Abstract: A pneumato-mechanical regenerative power source converts mechanical rotational power at an input/output shaft to stored potential energy, and vice versa, by coupling the input/output shaft to a ball screw via a planetary gear system, which translates a ball nut in cooperation therewith, which in turn translates a piston that provides for either compressing or expanding an associated energy storage gas. A first roller-clutch mechanism provides for locking the carrier of the planetary gear system when storing energy, and releasing the carrier when releasing stored energy, wherein upon release, the ball screw is coupled to the input/output shaft via an overrunning clutch, and the carrier may be locked to limit the release of stored energy.

Abstract: A pneumato-mechanical regenerative power source converts mechanical rotational power at an input/output shaft to stored potential energy, and vice versa, by coupling the input/output shaft to a ball screw via a planetary gear system, which translates a ball nut in cooperation therewith, which in turn translates a piston that provides for either compressing or expanding an associated energy storage gas. A first roller-clutch mechanism provides for locking the carrier of the planetary gear system when storing energy, and releasing the carrier when releasing stored energy, wherein upon release, the ball screw is coupled to the input/output shaft via an one-wayoverrunning clutch, and the carrier may be locked to limit the release of stored energy.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes posture enhancing systems to increase occupant comfort. In addition to pelvis support, the seat includes a pivotable thorax and a height adjustment therefor, having a range of adjustment of about 100 mm to accommodate different female and male occupants having different skeletal lengths. The correct positioning of the second pivot point is designed to provide a lumbar curvature which simulates that of a standing occupant. In its most simple form, the seat includes a pelvis support, a thorax pivot mechanism to allow forward movement of the thorax area and reclining of the shoulders and a linear actuator mechanism to allow accurate positioning of this pivot mechanism for the skeletal height for the occupant.

Abstract: A plural output differential drive system provides plural outputs that are differentially related to each other. Three or more output shafts are driven from a single input shaft, each output shaft being differentially linked with the other output shafts. The entire differential drive arrangement is contained within a single housing. The output shafts of the plural output differential will transfer power in applications wherein equal distribution of torque is required at three or more outputs. The input shaft may be arranged to be coaxial with the output shafts, or may be at any other angle, including orthogonal thereto. Typical applications include powering three or more live axles on vehicles, providing rotary power for developing equal torques for simultaneously tightening multiple bolts, and generating equal forces on the gripper fingers of robotic hands. In addition, the outputs can be applied to leveling devices where three or more legs must apply equal pressures on a surface.

Abstract: A plural output differential drive system provides plural outputs that are differentially related to each other. Four or more output shafts are driven from a single input shaft, each output shaft being differentially linked with the other output shafts. The entire differential drive arrangement may be expanded to any number of outputs, and is contained within a single housing. The output shafts of the plural output differential will transfer power in applications wherein a predetermined distribution of torque is required at four or more outputs, irrespective of their speeds. All the outputs are coupled as a series of all epicyclic differentiating mechanisms, or a series of epicyclic and bevel differentiating mechanisms. N outputs are achieved by introducing multiple epicyclic gear mechanisms. The input shaft may be arranged to be coaxial with the output shafts, or may be at any other angle, including orthogonal thereto.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for causing fracture of a brittle material such as a glass. The invention employs at least two fluid streams directed against the surface of the material to be cut. One stream is a heated fluid such as air whereas a second flow of colder fluid such as ambient temperature air is also directed against the surface to be fractured at a displaced location. The combined effect of heating and rapid cooling causes thermal stress and fracture to occur in the material to be cut. The manner of applying the fluid according to this invention produces a highly controllable propagating fracture.