Abstract: A tire-side-mounted electronic device according to the present invention includes at least two types of power sources having different discharging characteristics from each other. An electric load is connected to the power sources.

Abstract: The application relates to a packaging system for a hair coloring product containing: i) at least one container (102) holding a composition comprising at least one hair colorant, said composition forming or intended to form a hair coloring product; and ii) at least one test device (20) designed to perform a patch test and incorporating a tube (21) delimiting an internal space containing a dose of said composition, the tube incorporating an outlet aperture (29) and being arranged to cause said composition to be expelled from said outlet aperture (29) in response to excess pressure within the internal space of the tube or when the latter is vented via at least one passage separate from the outlet aperture (29).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the degree of cooling during non-operation of an internal combustion engine. Fuel temperature characteristics at and following an engine start are determined, and the degree of cooling during non-operation of the engine is determined based at least partly on the fuel temperature characteristics. Preferably, the determination of fuel temperature characteristics comprises determining the fuel temperature at the engine at a first point in time and determining the fuel temperature at the engine at a second point in time, the second point in time following the first point in time and following a start of the engine.

Abstract: The microstructure of components, particularly layer systems, deteriorates under excessive thermal and/or mechanical stress. Previous test methods are destructive, parts being cut out of the layer system and being microstructurally analyzed. The inventive method allows a deterioration to be determined by means of special, simple non-destructive measurements that are repeated at specific intervals using a mechanical indenter test, for example.

Abstract: A method according to the invention makes it possible to make a check of the correct installation and operation of piston cooling nozzles (10) in a cold text prior to the final assembly of the engine by applying compressed air to each piston cooling nozzle (10) and directing the jet of compressed air emitted by the piston cooling nozzle (10) to be checked toward a surface pressure sensor (24). This makes it possible to record the position of the compressed air jet generated by the piston cooling nozzle (10) and preferably also the geometry of the jet. It is thereupon possible to draw conclusions concerning the proper operation and installation of the respectively checked piston cooling nozzle (10).

Abstract: A handheld tire pressure gauge including: a display; a pressure sensor; a memory; a processor being operatively coupled to the display, pressure sensor and memory; and, code being stored in the memory and operable by the processor to: retrieve at least one value indicative of a target tire pressure from the memory, determine a pressure sensed by the pressure sensor, and, cause the display to present information indicative of the target tire pressure and sensed pressure.

Abstract: A battery powered vehicle tire pressure sensor system has a power saving unit which controls the application of electrical power to the system as a function of tire speed to prolong battery life. The power saving unit has a power control switch which is responsive to tire angular speed. Each sensor assembly of the system is mounted on or in the side wall of a pneumatic tire to generate signals representative of tire pressure whenever power is applied. A processor periodically samples the signals. When the processor determines that the tire pressure is outside a safe range, an r.f. generator is activated by the processor to generate an unsafe tire pressure signal. This signal is converted by a receiver to a warning for the driver.

Abstract: A tire pressure detecting device fixed to a wheel with a tire includes a pressure sensor detecting an internal pressure of the tire and transmits data of detection by the pressure sensor to a vehicle body by radio. The tire pressure detecting device further includes a compensation data storage storing compensation data for detection error specific to the pressure sensor and a compensation data transmitter obtaining the compensation data from the compensation data storage, transmitting the obtained compensation data to the vehicle body by radio.

Abstract: An apparatus and corresponding method measure physical parameters using a plurality of low-cost sensors coupled in series is provided. These sensors can be thermal sensors for measuring the temperature of a heating pad. Different types of sensors to measure temperature, moisture, pressure, or state change of a switch may be employed. Such sensors may be distributed throughout a building to concurrently monitor multiple physical parameters at numerous locations. The sensors are easily manufactured, thus reducing sensor cost. Costs are further reduce by the user of two wires to connect the series of sensors. Moreover, the wires can be run easily through conduit or cable troughs.

Abstract: An acoustic fluid level sensor for use in a chamber contained in a surgical cassette. The sensor has an ultrasound transducer mounted on the outside of the bottom of a fluid chamber and is acoustically coupled to the chamber. The transducer sends a pulse ultrasound signal through the chamber and any liquid in the chamber. The signal is reflected back by the air/liquid interface and captured by the transducer. The time required for the signal to travel to and from the transducer will vary with the amount of fluid in the chamber and is indicative of the level of fluid in the chamber.

Abstract: A fluid level sensor for use in a chamber contained in a surgical cassette. The sensor has a pair of parallel conductor that project vertically into the chamber forming an open circuit. When surgical fluid contained within the chamber touches the conductor, the circuit is completed and AC voltage or current is passed through the conductor circuit. The conductivity of the circuit can be measured and related to the depth of fluid covering the conductors using laboratory-generated data or in situ calibration of the cassette.

Abstract: A torque detecting apparatus includes two magnetism collecting rings cylindrical portions enclosing a magnetic circuit forming member provided on a rotating body and a magnetism sensitive device disposed between the protruding pieces protruding from parts of the cylindrical portions in an radially outward direction of the cylindrical portions. It includes a regulating body for regulating a relative position between the magnetism sensitive device and the protruding pieces respectively. This regulating body includes two inserting recesses into which each of protruding pieces is inserted respectively, each recess having a prismatic shape. It also has a connecting part connecting inner edges of apertures of the inserting recesses to each other. It also has a holding part holding the magnetism sensitive device between the inserting recesses.

Abstract: A locking device for a maintenance machine such as a balancing machine, of a rotating body (5), having a fixed portion comprising a hollow fixed support element (2) borne by the maintenance machine, and a control system (59), and a movable portion comprising a bell-shaped member (12) with flange (13) mounted for rotation coaxial to said hollow support element (2) and designed to support the rotating body (5), and holding or locking means (68) arranged to removably fix the rotating body (5) against said flange (13) of the bell-shaped member (12), driving means suitable for driving, upon control, said movable portion in rotation.

Abstract: A micromechanical motion sensor is capable of detecting a deflection imparted to an oscillatably mounted bar spring element excited to a permanent periodic oscillation by an electrostatic oscillating drive to which a periodic drive voltage is applied. To compensate non-linearities of the resonance frequency response of the bar spring element, a sum of a normal drive voltage signal and a compensation drive signal may be applied to a comb drive. In an alternative embodiment, separate compensation comb drive units may be additionally provided to the comb drive units used for the oscillation drive and a compensation voltage signal may be applied to them to compensate for the non-linearity.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for detecting a rate of rotation. In one implementation, the method includes vibrating a proof mass at a pre-determined frequency in a drive axis. In response to a rotation, sensing an amount of deflection of the proof mass in an axis orthogonal to the drive axis, in which the amount of deflection is sensed as a change in charge. The method further includes generating a quadrature error cancellation signal to substantially cancel quadrature error from the sensed change in charge.

Abstract: An angular velocity sensor amplifies a plurality of detection signals using one amplifying circuit and properly separates these detection signals after amplification. The angular velocity sensor detects displacements of a mass in the respective axial directions using an x-axis detection circuit, a y-axis detection circuit and a z-axis detection circuit respectively. A carrier wave which has a phase thereof shifted from a phase of a carrier wave of the z-axis detection circuit by 90° is applied to the x-axis detection circuit and the y-axis detection circuit, wherein the application of the carrier wave to the x-axis detection circuit and the y-axis detection circuit is performed by switching based on a clock signals. Outputs of the respective axis detection circuits are collectively inputted to a current/voltage conversion circuit.

Abstract: A drive electrode to which a voltage for allowing a vibrator to vibrate is applied and first and second detection electrodes extending in the longitudinal direction of the vibrator in parallel to each other are formed as the upper electrode such that the drive electrode is interposed between the first and second detection electrodes and does not contact with the detection electrodes. In the case where there is a difference between the detection signals detected in the first and second detection electrodes when a voltage is applied between the lower electrode and drive electrode to allow the vibrator to vibrate at a vertical resonance frequency, a laser light is irradiated to a desired portion of the vibrator to apply grinding operation based on detection signals detected in the first and second detection electrodes, thereby adjusting the shape of the vibrator.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor includes a pair of permanent magnets, each having a surface facing a magnetic field detection sensor, arranged in parallel so that the surfaces of the pair of permanent magnets have different magnetic polarities with each other, a spring member for supporting the pair of permanent magnets to displace the pair of permanent magnets when an external force is applied, and a magnetic field detection sensor mounted in stationary state to face the pair of permanent magnets. The magnetic field detection sensor has at least one pair of multi-layered MR elements, each including a magnetization fixed layer and a magnetization free layer, the magnetization fixed layer being magnetized in a direction parallel to a displacement detection direction. The pair of permanent magnets are arranged so that a longitudinal direction of each permanent magnet is in parallel with the magnetized direction of the magnetization fixed layer.

Abstract: In an inertial sensor, a mass is supported by a number of mass support structures positioned within an inner periphery of the mass. The mass support structures are affixed to a substrate by at least one anchor positioned proximate to the mass' center of mass. A number of sensing fingers are affixed to the mass support structures.

Abstract: A resonant frequency characteristic in a resonant space is detected, based on a base amplitude frequency characteristic obtained by outputting a sound wave of a specified measurement signal from a speaker 13 disposed in a round space 40 and by receiving the sound wave in a microphone 14 disposed in the round space 40, a first amplitude frequency characteristic obtained by outputting, from the speaker 13, a sound wave of the measurement signal and a signal output from the microphone 14 and by receiving the sound wave in the microphone 14, and a second amplitude frequency characteristic obtained by outputting, from the speaker 13, a sound wave of the measurement signal and a phase inverted signal obtain by inverting a phase of the signal output from the microphone 14 and by receiving the sound wave in the microphone 14. The second delay time is different from the first delay time.

Abstract: A scanning acoustic microscope including an ultrasonic transducer and a balanced linear motor assembly is disclosed. The balanced linear motor assembly includes a counterweight that is mounted for movement along a linear path that is parallel to the first linear path on which the transducer travels. The counterweight has a mass that is generally equal to the mass of the rotor and the transducer. The counterweight is being adapted to be moved, when the scanning acoustic microscope is used to interrogate a sample, along the second linear path at the same time that the rotor and transducer are being moved along the first linear path to allow the transducer to accelerate and decelerate without creating vibration.

Abstract: A personal noise dosimeter having functionality for increasing the dynamic range of the device. A microphone provides a signal to an RMS detector, which provides a DC signal to a two-stage amplifier circuit. The outputs of the amplifiers are provided to a processor having multiple A/D channels. The processor calculates accumulated noise doses and drives a display, which in one embodiment includes a panel of light-emitting diodes. A current source injects current into the output of the RMS detector to reduce performance degradation. Functionality detects and accounts for voltage offsets in the dosimeter. The microphone is turned off during offset determination. In one embodiment, the dosimeter includes functionality for control of external devices such as sound boards.

Abstract: A method of making a capacitive micromachined ultrasound transducer cell is provided. The method includes providing a carrier substrate, where the carrier substrate comprises glass. The step of providing the glass substrate may include forming vias in the glass substrate. Further, the method includes providing a membrane such that at least one of the carrier substrate, or the membrane comprises support posts, where the support posts are configured to define a cavity depth. The method further includes bonding the membrane to the carrier substrate by using the support posts, where the carrier substrate, the membrane and the support posts define an acoustic cavity.

Abstract: An electronic data input apparatus comprises a receptacle, a tube, a housing for electronic components, and a harness. The receptacle is operable for use in a user's mouth. The tube connects the receptacle to the housing, which is attached to the harness. A user wears the harness on the upper part of the torso, such that the receptacle is accessible to the mouth. A cable connects the electronic component housing to a computing element and establishes serial communication from the input apparatus to the computing element. The apparatus may provide the same function as a conventional mouse pointing device by allowing the user to control the motion of a pointer on an electronic display by breathing in to and out of the receptacle.

Abstract: In a self-organizing sensor network, a number of sensor nodes organize themselves and include sensor elements, distance measuring elements and communication elements for that purpose. The sensor network is able to precisely locate individual, in particular mobile, sensor nodes.

Abstract: Techniques and devices are described to use spatially-varying curvature information of a layered structure to determine stresses at each location with non-local contributions from other locations of the structure. For example, a local contribution to stresses at a selected location on a layered structure formed on a substrate is determined from curvature changes at the selected location and a non-local contribution to the stresses at the selected location is also determined from curvature changes at all locations across the layered structure. Next, the local contribution and the non-local contribution are combined to determine the total stresses at the selected location.

Abstract: The Invention is a three-wire apparatus for measuring an external thread. A single length of wire has a first bend and a second bend, which first and second bend divide the single length of wire into first, second and third wire portions. The first, second and third wire portions engage an external thread and are measured using a micrometer or other measuring device. Alternatively, the first, second and third wire portions are supported by a mounting block.

Abstract: A load cell apparatus and method for forming the same. A load cell apparatus is configured to include a load cell housing and a modular strain gage element that is modularly assembled into the load cell housing. The load cell housing and the modular strain gage element together form a load cell apparatus for use in electronic force sensor applications. The modular strain gage element can be configured from an Advanced Thick Film (ATF) compatible material and can be formed to include one or more contact ledges that allows for a low hysteresis and a proper boundary condition for loading either a tension state or a compression state.

Abstract: A probe used during a total knee arthroplasty for measuring forces and locations of their points of application and thereby moments includes two load sensitive plates t to be inserted in one joint-compartment of a knee joint each and each being provided with a top surface and a bottom surface. At least two load sensors may be situated on the top surfaces and/or the bottom surface of each load sensitive plate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for varying capacitance which pertains to the field of application of electronic devices and components. The technical essentials of the present invention lie in that: two dielectrics are disposed in parallel with an isolation layer interposed therebetween; the two dielectrics each are connected to an electrode at the same one end face thereof; the other end face of each of the two dielectrics is provided with an elastic conductive pad; a gasket is provided between the two dielectrics and the elastic conductive pads. The relative position and compressed area between the elastic conductive pads and the dielectrics vary according to the magnitude of the external force so that the capacitance between the electrodes of the dielectrics is varied accordingly within a certain range.

Abstract: An actuatable capacitive transducer including a transducer body, a first capacitor including a displaceable electrode and electrically configured as an electrostatic actuator, and a second capacitor including a displaceable electrode and electrically configured as a capacitive displacement sensor, wherein the second capacitor comprises a multi-plate capacitor. The actuatable capacitive transducer further includes a coupling shaft configured to mechanically couple the displaceable electrode of the first capacitor to the displaceable electrode of the second capacitor to form a displaceable electrode unit which is displaceable relative to the transducer body, and an electrically-conductive indenter mechanically coupled to the coupling shaft so as to be displaceable in unison with the displaceable electrode unit.

Abstract: An elevator load bearing member (22) monitoring device (20) has a controller (30) that applies a first signal (40) and a second signal (50) to at least one tension member (24) in the belt. The first signal (40) in one example has a plurality of pulses (42) of a selected amplitude and duration. The second signal (50) includes a series of pulses (52) having a second, shorter duration and lower amplitude. The first signal is useful for providing information regarding a wear condition of the load bearing member. The controller utilizes a response to the second signal to determine a failure condition such as a broken load bearing member.

Abstract: A test device for a foldable object is provided. The device comprises a frame, an external balloon and an internal balloon. The external balloon is disposed on the frame, and the internal balloon is disposed on an inner surface of the foldable object. When the internal balloon expands, it provides a first thrust to unfold the foldable object, and when the external balloon expands, it provides a second thrust to fold the foldable object. A folding test on a foldable object is performed accordingly.

Abstract: Stresses or deformations can be applied to a specimen, by at least one carrier having a number of flexible fingers extending therefrom, the fingers being securable to the specimen at spaced-apart locations, the carrier typically being attached to a motion-control and load measuring system. The fingers are relatively rigid in tension (or compression if desired) but flexible with respect to motions in other in-plane directions. They may or may not be flexible in out-of-plane directions. Commonly, there may be two carriers on opposite sides of the specimen for applying substantially uniaxial stress, or four carriers at 90 degrees to each other around the specimen for applying substantially biaxial stress, though any number of carriers may be used.

Abstract: A peak flow measurement device comprises a hollow body (1) having an inlet (8) for receiving fluid and an outlet (3), wherein the inlet (8) and outlet (3) are spaced apart from each other, the cross-sectional area of the body being greater than the cross-sectional area of the outlet and wherein in use the device is oriented such that the inlet is above the outlet and the measured peak flow is proportional to the maximum height (11) of fluid within the body.

Abstract: The measuring device comprises, for measuring multi phase mixture, a vibratory-type transducer and a measuring device electronics electrically coupled with the vibratory-type transducer. The transducer includes at least one measuring tube inserted into the course of the pipeline. An exciter arrangement acts on the measuring tube for causing the at least one measuring tube to vibrate. A sensor arrangement senses vibrations of the at least one measuring tube and delivers at least one oscillation measurement signal representing oscillations of the measuring tube. Further, the measuring device electronics delivers an excitation current driving the exciter arrangement. The measuring device is adapted to compensating measurement errors, induced due to the presence of multi phase mixture, based on a movin resonator model (MRM).

Abstract: A force sensing device has a single-component metal housing. The housing has an upper rigid housing part and a lower rigid housing part that are interconnected by way of U-shaped spring elements and can be elastically displaced along a displacement axis in relation to each other by the action of a force. The spring elements are symmetrically arranged in relation to a section that is parallel to the displacement axis. A deflection sensor is disposed between the upper and lower rigid housing parts, for detecting the relative displacement of the two rigid housing parts in relation to each other. The housing is produced using metal injection molding technology.

Abstract: A torque meter enables highly accurate measurement of a torque by detecting only the torque, without being affected by various loads. The torque meter includes an elastic member placed in a power transmission channel and being deformed upon application with a torque being measured, and a means for detecting the torque based on the deformation of the elastic member. The torque member receives a torque being applied to the elastic member, and the load member is provided separately from the torque member, for supporting the load of the elastic member.

Abstract: A core splitter (10) comprises a through in which a core support (30) is carried. A cutting head (200) carries a rotary cutting tool (224) which is contained within a cowling. The trough contains a water bath (372) in which the core (360) is located below the water level so that the cutting operation take place in the water. A settling tank (140) is provided at one end of the trough so that any cuttings are moved to the setting tank (140).

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for pre-concentrating gaseous vapors for analysis. The invention finds application in conjunction with, e.g., analytical instruments where low detection limits for gaseous vapors are desirable. Vapors sorbed and concentrated within the bed of the apparatus can be thermally desorbed achieving at least partial separation of vapor mixtures. The apparatus is suitable, e.g., for preconcentration and sample injection, and provides greater resolution of peaks for vapors within vapor mixtures, yielding detection levels that are 10-10,000 times better than for direct sampling and analysis systems. Features are particularly useful for continuous unattended monitoring applications.

Abstract: A liquid sampling apparatus. The liquid sampling apparatus includes a body, a first port, and a second port, and a liquid conduit therebetween. A nose portion is provided adjacent the first port sized and shaped for interfitting engagement with, and for opening of, a biased normally closed outlet valve in a liquid reservoir. When liquid is allowed to exit a liquid reservoir, the sampling apparatus allows flow of the liquid between the ports. The body may be provided having a flexible portion, allowing the second port to be directed at a sampling container. The liquid sampling apparatus maybe constructed in polyethylene or other material suitable for use with the liquid being sampled, such as lubricant.

Abstract: A pipette nozzle is provided for use on a movable arm on an automated pipette machine. The pipette nozzle includes a body defining a passage therethrough. At least two seating surfaces are provided on the body, including a first seating surface and a second seating surface. The first seating surface is configured to receive and sealingly mate with a first size of pipette tip in a manner such that the first end of the passage is in fluid communication with the first size of pipette tip. The second seating surface is configured to receive and sealingly mate with a second size of pipette tip in a manner such that the first end of the passage is in fluid communication with the second size of pipette tip.

Abstract: A comprehensive particulate matter measurement system (CPMMS) that measures accurate mass size distribution of particulate matter (PM) in ambient air, and a method to measure the accurate mass size distribution of PM are provided. The CPMMS includes a mass-based PM sampler, a particle sizing device, and an analysis system that manipulates data sent from the mass-based PM sampler and the particle sizing device to accurately measure mass size distribution of PM. The mass-based PM sampler measures total mass concentration of PM, and the particle sizing device measures size or volume size distribution of PM. Estimated total mass concentration is obtained from the size distribution predicting an assumed density of PM, and is compared with the actual total mass concentration measured by the mass-based PM sampler. A correct density of PM can be obtained from the actual total mass concentration, and as a result, accurate mass size distribution can be obtained.

Abstract: A system for inspecting rail tracks for loose connections (4, 7) employs moulded plastic caps (8). The caps carry arrows (9) or other indicators aligned with a datum direction such as the direction of the rails. Any loosening of the connectors (4, 7) is immediately apparent from the fact that the arrows are no longer aligned. The invention avoids the need for individual manual torquing of each connector during routine safety inspections.

Abstract: Method of determining at least one dynamic characteristic of a sample of a deformable solid or fluid material, comprising: the contacting of said sample (24, 42) with at least one interaction surface (23, 25, 41a, 41b); the application of a relative movement between said sample (24, 42) and said interaction surface (23, 25, 41a, 41b); and the measurement (26) of at least one dynamic or kinematic quantity in respect of the sample (24, 42) and/or said interaction surface (23, 25, 41a, 41b), wherein said interaction surface (23, 25, 41a, 41b) has an intrinsic wettability with respect to the material that is higher than that of metals. Device for implementing this method. According to particular embodiments, said interaction surface (23, 25) is made of high-density sintered ceramic or made of single crystal silicon or germanium, preferably having a zero open porosity and an arithmetic mean roughness parameter of less than 12.5 ?m and preferably between 0.4 and 1.6 ?m.

Abstract: A contour follower includes a plurality of sensors spaced around a waterjet nozzle, each of the sensors being configured to measure a distance between a working surface and a first plane, perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the nozzle. The sensors may include hall-effect sensors lying in the first plane and magnets lying in a second plane, parallel to the working surface. A detecting circuit processes signals from the sensors to determine an angle of the working surface, relative to the first plane, and a distance between an aperture of the nozzle and the working surface. A collision detection sensor provides a signal in the event the device approaches to within a selected distance of an obstruction in the plane of the working surface. A shield plate blocks and dampens secondary spray-back of cutting fluid occurring at low angles above the working surface.

Abstract: A transfer case includes a two-speed range unit, a friction clutch, an actuation mechanism and a control system. The actuation mechanism includes an electric motor, a geartrain driven by the motor, a range actuator assembly and a mode actuator assembly. The range actuator assembly includes a driveshaft driven by the geartrain, a cam driven by the driveshaft and a shift fork having a follower retained in a groove formed in the cam and a fork engaging a shift collar associated with the range unit. The mode actuator assembly has a face cam with spiral cam surfaces and a control gear with radially-moveable rollers engaging the cam surfaces. The control gear is rotatively driven by the geartrain. The face cam is axially moveable for controlling engagement of the friction clutch. An anti-rotation mechanism limits rotation of the face cam in response to continued rotation of the control gear.

Abstract: A two speed transmission system particularly for marine use includes a first clutch for connecting an input shaft to a co-axial output shaft, a lay shaft typically parallel to the input and output shafts, a first gear train for connecting the input shaft to the lay shaft for driving the same via the input shaft, and a second gear train connecting the lay shaft to the output shaft. The first clutch connects the input shaft to the output shaft; and a second clutch connects the input shaft to the output shaft via the lay shaft giving a gear ratio other than one to one. The gear trains are selected to provide a higher gearing i.e. faster spinning of the lay shaft when the second clutch is engaged. A control system receives inputs from various sensors including clutch pressure sensors, sensors measuring the speed of the input shaft and output shafts respectively and sensors providing information relating to the position of gears in the gear trains and controls the first and second clutches.

Abstract: The inventive gearbox device (200) comprises rotary members (1,2,4,5,15) provided with toothed elements (E2, E4-E7, S12, S34, S57-S7, D1-D3, DC, FC, F6, FR, ST), wherein at least one toothed gear (ST, E2, E4) for transmitting motion between two other rotary members (1, 5; 15, 4), thereby producing a gear ratio, can be selectively connected to a rotary member (4; 2) in order to produce another gear ratio.

Abstract: The invention relates to a backlash-compensating toothed moving part, for a precision gear assembly, particularly in clock-making, in which the backlash-compensating teeth each have a section extending symmetrically to both sides of the radius of said mobile passing the tip of said teeth with an elastic connection to said mobile to give said teeth a freedom of movement in the plane of the mobile, at least one tooth in two being a backlash-compensating tooth comprising stop means (6, 7; 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b; 14; 17a; 18a; 29; 31a, 34; 31b, 35; 40) arranged to limit the freedom of movement as a function of the backlash in the gear assembly to be compensated for.