Abstract: A reciprocating electromagnetic actuator (20) includes a movable reciprocator (36) within a stationary stator (22). A permanent magnet (46) forms part of the reciprocator. A compensation coil (64, 66) forms part of and is embedded within the stator. A drive coil (72, 74) forms part of and is embedded within the reciprocator. The drive coil is selectively energized with an drive current (ID) from a current source (100). The compensation coil is selectively energized with an compensation current (IC) from another energy source (102). The current applied to the compensation coil is of opposite polarity from the current applied to the drive coil, and the ampere-turns resulting from the current ID applied to the drive coil must be equal to the ampere-turns resulting from the current IC applied to the compensation coil.

Abstract: An engine valve control mechanism (12) for varying the amount of opening and/or timing of a cylinder valve (16) in a valve gear train (14) of a multi-cylinder, internal combustion engine having an overhead camshaft (24) which actuates the valve via a rocker arm (18) pivotally bridged between a valve stem end (16e) and a hydraulic lash adjuster (31). The valve gear train portion for each intake is provided with a valve control mechanism by providing the camshaft with a high lift lobe (24c) and two low lift lobes (24a) for actuating the valve and by providing the rocker arm with a rigid link, two low lift cam roller followers (36) fixed to a shaft (40) rotatably mounted on the link, and a high lift cam follower (38) rotatably mounted on the shaft (40) and rotatable between first and second positions for respectively engaging and not engaging the high lift cam lobe (24c). A latch member (44) and a solenoid (54) control the position of the high lift cam follower (38).

Abstract: A brake clearance sensing and control system (60) is provided for controlling brake released clearance (c) between a frictional braking member (6) and a rotary brake surface (15). System (60) includes an air flow rate sensor (18) operative to provide a signal (26) indicative of air flow rate through conduit (4) between a pressurized air source (2) and a gap (16) between frictional member (6) and rotary brake surface (15) that is a function of clearance (c) and which creates a variable air flow restriction. System (60) preferably includes a pulse control (20) operative to cause pressurized air to flow through conduit (4) only in the brake released condition and signal (26) is operative to either or both provide a warning signal (32) when clearance (c) has exceeded a predetermined maxiumum and to enable an adjusting mechanism to adjust clearance (c) to a desired predetermined clearance in the brake released condition.

Abstract: A manufacturing machine such as an automatic assembly machine is disclosed which includes a work station which can include linear motion devices and rotary motion devices. A conveyor system is disclosed for transporting a workpiece to and from the work station, and positioning means are disclosed for precisely positioning the workpiece to the work station.

Abstract: A manufacturing machine such as an automatic assembly machine is disclosed which includes a work station which can include linear motion devices and rotary motion devices. A conveyor system is disclosed for transporting a workpiece to and from the work station, and positioning means are disclosed for precisely positioning the workpiece to the work station.

Abstract: The system responds to signals from a weight computer to depress selected keys on the postage metering machine keyboard. A solenoid is associated with each key. The solenoids are mounted on a carriage for movement toward and away from the keyboard. Spring bias and weight forces the carriage toward the keyboard. Energized solenoids hold an engagement tip extended so that when the carriage is released toward the keyboard, the carriage force will depress the selected key. The engagement tip on unenergized solenoids contact the key but the solenoid shaft moves upward into the solenoid without depressing the key.

Abstract: A manufacturing machine such as an automatic assembly machine is disclosed which includes a work station which can include linear motion devices and rotary motion devices. A conveyor system is disclosed for transporting a workpiece to and from the work station, and positioning means are disclosed for precisely positioning the workpiece to the work station.

Abstract: A manufacturing machine such as an automatic assembly machine is disclosed which includes a work station which can include linear motion devices and rotary motion devices. A conveyor system is disclosed for transporting a workpiece to and from the work station, and a positioning arrangement is disclosed for precisely positioning the workpiece to the work station.

Abstract: A manufacturing machine such as an automatic assembly machine is disclosed which includes a work station which can include linear motion devices and rotary motion devices. A conveyor system is disclosed for transporting a workpiece to and from the work station, and a positioning pins arrangement is disclosed for precisely positioning the workpiece to the work station.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring a designated card or card-like article such as a microfiche into or out of a stack of similar cards by producing a separation in the stack at a selected location with a stream of air and moving the designated card into or out of the separation with a vacuum pickup arm. The selected stack location is verified by reading means located outside of the stack and directed at retroreflective marks on the card exposed by the separation.