Abstract: A rheometer attachment may comprise a material processing device. The material processing device is adapted for removable engagement with a rheometer. The material processing device comprises a first rotatable shaft, a second rotatable shaft, a processing element, and a material holding vessel. The processing element is engagable with the first rotatable shaft or the second rotatable shaft. The material holding vessel comprises a cavity.

Abstract: A hand tensiometer for measuring the surface tension of liquids or for measuring of substance concentrations in a liquid wherein a gas volume stream entered from a gas source (10) through a buffer storage (11) into a measuring capillary (3) forms bubbles in the liquid at the end of the measuring capillary (3), and wherein means for steady measuring and for adjusting the gas volume stream are furnished.

Abstract: The invention proposes new methods for fast fresh surface formation of a drop or bubble of a test fluid and a device to realize the new methods to determine the dynamic or equilibrium surface/interfacial tension (ST/IFT) of this liquid. The methods are implemented by means of a single device which is used both for dynamic and equilibrium measurements of the ST/IFT. Depending on the method, the determination of the ST/IFT can be performed either by Axisymmetric Drop Shape Analysis (ADSA) or Capillary Pressure Method (CPM) or both. In addition, with this device the Drop Volume Method and Stopped Jet Method can be realized, which has been modified and improved with the proposed invention in comparison with the known methods. The combination of several methods for creating a fresh surface and of two techniques for determining ST/IFT in a single device allows choosing the most suitable method for a given fluid system considering the system properties and desired time range.

Abstract: A soil moisture sampling device (10) arranged to be beneath a workable crop soil surface for measuring the properties of soil moisture. The soil moisture sampling device comprises a moisture collector device (12) and an instrument enclosure (14). The instrument enclosure (14) contains a tipping bucket (38) arranged to receive water from a tube (24). The tube (24) contains measuring means (34) and the tipping bucket (38) contains magnet means (40). The arrangement enables water volume to be measured by the bucket (38) tipping when one portion (44 or 46) is full.

Abstract: An ignition timing measuring and display device of an internal combustion engine (1) having a magneto (A) includes a reference RPM signal pulse detector (2) for detecting a reference RPM signal pulse of the internal combustion engine (1) and an ignition noise pulse detector (4) for detecting ignition noise of an electromagnetic wave generated in the vicinity of an ignition plug (3) when ignition is carried out in the internal combustion engine (1) and calculates ignition timing generated by the magneto (A) based on the signal pulse and the ignition noise pulse and displays it. Since the ignition timing of the internal combustion engine can be easily monitored, maintenance can be carried out to the internal combustion engine and an ignition device to realize a necessary operating performance of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A method and device for estimating temperature of gases arising from internal combustion of an engine at the entrance to a system for post-treatment of the gases. The post-treatment system is downstream from a system for treatment of the gases, which may include a nitrogen oxide NOx trap, an oxidation catalyst, or a 4-way catalyst. The systems connect to each other by a line, wherein the treatment system is considered as the whole of a whole finite number n of fictive elementary reactors Ri that are perfectly agitated and serially connected, wherein the total number n of fictive elementary reactors Ri is determined, in particular as a function of volume of the treatment system, and the fictive elementary reactors Ri are numbered from 1 to n in the gas flow direction along the treatment system.

Abstract: A vehicle locking device locking a vehicle on a chassis dynamometer, equipped with rollers allowing driving wheels of the vehicle placed thereon, while keeping the driving wheels thereof placed on the rollers, was configured so as to detect angles of traction, to determine traction forces optimum for hauling the vehicle based on the detected angles, and to control the vehicle locking device based on thus-determined traction forces so as to take up a belt, aiming at readily and stably locking a test vehicle under optimum traction forces.

Abstract: A device for exposing an opening in a housing part of a steering gear in a vehicle steering system has a closure element that closes the opening and a component that, when it comes into contact with a liquid, changes at least one of its properties such that, after the component cooperates with the closure element, the closure element exposes the opening.

Abstract: Estimating formation properties includes a member coupled to a carrier, the member having a distal end that engages a borehole wall location, the distal end having a curved surface having a radius of curvature in at least one dimension about equal to or greater than a borehole radius. A drive device extends the first extendable member with a force sufficient to determine formation strength, and at least one measurement device providing an output signal indicative of the formation property. Articulating couplings may be used to change an angle of extension of the extendable member.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for communicating with a device disposed in a wellbore. Signals are sent through the Earth via signal pulses. The pulses are created by a seismic vibrator and processed by a receiver disposed in the wellbore. The receiver is in communication with the device and transfers data, such as command and control signal, to the device.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for testing the tendency of a paper to curl. The paper is cut from a paper making machine and rapidly humidified to standard TAPPI conditions, and is thereafter run through an apparatus having a substantially vertically oriented nip. The paper is measured for curl, all data are tabulated and fed back into a data acquisition or paper machine control system.

Abstract: In a flow sensor, detecting elements are provided at a sub-passage. A sub-passage wall contains a hole to drain accumulated liquid. A protrusion arranged close to the hole on an external surface generates dynamic pressure on the opening in response to external flow. Alternatively, a protrusion upstream from the hole on the inner wall surface produces a separation flow area for separating the flow from the internal surface near the hole, whereby pressure in the separation area is reduced and almost the same pressure differences on the internal and external surfaces openings result. This reduces leakage from the hole and changes in the distribution flow in the sub-passage between cases where the hole is blocked and not blocked, thus minimizing flow measurement errors. Structure may be provided close to the external surface hole opening to prevent a liquid film or drop from being formed on the opening by surface tension.

Abstract: A device is provided for measuring the velocity of flow of a fluid in a respiration system and includes a first thermal sensor element (5) provided with a controllable heating element (50) and a second thermal sensor element (6). The thermal sensor elements (5, 6) are arranged at spaced locations from one another at a path of flow, so that a thermal signal generated by the first sensor element (5) with the heating element (50) is transmitted to the second sensor element (6), and the second sensor element (6) is designed to detect the thermal signal from the fluid flow. The second sensor element (6) is connected to the first sensor element (5) via feedback (12) which triggers another thermal signal. A controlling and analyzing device (13, 15) is connected to the sensor elements (5, 6) to start the generation of a first thermal signal and to read and analyze the signal frequency as an indicator of the velocity of flow.

Abstract: A sensor includes two capacitors, with distances between the capacitor plates being different in the two capacitors. An electrical insulator is provided between the capacitors. The distance between the plates of one capacitor may be sufficiently large to prevent capillary action in the capacitor when an end of the first capacitor is placed in a fluid. The distance between the plates of the other capacitor may be sufficiently small to allow capillary action in the capacitor. The first capacitor measures the level of the fluid. The second capacitor measures the viscosity of the fluid. A third capacitor, completely submerged in the fluid, measures the dielectric constant of the fluid. Also, a measuring apparatus using the sensor.

Abstract: A system for measuring a person's age on the basis of his/her physical strength is disclosed. A system is provided using multiple exercise courses that make a user perform various kinds of exercises without overburdening the user and that include entertainment factors. A user's age can be calculated, based on the amount of time that the user takes to complete each course and all of the courses taken together, on the basis of the physical strength of a user and the degree to which the user can perform various exercise movements. This system includes multiple courses, to which various exercise devices or other features are provided. The exercise courses are formed so that the user demonstrates various physical abilities, including muscle strength at multiple portions of his/her body, flexibility of the body, balance of the body, and agility of the body.

Abstract: There is provided a unitary measuring scoop for scooping and measuring chopped food material that includes a scoop shell and a measuring insert. The scoop shell includes a back with a leading edge, a first side with a first wing, a second side with a second wing, and a bottom, and together these elements define a holding area where food can be scooped. The measuring insert includes a lower measuring insert and an upper measuring insert which may be of a clear plastic material. Measuring indicia are imprinted on the measuring inserts so that a user can view a level of food in the measuring inserts and judge its quantity against the indicia. Food scooped onto the holding area of the scoop shell is easily drawn into the measuring insert. The scoop shell and measuring insert are shaped such that the measuring insert readily fits into the holding area of the scoop shell, and the measuring insert can be affixed to the scoop shell.

Abstract: A midlength balanced rotor comprises a rotor assembly for rotation about an axis of rotation defining at least one of an axially extended, radially concentric, centerline borehole; an array of radially or tangentially distributed, axially extended pockets; and a series of radially or tangentially distributed, axially extended slots. At least one balance weight is positioned within at least one of the axially extended, radially concentric, centerline borehole, the array of radially or tangentially distributed, axially extended pockets, or the radially or tangentially distributed, axially extended slots to balance the rotor assembly. Alternatively, at least one balance correcting mass is removed from at least one of the axially extended, radially concentric, centerline borehole, the array of radially or tangentially distributed, axially extended pockets, or the radially or tangentially distributed, axially extended slots to balance the rotor assembly.

Abstract: A yaw rate sensor has two sets of exciting electrodes, perturbative weights and two sets of detecting electrodes on a surface of a piezoelectric substrate. The exciting electrodes excite first surface acoustic waves transmitted through the surface of the substrate in a propagation direction. The weights are oscillated by the waves and excite a second surface acoustic wave, transmitted through the surface of the substrate in a detection direction orthogonal to the propagation direction, in response to a yaw applied to the weights. The detecting electrodes measure an intensity of the second surface acoustic wave to detect the yaw rate. The sets of exciting electrodes are symmetrically placed with respect to a driving axis extending straight along the propagation direction. The group of weights is symmetric with respect to the driving axis.

Abstract: An oscillation driver circuit includes a current-voltage converter which converts a current value of an oscillation signal in an oscillation loop into a voltage value, and a comparator which outputs a signal corresponding to the result of comparison between the output signal from the current-voltage converter and a given reference signal. The comparator has an output current limiting function. The oscillation driver circuit causes the vibrator to produce driving vibrations based on the output from the comparator.

Abstract: A tuning bar vibrator formed on a substrate and including a vibrating body. The vibrating body is formed into a meander shape as a whole, and a middle vibrating reed is used as a first detection unit. At one end side of the vibrating body, two sensing electrodes are formed and connected respectively to two extended electrodes. A further sensing electrode and a common electrode are formed on a first principal surface of the first detection unit. A common electrode formed on a second principal surface of the vibrating body is connected to the common electrode on the first principal surface via a through-hole. The further sensing electrode and the common electrode are connected respectively to another set of extended electrodes. A tuning bar vibrator that is small in size, may be reduced in profile and may be used as a vibrating gyroscope having a desirable detection sensitivity, and a vibrating gyroscope using the tuning bar vibrator are obtained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multiaxial gyroscope, which comprises a vibration-sensing device, a plurality of elastic connecting parts, a first substrate, and a plurality of electrodes. The first ends of the elastic connecting parts are adapted on the periphery of the vibration-sensing device. The sidewall of the first substrate connects with the second ends of the elastic connecting parts. The plurality of electrodes is located on the periphery of the vibration-sensing device and is opposite to the plurality of elastic connecting parts. The vibration-sensing device comprises a ring and a plurality of vibration blocks. By means of the vibration blocks, the sensing area as well as the driving amplitude of the gyroscope can be increased effectively. Thereby, the intensity of the sensed signals of the gyroscope can be enhanced.

Abstract: An accelerometer module for use with a touch sensor on a device, a method of detecting acceleration using a touch sensor, and a computer program product for receiving the touch sensor data and producing output representative of acceleration. The accelerometer module provides a device with a touch sensor, such as a mobile phone, with the ability to sense acceleration, orientation, or both. The accelerometer module may sense acceleration along a single axis or multiple axis. Sensing acceleration along three axis may be useful for producing a handheld game controller or for providing input to many other applications. The accelerometer module applies a force against a deformable member to change the contact area between the deformable member and the touch sensor, wherein the contact area is a function of the amount of applied acceleration.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for inspecting a structure are provided which permit inspection of uniquely shaped structures such as fuselage frames and shear ties. Probes may be constructed from rapid prototyping. Inspection may be performed manually and may use a portable function support system for delivering fluid couplant, controlling transmit and receive functions of the inspection sensors, and delivering immediate visual analysis for an operator. Integrated ultrasonic inspection apparatus, systems, and methods facilitate fast and efficient custom inspection devices and inspecting otherwise difficult-to-inspect structures.

Abstract: A method and an array-based system for inspecting a structure are provided that can identify unacceptable levels of porosity, microcracking or defects attributable to thermal damage. The inspection system includes a two-dimensional array of ultrasonic transducers, and an array controller configured to trigger at least one ultrasonic transducer to emit an ultrasonic signal into the structure. The array controller is also configured to receive data representative of backscattered signals preferentially received by at least one ultrasonic transducer from a portion of the structure offset from the at least one ultrasonic transducer that was triggered to emit the ultrasonic signal.

Abstract: A document monitoring device comprises an ultrasonic transmitter (20) and an ultrasonic receiver (22) positioned on opposite sides of a document inspection position. A control system (5) is coupled to the ultrasonic transmitter (20) and receiver (22) for causing ultrasonic signals to be transmitted from the transmitter to the receiver through the inspection position and for monitoring the ultrasonic signals received by the receiver. At least one of the receiver (22) and transmitter (20) comprises a piezoelectric polymer film (32, 34).

Abstract: When vibrations that may adversely affect the results of inspecting recording fluid discharge occur during the discharge inspection, properly discharging nozzles may be determined to be not functioning normally or faulty nozzles may be determined to be functioning normally. A vibration sensor is therefore used to detect vibrations in the inspection box during discharge inspection of a plurality of nozzles. Whether vibration adversely affecting inspection results was detected during the discharge inspection is then verified after discharge inspection is completed, and the cleaning process is applied to the faulty nozzles that need cleaning if such vibration was not detected. If such vibration was detected, the cleaning process is not executed and discharge inspection is repeated.

Abstract: A contactless SAW based torque and temperature sensor includes three SAW resonators 2, 3, 4 mounted on a common substrate 1 made of Y+34° cut of quartz. The first SAW 2 has its principle axis inclined at +45° to the X-axis of the substrate, which, in use, is either aligned with the longitudinal axis of a device whose torque is to be measured or is perpendicular thereto, and the second SAW 3 has its principle axis inclined at ?45° to the X-axis of the substrate. The third SAW 4 is positioned with its principle axis inclined at an angle, preferably in the range of 0 to 30 degrees, to the principle axis of both the first 2 and second 3 resonators so that none of the SAWs are parallel, the third SAW 4 enabling temperature measurements to be taken.

Abstract: A shear stress sensor for measuring the shear force of a fluid flowing along a wall. A floating member, flush with the wall, senses a shear force of the flowing fluid. The floating member is mounted by support means to a base element that is placed in the wall, so that the floating member is flush with the wall and a shear force, sensed by the floating member, is translated via the support means to a micro-resonator. The force acting on the micro-resonator changes the shape and the refractive index of the micro-resonator, thereby changing the resonant frequency of the micro-resonator and causing a shift in the spectrum of wavelengths of light that is introduced to the micro-resonator. This shift in the spectrum of wavelengths is representative of the shear force of the flowing fluid.

Abstract: There is described an ultrasonic flow meter comprising a pipe having two ends, electronic circuitry, a first enclosure housing the electronic circuitry, a second enclosure housing the pipe, and a plurality of ultrasonic transducers attached to an external surface of the pipe in the second enclosure. The first enclosure is watertight, whereas the second enclosure is not watertight. The two ends of the pipe protrude from the second enclosure. Each transducer is covered by a respective cap and sealed from water ingress. Each transducer is connected to the electronic circuitry by a respective pair of wires.

Abstract: According to the invention, a method for the continuous gravimetric metering of flowing materials for burner systems, in which the instantaneous mass flow is determined and metering occurs by means of a metering unit (8), can be achieved by means of determination of the type of flowing material. The instantaneous heat output for the flowing material is determined from the type of flowing material and the heat capacity thereof and the mass flow determination. The output from the metering device (8) is regulated to match the set feed rate, depending on the instantaneous heat output. Also disclosed is a corresponding device (1), for the continuous gravimetric metering of flowing materials for burner systems (40), comprising a metering unit (8), by means of which the flowing material can be metered.

Abstract: Disclosed is a robust tactile sensor array that mimics the human fingertip and its touch receptors. The mechanical components are similar to a fingertip, with a rigid core surrounded by a weakly conductive fluid contained within an elastomeric skin. It uses the deformable properties of the finger pad as part of the transduction process. Multiple electrodes are mounted on the surface of the rigid core and connected to impedance measuring circuitry within the core. External forces deform the fluid path around the electrodes, resulting in a distributed pattern of impedance changes containing information about those forces and the objects that applied them. Strategies for extracting features related to the mechanical inputs and using this information for reflexive grip control.

Abstract: A force sensor (10) is forced from a vibrating beam (11), an excitation piezoelectric device (12) to cause a vibration in the beam at its resonate frequency and a measurement piezoelectric device (12) to measure the frequencies being indication of the force applied to the beam (11). The excitation and measurement piezoelectric devices (12) are attached to the beam adjacent to each other at one end of the beam (11).

Abstract: A method for detecting the application of an operator's body part to an operating point of a locking device for a motor vehicle is performed by first detecting the proximity of the operator's body part to the operating point via a proximity sensor. A change in the pressure exerted on the operating point by the operator's body part is detected using a mechanical sensor which is arranged on the operating point. An output signal, which indicates the application of the operator's body part, is generated by an evaluation circuit as a function of the sensor output signals from the proximity sensor and the mechanical sensor. When the evaluation circuit detects the beginning of the application of the operator's body part on the basis of the sensor output signal from the mechanical sensor, a sensor output signal value which is output at approximately the same time by the proximity sensor is detected.

Abstract: A device comprising a sampling probe configured to sample a fluid, and an ultrasound sensor coupled to the sampling probe and configured to transmit and receive ultrasound energy, the ultrasound sensor further configured to generate a first signal by receiving ultrasound energy reflected from a fluid surface of the fluid is provided. Fluid handling systems and methods of using the fluid handling devices and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer is for analyzing a reaction liquid in which a specimen and a reagent have been reacted. The automatic analyzer includes a dispensing system, a detector, and a determiner. The dispensing system includes a dispensing nozzle by which the specimen and the reagent are dispensed; and a dispensing pipe connected to the dispensing nozzle and filled with a cleaning liquid. The dispensing nozzle is cleaned with the cleaning liquid discharged from the dispensing nozzle. The detector detects a discharge amount of the cleaning liquid discharged from the dispensing nozzle. The determiner determines whether the detected discharge amount of the cleaning liquid is over a predetermined value which is less than a pre-set discharge amount of the cleaning liquid. The determiner determines that the dispensing is abnormal if the detected discharge amount is equal to or less than the predetermined value.

Abstract: In one embodiment, air is automatically sampled within a zone of interest in response to an event caused by a mammal. The release of material from the mammal may be induced by directing an increased velocity airflow at the mammal or by introducing a sneezing agent into the zone of interest and capturing the air sample after the mammal has sneezed. Materials contained within the sampled air may include organic material such as skin, hair, saliva, or mucus, and gases such as CO2 and methane. The materials may be forensically analyzed to confirm the presence or to determine the identity of the mammal. The organic materials may contain DNA, in which case the forensic analysis may include a DNA analysis to determine the identity of the mammal.

Abstract: A second tank for accommodating a sample is disposed within a first tank. A heater for heating gas is provided inside the second tank. A heater controller controls the heater such that temperature of gas becomes a set temperature. A heat conducting member is disposed such that one end of the heat conducting member is positioned in the gas inside the first or second tank and the other end is positioned in the humidifying water contained in the humidifier. The heat conducting member is made of material having higher thermal conductivity than that of gas inside the first or second tank.

Abstract: Devices and methods facilitate inspections, repairs, and other operations within vessels without human entry into the vessels, and without introducing contaminants that could reduce the purity of materials held in the vessels below predetermined minimum levels.

Abstract: A starter motor is disclosed which includes: 1) a hollow yoke having an open end; 2) a magnetic field system provided on an inner periphery of the yoke; 3) an armature surrounded by the magnetic field system with a predetermined gap therebetween, the armature having an armature shaft; 4) an end frame that closes the open end of the yoke and has a bearing box formed therein, the bearing box being recessed inward of the yoke from an end face of the end frame and having an open end on the end face of the end frame, the bearing box also having a bearing disposed therein to rotatably support an end portion of the armature shaft; and 5) a flexible seal plate that is attached on the end face of the end frame to hermetically seal the open end of the bearing box formed in the end frame.

Abstract: While there have been described herein the principles of the invention, it is to be a mechanical tri-wheel retention assembly for a stair-climbing wheeled vehicle having a tri-wheel assembly. The ass has a tri-lobular roller cam mechanism to retain the tri-wheel at a desired angular position for normal two-wheeled operation, and further includes a spring-loaded roller that is configured to pop out of a locking mode in the event of an overload condition, permitting rotation of the tri-wheel assembly to a next predetermined angular position at which point the tri-wheel assembly will be retained, thus preventing damage to the unit and the locking mechanism. The mechanical tri-wheel retention assembly may further include a solenoid actuator configured to automatically disengage the mechanical tri-wheel retention assembly.

Abstract: A motion converter includes a reduction gear mechanism and a stationary cylindrical portion. The reduction gear mechanism includes an input shaft, an external gear eccentrically rotatable about the input shaft, an internal gear internally meshing with the external gear and having a small number of difference between teeth of the internal gear and those of the external gear, and an disc for extracting only a rotational component of the external gear. The stationary cylindrical portion surrounds a periphery of the extracting member. Screw portions are respectively formed at an outer periphery of the extracting member and at an inner periphery of the stationary cylindrical portion, and screw together and support the disc for movement in a direction of the input shaft in response to an amount of rotation of the disc.

Abstract: Actuator of the type where a driving rod (11) is extended by a nut (10) on a driven spindle. A manually operated emergency lowering device (14) for the driving rod (11) is mounted between the driving rod (11) and a mounting bracket (16) at the end thereof. The emergency lowering device (14) comprises a first cylindrical part (15) connected with the mounting bracket (16) and a second cylindrical part (17) connected with the driving rod (11). The two cylindrical parts are coupled together by a screw spring (21). The spring is released by an operating grip (19) constructed as a bushing in which the one end (22) of the spring (21) is secured. The other end (23) of the spring (21) is secured in the cylindrical part (17) connected with the driving rod (11). Rotation of the bushing causes the spring (21) to be released, whereby the driving rod (11) may be screwed back by the manually applied torque.

Abstract: The rotating nut ball screw unit with lubricating arrangement has a lubricating device composed of a main body, a collar and a bearing. The main body is provided with several oil holes and is attached to the end surface of the nut. The main body is relatively rotatable with respect to the collar intercalating the bearing therebetween. An oil storage forces the lubricant into an oil reserving space surrounded by the main body, the collar and the bearing. The oil reserving space is in communication with the oil holes and allows the lubricant to be forced into the main body and then to reach the surface of the screw bolt via oil holes. The forced lubrication arrangement of the present invention ensures a better lubricating effect.

Abstract: In a two-axle drive system for holding and moving large sunlight-absorbing, concentrating or reflecting surfaces about an azimuth axis and an elevation axis, a first gear unit which is driven by a first drive is provided for a rotational movement about the azimuth axis, and a second gear unit which is driven by a second drive is provided for a rotational movement about the elevation axis, at least one gear unit includes a spur gear stage with conical spur gear toothing, and the associated shaft is displaceable along its longitudinal axis. High accuracy is obtained as a result.

Abstract: A vehicle transmission is adapted to transmit a power output from an engine unit to a wheel. The vehicle transmission includes a driving unit and a speed-changing unit. The driving unit includes a main box, a first driving mechanism disposed within the main box and adapted to be driven by the engine unit, and an output shaft driven by the first driving mechanism. The speed-changing unit includes an auxiliary box connected removably to the main box, a second driving mechanism disposed within the auxiliary box and driven by the output shaft, and an axle parallel to the output shaft and driven by the second driving mechanism. The axle is connected fixedly to the wheel, and extends into the auxiliary box.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an error-compensating bearing screw conveying device including: a screw shaft having a screw mounted along the outer circumferential surface thereof; a nut body adapted to fittedly insert the screw shaft thereinto along the inner circumferential surface thereof and having a plurality of mounting holes formed along the outer circumferential surface thereof in such a manner as to conform to a spiral passageway formed on the screw of the screw shaft; and a plurality of radial bearings mounted in the mounting holes of the nut body and adapted to be rotated at the fixed positions thereof in such a manner as to come into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the screw of the screw shaft along the outer races thereof when the screw shaft or the nut body is rotated; and position-adjusting means mounted on the top sides of the radial bearings so as to adjust the positions of the radial bearings in such a manner as to be oriented toward the center of the screw shaft.

Abstract: A drive mechanism and a gripper mechanism equipped with the drive mechanism are provided. An electrical gripper includes a drive mechanism equipped with a motor, a feed screw that transmits a rotary drive force from the motor to a feed nut capable of displacement in an axial direction, and a gripper section that grips a workpiece by coupling to the feed nut and being displaced thereby. The drive mechanism further is constituted by a self-locking mechanism, which prevents the feed nut from being retracted as a result of a reactive force received in the event that the feed nut is advanced and the workpiece is gripped by the gripper section.

Abstract: An actuator that is capable of taking a relatively small amount of force or displacement input therein and of outputting a relatively large amount of force or displacement. The actuator includes a translating component and a plurality of levers or arms. The increase in force or displacement is achieved by adequately selecting the relative lengths of and positioning the levers or arms. Also, an actuation method for transforming an input of a relatively small amount of force or displacement into an output of a relatively large amount of force or displacement.

Abstract: A control device for a bicycle with curved handlebars is described, comprising a support body fixable to the handlebars of the bicycle and a brake lever pivoted to the support body, a resisting arm of which integrally moves with an end of a brake cable, the support body having a grippable distal-upper projection, the brake lever having a first actuation area in a first riding condition gripping the support body, and a second actuation area in a second riding condition gripping the projection.

Abstract: A steering wheel core forming a wheel frame of a steering wheel includes a boss portion to be connected to a steering shaft, a steering portion having a tubular cross section, and a spoke portion connecting the boss portion and the annular portion. The steering portion includes a first half made of metal and having a semicircular cross section, and a second half superimposed on the first half. The second half is made of resin and has a semicircular cross section. A plurality of extending pieces is disposed in a region defined by the first half and the second half to intersect with a plane in which the steering portion extends. Each of the extending pieces has a curved surface corresponding to inner curved surfaces of the first half and the second half.