Abstract: As part of a system for processing workpieces, a workpiece support arrangement, separate from a process chamber arrangement supports at least two workpieces at least generally in a stacked relationship to form a workpiece column. A transfer arrangement transports at least two of the workpieces between the workpiece column and the process chamber arrangement by simultaneously moving the two workpieces at least generally along first and second transfer paths, respectively, that are defined between the workpiece column and the first and second process stations. The transfer arrangement can simultaneously move untreated and treated workpieces. Vertical motion swing arms and coaxial swing arms are described. A pair of spaced apart swing arms, the workpiece column and the processing stations can cooperatively define a pentagonal shape. Timing belt backlash elimination, a dual degree of freedom slot valve and low point chamber pumping, for removing chamber contaminants, are also described.

Abstract: A torque cam mechanism comprises first and second cam members disposed relatively rotatably around a common axis and cam balls adapted to fit in first and second cam grooves formed, respectively, in confronting surfaces of the first and second cam members. The depth of the first cam grooves is made larger than the radius of the cam balls, whereas the depth of the second cam grooves is made smaller than the radius of the cam balls, whereby even though a centrifugal force is applied to the cam balls which rotate together with the first and second cam members, the generation of thrust forces for separating the confronting surfaces of the first and second cam members can be suppressed by receiving the centrifugal force so applied to the cam balls by the first cam grooves which are deeper.

Abstract: A friction clutch with a flywheel and a clutch housing has the flywheel and clutch housing connected to one another by means of a preferably cylindrical wall located in the radially outer portion of the clutch housing. The cylindrical wall can extend in a ring-shaped manner around the axis of rotation of the flywheel. The clutch housing encloses a clutch plate with friction linings in the radially outer area, and an application plate or pressure plate can be pressed toward the clutch plate by means of an application spring. The friction linings can be guided or extended radially outwardly up to directly next to the cylindrical wall, to make possible, with a specified friction surface, a minimum ratio of outside diameter to inside diameter on the friction linings. The friction linings can be connected to the clutch disc without the interposition of a lining spring system.

Abstract: A versatile apparatus (2) for controlling the transmission of rotational forces between first and second rotatable members preferably takes the form of a clutch that can be activated by axially shifting an internal actuation member (140) through the introduction of either liquid or gaseous mediums. The clutch includes first and second transmission members (177, 281) which are rotatably mounted within a housing (5) and adapted to be attached to the first and second rotatable members respectively. A coupling assembly (226), preferably including first and second sets of axially spaced interface elements (252-254 and 274, 275), is interposed between the transmission members (177, 284) within the housing and axial movement of the actuation member (140) causes the interface elements (252-254 and 274, 275) to be frictionally engaged.

Abstract: A centrifugal clutch for use with a power door lock actuator. The centrifugal clutch includes an independently rotatable pinion cup having an integral pinion gear which meshes with a jack screw, and a driver rotatably secured to an output shaft of a drive motor. The driver has at least one radially outwardly opening recess formed therein with at least one slider slidably retained within the recess. The slider is biased in a radially inward direction by magnetic lines of force which are provided by a permanent magnet mounted within the driver. Alternatively, a number of sliders can be formed of magnetic material such that the magnetic sliders are mutually attracted to one another in a radially inward direction. A centrifugal force is generated when the driver is rotated. The centrifugal force overcomes the magnetic attractive force to throw the sliders radially outwardly into positive driving engagement with the pinion cup.

Abstract: This invention comprises a pedal (18) with engaging mechanisms (41) fixed thereon, and a cleat (10) affixed to a bicyclist's shoe by a clamp (101), thereby allowing the neutral position of the float to be adjusted and controlled and indexed. The cleat (10) is cylindrical, with fractionally cylindrical slots (12) formed thereon. The engaging mechanisms comprise a concave, fractionally cylindrical tongue (20) corresponding to the slots (12) in the cleat (10). Tongue (20) is spring loaded, and cooperates with the slots (12) in the cleat (10) to releasably capture the cleat (10) on the pedal (18). The fractionally cylindrical shape of the tongue (20) and slots (12) allow a predetermined and adjustable amount of float of the cleat (10) and the rider's foot, while remaining securely captured on the pedal (18).

Abstract: A friction clutch for a transmission of a motor vehicle has a clutch disc with corresponding friction linings, wherein the friction linings are configured such that a ratio of the outside diameter thereof to an inside diameter thereof is less than about 1.41 and preferably falls in the range of about 1.25 to about 1.38. Also contemplated is a method of using such a friction clutch.

Abstract: A basic speed change ratio is set on the basis of vehicle speed and throttle valve opening, and a control target speed change ratio is made to gradually approach the basic speed change ratio in accordance with a speed change speed. Feedback control is then carried out so that the actual speed change ratio coincides with the control target speed change ratio. When there is an up-shift requirement with a rate of change in throttle valve opening equal to or less than a predetermined value, and a rate of change in the basic speed change ratio, which is set on the basis of operating conditions, equal to or less than a predetermined value, the speed change speed is faster than at the time of an up-shift requirement with throttle valve closure.

Abstract: A cam shaft assembly for an engine has a hollow elongate shaft with a plurality of cam lobes and bearing journals received on and positioned along the shaft in a predetermined spaced apart relationship. The cam lobes are further oriented angularly in a predetermined alignment relative to one another. A radial thrust bearing is received and positioned on one end of the shaft. Each of the elements is secured to the shaft by mechanically expanding the shaft into an interference relationship with an opening in each element. A cam timing gear is fastened to the one end of the shaft by a fastener passing through the gear and into the one end of the shaft. Threads formed on the fastener engage complimentary threads formed on the internal surface of the shaft to allow the cam gear to be torqued down. A recess is formed in the shaft, the cam gear or both for receiving a projection or key which accurately aligns the gear to the cam lobes on the shaft and locks the gear in position.

Abstract: A clutch release device comprises a clutch release bearing which slides axially along a tubular guide member fixed to a fixed structure and defining an axis, and a declutching fork pivoted on the fixed structure about pivot arrangement which define at least one pivot point spaced away from the axis. The fork acts on the clutch release bearing through a thrust zone of a manoeuvring element of the latter, so as to displace the release bearing axially along the guide member. The declutching fork acts on the thrust zone in a line of contact which intersects the axis regardless of the angular position of the declutching fork.

Abstract: In construction machines it quite common to utilize a plurality of control levers to manipulate a multitude of implements. It has often been a problem to quickly and accurately establish a connection between the control lever and the implement since the control lever is often quite some distance away from the mechanism that controls the implement. In many instances multiple personnel are required to properly assemble the various components. This leads to added expense and complexity of the assembly process. The present invention includes a restraint mechanism for a control lever that positively holds the control lever at a preselected location with respect to an established operational pattern.