Abstract: A protective assembly to protect a portion of an outer body of a trailer having a fixture, comprising: (a) a cover positionable over an outer body of a trailer, the cover including a plurality of edges and a fixture accommodating assembly associable with a fixture of a trailer; and (b) a fastening assembly capable of securing the cover to an outer body of a trailer.

Abstract: A steering column (10) includes a support (24) through which a steering column member (12) extends. An over-center locking mechanism (130) locks the support (24) in any one of a plurality of positions relative to a mounting bracket (66). The locking mechanism (130) has a locking member (132) that has a first position in which a portion (46) of the support (24) and a portion (72) of the mounting bracket (66) are urged toward each other to prevent movement of the support (24) relative to the mounting bracket (66). The locking member (132) has a second position in which the support (24) and the mounting bracket (66) are movable relative to each other. The locking mechanism (130) applies a first force to the locking member (132) to move the locking member from the first position to the second position and applies a second force to the locking member to move the locking member from the second position to the first position.

Abstract: A video slide projection book is shown. The video slide projection book has a front cover and a back cover connected to the front cover at a binding. A plurality of pages are interposed between the front cover and the back cover and are connected to the binding. The video slide projection book also has a projector configured to accept a video slide source. The projector is configured to have a casing defining an interior volume; a circuit positioned in the interior volume and a lens. A holder is connected to the back cover wherein the holder is configured to accept the projector.

Abstract: A reflective printed article includes a substrate having a top surface and a bottom surface with a graphic image printed thereon. A reflective or glossy ink layer is printed over the entire top surface of the substrate. A graphic image is printed over the reflective ink layer. The image may cover the entire portion of the reflective layer or only selected portions thereof. The graphic image includes hidden or latent images printed within the graphic image layers. An optional glossy layer of transparent ink may be printed over the graphic image. A textured pattern of lines is printed in sections over the optional glossy layer or graphical image, with each line in the section printed at the same angle or orientation, with the lines of adjacent sections printed at different angles in order to reflect light in different directions to create the illusion of depth, three-dimensionality, hidden images and motion.

Abstract: Anti-counterfeiting and counterfeit detection devices and procedures are provided particularly usable in connection with vouchers issued by coin discriminator or coin counting machines. Paper stock may be preprinted with inks which are not readily photocopied without apparent alteration. Preprinting is preferably in two or more orientations such as longitudinal and lateral and preferably some preprinting is positioned closer to the paper stock edge than can typically be achieved using ordinarily available laser printers or inkjet printers. A pattern of perforations, preferably micro perforations, are provided in a curved, preferably tightly radiused shape or configuration. Serial numbers or other identifiers may be preprinted on portions of the paper stock and matching or correlatable numbers printed on such preprinted paper stock substantially at the time of printing the voucher value.

Abstract: The present invention is a unique prescription label, printed on one side that allows a consumer to check and verify the accuracy of the prescribed medication as well as to provide additional information on the medication container by increasing the usable size and area of the prescription label with an informational tab extending radially from the container, the present invention also provides a means for easy application of the prescription label onto the container by scoring the facing on the first portion and second portion of the label and scoring the backing of the second portion of the label in order to create an even fold between the two portions.

Abstract: Swage end-connector for high pressure reinforced flexible hose particularly suitable in the petrochemical and drilling industries for hoses. Two connectors are disclosed one for intermediate hose pressure burst ratings up to 12,500 psi and internal diameters up to 3½ inches and higher hose pressure burst ratings up to 18,750 psi and internal diameters up to 4 inches. Both embodiment connectors will withstand the rated burst pressure of the hose to which they are connected and will withstand a pump-off force that exceeds the burst pressure of the hose. That is, the hose will fail before the connector pops off the hose.

Abstract: A coupling for coupling a pair of axially aligned adjacent pipes. The coupling including a substantially cylindrical sleeve having an inner surface including a recess therein where the cylindrical sleeve has a first end area and a second end area. The second end area includes a tab extending therefrom that is selectively alignable and insertable within the recess. A liner may be positioned along the inner surface of the sleeve.

Abstract: A tube fitting capable of absorbing vibration and shock resulting from a high pressure fluid passing through the tube fitting while it is used includes a connection head, a connection nipple, and an intermediate connection member. The connection head and the connection nipple are provided with an annular collar projecting from an end surface of the connection head and the connection nipple. The connection head, the connection nipple and the intermediate connection member are joined by inserting the annular collars into both ends of the intermediate connection member.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for connecting and disconnected fluid conduits (e.g. medical tubing) are disclosed. Typical embodiments of the Apparatuses and methods disclosed herein operate with two separate components, the first having a moveable septum and the second having a fixed septum. When the components are engaged, the device allows the flow of fluid through a conduit to which they are coupled. When the components are uncoupled, the device prevents the flow of fluid through the conduit. An exemplary embodiment of the invention includes a housing, a moveable septum slideably coupled with the housing to be alternately disposed in at least a first and second position and a piercing member having a passage for conducting fluid. The moveable septum closes the passage in the first position and is penetrated by the piercing member to open the passage in the second position.

Abstract: Vehicle driving traction is substantially increased by applying a selected quantity of granular material to the roadway surface forwardly of driving wheels by a remotely controlled apparatus which includes a quantity of granular material operatively connected with a tube terminating adjacent the surface of the earth forwardly of driving wheels.

Abstract: A dual function lock for use on a hung window is provided by the invention. The lock includes a base, a handle and a tilt latch actuating mechanism. A tilt latch for use on a hung window is also provided. Furthermore, a tilt latch assembly including a lock, left and right latches and an extensible member is provided. Furthermore, a hung window and tilt latch assembly is provided.

Abstract: A striker assembly for latch engagement has a striker piece and a striker mount which encapsulates a portion of the striker piece to secure and mount the striker piece on a structure for engagement with a latch. In one embodiment, the striker mount is formed by a pair of cooperating base pieces which include a mounting plate and a striker plate. The base pieces form a striker-receiving cavity for encapsulating a portion of the striker. Alternate forms of striker pieces and striker mounts are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A wafer holder in a robot blade. A holder plate having a front end is provided. At least one sensor is disposed at the front end of the holder plate. A sensing circuit is connected to the sensor, wherein the sensing circuit determines the presence or absence of an obstruction positioned immediately ahead of the holder plate. Thus, the wafer holder is capable of avoiding contact with obstructions, thereby preventing system crash during semiconductor manufacturing process.

Abstract: A device for gripping a hose includes an annular collar having an inner diameter large enough to slidably receive the hose there through and first and second gripping members pivotally mounted at diametrically opposite positions on the collar. Each of the gripping members has an elongate leg portion and a perpendicularly oriented foot portion pivotally mounted to the collar. The lower surfaces of the foot portions have ripples with crests spaced a distance apart equal to the spacings between adjacent ridges of the spiral on the hose to be retained.

Abstract: A lifting system includes a lifting plate disposed on each end of two lifting frames. Each lifting frame has an upper segment and a lower segment and optionally one or more intermediate segments. Each lifting plate comprises a unitary body that has a lifting eye in an offset extended portion and one or more openings for receiving the ends of the segments. Additionally, the lifting system can include two packaging frames. The lifting system is preferably configured such that two lifting frames are the center frames in a four frame configuration, while the two packaging frames are the end frames.

Abstract: A method and apparatus or tool for pulling wire through a wall or panel formed by spaced apart vertical studs, a plate at one end of said studs, and opposed wall panels mounted on said studs. An opening is cut through one of the wall panels between the studs and a hole is drilled in the plate using a long, flexible drill bit A wire stringing tool formed by an elongated stiffly flexible rod at least partially covered with an elongated, flexible, expandable and contractible woven sleeve is inserted through the opening between the panels and through the drilled hole. The rod and sleeve is slightly retracted to form a loop in the sleeve at the inserted end of the sleeve-covered rod. The loop in the sleeve is hooked with an elongated hooking rod and the sleeve is pulled through the hole to position its other cut end at a point remote therefrom.

Abstract: A wheel assembly for a wheeled vehicle utilizes interchangeable wheel hubs to secure various types of tires to provide better performance and maintenance on the vehicles. The design of the hubs is such that fabrication costs are reduced as well as costs for maintaining wheel inventories. The hubs are designed with locking elements and shoulders to ensure that tires are effectively secured in the wheel assembly. The hub is configured so that replacement of worn tires is done quickly, without having to touch the wheel bearings or drain the lubricant.

Abstract: A method of forming a vehicle component, particularly an elongated impact beam, having an open section structure, in a manner to provide predetermined strategically strengthened portions, comprising the steps of cold forming unhardened steel into a workpiece having mounting surfaces, selectively fixturing the mounting surfaces, static induction heating the workpiece with lengthwise surface eddy currents on selected portions, followed by quenching of the fixtured heated workpiece to form strengthened portions, and unfixturing the resulting component. Also disclosed is apparatus to accomplish this, and the resulting novel vehicle component.

Abstract: A slide-out room (12) support system (28) for a recreational vehicle (10) has outer C-shaped rails (34) received at least partially within the thickness of the floor (64) with the slot of the C-shape opening downwardly. A fixed support (30) extends up through the slot and mounts four rollers (38), two on each side, which extend into the space between the top wall (42) of the rail (34) and the flanges (40) so as to support the rail (34) generally horizontal and relieve much of the weight of the slide-out room (12) from being borne by the stationary floor of the recreational vehicle (10). A lead screw (46) that moves longitudinally with the rail (34) drives it in and out, and a rack (60, 70) and pinion (62, 68) system synchronizes the movement of the rails (34) when two or more rails (34) are provided. The lead screw (46), or alternatively the rack (60, 70) and pinion (62, 68) system, may be manually or electrically driven.

Abstract: In order to provide a wind stop device for a passenger vehicle with a roll bar, comprising surface elements of the wind stop device and a supporting device for the surface elements of the wind stop device which can be secured on the roll bar, which can be assembled in a simple manner and quickly it is suggested that the supporting device be provided with at least two holding brackets arranged in spaced relationship, wherein the holding brackets are arranged and designed such that they can be abutted on respective bar sections of the roll bar for securing the supporting device on the roll bar.

Abstract: The Drag-Dropper is a collapsible structure made of rigid components that may be unfolded to form a modified pyramid to streamline the posterior aspect of trucks. The exact dimensions of the apparatus may be varied such that small to large trucks including semi-tractor-trailers may be fitted. As safety is always the foremost priority, the design has structural redundancy to reduce if not eliminate destruction during operation even if one of several essential component were to fatigue simultaneously from material failure. Likewise, the dimensions seek to maximize posterior drag reduction without additional functional length of the vehicle that would obstruct the driver's rear vision, and the apex is intentionally far above the height of most passenger vehicles in the event of a collision involving a trailing vehicle.

Abstract: A platform, such as a deck plate or step, for attachment to a support on an over the highway truck or tractor. The platform includes a plate having an upper surface and a lower surface. A plurality of elongated members extend from the lower surface. A plurality of hooks are defined on end portions of the elongated members. The hooks secure the platform to the support.

Abstract: A process for injection molding a composite of rigid thermoplastic and soft thermoplastic, the soft thermoplastic including a cavity established with pressurized assist gas or an assist liquid. The process includes the steps of: injecting a hard molten thermoplastic into a first mold chamber; injecting a soft molten thermoplastic into a second mold chamber; establishing communication between the first chamber and the second chamber so that the rigid thermoplastic and soft thermoplastic integrally bond; and injecting an assist fluid into the soft thermoplastic to form a cavity. In a preferred embodiment, the formed composite is an automotive cowl where the rigid thermoplastic forms the rigid body portion of the cowl and the integrally bonded soft thermoplastic forms a compressible bulb seal.

Abstract: The modular front end forms the front portion of a motor vehicle. The modular front end includes a bulkhead defining a plurality of integrally formed attachment mounts. A drive train assembly carrying at least an engine of the motor vehicle is attached to the bulkhead at the attachment mounts. A crash energy absorption assembly is attached to the attachment mounts on the bulkhead and generally extends around the drive train assembly. An apron assembly is attached to the bulkhead at the attachment mounts and is generally positioned above the drive train assembly and crash energy absorption assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to reinforced composite vehicle load floors of the sandwich-type having a cellular core. In a method for making a load floor of the invention, a stack is formed that is made up of: a load-bearing upper skin made of a reinforced thermoplastics material; an upper skeletal frame structure of reinforcing slats each of which is made of a reinforced thermoplastic composite or pultrusion; a cellular core made of a thermoplastic material; a lower skeletal frame structure of reinforcing slats each of which is also made of a reinforced thermoplastic composite or pultrusion; and a bottom skin made of a reinforced thermoplastic material. Each of the frame structures of reinforcing slats has a surface area that is smaller than the surface area of each of the skins. The frame structures of reinforcing slats are positioned symmetrically about a plane formed by the cellular core against the skins.

Abstract: A vehicle window seal assembly includes a division bar formed without structural metal and including one of an insert or an overlay layer of a relatively soft material. The division bar can be formed in an H configuration having an elastic hinge between a leg of the H profile and a cross piece. The division bar can also be formed to receive and engage the insert to locate sealing lips for contacting a moveable glass panel.

Abstract: A tandem saddle assembly for mounting on the frame of a motorcycle has a tandem platform member with a driver and passenger seat sections and a driver backrest pod is secured to the platform adjacent the rear end of the driver section. Synthetic resin cushioning material substantially encapsulates the backrest pod, and fabric covers the cushioning material. Along one side of said driver seat section is a hinge to mount the driver section on a motorcycle frame for pivoting into an open position, and on the other side is a latch to secure it in a closed position. A backrest assembly has an elongated rigid support arm extending through aligned openings in the fabric covering and cushioning material and into a mounting aperture in the pod.

Abstract: A multi-layer cushion having a shaped base on which is positioned a resilient, cushioning layer. The shaped base is constructed from a supportive foam and has front and lateral bolsters. The cushioning layer is an inflatable air cell cushion having a flexible base and an array of individual air cells arranged in rows across the flexible base. Rows of cells around the perimeter of the air cell cushion are configured to provide comfortable transition areas between the bolsters and the air cell cushion. The cushion includes a cover that has a lower compartment for the foam base and an upper compartment for the air cell layer. The cover functions to keep the air cell layer in place on the foam layer.

Abstract: There is provided a seat cover for accommodating a child safety chair upon a seat. The seat cover comprises a lower protective member which is disposable upon a seating portion of the seat. This lower member can accommodate the child safety chair when positioned in a rearward-facing direction to prevent it from permanently compressing the seating portion. The seat cover further comprises an upper protective member that is disposable against a seat-back portion of the seat. This upper member is selectively attachable with and detachable from the lower member. By doing so, the upper member can further prevent the chair from permanently compressing the seat-back portion when it is repositioned in a forward-facing direction and placed in contact therewith.

Abstract: A multi-function insert adapted for use as a play mat and as a seat cover for a shopping cart which includes a handlebar and a seat having a seat bottom, a backrest, and a pair of leg openings. The insert comprises a panel which defines opposed front and back surfaces. Disposed within the panel are at least two flaps which are selectively movable between open and closed positions. Attached to the panel is a fastening mechanism which is configured to selectively maintain a portion of the panel in releasable engagement to the handlebar of the shopping cart when the insert is used as a seat cover. The panel is sized and configured such that when releasably engaged to the handlebar, extended along and over the seat bottom, and draped over the backrest, the flaps will be substantially aligned with respective ones of the leg openings of the shopping cart.

Abstract: A chair particularly useful for an auditorium utilizes spherical bearings to mount the bottom of the chair to upright standards. The spherical bearing includes a base portion and a top portion that are secured to the chair bottom to hold the spherical bearing roller. An axle extends through each standard to engage the bearings to support adjacent chairs. The axles are threaded to receive a nut to secure the axles to the standards.

Abstract: A gardening stool that allows for tilting and pivoting is provided. The gardening stool has an elongated base connected to a seat by a post. The elongated base is convex and is tapered towards the front for pivoting. The base may include a flattened region located toward the rear of the post for stability. The base may further include compartments for holding tools.

Abstract: A guide sleeve for receiving and supporting a guide post of a head restraint within a seat back frame of a seat assembly. The guide sleeve includes a body extending between opposite upper and lower ends. A bore defined by cylindrical inner walls extends longitudinally through the guide sleeve for slidably receiving the guide post therethrough for allowing selective adjustment of the head restraint relative to the seat back between a plurality of head supporting positions. A plurality of rings project outwardly from the body and are deformable against the seat back frame during insertion of the guide sleeve into a hole or tube formed in the seat back frame for creating an interference fit between the guide sleeve and the seat back frame without deforming the bore, and thereby, not increasing efforts required to slide the guide post through the bore during movement of the head restraint between the plurality of head supporting positions.

Abstract: A harness arrangement for a seat, the arrangement comprising an occupant harness configured to be worn by an occupant of the seat, a separate seat harness securable to the seat, and means releasably to connect the seat harness to the occupant harness.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling braking on a train having ECP railcars using a conventional automatic brake valve. The locomotive and railcars are connected to brake pipe and a wireline, or use RF communications. A brake handle or other brake control valve interface is operated to cause a pressure change in an equalizing reservoir. The relay valve is isolated from the pressure change and connected to a reference pressure whereby brake pipe pressure is maintained. The pressure change is sensed and a signal generated representative thereof which is used to determine the level of braking commanded on the railcars. The apparatus includes an interface unit interposed between pertinent ports connecting the automatic brake valve, equalizing reservoir and brake pipe, and an equalizing reservoir pressure sensor to provide an output signal to an ECP controller for controlling braking on the railcars.

Abstract: A vehicle electro-hydraulic braking system of the type which can operate in a brake-by-wire mode wherein hydraulic pressure is applied to brake actuators (16a, 16b) at the vehicle wheels in proportion to the driver's braking demand (DD) as sensed electronically at a brake pedal (12), wherein the pressure demand (RBD) for the rear brake actuators (16b) is arranged to be delayed until at least one or two conditions has been fulfilled, namely (a) the pressure of at least one front brake actuator (16a) has reached a predetermined pressure (Pmin), and/or (b) a delay threshold (Tmax) of a predetermined level has been exceeded and/or wherein delivery to the fluid to the rearbrake actuators (16b) is limited to a predetermined value that is relatively low with respect to that for the front brakes.

Abstract: A vehicle brake control system comprising a master cylinder, a wheel cylinder of a road wheel, a brake circuit connecting the master cylinder and the wheel cylinder, a pressure control valve installed in the brake circuit, a reservoir into which a brake fluid is led from the wheel cylinder when the pressure control valve operates to reduce the hydraulic pressure of the wheel cylinder, an electric fluid pump that, upon energization thereof, pumps the brake fluid from the reservoir to the brake circuit at a position upstream of the pressure control valve, an inlet circuit connecting the inlet opening of the pump to the master cylinder, an inside gate valve installed in the inlet circuit, and a control unit that controls the pressure control valve, the inlet gate valve and the electric fluid pump and carries out a predetermined brake control to adjust the hydraulic pressure of the wheel cylinder by operating the pressure control valve.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling high idle creep through brake-by-wire braking is disclosed for a vehicle (10) having an engine (12) operable at a first idle speed and at a second faster idle speed. The method (44) includes the steps of determining whether the engine is operating at the second idle speed (48), and friction braking (50) a wheel (16) through a brake-by-wire system (30) to offset additional torque provided to the wheel (16) by the engine (12) operating at the second idle speed. The system includes a braking device (36) for braking a wheel (16) in response to a braking signal (38) and a controller (34) for generating a braking signal to offset additional power provided to the wheel (16) by the engine (12) operating at the second idle speed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for determining a pedal displacement of a brake pedal for a vehicle brake system. In said case, a magnetic element disposed on a piston in the interior of a housing of a brake cylinder is used, which cooperates with a sensor element disposed at the outside of the brake cylinder in order to detect positions and movements of the piston. As positions and movements of the piston connected to the magnetic element correspond directly with positions and movements of a brake pedal connected rigidly and directly thereto or characterize said positions and movements in the case of an indirect connection to the brake pedal, it is possible on the basis of positions and movements, which are determined for the piston, to infer the underlying pedal displacement of the brake pedal.

Abstract: Elastic return means comprising a spiral spring with turns (3) equipped at a first end with a fixing base, the base (9) is elastic radially so as to be capable of engaging through elasticity in an accommodating cavity formed in at least one wall (10) of an elongate part (29), characterized in that the base (9) is of polygonal shape and in that the base (9) winds in the opposite direction to the spiral formed by the turns (3).

Abstract: This invention mainly relates to a pneumatic servomotor for an assisted braking, which reduces the noise in the passenger space to the minimum, while not requiring much room in the engine compartment, and it also relates to a motor vehicle equipped with such servomotor.

Abstract: An electro-hydraulic braking system of the type which operates normally in a brake-by-wire mode wherein hydraulic pressure is applied to braking devices at the vehicle wheels in proportion to the driver's braking demand as sensed electronically at a brake pedal, and which, if the brake-by-wire mode should fail, at least as far as the front brakes are concerned, operates in a push-through mode wherein hydraulic pressures are applied to the braking devices at the front wheels of the vehicle by way of a tandem master cylinder coupled mechanically to the brake pedal, wherein, in the situation where push-through operation has been selected at the front brakes but the rear brakes are continuing to be operated under EHB, a rear brake demand is calculated as a “multiple average” from the expression: [P2+(P1+P3)/2]/2 where P1 and P3 are signals from the master cylinder and a front brake sensor in the same push-through circuit and P2 is a signal from the front brake sensor in the other c

Abstract: A vehicle security system includes a plurality of uniquely-coded remote transmitters to be carried by a user for performing security functions on a vehicle. The uniquely-coded remote transmitters include a temporary master remote transmitter to operate a plurality of vehicles and at least one long-term remote transmitter to operate a designated vehicle. The vehicle security system also includes at least one controller for learning the uniquely-coded remote transmitters to enable performance of the security functions based upon signals received therefrom. The controller deletes the temporary master remote transmitter based upon a predetermined event and retains the at least one long-term remote transmitter.

Abstract: A high-voltage energy regulated conversion circuit (HVERCC) (12) for coupling to a vehicle bus (24) includes a battery bus (28) and a heater bus (29). A high-voltage battery pack (30) is electrically coupled to the battery bus and a resistive load element (42) is electrically coupled to the heater bus (29). A high-voltage energy converter (HVEC) module (22) is electrically coupled to the vehicle bus (24), the high-voltage battery pack (30), and the resistive load element (42). The HVEC module regulates power on the vehicle bus (24), the battery bus (28), and the heater bus (29) and operates in multiple functional modes including a constant voltage mode, a constant current mode, and a constant battery current mode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for short circuit protection to a motor vehicle starter circuit. The invention includes providing a switching mechanism positioned intermediate to a DC power source and the starter. A controller manipulates the switching mechanism between an open position and a closed position, the closed position connecting the starter circuit to the DC power source and the open position disconnecting the starter circuit from the DC power source.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring and controlling a power distribution system is provided. The system includes a plurality of circuit breakers and a plurality of node electronic units. Each node electronic unit is mounted remotely from an associated circuit breaker that is electrically coupled with one of the node electronic units. The system also includes a first digital network, and a first central control unit. The first central control unit and the plurality of node electronic units are communicatively coupled to the first digital network. The method includes receiving digital signals from each node electronic unit at the central control unit, determining an operational state of the power distribution system from the digital signal, and transmitting digital signals to the plurality of node electronic units such that the circuit breakers are operable from the first central control unit.

Abstract: According to the present invention, an emergency power supply to be coupled to an electric power source providing an incoming AC signal may include an input/output terminal, a battery with a DC voltage, a rectifier coupled directly to the input/output terminal and connected to the battery, an inverter coupled directly to the input/output terminal and connected to the battery, and a control circuit coupled to the rectifier and the inverter so that in a first operational mode the rectifier is coupled to the battery to rectify an incoming AC signal at the input/output terminal to charge the battery and the inverter is decoupled from the battery, and in a second operational mode the inverter is coupled to the battery to invert the DC voltage to provide an outgoing AC signal at the input/output terminal and the rectifier is decoupled from the battery.

Abstract: The invention relates to an armature for an electromagnetic actuator, having a guide pin that is connected to an armature plate, characterized in that the armature plate (3) is formed by a frame element (4) that comprises soft-magnetic iron and is connected to the guide pin (2), and at least one plate element (5) that comprises a soft-magnetic material and is held in the frame element (4).

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator with high performance such as high speed and high resolution is inexpensively provided with solutions to problems associated with power supply and leakage flux, which have been involved in the structure of a moving coil type and have been shortcomings of a VCM type actuator. A composite electromagnetic actuator apparatus employs the foregoing electromagnetic actuator. The electromagnetic actuator is equipped with a stationary assembly that includes two coils disposed coaxially with each other inside a hollow stator yoke composed of a soft magnetic material, and a movable assembly composed of a movable magnet unit and a movable yoke unit both disposed inside the coils with a very small clearance therefrom so as to be movable in the axial direction, wherein the movable assembly travels in the axial direction by the interaction between a magnetic field generated by the movable magnet unit and a current passing through the coils.