Abstract: This invention relates to a mechanism for tooth clearance adjustment and linear actuation. In certain aspects of the invention, a mechanism for gear clearance adjustment comprises a retaining element, on which a first gear wheel is mounted, and a carrier element, on which a gear rack or a second gear wheel is mounted. The carrier element or on the retaining element includes at least one clearance adjustment device arranged by a fastening device.

Abstract: A holding member can be made to move up and down with long strokes by means of short vertical strokes so that the overall arrangement can be downsized and lightweight. Additionally, the holding member can be held to a constant attitude and the overall arrangement can be simplified to reduce the cost. A swing arm is adapted to be swung between the metal mold of a resin molding machine and the outside of the resin molding machine by means of a rotary shaft rotating in response to a vertical motion of an elevating body relative to a vertical frame and, at the same time, a fitting member is adapted to be driven to rotate in response to the swinging motion of the swing arm in order to control the attitude of a vertical arm so as to make its axial line aligned with the vertical direction.

Abstract: A power transmission device and an image forming apparatus having the same that is capable of reliably transmitting intermittent power to a driven component from a driving source. The power transmission device includes a shaft, a first intermittent gear to receive power from the driving source and to rotate on the shaft, a second intermittent gear arranged so as to move between a first position in which the second intermittent gear is connected to the first intermittent gear along an axial direction of the shaft and a second position in which the second intermittent gear is disconnected from the first intermittent gear, a sliding unit arranged so as to slide along the shaft and to move the second intermittent gear in the axial direction of the shaft, and a driving unit to drive the sliding unit.

Abstract: Devices employing electroactive polymer actuators are disclosed. Acrylic dielectric material based actuators are optionally provided in which architectures are presented that allow for improved power output as compared with other known acrylic dielectric material based transducers. Such technology may be applied in motor-driven applications, lightweight flight applications and lighting applications among others.

Abstract: A slide member advancing/retracting mechanism includes an outer sheath; a slide member installed in the outer sheath to be slidable in an axial direction without rotating relative to the outer sheath; and an operating portion which can be freely rotated relative to, and about a common axis of, the outer sheath and the slide member. The operating portion can be operated so as to linearly advance/retract the slide member within the outer sheath.

Abstract: A shifting device of the automatic transfer includes a rack formed on a sleeve in the lengthwise direction of an output shaft, and a rotation torque supplying means is meshed to the rack, for linearly moving the sleeve over the output shaft. The response characteristics are improved when shifting from AUTO mode to LOW mode and vice versa, and the number of the involved components and the number of the assembling steps are decreased, thereby minimizing the manufacturing cost.

Abstract: A rack and pinion apparatus comprising a toothed rack, the tops of the teeth of which lie in a common plane, the rack and pinion apparatus further comprising an anti-roll mechanism having a rack teeth engaging pad mounted to permit relative movement between the rack and teeth engaging means and so as to be in contact, at any given instant, with the tops of at least two rack teeth.

Abstract: A variable-stroke, constant-compression, reversible radial pump, the stroke of which may be infinitely adjusted by means of a variable-throw eccentric from a normal-cycle maximum through zero to a reverse-cycle maximum, and the compression of which is maintained constant through the use of a variable-geometry cylinder-head assembly. The cylinder geometry varies when the cylinder head is raised and lowered by means of a synchronized screw arrangement which is coupled through a gear set to the variable-throw eccentric. The variable throw-eccentric comprises a hollow input shaft which is drilled and threaded diametrically. A threaded, splined adjustment shaft is screwed into the threaded diametric hole in the input shaft. Each end of the adjustment shaft is mounted in bearing races which are anchored at diametrically opposed points in a connecting-rod journal.

Abstract: A probe utilizing electrical fields for nondestructive testing of metals is disclosed which is mounted in a hand-held portable housing, or head, having limit switches therein for restricting up and down movement of the probe. Apparatus for selectively engaging the limit switches by the probe driving mechanism, without injury to the internal parts of the head, is also disclosed. The head may be equipped with a slip ring extender also, to enable an operator to use the head in a variety of positions, and the depth setting mechanism for the probe is protected against inadvertent movement during continued usage of the head.