Abstract: A connecting device connecting a remaining bar and a movable bar of a transfer bar includes a remaining-side clamp and a movable-side clamp. The clamps respectively have a male fitted portion and a female fitted portion that are fitted to one another around a connecting direction, defining a first connector. A male engagement portion and a female engagement portion are provided inside the clamps, defining a second connector. The female engagement portion of the second connector includes a sphere in a form of a movable member moving in a direction orthogonal to the connecting direction. A movement of the sphere effects an engagement and disengagement of the female engagement portion from the male engagement portion.

Abstract: A connecting a remaining bar and a movable bar of a transfer bar includes a remaining-side clamp and a movable-side clamp. The clamps respectively have a male fitted portion and a female fitted portion that are fitted to one another around a connecting direction, defining a first connector. A male engagement portion and a female engagement portion are provided inside the clamps defining a second connector. The female engagement portion of the second connector includes a sphere in a form of a movable member moving in a direction orthogonal to the connecting direction. A movement of the sphere effects an engagement and disengagement of the female engagement portion from the male engagement portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for movably supporting an article includes a plurality of raising units arranged in a row on a mount, with their outer side surfaces contacting with those of adjacent ones. Each raising unit includes a lifting member including a piston and a ball disposed on top of the piston. A casing has a cylinder bore which is formed therein to open upward and in which the lifting member is disposed to be vertically movable. A pressure chamber is formed beneath the piston. A portion of the ball can protrude through the opening when the lifting member is raised. An air path extends from one to opposite side surfaces of the casing through the pressure chamber. When compressed air is supplied to the pressure chamber of the raising unit at one end of the row, it is also supplied to the pressure chambers of the remaining raising units.

Abstract: A flexible drive member for pushing and pulling an article includes a toothed belt section and ridge members which are arranged on the opposite surface of the toothed belt section along the length direction of the toothed belt section. The ridge members abut adjacent ones when the toothed belt section extends straight. The ridge members include respective hold portions which hold an elongated member, such as a hose and a wire. The abutment of adjacent ridge members enables transmission of pushing force. A fluid-operated device moving apparatus utilizes the flexible drive member which is arranged to have a T-shaped transverse cross-section corresponding to a T-shaped groove in which the flexible drive member can be guided. A fluid-operated device, such as a hydraulically operated clamping device, is coupled to one end of the flexible drive member.

Abstract: A solenoid comprising a housing having a passage extending through the housing, a coil in the housing, a pole piece in the passage of the housing, and an armature mounted in the passage for linear movement along a path toward and away from the pole piece. A nonmagnetic gap is provided between the coil and the pole piece and the armature and a spring urges the armature away from the pole piece. An elongated actuator member is mounted on the armature for movement with the armature. The spring force and the position of the actuator member along the path can be readily adjusted.