Abstract: The invention relates to a gyroscope comprising at least one mass capable of vibrating along an x axis at a resonant excitation frequency Fx capable of vibrating along a y axis perpendicular to the x axis, at a resonant detection frequency Fy, under the effect of a Coriolis force generated by a rotation about a z axis perpendicular to the x and y axes. It includes, connected to the mass or masses, a feedback control loop for controlling the resonant frequency Fy so that Fy is equal or practically equal to Fx throughout the duration of use of the gyroscope.

Abstract: The gyro sensor uses a clock signal as a timing signal or synchronous signal for reading various data stored in a built-in memory for its yaw rate sensing operation. The gyro sensor is configured to use, as such a clock signal, the self-excited oscillation signal being applied to the vibrator of the gyro sensor as a vibrator drive signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides an angular velocity sensor that can diagnose abnormalities without having on a tuning fork vibrator special abnormality diagnostic signal input electrodes or reference potential ground electrodes to reduce errors in detecting angular velocity. Switches (45) and (48) are used to generate drive signals of the same phase at output terminals (49) and (50), thereby bending arms (2) and (3) in the Z-axis direction of tuning fork vibrator 1. The electric charges generated from tenth electrode (22) and 12th electrode (25) formed respectively on arms (2) and (3) are amplified respectively at first amplifier (62) and second amplifier (63). The outputs of these amplifiers are inputted to differential amplifier (64), whose output is compared by comparator (81) with a prescribed value generated by reference value generator (82). When the output exceeds the prescribed value, comparator (81) determines an abnormality.

Abstract: A tuning fork vibratory MEMS gyroscope for sensing angular velocity and angular acceleration generated due to the rotation of a movable body. The tuning fork vibratory MEMS gyroscope includes an external fixed support portion formed on a substrate; a plurality of external elastic members; first and second external frames respectively including driving combs; first and second driving electrodes respectively including comb drivers; first and second internal elastic members respectively including a plurality of spring members; first and second internal frames respectively including sensing combs; and first and second sensing electrodes respectively including comb sensors. The tuning fork vibratory MEMS gyroscope withstands a noise at a peripheral area, is driven at the external portions of internal frames, is sensed at the internal portions of the internal frames, and comprises the elastic members having a wine glass shape, thereby being more stably operated.

Abstract: A force rebalance accelerometer (20) includes a silicon dioxide-based proof mass (28) having capacitive elements (40) engaged with excitation rings (61) made from alloys of Super Invar. The magnet assembly (60) includes an excitation ring (61), a magnet (63), and a pole piece (65). The Super Invar of the excitation rings (61) substantially matches the coefficient of thermal expansion of the silicon dioxide-based proof mass (28) to substantially reduce distortion signals caused by temperature changes. Movement of the accelerometer causes the capacitive elements (40) to produce a signal proportional to the movement acceleration and not by temperature changes experienced by the accelerometer.

Abstract: System and method for adjusting an operational parameter of a component that drifts with temperature changes. The system includes a torsional hinged device that oscillates at a resonant frequency, and the resonant frequency of the device drifts or varies with temperature. Differences of a selected parameter between a drive signal and the actual selected parameter are monitored to determine changes in the resonant frequency. An output signal representative of change in the resonant frequency is used to adjust another component that also has a parameter that varies with temperature changes. The adjustment compensates for the temperature drift.

Abstract: A method of inspecting a component includes immersing the component in a coupling medium with material velocity cw and immersing an ultrasonic (UT) probe having at least one transducer in the coupling medium. The UT probe has a convex lens with acoustic velocity cL and an acoustic impedance less than about 2.5×106 Rayls. The method further includes exciting the transducer to produce an UT pulse directed into the component and generating echo signals using the transducer as a receive element. An US inspection system includes UT probe, a pulser/receiver configured to supply signal excitation pulses to the transducer element at a pulse repetition frequency (prf) of at least about 1000 Hz and a scanner configured to scan the component with the UT probe at a scanning rate equal to the prf times a scanning increment.

Abstract: A system for sensing respiratory pressure includes a portable pressure transducer configured to be carried by or proximate to a respiratory conduit, such as a breathing circuit or a nasal canula. The portable pressure transducer may removably couple with a pneumotach, in the form of an airway adapter, disposed along the respiratory conduit. The pneumotach may include two pressure ports positioned at opposite sides of an obstruction, which partially blocks flow through a primary conduit of the pneumotach. Corresponding sample conduits of the portable pressure transducer removably couple with the pressure ports. The pressure ports may have sealing elements which are configured to seal against piercing members of the sample conduits upon introduction of the piercing members therethrough. Upon removal of the piercing members, the sealing elements substantially reseal. Methods for using the system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A force or pressure transducer is disclosed. In one embodiment, the transducer has a substrate, a dielectric material disposed on the substrate, a spacing member disposed on the dielectric material, and a resilient element disposed on the dielectric material and the spacing member. A portion of the resilient element is separated from the dielectric material, and a portion of the resilient element is in contact with the dielectric material. The contact area between the resilient element and the dielectric material varies in response to movement of the resilient element. Changes in the contact area alter the capacitance of the transducer, which can be measured by circuit means.

Abstract: A method for measuring average velocity pressure of a stack comprises the following steps. First, a total pressure measuring device is provided. The total pressure measuring device then measures the total pressure at a first location in the stack. Next, physical parameters comprising a distance between the first location and an outlet of the stack, a diameter and shape thereof are obtained. A formula of a static pressure and the average velocity pressure between the outlet and the first location is obtained by comparing the physical parameters to known fluid mechanics data. Finally, the average velocity pressure is obtained from the formula and the total pressure.

Abstract: Disposable pressure sensor methods and systems are disclosed. A substrate can be provided, along with a capacitor and an inductor fixed to the substrate to form a pressure sensor thereof. In a variable L configuration, the inductor can be configured to comprise an inductor surface and a diaphragm, such that when the diaphragm is exposed to a pressure, the diaphragm moves close to the inductor surface, thereby resulting in an increase in the inductance and a decrease in the resonant frequency associated with the capacitor and the inductor and any associated circuitry. In a variable C configuration, the capacitor can be configured to comprise one electrode on the surface and one on the diaphragm, such that when the diaphragm is exposed to a pressure, the diaphragm moves close to the capacitor surface, thereby resulting in an increase in the capacitance and a decrease in the resonant frequency associated with the capacitor and the inductor and any associated circuitry.

Abstract: A pressure sensing device produces an output proportional to applied pressure irrespective of vibration/acceleration of the device, which device also provides an output proportional only to vibration/acceleration of the device irrespective of the pressure.

Abstract: A material tester using a connection structure is provided. A shaft carved with a male thread on a root of the shaft is formed with a fixture, and a lock nut is screwed against the male thread. A connection component formed with a hole for embedding the shaft is fixed on a loading component (table). In a state that a pin is inserted into lateral holes formed in the shaft and the connection component, gaps between the pin and the lateral holes are eliminated by fastening the lock nut. In addition, by forming a taper portion and a taper hole respectively en the lock nut and in the hole of the connection component, the taper portion is complementally engaged with the taper hole during fastening the lock nut, so as to center on the fixture. Therefore, the fixture can be always connected to the connection component in a preset position.

Abstract: An anti-entrapment system for preventing objects from being entrapped by a translating device includes a capacitance sensor positioned adjacent to the translating device and a controller. The sensor has first and second conductors separated by a separation distance and a compressible dielectric element interposed between the conductors. The conductors have a capacitance dependent upon the separation distance. The capacitance of the conductors changes in response to a geometry of the sensor changing as a result of either conductor or the dielectric element deforming in response to a first object touching the sensor. The capacitance of the conductors changes in response to a second conductive object coming into proximity with either conductor. The controller receives a signal from the sensor indicative of the capacitance of the conductors, and controls the translating device as a function of the capacitance of the conductors to prevent the translating device from entrapping either object.

Abstract: A device and method for directly measuring the critical temperatures for thermal cracking of asphalt binders. The exemplary comprises a metal ring, a strain gauge attached to the inner surface of the ring, an environmental chamber, one or more signal amplifiers, and a data acquisition system such as a laptop computer running suitable data analysis software. A thermocouple may also be attached to the inside of the tube to closely monitor the ring temperature. A mold that is also a component of the present invention is used to create a circular asphalt binder test specimen. When properly cast the specimen encircles the metal ring. The specimen and ring are placed within the environmental chamber for analysis. Development of thermal stress (induced by temperature reduction within the environmental chamber) within the asphalt binder test specimen is monitored by the strain gauge and the cracking temperature is directly determinable from the strain reading.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing an articulating implant includes a support structure in contact with a first part of the implant, an adapter coupled to a second part of the implant, a load assembly coupled with the adapter for applying a load onto the adapter, and a drive assembly coupled with the adapter. Operation of the drive assembly causes angulation and rotation of the adapter relative to the support structure, which in turn causes angulation and rotation of the first and second parts of the implant relative to one another.

Abstract: A tensile test fixture and a tensile test method are provided. The tensile test fixture suits to perform a tensile test for a specimen. The tensile test fixture includes a base, a pull bar and a forcing member. The pull bar includes a limiting member, a specimen-fixing member and a shaft member. Wherein, the shaft member is connected between the position limiting member and the specimen-fixing member, and the specimen is fixed between the base and the specimen-fixing member. Otherwise, the forcing member has a cavity, which includes an opening. The shaft member passes through the opening, and the position limiting member is located in the cavity. The dimension of the limiting member is larger than the dimension of the opening so that the limiting member is restricted within the cavity. The forcing member is adopted to pull the limiting member to perform a tensile test for the specimen.

Abstract: A system which cyclically applies and reduces a load on a test specimen and which can use an apparatus comprising: (a) a frame; (b) a load adjusting section having a fluidic mechanical muscle that contracts and extends in length to cyclically apply and reduce a load; (c) a load train section for subjecting a test specimen to the load; and (d) a lever arm configured to apply and reduce the load from the loading adjusting section to the load train section. The system and apparatus can be used in a method for cyclically applying and reducing a load on a test specimen to thereby subject the test specimen to tensile testing and can also comprise a mechanism for decoupling at least a portion of the load from the test specimen when the load is reduced.

Abstract: flowmeter comprising at least two ultrasonic transducers that are mounted on a container which is penetrated by a medium in a certain direction of flow. The ultrasonic transducers alternately transmit and receive ultrasonic test signals in the direction of flow and counter to the direction of flow. The flowmeter further comprises a control/evaluation unit which determines and/or monitors the volume flow of the medium inside the container based on the difference in the travel time of the ultrasonic test signals propagating in the direction of flow and counter to the direction of flow. The ultrasonic transducers are configured such that they transmit and receive ultrasonic test signals or sound fields having a large aperture angle or a great beam expansion.

Abstract: A transducer comprising an outer member, an inner member, an arcuate sensor member for sensing a strain, the arcuate sensor member disposed between the outer member and the inner member, at least one strain gage disposed on a surface of the arcuate sensor member, the arcuate sensor member connected to the outer member by a first connecting member at a first location and connected to the inner member by a second connecting member at a second location, the first connecting member and the second connecting member disposed on substantially opposing sides of the arcuate sensor member along an axis A-A, the fist connecting member having a predetermined spring rate and arcuate form compatible with the dynamic forces borne by the arcuate sensor member to minimize stresses in the first connecting member, and the outer member and the inner member are coplanar.

Abstract: A method for metering powders as well as a powder metering device are described which are used in particular for preparing combinatorial material libraries. The powder metering device includes a metering element having a tubular supply vessel open on one end for taking up the powder to be metered and a plunger which is axially movable and which reversibly closes the end of the tubular supply vessel opposite the opening. To take up the powder, the opening of the metering element is first plunged with a predetermined force into a loose fill of the powder to be metered previously charged in a metering receiver.

Abstract: A torque detecting apparatus detects torque applied upon a torsion bar of an electric power steering apparatus, as two sensors, which have ratiometric characteristics and have the same characteristics, simultaneously detect the amount of torsion of the torsion bar. With a gain of one of the two sensors set to the positive polarity and a gain of the other sensor set to the negative polarity, a control circuit calculates the torque applied upon the torsion bar by multiplying a difference between detection outputs from the two sensors by a predetermined coefficient. A torque detecting apparatus which is capable of detecting the torsional angle of a rotation shaft, namely, torque applied upon the rotation shaft easily and accurately using two sensors is thus realized.

Abstract: A piezoresistive device is provided for sensing mechanical input and converts mechanical movement of at least two relatively movable parts into an electrical output. A silicon substrate is provided that is oriented in the (100) plane and has an n-type impurity. A gap extends across a portion of the substrate. The gap defines the at least two relatively moveable parts. A flexible cross-section connects the at least two relatively moveable parts. The cross-section is made of the same material as the substrate. At least one strain sensitive element is provided on a surface of the silicon substrate, is aligned in a [110] direction and includes a p-type impurity. The strain sensitive element has two end portions interconnected by an intermediate neck portion. The neck portion is supported on a structure that concentrates strain. The structure extends across the gap and has vertical walls that extend to the cross-section in the gap. The structure is made of the same material as the substrate.

Abstract: A high-flow rate, low-noise, gas sampling apparatus for collecting particulate such as biological, chemical, and radioactive material from a gas on a collector such as an impaction collector includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet and a fan disposed within the housing for drawing the gas into the inlet, past the collector for sampling, and exhausting the gas through the outlet. The fan is operable to produce a flow of gas through the housing of greater than about 50 liters per minute with a noise level emitted from the apparatus being less than about 60 decibels. The apparatus may be configured as a compact, unobtrusive, portable, lightweight apparatus for use in various indoor or outdoor locations. The apparatus may also include a sensor for the detection of radioactive material collected on the collector, a processor for monitoring the sampling, and the apparatus may be linked to a communications network such as the Internet. Methods for collecting particulate from a gas are also enclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for testing a safety shower that is self-contained and provides a safe, efficient and convenient method for carrying out safety shower testing.

Abstract: A seismic cable (110) and a method for producing a seismic cable are disclosed. The seismic cable (110) comprises a sensor module (130); at least one lead (210) to or from the sensor module (130); a stress member (225) extending continuously through the sensor module (130); and a sheath (230) enclosing the leads (210) and the stress member (225), the sheath (230) terminating at each end of the sensor module (130), and at least one mechanical guide (240) in the sensor module (130) deflecting the stress member (230). The method comprises providing a cable core including a stress member (225) and a lead (210); enclosing the cable core in a sheath (230); providing an opening in the sheath (230); and assembling a sensor module (130) to the cable core over the opening such that the stress member (225) extends continuously through the sensor module (130).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a centrifuge motor, which are particularly suited for measuring and calculating the back EMF coefficient (Ke) of the motor and motor temperature.

Abstract: A method for lubricating gear reduction and overrunning clutch mechanisms in internal combustion engine starter motors, and apparatuses embodying the method. According to the present invention, sealing features are added to a gear reduction mechanism, overrunning clutch mechanism, or combined gear reduction and overrunning clutch mechanism. The sealed mechanism then is filled with oil for lubrication.

Abstract: A feeding device includes a rotation shaft in which a male screw is formed on its outer peripheral face and a movable body which is provided with a plurality of projections that engage with the male screw. The male screw is constructed in a multiple thread screw comprising of a plurality of screws, and numbers of the projection(s) engaging with each of the plurality of screws are equal to each other. The multiple thread screw is preferably produced by using round form-rolling with a fixed side round form-rolling die and a movable side round form-rolling die.

Abstract: An actuator assembly including an actuator drivingly connected by a transmission path to an output member, the actuator being capable of moving the output member in a first direction from a rest condition to an actuated condition, and also being capable of moving the output member in a second direction from the actuated condition to the rest condition. The actuator assembly further including an energy storing means, in which movement of the output member by the actuator in the first direction is assisted by the energy storing means and movement of the output member in the second direction by the actuator stores energy in the energy storing means.

Abstract: In a device for transmitting rotational movement including an input shaft, which is connected to an input element and an output shaft which is operatively connected to the input shaft by means of a gearing structure, the gearing structure has a transmission element in the shape of a sphere and the axes of the input and output shafts intersect at the center point of the transmission element.

Abstract: Drive device (1), with a rolling-body screw mechanism (11, 12), in whose housing divided into two housing parts (2, 3) transversely to the axis of rotation a hollow rotor (6) is mounted rotatably by means of a rolling mounting (12, 25), through which rotor (6) a threaded spindle (20, 28) of the rolling-body screw mechanism (11, 22) is led, the threaded spindle (20, 28) being mounted rotatably on a spindle nut (10, 27) of the rolling-body screw mechanism (11, 22), the said spindle nut being drive-connected to the rotor (6), the rolling mounting (11, 22) being provided on only one housing part (3) of the housing (2).

Abstract: A design for a device for the reduction of movement of the main shaft (6) in the disengaged position in a transmission with at least two countershafts in which there is an axial transfer of forces between the drive shaft (7) and the main shaft (6) which is coaxially arranged through a connection of the main shaft (6) with a part of the axial bearing (13) on the drive shaft (7). There is a device (2) which is used to load the main shaft (6) against the drive shaft (7) through a loading of the part of the axial bearing (13) connected to the main shaft (6) against other parts or against the axial bearing (4) on the drive shaft (7).

Abstract: In a twin-clutch transmission, in a first forward gear, the drive torque is transferred by an interconnection of a first transmission part having one countershaft and a second part transmission having another countershaft by means of an intermediate stage whose gearwheels can be used multi-functionally in connection with additional forward gears of the transmission thereby providing for a relatively small transmission with a relatively large number of transmission ratios.

Abstract: Deep groove ball bearings are used as bearings supporting both side portions of a worm. In the first bearing on the side of a motor, the curvature radius of a raceway groove in an inner ring or the curvature radius of a raceway groove in an outer ring are set to a specific numerical range with respect to the diameter of a ball.

Abstract: The system includes at least two power disc elements, each mounted for rotation on a central shaft which is typically fixed. The first power disc element includes a first peripheral gear portion at the rim thereof by which the first power disc element may be turned by a first system gear mounted on a first system shaft which is offset from the central shaft. The first power disc element also has a second peripheral gear portion in the vicinity of the rim, extending forwardly. A second power disc element has a plurality of outer drive gears mounted for rotation to a rearwardly facing surface thereof, positioned to mate with the second peripheral gear portion on the first power disc element. A central gear is fixed to the central shaft to mate with the outer drive gears on the second power disc element. A second system gear mates with a peripheral gear portion of the second power disc element, the second system gear mounted on a second system shaft which is offset from the central shaft.

Abstract: An actuator such as a vehicle hand brake actuator is disclosed. The actuator includes an electric motor (18) which drives an orbital gear box (20) which in turn has an output connected to a pulley (60) for applying a load to cables (62) to apply the brake. A pinion gear (24) is mounted on the output of the motor (18) and drives a pinion gear (27) which in turn meshes with a spur gear (30) connected to input shaft (36) an eccentric (42) for driving the gear box (20). The orbital gear box (20) has orbit gears (50, 52) which are fixed together and which have a different number of teeth to provide a gear ratio. The gear (52) meshes with an output gear (56) which in turn is fixed to the pulley (60).

Abstract: In a parallel shaft-type of conical-geared transmission apparatus, a conical pinion is fitted to a first rotation shaft, and a second rotation shaft is arranged in parallel to this first rotation shaft. A conical wheel meshing with the conical pinion is fitted to the second rotation shaft. The pinion and the wheel are substantially equal in cone angle. A supporting device supports the first rotation shaft to be movable in the axial direction. A pressing device applies thrust in the axial direction of the first rotation shaft. A load bearing body to bear the thrust applied by the pressing device and to allow the first rotation shaft to be displaced in the radial direction is provided at an end of the first rotation shaft.

Abstract: Between two mutually adjoining load balls 5, there is interposed a retaining piece 10 having two concave surfaces 11 which are respectively opposed to the two adjoining load balls 5. The retaining piece 10 has an outside diameter dimension equal to or more than 0.5 times the outside diameter dimension of the load ball 5. Further, the retaining piece 10 has an outside diameter dimension which, when the retaining piece 10 passes through a screw groove circulation passage and a tube circulation passage, prevents the retaining piece 10 from touching the inner walls of these screw groove circulation passage and tube circulation passage, or has an outside diameter dimension which is equal to or less than 0.9 times the outside diameter dimension of the load ball.

Abstract: Revolving rollers, each provided on an outer peripheral surface thereof with revolving roller grooves extending therearound, are caused to mesh with a rack rod thread of a central rack rod with an axial angle over a lead angle of the rack rod thread and arranged for rotation on a holder member to be twisted. The holder member is rotated round the rack rod by a motor to translate the rack rod. A large thrust can be generated while ensuring a high reliability since a high efficiency is achieved by realizing rolling contact in set points of mesh of the rack rod thread and the revolving roller grooves, points of mesh are made planar, and interference in other points than the points of mesh can be suppressed. Also, play can be restricted by assembling the revolving rollers to the rack rod thread while applying torque in a direction, in which the axial angle is increased.

Abstract: A torsion coil spring 30 applies an elastic force to a worm shaft 29 in a direction towards a worm wheel, via a pre-load pad 70. The pre-load pad 70 restricts displacement in relation to the widthwise direction, by one side face portion of a holder 61 fixed to a gear housing 22. Due to the elastic deformation of the pre-load pad 70 itself based on the elastic force of the torsion coil spring 30, the side face of the pre-load pad 70 is abutted against the one side face portion of the holder 61, so that a gap between the pre-load pad 70 and the one side face portion is minimized. As a result, the occurrence of a teeth fitting noise in the worm reduction gear 16 is suppressed.

Abstract: An actuator is disclosed. The actuator includes two main assemblies: (1) a motor assembly; and (2) a gearbox assembly. The gearbox assembly includes multiple stages of gear reduction and a dividing plate. In some embodiments, the gearbox assembly has a single-lead worm, a worm gear with a right-hand helix tooth direction, and a worm gear with a left-hand helix tooth direction. The worm gears are driven by the single-lead worm. The single-lead worm has two ends, one end has a right-hand tooth helix direction, and the other end has a left hand helix direction.

Abstract: A joystick for an electro-hydraulic control system is provided with a rotary potentiometer having a pivotable arm. This pivotable arm is integrally arranged on a rotary shaft and pivots responsive to pivotal control of a joystick in a predetermined direction or a direction opposite to the predetermined direction. The joystick is also provided with a torsion coil spring for normally holding the pivotable arm in a neutral position, a pin arranged on the pivotable arm and capable of expanding the torsion coil spring upon pivotal movement of the pivotable arm, a holding pin for holding the torsion coil spring at its coil portion, and a cover member having a pair of guide portions for limiting movements of the coil portion of the torsion coil spring in the predetermined direction and the opposition direction when the torsion coil spring is in its neutral position.

Abstract: A shifting apparatus for a multistage transmission, especially for a motor vehicle, whereby in the transmission at least two non-successively following ratio stages are assigned to a shifting packet, whereby a gear shift lever (4) is provided for the actuation of the shifting packet and that a shifting pattern (6) is provided for the gear shift lever (4), with which, essentially, the shifting positions of each two subsequently following gears lie in paths (5) opposite to one another, and that the. gears which are available with a shifting path (5) are assigned to different shifting packets.

Abstract: A vehicular shift lock device for selectively inhibiting and permitting a movement of a shift lever, including (a) a stopper member pivotable about an axis between a stopping position and a non-stopping position for respectively preventing and permitting a movement of a manually operable member provided to place the shift lock device in its unlocking state, (b) a first biasing member biasing the stopper member toward the stopping position, (c) a first linkage device pivotable about an axis in a first direction by the movement of the manually operable member, (d) a second biasing member biasing the first linkage device in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and (e) a second linkage device pivotable about an axis to its operated position and having a connected state and a disconnected state in which the second linkage device is connected to and disconnected from the stopper member, respectively, and wherein second linkage device is operatively connected to the first linkage device such that the

Abstract: A neutral position returning mechanism includes an actuator, a spring member including plural elastic extending portions having spiral shapes identical to each other, and a case holding the spring member as to apply a stress to the elastic extending portions. The elastic extending portions extend spirally in a predetermined direction on a predetermined surface from the actuator as a center of each of the spiral shapes. The elastic extending portions extend from the actuator by equal angular intervals about the actuator. The neutral position returning mechanism provides an input device having a low profile.

Abstract: The invention concerns a mounting system suitable for mounting drive and driven means [2, 4] of a mechanical power transmission system relative to each other. The mounting system comprises a set of interchangeably connectable modules that can be altered to adapt the same mounting system for various different drive-and-driven means configurations. The system is characterised therein that the modules of the system are interchangeably connectable in such a way that a drive shaft [3] and a driven shaft [5] of drive and driven means [2, 4] mounted, on the mounting system are aligned and orientated parallel to each other in use, and particularly such that shaft shoulders of the drive and driven shafts [3, 5] are aligned, in anyone of the mounting configurations so that there is a straight belt path between the two shafts at all times.

Abstract: A guiding device, with high rigidity, for an umbilical member and a robot having the guiding device, by which interference between the umbilical member and another component or external equipment is minimized. The guiding device or an adaptor includes a first plate member fixed to a third wrist element, a second plate member opposing to and parallel to the first plate member, and a connecting member for connecting the first and second plate members. The first and second plate members and the connecting member define a first opening for introducing the umbilical member into the adaptor. The second includes a fixed portion fixed to an end effector and an extended portion extending from the fixed portion and offset from the third wrist axis. A second opening is formed on the extending portion of the second plate member, through which the umbilical member may extend.

Abstract: A driven joint unit for a robot has two drive rollers mounted in a frame, driven by a motor in each instance. There is also a differential cone wheel stage, in each instance which consists of two deflection cone wheels, forming a first pair of cone wheels, mounted coaxially in the frame, preferably parallel to the axes of the coaxial drive rollers, whose axes, which extend in the direction of a first robot axis, form a first joint axis. There are also two coaxially disposed power take-off wheels, forming a second pair of cone wheels, the axes of which extend in a second joint axis perpendicular to the first joint axis. One of the two power take-off wheels is rigidly connected with the power take-off, and the other opposite coaxial power take-off cone wheel is mounted to be rotationally freely movable. There is also a number of biased tension means of which at least respectively two tension means are attached to the two drive rollers and are directed in opposite directions.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus including a steering column jacket defining an interior. The invention also provides a bushing disposed in the interior of the steering column jacket. The bushing includes a radially outwardly facing bearing surface and a first channel. The first channel is radially adjacent to the bearing surface. The first channel is accessible from the interior of the steering column jacket. The invention also provides injected filler material disposed in the first channel between the bushing and the steering column jacket. The filler material supports the bearing surface against radial movement relative to the steering column jacket.