Abstract: A manipulator of the type where a base and a hand are connected via a flexible arm in which the flexible arm comprises a plurality of hollow coupling members which are coupled to each other via universal joints in a manner allowing free flexion and integral rotation. Plural hand-operating shafts are attached to the center of the flexible arm via spherical bearings in a manner to allow relative rotation therebetween and coupled to each other via universal joints at intermediate points of the coupling members, and one of the hand-operating shafts is expandable. Actuators are housed inside the base to drive and rotate the flexible arm and hand-operating shafts, and a separate actuator is housed inside the base to flex the flexible arm.

Abstract: A method whereby slip is applied for providing an enamel coating to interior surfaces of a tank such as a heat exchanger of a hot water boiler, electric water heater and the like fabricated beforehand as by welding. In this method, a larger amount of slip than that actually required for applying the slip coating to the interior surfaces of the tank is introduced into the tank to be applied thereto with the tank being rotated, and the excess slip which has not been applied to the surfaces is forcedly drained from the tank at a rate higher than the rate at which the slip moves relative to the enameled surfaces and which moving rate is determined by the liquid level of the slip within the tank and the size of a discharge port, so that an enamel coating of a desired thickness can be formed on the interior surfaces of the tank. In order to forcedly drain the excess slip from the tank, pneumatic pressure is supplied to the interior of the tank prior to slip application.

Abstract: A brake device in which the pressure member, when braked, is urged against the brake disc by a spring and has thereon a main lining and at least one supplemental lining for friction contact with the disc brake. The supplemental lining is rotatable about its center with a disposition that one-half of the supplemental lining projects from the main lining without contacting the braking surface of the brake disc, and the other half is flush with the main lining for contact with the braking surface. A pulling member normally contacting the projecting half of the supplemental lining is provided for pulling the pressure member from the braking surface for brake release by an electromagnet.