 21, 24 and 22, a second distributing and combining device 30 having fourth, fifth and sixth elements 31, 34 and 32, and speed-changing devices 40, 50, 2, 61 and 62 which are connected to the third and sixth elements 22 and 32 and are capable of changing the relationship between the rotational speed of the third element and that of the sixth element 32. The second and fourth elements 24 and 31 are mechanically connected to an output shaft 3a of the prime mover 3, and the first and fifth elements 21 and 34 are mechanically connected to the driven parts DW and DW.

Abstract: Friction part in a lubricated medium working at contact pressures above 200 MPa and having a contact surface that is textured and subjected, before or after texturizing, to a case hardening treatment for a tribological function, wherein the surface is subjected to operations for producing a periodic network of micrometric cavities having predefined shapes and sizes and a period adapted to the width of the contact surface in order to promote passage to elastohydrodynamic lubrication regime.

Abstract: A wind turbine energy conversion device that can take advantage of the higher speed and more persistent winds at higher altitudes is hereinafter disclosed. The wind turbine energy conversion device includes an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) connected to one end of a tether (which may include multiple shorter tethers), the other end being connected to a terrestrial anchorage point. The UAV flies at altitudes where wind speeds can reach 40 mph or higher. The UAV comprises a flying wing with one or more trailing wind power turbines and flies airborne maneuvers designed to increase relative wind speed up to about four times the true wind speed.

Abstract: A vehicle steering control system includes a variable transmission ratio device that rotates an output shaft relative to an input shaft so as to change the transmission ratio, and a locking device that is switched between a lock-on state in which the transmission ratio between the input shaft and the output shaft is inhibited from being changed and a lock-off state in which the transmission ratio between the input shaft and the output shaft is allowed to be changed. The variable transmission ratio device includes an electric motor and a speed reduction mechanism. The locking device inhibits the input shaft and a rotor of the electric motor from rotating relative to each other when placed in the lock-on state, and allows the input shaft and the rotor to rotate relative to each other when placed in the lock-off state.

Abstract: In a composite wave gear drive, a flexspline (having a number of teeth Nf) is disposed on the inner side of first and second circular splines (numbers of teeth Nc1 and Nc2, respectively). One side of the flexspline is bent into an elliptical shape by a first wave generator, the other side of the flexspline is bent into an elliptical shape by a second wave generator, and the flexspline meshes with the first and second circular splines The first wave generator is a rotational input component, the second wave generator is a reduced-speed rotational output component, and the first and second circular splines are kept from rotating. The number of teeth is set such that Nc2=Nc1+2 and Nc1=Nf+2.

Abstract: A device for creating a large transmission ratio for actuating drives the device comprising a first shaft supported rotatably about a first rotation axis, an eccentric supported by the first shaft, a transmission part, which is provided with a gear rim including a first gear tooth system, and a gear wheel, which is supported rotatably about a second rotation axis and which is provided with a second gear tooth system, wherein the eccentric is in driving connection with this transmission part, wherein the first gear tooth system of the gear rim engages in the second gear tooth system of the gear wheel and wherein additionally the second rotation axis is at a distance from the first rotation axis.

Abstract: In the case of a gear stage (1) of an actuating drive, in particular for a vehicle seat, having a bearing (12) which defines an axis (A12) and having an oscillatory body (11) which is mounted in a rotatable manner by the bearing (12), defines a further axis (A11) and, upon rotation of a driving mechanism (21), executes a rolling movement on the bearing (12), the axis (A11) of the oscillatory body (11) is inclined obliquely at an angle (?) relative to the axis (A12) of the bearing (12).

Abstract: A power transmission implementing continuously variable transmission using a succession of gear sets. A first constant ratio gear-set receives torque and rotation from a motor and a second constant ratio gear set provides torque and rotation to a driven device. These two gear-sets each employ three gear elements such that the first gear-set receives power in one shaft and provides power in two shafts. The second gear set receives power in two different shafts and provides power in one shaft. Two drive chains transmit rotation and torque from the first gear-set to the second gear-set, in between the two gear sets the rotation is reversed in one drive chain. A control over the total gearing ratio of the transmission is provided by transient application of power to modify the rotation rate of one branch. In one embodiment fluid couplings are employed for transmission of power in each drive chain.

Abstract: An aircraft landing gear steering system comprising a turning member that is operably coupled to a landing gear leg through a harmonic drive mechanism. The landing gear steering system may be electrically driven. Additionally, the landing gear system has various advantages, including the provision of a safe failure mode should the harmonic drive mechanism fail.

Abstract: A reduction drive gear for all-terrain vehicles (ATV) such as the HONDA RINCON™. The gear reduces the drive ratio, thereby increasing the load pulling capacity of the vehicle and providing for a lower-end torque. It is comprised of a carbon steel bar cut to a seventeen-tooth drive gear (as opposed to the original nineteen-tooth drive gear found in typical ATVs). The reduction drive gear enables the ATV to be more powerful while avoiding any modifications to the motor, thereby eliminating the creation of undesirable heat in the motor.

Abstract: A steering apparatus for an automotive vehicle is provided with an electric drive unit that varies a steering ratio between a road wheel angle and a steering wheel angle of the vehicle, a temperature sensor that detects a temperature of the electric drive unit, and a control unit including a steering ratio characteristic setting block that sets a characteristic of the steering ratio including a steering gain and a steering response rate in accordance with an operating state of the vehicle and, when the temperature of the electric drive unit exceeds a first temperature threshold, adjusts the steering response rate in such a manner that the steering response rate comes closer to a base steering response rate level as the temperature of the electric drive unit becomes increased and a drive block that drives the electric drive unit to vary the steering ratio according to the steering ratio characteristic.

Abstract: An electric actuator comprised of an electric motor and a wave gear speed reducer connected to the electric motor efficiently air-cools the electric motor and a wave generator of the speed reducer and obviates the need for increasing the axial length of the actuator. The wave generator has a plurality of holes penetrating in the axial direction, the holes being arranged with intervals provided in the circumferential direction. A partitioning portion between the holes constitutes a vane portion which blows air in the axial direction. An internal space wherein a coil of the electric motor is disposed is in communication with an internal space of the speed reducer, and the vane portion blows air into the internal space of the electric motor. An air cooling passage is formed in a stator of the electric motor such that air flows into the air cooling passage when the vane portion blows air.

Abstract: It is suggested here that a tool for the machining of workpiece surfaces, with at least one adjustable, geometrically defined cutting edge (7) with an adjusting device (29) for the adjusting of the distance of the cutting edge (7) to the central axis (33) of tool (1), whereby the adjusting device (29) has a drive shaft (11) that acts on an adjusting gate valve (31) via a gearbox (25), which determines the distance of cutting edge (7) from the central axis (3) of tool (1), whereby it is proposed that adjusting gate valve (31) be designed as a piston valve arranged eccentrically to the central axis (33) of tool (1). Tool (1) is characterized in that transmission (25) has a high reduction and directly acts on adjusting gate valve (31).

Abstract: A coupling unit includes two constant velocity joints arranged in series in the shaft direction. The coupling unit couples a driven shaft and a drive shaft. Each constant velocity joint includes a ball non-retaining member and a ball retaining member. The ball non-retaining member has an annular space with one opened end and a plurality of track grooves extending in the shaft direction on an external wall surface of the annular space at a constant interval in a circumferential direction. The ball retaining member has a portion that engages with the annular space of the ball non-retaining member, and that retains a ball that slides along each of the track grooves formed in the ball non-retaining member.

Abstract: A method for making a robot pivot arm assembly includes forming from a rigid, machinable material a circular disk, and forming a circular aperture through the center of the disk. An outer bearing track is formed integrally in the inside surface which defines the aperture, and the apertured disk is positioned in a machining device with a fixturing portion that engages the outer bearing track. An integral outer race, an arm and a gear segment with teeth are then machined into the disk to form the outer portion of the pivot arm assembly. An inner race with an inner bearing track is positioned inside the integral outer race, and rolling bearing elements are inserted into the first and second bearing tracks.

Abstract: A wave generator has a circular spline, a flexspline inside the circular spline and a plug inside the flex spline. The plug is asymmetrical and is preferably formed to comprise a semi-elliptical first portion and a semi-cylindrical second portion. The diameter of the semi-cylindrical portion coincides with the major axis of the semi-elliptical portion. Gear teeth on the circular spline and on the flex spline are meshed in only a first zone and unmeshed in a second zone. The flexspline in the harmonic drive gear assembly according to the present invention preferably has only one tooth fewer than the circular spline so that the circular spline rotates through and arc defined by one gear tooth for each complete revolution of the flexspline.

Abstract: A ratio changing method and apparatus includes, in a hypocycle arrangement, an input drive wheel (2), an output drive wheel (3) and a transfer ring (1). The input drive wheel (2) drives around the exterior of the transfer ring (1). The transfer ring (1) is constrained against rotation about its own axis but oscillates about the outward drive wheel (3), in parting rotation to the output drive wheel (3) as a result a simple and effective ratio changing apparatus is provided.

Abstract: A print control module for a thermal printer includes a housing, a transmission device, a first driving mechanism, a second driving mechanism, and a power switching mechanism all installed in the housing. The transmission device includes a motor, and a transmission gears set for transmitting power of the motor. When the motor rotates in a first direction, the power switching mechanism transfers power of the motor to the first driving mechanism, and when the motor rotates in a direction opposite to the first direction, the power switching mechanism fixes the first driving mechanism and transfers power of the motor to the second driving mechanism.

Abstract: A driving gear, which is a scissors gear, fixed to a rotating body, engages with a driven gear, and the driven gear engages with a fixed screw receiver. A first gear and a second gear of the driving gear elastically bias the tooth of the driven gear by a coil spring in the direction of an inner side of a diameter; consequently the driven gear 5 is forced on the screw receiver. Gears formed in the tooth tips of the driven gear engage with a partial spiral screw of the screw receiver.

Abstract: A wave gear drive (1), wherein a rigid internal gear (2) is formed in a conical gear and a flexible external gear (3) is formed in a spur gear with a module m. The number of the teeth of the external gear (3) is reduced by the quantity of 2n (n is a positive integer) less than that of the internal gear (2), and the amount of the deflection of the major axis of the elliptic rim neutral line of the external gear (3) in the cross section perpendicular to the axis of the external gear (3) in the tooth trance direction is set to 2 ?mn (?>1). In the cross section perpendicular to the axis at the intermediate part in the tooth trance direction, the engagement of the teeth of the both gears (2, 3) is approximated by the engagement of a rack to obtain the moving route (M) of the teeth of the external gear (3) according to the rotation of a wave generator (4).

Abstract: A longwall conveyor drive including a motor including a motor output shaft, a drive sprocket, and a gearbox drivingly connected to the drive sprocket. The drive also includes a fluid coupling drivingly connected to the gearbox, and a step-up gearbox located between the motor and the fluid coupling. The step-up gearbox includes a housing attached to the output end of the motor, a first gear stage rotatably supported within the housing and drivingly receiving the motor output shaft and rotating at a first speed, and a second stage gear set rotatably supported within the housing and in driven contact with the first stage gear set and rotating at a higher speed, the second stage gear set including an output shaft connected to the fluid coupling.

Abstract: A microstructure includes a catalyst region, and a non-catalyst region proximate to the catalyst region. The catalyst region induces a chemical reaction of a fluid component when the microstructure is located within a fluid medium containing the fluid component. The chemical reaction induces relative motion between the fluid medium and the microstructure, which can be used to provide, for example, autonomous directional movement, rotation of microgears, microfluidic devices, and novel sensor configurations. In one example, a palladium catalyst is used, and the fluid medium is an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: A parallel link mechanism includes a first arm, a second arm, a first auxiliary link, a second auxiliary link, and a drive motor. A cylindrical connection shaft having a first rotational axis is provided near the proximal portion of the first arm. The proximal portion of the first arm is rotatably connected to a fixed base through the connection shaft. The distal portion of the second arm is rotatably connected to a movable base. The proximal portion of the second arm is rotatably connected to the distal portion of the first arm through a connecting portion connected to a transmission mechanism. The first auxiliary link forms a first parallel link together with the first arm, the connecting portion, and the fixed base. The second auxiliary link forms a second parallel link together with the second arm, the connecting portion, and the movable base. The drive motor drives the transmission mechanism to pivot the first arm and the second arm. The drive motor includes a motor shaft having a second rotational axis.

Abstract: Embodiments of hobby servo motor devices are disclosed. Embodiments include a hobby servo motor having a rotatable splined output shaft and a rotational enhancement mechanism that is rotatably engaged to the hobby servo motor splined output shaft. The rotational enhancement mechanism has an auxiliary shaft that is in-line with the hobby servo motor output shaft. Embodiments also include a support panel that is rigidly connected to the hobby servo motor and displaced from the hobby servo motor. The support panel has an aperture that receives and supports the auxiliary shaft.

Abstract: A gear arrangement for a capper of an inkjet printer comprises a first gear assembly mounted to the printer so as to cooperate with a motor gear for driving rotation of the first gear assembly, the first gear assembly having a code feature; and a second gear assembly mounted to the printer so as to cooperate with the first gear assembly to be rotatable therewith, the second gear assembly, in use, cooperating with a capper for capping a printhead so that the rotation of the second gear assembly moves the capper out of and into its capping position. The code feature of the first gear assembly is arranged to cooperate with a holding feature of a mounting arrangement used to mount the second gear assembly to the printer, the code feature being configured so that the cooperation with the holding feature maintains the first gear assembly at a predetermined position during the mounting of the second gear assembly.

Abstract: A downhole rotation tool comprises a housing rotatable and axially slideable in relation to a gear shaft. The gear shaft is located interior of the housing. A tube gear is located intermediate the gear shaft and the housing. Helical threading on the gear shaft exterior interacts with helical threading interior of the tube gear to impart rotation of the tube gear upon linear movement of the gear shaft. A gear face at a lower end of the tube gear interacts with a corresponding gear face on the housing. Face gear teeth of the tube gear and the housing include axially-aligned engaging surfaces to rotate the housing in a preferred direction on downward stroke of the gear shaft and include inclined slip surfaces to allow relative rotation of the housing gear face and the tube gear face upon upward stroke of the gear shaft.

Abstract: A vehicle seat reclining apparatus is provided in which the strength of a connecting portion positioned directly or nearly directly below a receiving wall face of a guide portion of a fixed-side housing is higher than in a conventional reclining apparatus. A protruding guide portion is provided in a fixed-side housing used to configure a reclining apparatus. A receiving wall face that makes contact with a locking gear used to configure the reclining apparatus and which thus guides movement of the locking gear, and a top face that is continuous with that receiving wall face, are formed in the guide portion. A tapered chamfer portion is present at an edge of the receiving wall face where the receiving wall face and the top face of the guide portion intersect. A thick portion with a tapered face that corresponds to the chamfer portion is provided directly or nearly directly below a base end portion of the receiving wall face.

Abstract: A wave generator (4) of a wave gear device (1) is formed from a material in which only the minor axis-side portions (51, 52), which include the two end portions (51a, 52a) of an elliptical minor axis Lmin, has a larger coefficient of linear expansion than the other portions. When the temperature of a rigid cam plate (5) increases during high-speed rotational input, the minor axis-side portions (51, 52) thermally expand considerably more than the other portions do, and balls (10) other than several balls (10b) on a minor axis Lmin of a wave bearing (7) enter a tight state and form a locked state in which the wave bearing (7) rotates integrally with the rigid cam plate (5). Since the generation of agitation resistance of the lubricating agent due to the high-speed rolling movement of the balls (10) during high-speed rotational input can be avoided or reduced, a reduction of the torque transmission efficiency caused by the agitation resistance can be prevented or inhibited.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for transmitting torque in a way that can prolong the life of such apparatuses by using dissimilar materials for a body region and a torque transmitting region that absorbs the wear of the apparatuses, the apparatuses being constructed by methods of powder metallurgy. A torque transmitting apparatus can be provided and can include an annular body member composed of a first material and an outer ring member composed of a second powder metal material. The outer ring member can shrink about the annular body member during a sintering phase to form a single body in which the outer ring member can be fixedly attached to the annular body member.

Abstract: A wave gear device, wherein, when a wave generator is in a low speed rotating state, a rolling bearing state is formed by a wave bearing and the wave generator and a flexible external gear are held in a relatively rotatable state and when the wave generator is in a high speed rotating state, partition pieces and split side plate pieces forming the retainer of the web bearing are displaced to the outside to stop the rotation of balls in their axes and the revolution thereof. Accordingly, a sliding bearing state is formed by lubricating oil film formed between the wave generator and the flexible external gear and the wave generator and the flexible external gear are held in a relatively rotatable state.

Abstract: The invention can securely carry out an operation by a reduced number of the parts. The invention is provided with a base member having a gear lever arranged portion and a pinion member arranged portion, and provided with a communication hole communicating with the gear lever arranged portion in a closed wall portion of the pinion member arranged portion, a gear lever rotatably arranged in a bearing portion, having a gear portion and driving an output member (a control wire) based on a rotation, a pinion member rotatably arranged in the pinion member arranged portion and having a pinion portion engaging with the gear portion via the communication hole, a holder having a retention portion retaining the pinion member in one end, and having a fixing portion fixing to the base member in the other end, and an operation knob arranged so as to be outside fitted to the pinion member and integrally rotating the pinion member.

Abstract: A camshaft phaser comprising a differential bevel gear arrangement to vary the phase relationship of a camshaft to a crankshaft in an internal combustion engine. In the differential gear system, a 45° beveled input gear is mounted parallel to and coaxial with a 45° beveled output gear. One or more 45° beveled spider gears is disposed in meshed relationship with the input and output gears in a gear pattern having a rectangular cross-sectional appearance. Rotation of the input gear causes an opposite rotation of the output gear. The phase relationship between the input and output gears may be varied by varying the position of the spider gear. The input gear and spider gears may be driven via a sprocket in time with the crankshaft in a plurality of arrangements.

Abstract: The present invention permits linear slide motion as well as rotational motion between two sheets or panels of metal. This linear rail system utilizes clinching end stays to hold a loop of wire taut in a milled or stamped slot in a sheet metal panel. The loop of wire is stretched in the milled slot, being wrapped through the undercuts of the clinching end stays. When the stays are pressed into the milled slot with the wire in place, the wire is locked in due to the cold flow of metal around it. The taut spring wire captivates a round follower with flanges above and below the wire runs. The follower is then free to move linearly and rotate in the panel. This follower is self-clinching and can attach a second sheet to the assembly by pressing a hole in the second sheet onto the follower.

Abstract: A driving device includes a shaft member and a driven gear rotatably disposed to the shaft member that is formed to be fixed to a surface plate member inside the driving device. The shaft member is provided with a flow passage for air penetrating along a shaft line thereof. A cavity is formed in a bearing member of the driven gear to be spaced from the shaft member.

Abstract: A gear comprised of a tooth surface and a hard carbon film formed on at least a part of the tooth surface. When the gear is used in lubricant including a specific component, a friction of a tooth surface of the gear is largely decreased, and therefore the gear performs an excellent power transmission efficiency. Further, when the gear is employed in a planetary gear mechanism or speed reducing mechanism which has a plurality of meshing portions of gears, the power transmission efficiency of the mechanism is also improved.

Abstract: A control system for driving a motor to perform a plurality of actions, includes a motor gear set, a first action gear set, a second action gear set, a third action gear set, a first switch gear set, and a second switch gear set. The first and second switch gear sets are driven by different operation directions of the motor gear set. Moreover, the first, second, and third action gear sets are driven to perform the actions by different switch method of the first switch gear set, the second switch gear set, or a combination of the first and second switch gear sets.

Abstract: A gearbox housing assembly includes a first plate constructed of a rigid material and defining a first plane. A second plate of the gearbox housing assembly defines a second plane parallel to and spaced from the first plane. The second plate is constructed of a rigid material. A plurality of connectors couples the first plate and the second plate, with an interior space being defined between the first plate and the second plate. A mounting member is coupled to the second plate and has a mounting portion extending away from the interior space. The mounting member is distinct from the second plate to facilitate interchangeability of the mounting member.

Abstract: Assembly element (18) made in a plate of brittle material, including an aperture (32) provided for the axial insertion of an arbour (26), the inner wall (33) of the aperture (32) including elastic structures (34), which are etched into the plate to grip the arbour (26) radially. Each elastic structure (34) includes a first rectilinear elastic strip (L1) which extends along a tangential direction relative to the arbour (26). According to the invention, each elastic structure (34) is formed by a radial stack of several parallel elastic strips.

Abstract: A door operator is configured to operate a door that is rotatable about an axis of rotation between an open position and a closed position. In one embodiment, the door operator comprises an output shaft, a closing assembly, and a motor. The output shaft is rotatable between a first position and a second position, and is coupled to the door such that rotation of the output shaft pivots the door about the axis of rotation and rotation of the door about the axis of rotation rotates the output shaft. The closing assembly is coupled to the output shaft to apply a torque to the output shaft, wherein the torque applied by the closing assembly rotates the output shaft such that the rotation of the output shaft by the closing assembly rotates the door toward the closed position. The motor is coupled to the output shaft.

Abstract: A gear composed of a polymer blend or a copolymer of PA66 and PA6 which contains a part having a PA66 molecular structure and a part having a PA6 molecular structure in a weight ratio of PA66/PA6=99.9/0.1 to 95.0/5.0 is excellent in durability as well as heat resistance and dimensional stability. A speed reduction gear using the gear has a reduced size, and can be used under a higher torque without a torque increase due to dimensional change of the gear. An electric power steering apparatus using the speed reduction gear has a reduced size, and can be used for a larger automobile.

Abstract: A cartridge includes an engagement gear which includes a first engaging portion and is configured to selectively rotate. The cartridge also includes a rotational body which includes a second engaging portion, and a center axis of the rotational body is aligned with a center axis of the engagement gear. Moreover, the cartridge includes an extension portion which is positioned offset from a center of rotation of the rotational body. The engagement gear and the rotational body are configured to selectively be positioned in one of a first state in which the second engaging portion and the first engaging portion are separated from each other, and a second state in which the second engaging portion engages the first engaging portion. The rotational body is configured to rotate with the engagement gear when the engagement gear rotates and the engagement gear and the rotational body are in the second state.

Abstract: A robotic joint configured as a 3-axis joint configured with a shoulder or other human joint form factor. The joint includes a first link made up of a block attaching to a torso and a stationary electric actuator assembly mounted to the block. A second link is connected to the first link to rotate about a first axis and be driven by the actuator assembly. A third link is attached to the second link to rotate about a second axis orthogonal to the first axis when the third link is driven by the actuator assembly. A fourth link is connected to the third link to rotate about a third axis orthogonal to the second axis when the fourth link is driven by the actuator assembly. The actuator assembly includes three electric motors with threaded drive capstans driving pulleys in the links while being spaced apart from the rotating links.

Abstract: A camshaft phaser comprising first and second harmonic gear drive (HD) units disposed in back-to-back relationship. Each HD includes an elliptical wave generator (WG), a flexspline (FS) deformable by the WG, and a circular spline (CS) for engaging the FS. A dynamic spline (DS) connects the first and second FSs. The first HD is an input HD driven by an engine crankshaft via a sprocket wheel connected to the input CS. The second HD is an output HD driving an engine camshaft. The DS is meshed with both the input FS and the output FS. The phase relationship between the crankshaft and the camshaft may be changed by changing the angular relationship between the first and second WGs. Such change is effected by holding the first WG stationary and varying the angular position of the second WG via an electric motor.

Abstract: A strain wave reduction gear and a variable transmission ratio steering apparatus move a flexible gear and a rigid gear differentially, even if the flexible gear is in a fractured state. According to the strain wave reduction gear, the flexspline mates with the inner side of the elliptical hole of the rigid cam via the flexible bearing; therefore, the flexspline maintains an elliptical shape that is similar to the elliptical hole and maintains the meshed state—even if the flexspline fractures. Therefore, when the rigid cam rotates, the mesh positions of the flexspline and the first and second circular splines can be shifted in a circumferential direction. Namely, even in a state wherein the flexspline is fractured, the first circular spline and the second circular spline can be moved differentially by the difference in their tooth counts.