Abstract: A bending order which provides a highest possible bending accuracy is determined. First a bending order generating section generates a plurality of bending orders possible for bending operation. Then, whether the bend angle of each bend can be measured in each generated bending order is checked by a measurement judging section. For each bend which has been determined as an objective bend "impossible to measure", a reference bend whose correction value for a die driving amount is to be used for calculating a correction value for the objective bend is set by a correction condition setting section. Weighting is carried out by a weight setting section based on the degree of the correlation between the processing factors of the objective bend and the processing factors of its associated reference bend, and the weights assigned to all the objective bends are summed by a weight sum computing section.

Abstract: A metalworking method, particularly for obtaining lengths of tube of various sizes and for various uses, made of steel having a carbon content between 0.10% and 0.50% with narrow tolerances. The method entails the provision, as initial material, of a round bar of hot-rolled steel, which is then peeled and cut so as to obtain at least one block, which is drilled and subjected to a chemical treatment. The block is then pressed and optionally subjected to final turning and heat treatment so as to obtain a finished product, such as a hydraulic or oleodynamic cylinder or a casing for high-pressure filters or a tube for high pressures, or a bushing, by using a reduced amount of steel.

Abstract: A hydroformed control arm for a vehicle and a method of making the same is provided. The control arm includes a generally U-shaped member being hydroformed from a continuous, unitary tube. The generally U-shaped member includes varying cross-sectional areas along its length for improved structural integrity. The generally U-shaped member further includes a pair of pivot bores for enabling the control arm to pivot about a pivot axis. The U-shaped member still further including a ball joint cavity disposed near its apex for receiving a ball joint. The hydroformed control arm thereby eliminates the need for a ball joint bushing.

Abstract: A superplastically formed part having tailored thickness in particular areas includes a formed blank having a preformed portion and a formed portion. The preformed portion is preformed as a bulge into a recess in a die lid, and then the bulge is reversed into a cavity in a die base as a prethinned area which delivers unthinned portions of the blank for final forming to regions of the die base cavity over which thinned portions of the blank would otherwise be formed and further thinned by final forming.

Abstract: A device and method for changing rolls in a roll stand. Each stand includes two working rolls, each having a backing up assembly including at least one intermediate roll. An adjustment structure is provided for adjusting levels in relation to the axes of each of the rolls with respect to the stand and for setting forth four levels of disassembly, respectively of both working rolls and both intermediate rolls. Two pairs of rails are provided parallel to the axes of the rolls arranged on the stand at two constant levels each at a level of disassembly and carrying sliding carrying members for removal of the corresponding intermediate roll. A handling device is placed on one side of the stand and includes at least one handling and guiding chassis carrying two pairs of rails aligned respectively with both pairs of rails on the stand. At least one extractor device is mounted to slide at a constant level on the guiding chassis.

Abstract: A device for hemming of sheet metals, particularly of coachwork sheet metals for small-lot production series in automobile manufacture is disclosed. A ram with a superimposed hemming bed is arranged in a base rack presses the sheet metals to be hemmed against the hemming jaws of the pre-hemming and/or finish hemming tools. One or more hemming jaws (8, 8') are affixed to a rotary head (4) lying opposite to the ram (2) and are swingable by turning the rotary head (4) in working position. Moreover, the invention provides for that the hemming bed (5) is linearly traversable or swingable in horizontal plane between a loading point (B) and a working point (A).

Abstract: A method for forming a through-hole through the circumferential wall of a metal pipe includes the steps of forming at least a thin portion by removing an outside circumferential surface portion of a metal pipe, and forming a through-hole in the thin portion from outside or inside and, at the same time, forming a cylindrical burring wall on the inside or outside circumferential surface side of the metal pipe. The through-hole may be formed by pressing the thin portion from outside with a punch. Alternatively, a preparatory through-hole may be formed together with the thin portion by removing the outside circumferential surface portion of the metal pipe. As a further alternative, the through-hole may be formed from outside with a punch having a larger diameter than the preparatory through-hole, or may be formed by pressing the thin portion from outside or inside by means of fluid pressure or a sphere.

Abstract: A fastening device (30) includes a housing (32) and a handle (34) extending from a first side of the housing to assume a pistol-like configuration. A head (38) is located at a forward end of the housing (32) and includes a nose member (40) located between two spaced housing parts or guide plates (41) and (42). A magazine (36) is attached to the nose member (40) adjacent a second side of the housing (32), opposite the first side thereof. A plurality of spaced, serially-arranged fastening elements (44) are linked together in a belt-like fashion, and are located within the magazine (36) for feeding and conveying of the fastening elements to a forward fitting position or assembly station (46) at a forward end of the nose member (40).

Abstract: The invention relates to electrical connectors having a crimp region with a wire crimp for making contact with an electric conductor, and with an insulation crimp for fastening a single-wire seal to the insulated conductor, the insulation crimp and the wire crimp each including a curved base with crimp arms that adjoin both sides on the outside and essentially form a U, the free ends of the crimp arms of the insulation crimp having an inwardly directed curved region with a radius of curvature which corresponds to the radius of the closed insulation crimp.

Abstract: A wire output central shaft of a wire bending machine comprises a seat, two wire plates, an central shaft seat, and a central shaft. The seat has a body, and one end of the body is connected to the body. A through hole is installed on the fixing portion. A first concave chamber and the second concave chamber are installed on the body. The first concave chamber is behind the second concave chamber. Two wire plates each is installed with a wire groove. As the two wire plate are combined to be located against one another, the two wire grooves will be combined. The two wire plates are fixed to the first concave chamber of the seat. The central shaft is installed on and penetrating through the central shaft seat. A wire hole is installed on the central shaft and extends along the length of the central shaft seat. The central shaft seat is assembled to the second concave chamber of the seat and is locked to the seat. The wire hole of the central shaft is in a position with respect to the through hole of the seat.

Abstract: A vehicle holding system for use with a vehicle frame straightener including a vehicle supporting rack and one or more pulling towers positioned adjacent thereto. The system of this invention comprises a pair of elongated cross bars which are secured to the rack and which extend between the sides thereof. A pair of blocking sockets are selectively mounted on each of the cross bars. Each of the locking sockets has a socket insert sleeve positioned therein which has a blocking upright mounted therein. Various components may be either secured to the sleeve or to the blocking uprights to block or hold the vehicle frame during the straightening operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for on head testing of a valve spring that biases a rocker arm assembly. The testing apparatus includes a trunnion body portion that is pivotally connected to a main body portion. A biasing member is movably mounted to the main body portion and abuts a first rocker arm of the rocker arm assembly during use. A latch member engageable with a second rocker arm of the rocker arm assembly is adjustably mounted to the trunnion body portion to permit different spacings with the biasing member to be furnished to accommodate different sized rocker arms. When a tester handle is used to drive the biasing member toward the first rocker arm during valve spring testing, the force applied by the biasing member to compress the valve spring is measured by the sensing of the movement of the biasing member relative to the main body portion, and is displayed on a gauge mounted on the main body portion.

Abstract: An attenuation circuit for a pile driving force measurement device is disclosed. The attenuation circuit allows for measurements to be made of the force being applied to a driven pile at a reduced voltage compatible with a voltage sensitive measurement device, such as a personal computer. The forces measured create measurable electrical impulses via magnetostriction. The attenuation circuit conditions the measured impulses so that no separate electrical power circuit or battery is required to power the sensor. At the same time the attenuation circuit protects the measurement device from voltages which might be overly high and damage the equipment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for discrete soil gas and saturated liquid permeability measurements with direct push emplacement systems (such as a cone penetrometer rod). A modified direct push emplacement system having at least one injection port and at least two measurement ports is first engaged to penetrate the soil to a predetermined depth. Gas or liquid is then injected into the soil at a predetermined location on the penetrometer rod. Next, a pressure response is recorded from each measurement port, which is at a known distance from the injection port (on the same penetrometer rod). This differential pressure response data allows calculation of the soil permeability directly by using a one-dimensional, spherical, steady state, porous flow model to measure the effective permeability of the soil, without substantial disturbance of the surrounding soil. The present invention minimizes false indications of reduced permeability as a result of soil compaction during the penetrometer emplacement.

Abstract: A given volume of a test substance is provided into a monitoring line which is filled with a test medium (e.g. air). The line extends along a path for determining concentration profiles of certain substances along the path. For the purpose of transporting a column of test medium through the monitoring line, the pressure in the monitoring line is increased by switching on a pressure pump or, for the same purpose--in an alternative embodiment--the pressure is reduced by switching on a suction pump. A given metering volume of the test substance is automatically released in the monitoring line when the pressure goes beyond a given pressure threshold. The release of the given metering volume of the test substance, after it has been carried along the monitoring line by the column of test medium, results in a test peak for reference reading calibration in a sensor which responds to the test substance and which is connected to the monitoring line.

Abstract: In a proposed method for determining the immobilization of a colloidal coating dispersion which is applied to a porous substrate, the colloidal coating dispersion is applied to the porous substrate which forms a bounding surface of the measuring gap of a rheometer, and the change in the viscosity as a function of time is measured. The method is particularly suitable for measuring the immobilization of a paper coating slip on base paper.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for rapid determination of erythrocyte sedimentation rates for a blood specimen (29) which can be linearly transposed to Westergren sedimentation rates. The method includes the steps of inducing accelerated rouleaux formation in the specimen (29) in an amount sufficient to begin settling at substantially the decantation rate for the specimen. In one embodiment a structure (27) which produces a very thin cross-sectional region (37) of the specimen (29) inside the lumen (23) of a specimen container (21) is provided to accelerate rouleaux formation. In an alternative embodiment (120), accelerated rouleaux formation is accomplished using a centrifuge (122). A third embodiment employs a movable rod (223) mounted inside the specimen tube (221) to induce accelerated rouleaux formation. All embodiments of the process next employ gravity settling the specimen in a near horizontal oriented container (21, 121, 221). Thereafter, the amount of settling occurring is determined.

Abstract: The machine control gage system measures the size of a workpiece through a measuring head while a machining tool machines the workpiece. When the measured size of the workpiece reaches a preset size, the machine control gage system commands the machining tool to stop machining the workpiece. The machine control gage system also performs roundness and surface roughness measurement of the workpiece as well as in-process control functions. On completion of the machining, the machine control gage system obtains and samples shape data on the workpiece through the measuring head and performs a predetermined processing for the sampled data, so that the roundness and surface roughness measurement can be performed automatically.

Abstract: A system for detecting worn brake linings contains sensors located at predetermined depths in the brake linings. Each brake has a corresponding lamp so a problem with a worn lining can be located. The system contains quick-release connections for each sensor, jumper wires for connecting the two sensors per wheel, resistors, diodes and lamps. The system is self-troubleshooting, and can determine the presence and location of worn brake linings, loose wires, open circuits, shorts, grounds, defective bulbs, and blown fuses. The determination of the presence and location of a problem is made through use of lamps which may be off, glowing at half brilliance, or glowing at full brilliance under specified conditions. When the ignition is off, all the bulbs are off. When the ignition is "on", all the bulbs glow at half brilliance if there are no problems. If all the bulbs are out, it is indicative of a power failure.

Abstract: A gin process control system including sensing stations for sensing the physical properties of cotton as it progresses through a gin. A moisture sensor determines, over a wide range of values, the amount of moisture in the cotton. A quality monitor determines the color of the cotton, color distribution, and the amount and type of trash or other impurities which may be entrained in the cotton. A micronaire unit determines both micronaire and cotton maturity. A fiber length tester provides information on the length distribution, breaking strength, and elongation of the cotton fibers. Cotton samples are gathered from the gin flow stream and presented to the sensing stations in a variety of manual, semi-automated, and automated fashions. In a fully automated unit, the sensing stations are connected directly to the gin. The sensing stations are also in communication with the gin process control system, which uses the data from the sensing stations to automatically control the operation of the gin.

Abstract: A miniaturized, inexpensive flowmeter capable of accurately measuring a flow rate comprises a flow rate detector including a plurality of thermal type flow rate detector elements mounted on a support plate, a power source for applying power to the flow rate detector, and a signal processor for calculating the flow rate from supplied power.

Abstract: A liquid meter includes a housing with two compartments with respectively a motor member disposed in the path of movement of a stream of the liquid to be measured and a counter, the transmission of the movement of the motor member to the counter being carried out through the separation wall of the compartments with the aid of a magnetic drive device having a pair of magnets, the first magnet associated with the motor member having a face with double polarity in magnetic equilibrium with a face of double polarity of the magnet associated with the counter, each magnet has at least one double polarity on each of its other faces.

Abstract: A fluid level detector according to the invention comprises a substrate formed of a heat-insulative material and one or more thermoresistive sensor elements located on the substrate that is adapted to be immersed in a fluid. A current source is connected to the sensor element for producing a current through the sensor element during a predetermined time period. The current heats the sensor element and causes a change in voltage across the sensor element at least during the time period. The amount of change in voltage during the time period is reflective of the fluid level, since the fluid serves as a heat sink for the sensor element. The voltage is measured across the sensor element and a voltage slope is determined. The determined voltage slope is indicative of fluid level.

Abstract: A movement skills assessment system without a confining field includes a wireless position tracker coupled to a personal computer and viewing monitor for the purpose of quantifying the ability of a player to move over sport specific distances and directions. The monitor displays a computer-generated virtual space which is a graphic representation of a defined physical space in which the player moves and the current position of the player. Interactive software displays a target destination distinct from the current position of the player. The player moves as rapidly as possible to the target destination. As the movement sequence is repeated, velocity vectors are measured for each movement leg, allowing a comparison of transit speeds in all directions as well as measurement of elapsed times or composite speeds. The system has applications in sports, commercial fitness and medical rehabilitation.

Abstract: A sensor subassembly contains a base part that is formed of plastic and has a sensor holding region with sensor connections provided therein and a connection region with plug connections provided therein. A sensor element with electrical contacts is electrically conductively connected to the sensor connections. Fastened to the base part is a printed circuit board, via which an electrical connection between the sensor element and the plug connections is made.

Abstract: A small accelaration sensor which is highly sensitive over a large frequency region and which varies little in characteristics such as sensitivity. A piezoelectric element is formed by connecting two main faces of retangular LiNbO.sub.3 piezoelectric substrates, in which the polarization axes are directed oppositely. Supporters comprising LiNbO.sub.3 directly connected to one end of the piezoelectric element. Eletrodes of chromium-gold being 0.2 .mu.m are thick are successively connected to the two main faces of the piozoelectric element and to the supporters, thus to produce a cantilever structure bimorph electromechanical transducer.

Abstract: Upper electrodes (A1 to A5) are disposed on an upper surface of a disk-shaped piezoelectric element (10). On a lower surface of the piezoelectric element (10), an annular groove to surround origin O is formed at position corresponding to the upper electrodes (A1 to A5). At the portion where the annular groove is formed, the piezoelectric element (10) includes a flexible portion formed so as to have thin thickness. When the peripheral portion of the piezoelectric element (10) is fixed to the casing, the central portion positioned within the annular groove functions as a weight caused to hang down from the flexible portion. On the lower surface of the piezoelectric element (10), a lower electrode (B) is formed. When force is applied to the weight by acceleration, the flexible portion is bent. As a result, predetermined charges are produced in the upper electrodes (A1 to A5) with the lower electrode (B) being as a reference potential. Accordingly, applied acceleration can be detected. When a predetermined a.c.

Abstract: A symmetrical link device for linking first and second coplanar devices each movably mounted in a frame such that when one of the first and second coplanar devices is moved, a substantially equal and opposite motion is imparted to the other of the first and second coplanar devices.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measurement of wide dynamic range signals is provided. The method and apparatus is particularly suited to measurement of physical parameters over a wide dynamic range and utilizes a plurality of concurrently operating channels of moderate dynamic range, each of which incorporates a detector. The method has the steps of transducing the physical signal into an electrical signal; amplifying and filtering the electrical signal through a plurality of channels, each of which operating within a preselected range of levels; applying the filtered and amplified electrical signals to a plurality of detectors, one for each channel; averaging, using a first time constant, the electrical signals to create a plurality of outputs; sampling the outputs; determining which channel of the plurality of channels has a valid output; averaging, using a second time constant greater than the first time constant, the resultant series of valid output samples (i.e.

Abstract: The output voltage of a Wheatstone bridge type electrical circuit compris four main resistances (J.sub.1 to J.sub.4) having substantially the same ohmic value, R, and substantially the same temperature coefficient of resistance, .alpha., is made independent of temperature differences existing between the branches of the bridge by addition, in each of the branches, of a compensation element (r.sub.1 to r.sub.4) in series with the main resistance, each compensation element being physically located very close to a main resistance situated in one of the adjacent branches of the bridge so as to have the same temperature as that main resistance. The compensation elements have the same ohmic value r and the same temperature coefficient of resistance .beta., with R.alpha.=r.beta., r being less than R and, preferably, r/R.ltoreq.1/2, so as to limit the loss of sensitivity of the Wheatstone bridge to variations in the resistances of the bridge.

Abstract: A material testing machine includes a control system which, during material testing, feedback-controls the operation of a servo system which includes an actuator for applying a load to a test piece, such that the actual load applied to the test piece coincides with the target load. The testing machine includes a waveform generator for generating a testing waveform indicative of the target load. The waveform generator includes a waveform data memory which stores therein a series of basic signal values sampled from a basic waveform so as to pick up a characteristic of the basic waveform. During the material testing, each of the basic signal values is repeatedly read out from the data memory, whereby the testing waveform indicating the target load is generated based on these basic signal values.

Abstract: An ultrasonic flow sensor probe for measuring fluid (liquid or gas) flow (e.g., blood flow) in vessels or tubes provides decreased sensitivity to flow distribution non-uniformities and decreased overall size by employing multiple angled reflector surfaces which cause incident ultrasonic waves from one or more ultrasonic transducers to pass through the flow volume multiple times and in multiple directions without changing the planar orientation of the ultrasound waves. The wave paths resulting from the multiple reflections and multidirectional illumination of the flow volume decreases the probe's size and sensitivity to spatial distribution non-uniformities. The multiple angled reflector surfaces also permit the transmitting and receiving ultrasonic transducers to be placed close to one another, thereby reducing the overall probe size and making them particularly useful in flow measurements on small blood vessels in very small animals.

Abstract: An acoustic fluid flow meter has a timer for determining downstream and upstream transit times values of acoustic pulses transmitted between acoustic signal transceivers, operable alternately as transmitters and receivers, respectively, with and against the direction of fluid flow. Additionally an error signal indicator is supplied with the determined transit time values and emits an error signal indicative of a false flow reading if their sum and/or difference, particularly the sum of derived values, differs from a corresponding control value by a predetermined amount.

Abstract: In a torque measuring device having a shaft member bearing circumferentially circulating magnetic fluxes along its outer circumferential surface and adapted to measure a torque applied to the shaft member around its central axis by measuring a distortion of the magnetic fluxes caused by the torque according to an inverse magnetostriction, the shaft member has a principal cylindrical portion axially terminating in an annular end face perpendicular to the central axis, whereby a high density of magnetic fluxes corresponding to the axial length of the principal portion are generated to traverse the annular end face, so as to be detected by a magnetic field sensor to produce an output signal at a high S/N ratio.

Abstract: Dynamometric detector device for bearings, with a strain transmitter fitted integral with a race and supporting a sensor. The strain transmitter and sensor support means includes the armature (7) of the bearing seal (8) and has a cylindrical bearing surface (11) mounted on a fixed race (1) of the bearing and extended radially by a disk-shaped element (13) supporting a sealing lip of the seal (8).

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for testing the release hook mechanism used to release an emergency survival craft from its davit. The test is performed with a selected load applied to the hook mechanism, and is designed to satisfy regulations for no-load and on-load testing of release mechanisms.

Abstract: A device for particle counting includes a metering device for metering a volume of a liquid sample containing particles and a cylinder for dosing a volume of a diluting liquid to a dilution chamber. The cylinder has first and second ends and a piston. A conduit connects a first end of the cylinder and the dilution chamber. The metering device introduces the liquid sample in the conduit and movement of the piston towards the first end displaces diluting liquid and sample to the dilution chamber which communicates with the second end of the cylinder and is preferably located therein, whereby movement of the piston towards the second end causes pressurizing of the dilution chamber to displace diluted sample from the dilution chamber through a particle counter. The piston has a piston rod extending through the first cylinder end, whereby movement of the piston towards the first end causes an increase in volume (V.sub.2) in the cylinder on the second piston side that is greater than the decrease in volume (V.sub.

Abstract: A device and method are disclosed for inspecting core laminations of an electrical machine, such as an AC induction motor. The core laminations define inner diameter and outer diameter slots preferably in a predetermined orientation with respect to one another. The inspection device of the invention includes a bed plate defining at least one key channel to align with the inner and outer diameter slots in the predetermined orientation. A first key is slidable in the key channel to engage an inner diameter slot. An outer diameter slot is engaged by a second key if the predetermined orientation has been achieved. If the predetermined orientation has not been achieved, the second key will not engage the outer diameter slot. A plurality of post members may be inserted into registered slots provided in a stack of core laminations to facilitate visual inspection of several attributes.

Abstract: Milli-Kelvin temperature control in an air chamber by use of coarse and fine temperature control systems, and through the use of structure for handling air flow within the chamber. The coarse control system provides enough heating or cooling power to hold the chamber temperature at a value near, but below, the desired operating temperature, thus leaving a small differential to be made up by the fine control loop. The coarse control has a fairly large thermal time constant (in the order of tens of seconds). The fine control loop has a very fast response time (in the order of fractional seconds). This fast response time is achieved by the use of a heater having minimal thermal mass, a fast response sensor, and a high precision controller. Air circulation within the chamber is forced by an in-line assembly of a number of high volume blowers, all having a common shaft, driven by a constant speed motor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a enclosure for a control surface position transmitter used on aerospace vehicles. The enclosure has improved capability for protecting the components of the position transmitter from damage caused by moisture-induced corrosion. The enclosure is a can-shaped structure that includes separate compartments for its mechanical and electronic components. A series of channels and passageways allow air to circulate freely in and out of the mechanical component compartment, and the electronic component compartment includes a low power heater to keep the electronic components dry and moisture-free.

Abstract: A leverage mechanism actuating device includes a drive member with an output shaft to drive rotatably a rotary body around an axis. A force transmission member is moved relative to the rotary body between first and second positions by a centrifugal force generated by a rotary driving force applied by the output shaft on the rotary body. Movement of the force transmission member enables the force transmission member to convert the rotary driving force into a translational lifting force in a direction parallel to the axis. A leverage mechanism includes a fulcrum, and first and second locations. The first location is associated operably with the force transmission member. The second location is adapted to be connected to a toy. Thus, the first location is actuated by the translational lifting force of the force transmission member to result in a power output at the second location for initiating motion of the toy.

Abstract: A flange portion formed on an inner periphery of a flywheel is fitted to an end of a crankshaft. A spline piece is fitted to an inner peripheral surface of the flywheel. The flange portion of the flywheel and a flange portion of the spline piece are commonly fastened to the end of the crankshaft by bolts. An upper end of a driving shaft is spline-fitted at a point into a driving shaft coupled portion of the spline piece which is accommodated in an internal hole in the crankshaft. Thus, in coaxially coupling the flywheel and the driving shaft to the end of the crankshaft, it is possible to make such a coupled area compact and to reduce vibration by an accurate centering thereof.

Abstract: A crank device performs power conversion between reciprocal movement and rotational movement using a planetary gear mechanism without causing inclination of a connecting rod. An internally toothed sun gear is spaced a predetermined distance from the connecting rod. A planetary gear as well as a planetary gear shaft secured at one end of the planetary gear are rotatably received within a crank member. An arm portion is formed on the other end of the planetary gear shaft and extends radially outwardly a distance corresponding to the radius of the pitch circle of the planetary gear. One end of the connecting rod is pivotably connected to the forward end of the arm portion. A pair of bearings rotatably support the opposite ends of the planetary gear shaft and are disposed at spaced positions within the crank member. One of the bearings is arranged adjacent to the connecting rod.

Abstract: A linear pick-and-place drive mechanism for relocating articles with finite adjustable maximum translation stroke range and finite adjustable lift stroke range, using selective placement of a translation cam follower into one of several spaced adjustment holes along the length of a translation arm, and selective placement of a lift cam follower into one of several spaced adjustment holes along the length of a lift arm. Pivoting motion of both the translation arm and the lift arm is driven by a single plate-type drive cam having a translation cam track on one side thereof and a lift cam track on the opposite side thereof, resulting in minimal housing size and reduced power requirements.

Abstract: The invention concerns a linear actuator for the conversion of a rapid rotational movement with low moment into a slow linear movement with high force. The concept of a special roller drive of planet gears and two ring wheels makes possible purely theoretically infinitely large reductions with relatively high efficiency. As preferred application of this linear actuator device there is suggested an integration in an electric driven brake system for example for automobiles. The inventive linear actuator is realizable with comparatively small constructional expenditure and in very small construction sizes.

Abstract: A drive axle assembly for a vehicle receives input torque from an engine via an input shaft. The input shaft drives a worm which in turn drives a worm gear. The worm gear includes teeth which engage and drive an axle shaft which in turn drives a vehicle wheel. The teeth of the worm gear are defined by a tooth profile which has two pressure angles, one on each side of the tooth. The worm includes a thread with a thread profile that also has two pressure angles, one on each side of the thread. One of the pressure angles on the thread of the worm is greater than its other pressure angle and one of the pressure angles on the worm gear teeth is greater than its other pressure angle.

Abstract: A high force detent mechanism to selectively hold a control input lever in any selected position between neutral and its maximum travel in either direction. The high force detent mechanism includes a coil assembly connected to a control input lever and disposed in close proximity to a semi-circular member having a serrated edge defined thereon. An armature of the coil assembly has a first portion in driving contact with the serrated edge and a second enlarge portion having a latching surface disposed adjacent one of the first and second end faces of the coil assembly's detent coil. The size of the latching surface is larger than the size of the first portion that is in driving contact with the serrated edge. Consequently, the latching force generated between the latching surface and the one face of the detent coil is multiplied several time to create a detent holding force that is larger than the latching force.

Abstract: An oil pressure supply path to a transmission is changed over using a spool valve comprising a spool which displaces in conjunction with a selector lever of the transmission. The displacement of the spool is detected by an inhibitor switch. By supporting the inhibitor switch directly by the spool valve, the spool displacement position and inhibitor switch output signal always precisely correspond. Therefore, it is unnecessary to adjust the relative position of the spool valve and inhibitor switch unlike the case where these members are supported separately in the transmission.

Abstract: A short stroke shift lever device that is capable of shifting gears within a small space by a ratchet-like mechanism. When a pivotally mounted shift lever is moved from an intermediate portion of a shift groove to a front end or rear end of the shift groove with a pin of a ball shaft coming into a hole of a control plate, the ball shaft rotates via the joint toward the front side or rear side and the control plate rotates around the shaft; subsequently, a protrusion comes into a groove adjacent to the groove into which the protrusion had come until then, and the shift position of an automatic transmission is changed one step. By repeating a pivotal movement of the shift lever, the gear of the automatic transmission may be changed to any position. The device reduces the amount of space required for installation of the shift lever.

Abstract: A robot arm mechanism (10) maximizes available torque and control accuracy by arranging first and second high torque motors (50, 52) in a concentric relationship about a shoulder axis (16). The first motor is coupled through a 1:1 ratio endless belt to rotate a forearm (22) about an elbow axis (32). The second motor is 1:1 directly coupled to rotate an upper arm (14) about the shoulder axis. A motor controller (100) controls the first and second motors in at least two operational states. The first operational state equally contrarotates the first and second motors to linearly extend or retract a hand (30), and the second operational state equally rotates the first and second motors to angularly displace the hand about the shoulder axis. The robot arm mechanism has a 1:1:1:2 overall drive ratio and an indexing vane (130) for eliminating positional ambiguity problems stemming from a continuous rotation capability of the robot arm mechanism.