Abstract: A vehicle vibration simulator to simulate occupant exposure to vibration in a motor vehicle includes a reaction mass, a seat portion, a seat actuator between the reaction mass and the seat portion for providing at least one degree of vibration freedom, a steering column portion, a steering column actuator between the reaction mass and the steering column portion for providing at least one degree of vibration freedom, a floorpan portion, a floorpan actuator between the reaction mass and the floorpan portion for providing one degree of vibration freedom, the seat actuator, steering column actuator and floorpan actuator being actuated independently and/or simultaneously to simulate occupant exposure to vehicle vibration.

Abstract: A robotic gripper apparatus having a pair of finger support assemblies associated with a slot and a slotted disk provides longitudinal movement when the slotted disk is rotated. The apparatus includes a mechanism for varying the circumferential position of the finger support assemblies around the circumference of the apparatus about an axis perpendicular to the plane of the slotted disk.

Abstract: A robotic gripper assembly having a pair of gripping fingers inserted through a slotted disk, each of which is coupled to a cam groove formed within a cam disk wherein longitudinal finger movement is effectuated along the slotted disk. The closing rate and resolution of the finger movement with respect to cam disk movement are easily changed by interchanging the cam disk. In another embodiment, a three finger configuration is provided wherein the gripping fingers move longitudinally through intersecting planes for handling irregularly shaped objects.

Abstract: A gear shifting mechanism includes an actuator for fore-aft movement with a tachometer and a linear displacement transducer to form a velocity and position feedback actuator. The gear shifting mechanism also includes a solenoid and a pivotal mounting to provide movement of the actuator assembly in a second direction, i.e. from first-second to third-fourth gear shift positions. A second pivotal mounting allows the actuator assembly to follow the curvilinear travel of the gear shift level which is facilitated by the ball joint attachment to the gear shift lever. A spring loaded mounting bracket provides force cushioning to the said gear shift lever. The actuator assembly is mounted on a base plate with legs to straddle the vehicle's floor hump and to secure the said base plate by mounting bolts to engage the vehicle's seat belt anchor openings.

Abstract: A signal analyzer for detecting engine defects includes sensors (11-17) for detecting engine operating parameters such as engine speed, engine exhaust manifold pressure, engine intake manifold vacuum, blowby gas pressure in the engine crankcase, and oil pressure. Electrical signals representing the frequency and magnitude of the engine operating parameters are used to produce a frequency domain spectrum signal characteristic of the engine being tested. The frequency domain spectrum signal being tested is compared to a frequency domain spectrum signal from a normal engine thereby determining at what frequencies differences between the two signals exist, such differences being indicative of engine defects.