Abstract: A servo drive system of a press machine includes a ram, an operation shaft which vertically moves the ram, and a servo motor which operates as a power source of the ram and which generates ram pressure using a torque based on at least one speed-torque characteristic of the servo motor. The operation shaft is directly driven using the servo motor. The at least one speed-torque characteristic of the servo motor is set in a manner such that a motor torque of the servo motor at which a capacity of electric energy supplied by a servo amplifier is determined becomes the motor torque at which an optimal punching pattern of the ram is generated from a light load to a heavy load according to a type of workpiece to be worked by the press machine.

Abstract: A hemming apparatus (1) includes a holder unit (2), a lower die (3) on which the holder unit (2) is installed, and an upper die (4) which is installed on the lower die (3) vertically movably. The holder unit (2) includes a base (5) secured to the lower die (3) by means of bolts or the like; a working tool holder (7) which is rotatably supported on the base (5) so that a hemming punch (6) can be disposed at a nonworking position and a working position; and a resilient means (8) for resiliently urging the working tool holder (7) so as to dispose the hemming punch (6) at the nonworking position.

Abstract: A compression tool including a ram; a drive system, a battery and a user selectable retraction control. The drive system is connected to the ram to extend the ram and allow retraction of the ram. The battery is connected to the drive system to at least partially power the drive system. The user selectable retraction control is connected to the drive system. The user selectable retraction control includes a plurality of ram retraction settings which are adapted to be selected by a user to at least partially control respective different retraction stopping locations of the ram.

Abstract: A rescue device and a method of using same, for opening a jammed or stuck door of a vehicle, including a door having battle latches.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for calibrating a sensor used to sense the concentration of vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP). A concentration of liquid hydrogen peroxide in an aqueous solution is determined and correlated with a corresponding concentration of vaporized hydrogen peroxide indicative of an “actual” vaporized hydrogen peroxide concentration. An error value is determined by comparing the “actual” vaporized hydrogen peroxide concentration to a “measured” vaporized hydrogen peroxide concentration, indicated by the sensor being calibrated. The error value is used to properly calibrate the sensor.

Abstract: A portable, calibratible gas detector includes a multi-position gas inflow limiting orifice. When this orifice is in a calibrating position, a source of calibrating gas can be activated to provide a quantity of gas that diffuses into ambient atmosphere flowing through the orifice. The calibration gas can then be sensed.

Abstract: A dissolved oxygen measurement system, and a method for calibrating a dissolved oxygen analyzer are provided. The method includes directing a pressurized cleaning fluid, having a known oxygen content, upon a sensing surface of a dissolved oxygen sensor disposed in a fluid. Then, the analyzer waits until the dissolved oxygen sensor response to the pressurized cleaning fluid is relatively stable, and stores a calibration value relative to the dissolved oxygen sensor response to the pressurized cleaning fluid. A dissolved oxygen measurement system is also provided. The system includes a dissolved oxygen sensor disposed in a fluid and a first source of a first compressed cleaning fluid that has a first dissolved oxygen content. A dissolved oxygen analyzer is coupled to the dissolved oxygen sensor and to the first valve and is configured to obtain a first calibration value related to the first dissolved oxygen content.

Abstract: A device for test running of power nut runners comprises a main body (10;50) with a nut (11;54), a screw (12;52) with a nut runner engaging head (13;55), a clamping element (14;56) co-operating with the screw (12;52), and spring unit (17;59) to be clamped between the clamping element (14;56) and the main body (10;50) to generate a torque resistance on the screw (12;52), wherein a one-way clutch (24;64) is provided between the nut (11;54) and the main body (10;50) to prevent rotation of the nut (11;54) at rotation of the screw (12;52) in the tightening direction and to permit rotation of the nut (11) when rotating the screw (12;52) in the loosening direction, a friction clutch (30;72,73) between the nut (11;54) and the main body (10;50) is arranged to prevent rotation of the nut (11;54) during loosening of the screw (12;52), and a lock element (34;70) secured to the screw (12;52) is arranged to rotationally lock the screw (12:52) to the nut (11;54) at continued rotation of the screw (12;52) in the loosening di

Abstract: The method and apparatus in one embodiment may have: a sensing element for an accelerometer having a bias, the sensing element having a rectangular plate supported by flexures which allow rotation about a transverse center line thereof; a center of mass (CG) of the sensing element having two stable positions, one on each side of an axis of rotation defined by a centerline of suspension; a secondary mass within a proofmass translates in-plane to move the center of mass to thereby effect a self-calibration mechanization that continuously measures and nulls the accelerometer's bias under dynamic operating conditions.

Abstract: Pipettes, widely used in clinical and pharmaceutical laboratories to transfer small volumes of liquid, may be subject to hidden performance degradation and operator error. Pipette performance cannot be accepted without monitoring. The present disclosure concerns a verification device for a pipette with a piston for aspirating then dispensing, using a shaft, a determined volume of liquid. This device may include: a first assembly for supplying a displaced volume measurement, comparing this measurement to a desired value and generating an indication of the difference between the measured volume and the desired value; and a second assembly, responding to the first assembly, for delivering information relating to the indication.

Abstract: A wear gauge is provided for simulating the wear of a magnetic recording component at its interface with a magnetic storage medium comprising a wear gauge block having a wear surface that substantially approximates the geometrical dimensions and contour of the working surface of the magnetic recording component, wherein the wear surface has a coating of transparent material. A test method comprises mounting the wear gauge in a test fixture, positioning a tape and adjusting the over wrap angle at edges of the wear surface, choosing the desired tape tension, speed and runtime, and running the tape, preferably unidirectionally, in operational contact with the wear surface for the desired runtime. The wear surface is inspected under white light illumination to observe and record locations of interferometric color changes on the wear surface. The color changes are correlated to thickness changes of the transparent coating on the wear surface.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an ultra-sensitive metal oxide gas sensor is disclosed, which comprises the steps of spinning a mixture solution including a metal oxide precursor and a polymer onto a sensor electrode to form a metal oxide precursor-polymer composite fiber; thermally compressing or thermally pressurizing the composite fiber; and thermally treating the thermally compressed or thermally pressurized composite fiber to remove the polymer from the composite fiber. Since the gas sensor includes a macro pore between nanofibers and a meso pore between nano-rods and/or nano-grains, gas diffusion and surface area can be maximized. Also, the ultra-sensitive sensor having high stability in view of mechanical, thermal, and electrical aspects can be obtained through rapid increase of adhesion between the metal oxide thin layer and the sensor electrode.

Abstract: For operating a hydrogen test leak unit including a chamber defined by a membrane, a test gas mixture of hydrogen and an added gas is used. The added gas has a permeation coefficient relative to the material of the membrane ranging between 50% and 200% of that of hydrogen. In this manner, demixing of the test gas mixture is limited and significant concentration variations in the chamber are prevented. Preferably, helium is used as added gas.

Abstract: A leak detecting device includes a carrying device attached to a holder to be fastened to the body of an operator. From the carrying device, a flexible capillary line extends to a sniffing probe, which includes a gas inlet at its front end. The carrying device is connected with a basic device that includes a vacuum pump. In the carrying device, a test gas detector is arranged.

Abstract: A storm water run-off percolation rate test system includes a turbid water generator having a silt or sediment source providing silt into a mixing tank. A pipeline carries turbid water from the mixing tank to a test pit or test site. A flow meter measures the amount of turbid water moved into the test pit. Detectors detect a water level in the test pit. A controller automatically controls the turbid water generator and flow of turbid water into the test pit, and records data on the amount of turbid water provided into the test pit over time, to determine a percolation rate. In a method for determining a percolation rate, turbid water is created and used in the percolation rate testing, to more accurately simulate run-off.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining airflow parameters of gas turbine engine components are provided. In this regard, a representative method includes: receiving information from multiple test systems regarding a first airflow parameter of a gas turbine engine component; and using the information to establish a desired performance parameter that is to be exhibited by a repaired component.

Abstract: As one example, a method of operating an engine system including a first air intake passage branch including a first compression device and a second air intake passage branch including a second compression device, wherein each of the first branch and the second branch are fluidly coupled to at least a combustion chamber the engine via a common intake passage, a first sensor arranged along the first branch and at least a second sensor arranged along the common intake passage, wherein the first sensor is a mass airflow sensor and wherein the second branch does not include a mass airflow sensor. The method comprises increasing the mass airflow through the first branch relative to the mass airflow through the second branch when an amount of decrease in the mass airflow through the first branch is more than half an amount of a corresponding decrease in the combined mass airflow.

Abstract: An engine starter motor tester applies power to a motor under test at the level normally applied while that motor is installed in a vehicle and monitors the ripple in the driving current. The ripple rate, scaled by the number of windings used in the construction of the motor, provides a direct reading of the shaft speed of the unloaded motor. This number allows a valid inference concerning the state of health of the motor, and is more certain than an estimate for an unloaded motor based on operator experience and motor “sound”. A complete test apparatus includes a stored lookup table, allowing the user to key in a product brand and model number and read directly both the RPM and the test apparatus's rating of the motor under test, expressed in terms such as percentage of life remaining.

Abstract: The invention relates to closed-circuit tunnels used for aerodynamic researches, sportsmen-parachutists training and other purposes. The inventive closed-circuit tunnel comprises a confuser, a working area, a diffuser, one or several return channels, a blower unit and turning bends having different flow deflection angle, wherein the bend having the smaller flow deflection angle is placed in a high-speed flow cross-section, whereas the bend having the greater flow deflection angle is arranged in a low flow speed cross-section. In a preferred embodiment, the tunnel comprises a first turning bend containing one turning gut for turning the airflow at 60 degrees, a second turning bend containing two turning guts for turning the airflow at 120 degrees, and a third turning bend containing three turning guts for turning the airflow at 180 degrees. The invention makes it possible to reduce air pressure losses, the drive power and a specific amount of metal per structure.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and system for increasing safety in chemical application from an aircraft. Wind speed, wind direction and other critical flight parameters are measured, calculated, recorded, and visually or audibly announced during the aircraft flight via onboard equipment, which parameters provide a means for the aircraft pilot to control chemical spray application and for unassisted automatic chemical spray cutoff and for limiting spray application outside an application zone or target area. Such parameters also provide a means for indicating the lift reserve of the aircraft and a means for determining atmospheric stability near the ground and providing the pilot with a record of the meteorological conditions at a particular location. The method and system of the present invention also provide a means for predicting appropriate aircraft upwind offset distance to compensate for predicted chemical spray drift.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes: a semiconductor substrate; a flow sensor having a first heater for detecting a flow rate of fluid; and a humidity sensor for detecting a humidity of the fluid. The flow sensor and the humidity sensor are disposed on the semiconductor substrate. The flow sensor is disposed around the humidity sensor. The humidity sensor is disposed on an upstream side of the first heater. Since the device includes the humidity sensor, moisture in the fluid is compensated so that detection accuracy of the flow rate is improved.

Abstract: For safety reasons the potential of an electrical supply line of a radar sensor may be separated from the potential of the fill level container. A fill level radar with potential separation includes a separation element for insulating the aerial from a feed device. The separation element is arranged directly at the aerial, or forms part of the aerial. In this way insulation of the aerial from the exterior of the container is provided.

Abstract: A filling level sensor having a lever arm which has a float at one end and is held at its other end by a clip. A resistance network is arranged on a substrate and to which a contact structure is assigned, the resistance network producing an electrical signal for the filling level as a function of the pivoted position of a lever arm. The clip is composed of an electrically conductive plastic and has an electrical contact connected to the clip in an electrically conductive way, such that as the lever arm pivots said contact describes a circular path on the substrate. The area on the substrate over which the electrical contact passes is an electrically conductive contact face and is electrically conductively connected to a connecting line of the filling level sensor.

Abstract: An electronics insert arrangement for a measuring device includes an electronics insert and an electronics module. The electronics insert includes a first attachment device and a first interface. The electronics module includes a second attachment device and a second interface. For coupling the electronics module to the electronics insert, the first attachment device and the second attachment device can be brought to engage each other such that a space between the first interface and the second interface remains essentially constant when the electronics insert moves. The electronics insert is equipped to carry out processes of a first functionality, and the electronics module is equipped to carry out processes of a second functionality.

Abstract: A method of analysing tachometer and vibration response data from an apparatus having one or more rotary components is provided. The method comprises the steps of: providing vibration response data and corresponding tachometer data from the apparatus for a period over which a rotary component of the apparatus varies in rotational speed, the tachometer data being for that component; repeatedly performing at intervals throughout the period the sub-steps of: determining a forcing frequency of the component from the tachometer data and a corresponding vibration response frequency of the apparatus from the vibration response data, comparing the forcing and vibration response frequencies to determine the relative phase difference between the frequencies, and determining the corresponding amplitude of the vibration response from the vibration response data; and plotting the relative phase differences and vibration amplitudes on a polar diagram.

Abstract: A micro-machined MEMS resonator gyroscope and accelerometer is fabricated from an epilayer semiconductor wafer to incorporate a substantially planar, H-shaped resonator mass suspended from a support plate by two opposed elongated springs that couple to the relatively short crossbar member of the H. The masses are harmonically oscillated relative to the support plate and a baseplate portion, and two orthogonal modes of the structure corresponding to the two nearly degenerate fundamental torsional modes thereof are used for sensing angular rate about one axis, and linear acceleration along two axes, of the sensor. The H-shaped mass advantageously incorporates a relatively high length-to-width aspect ratio, and in one embodiment, the springs may advantageously incorporate either a square cross-section, such that the structure can be tuned to substantially match the fundamental frequencies of the two resonance modes of the structure by removing, e.g.

Abstract: An activity measuring device (1) is used for recording the activity of a test subject, where the device (1) is attachable so as to be carried on the body of the test subject. According to the invention it is planned that the activity measuring device is located on a buckle (2) of a belt (3) which can be fitted to the body of the test subject, and that it has acceleration sensors (10, 10?) for detection of acceleration in all three spatial directions at right angles to each other. Furthermore, the activity measuring device (1) telemeters the recorded measurement data via a radio link to a central server (7), by virtue of the fact that the measurement data recorded by the activity measuring device (1) can be transmitted by means of a connecting cable (5) to a mobile telephone (4) via a device interface of the mobile telephone (4), which is arranged so as to be carried on the belt, and can be sent from there to the external server (7) via a radio link.

Abstract: Provided is a micro-electromechanical-system (MEMS) device including a substrate; at least one semiconductor layer provided on the substrate; a circuit region including at least one chip containing drive/sense circuitry, the circuit region provided on the at least one semiconductor layer; a support structure attached to the substrate; at least one elastic device attached to the support structure; a proof-mass suspended by the at least one elastic device and free to move in at least one of the x-, y-, and z-directions; at least one top electrode provided on the at least one elastic device; and at least one bottom electrode located beneath the at least one elastic device such that an initial capacitance is generated between the at least one top and bottom electrodes, wherein the drive/sense circuitry, proof-mass, supporting structure, and the at least one top and bottom electrodes are fabricated on the at least one semiconductor layer.

Abstract: A capacitive physical quantity sensor includes a sensor element and a detecting element. The sensor element includes first and second fixed electrodes facing a movable electrode. A first voltage is applied to the first fixed electrode and a second voltage is applied to the second fixed electrode. The detecting circuit includes a capacitance-voltage conversion circuit, in which an operational amplifier, a capacitor and a switch including a P-channel MOS transistor and a N-channel MOS transistor are disposed. The transistors have a back gate potential, which is approximately equal to an average voltage of the first voltage and the second voltage.

Abstract: A semiconductor sensor of the present invention is capable of preventing a diaphragm portion of the sensor from being damaged if a weight collides against a semiconductor integrated circuit substrate of the sensor and is further capable of preventing the diaphragm portion from being bent significantly even when a semiconductor sensor element of the sensor is disposed inside a distorted or deformed casing. A rear surface of the semiconductor integrated circuit substrate 7 is joined onto a wall surface of the casing 9 that defines a receiving chamber of the casing. A support portion of the semiconductor sensor element is joined onto a front surface 7a of the semiconductor integrated circuit substrate 7.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an assembly including a strip inserted between two substrates, the strip being formed from at least one damping material, includes providing the two substrates; providing the strip; evaluating equivalent real stiffness per unit length K?eq of the strip and of the equivalent loss factor tan ?eq; and manufacturing the assembly by inserting a strip having an equivalent real stiffness per unit length of at least equal to 25 MPa and the equivalent loss factor of at least 0.25 between the two substrates.

Abstract: A spot welding inspecting apparatus is provided with: a gun chip; a signal transmitting part; an ultrasonic sensor; an inner cylinder; a through hole; a partitioning cylinder; a first flow path; a second flow path; and a third flow path. The inner cylinder is inserted to an outer cylinder of spot welding gun and holds the ultrasonic sensor. The through hole is provided on the inner cylinder. The partitioning cylinder surrounds the through hole and is inserted into a gap between the ultrasonic sensor and the outer cylinder. The first flow path is formed between the inner cylinder and the partitioning cylinder by passing the through hole from an inner portion of the inner cylinder. The second flow path is formed at the gun chip to be circulated around a front end of the partitioning cylinder. The third flow path is formed between the outer cylinder and the partitioning cylinder. A cooling agent flows in an order of the first flow path, the second flow path and the third flow path.

Abstract: Improved apparatus, systems, and methods for inspecting a structure are provided that use a pedestal robot mounted on a rail system, a probe extension coupler, and an inspection probe capable of performing pulse echo ultrasonic inspection. A probe may also include sled appendages and an axial braking system to inspect over holes and off edges. A probe may also include an ultrasonic pulse echo transducer array for high rate inspection; the transducer array may be mounted in a bubbler shoe for individually coupling each of the transducers in the array. A rail system may also include an optical encoder for providing location information for the robot and axial braking system. A probe extension coupler presses the inspection probe against the structure for adjusting to changes in surface contours.

Abstract: Improved apparatus, systems, and methods for inspecting a structure are provided that use a pedestal robot mounted on a rail system, a probe extension coupler, and an inspection probe capable of performing pulse echo ultrasonic inspection. A probe may also include sled appendages and an axial braking system to inspect over holes and off edges. A probe may also include an ultrasonic pulse echo transducer array for high rate inspection; the transducer array may be mounted in a bubbler shoe for individually coupling each of the transducers in the array. A rail system may also include an optical encoder for providing location information for the robot and axial braking system. A probe extension coupler presses the inspection probe against the structure for adjusting to changes in surface contours.

Abstract: A cap is provided on a diaphragm, and a first end of a flexible board is connected to the cap. A cover is attached to the cap. The cover directs a second end of the flexible board in a direction away from the diaphragm held by a joint so that the flexible board is supported while being curved. Since the flexible board is not locally bent at an acute angle, a crack is not generated on a copper pattern provided on the flexible board.

Abstract: A process for operating a Coriolis mass flow rate measurement device, with at least one measurement tube (10) through which a medium flows and which is subjected to vibration excitation that leads to resulting vibrations of the measurement tube (10), a first indicator quantity being used for detection of a multiphase flow. For detection of the multiphase flow, an additional, second indicator quantity that is independent of the first indicator quantity is used. Thus, a process for operating a Coriolis mass flow rate measurement device (1) is attained with which the detection of multiphase flows, especially of two-phase flows, is reliably possible without the need to make assumptions regarding the properties of the individual phases of the flowing medium.

Abstract: A magnetometer for a force sensor assembly includes first inner and outer coils that are spaced axially apart from second inner and outer coils. Between the inner and outer coils is a plurality of magnetic strips. These magnetic strips are disposed at axially distinct portions within the inner and outer coils to detect magnetic field asymmetry. A drive circuit is connected to the inner coils and the outer coils generate an alternating magnetic field. The magnetometer of this invention creates an artificially enhanced demagnetization field reducing hysteresis within the sensor assembly.

Abstract: A magnetostriction type torque sensor is provided which includes magnetic property change material which is provided on a shaft and whose magnetic property changes in accordance with torque applied to the shaft, an excitation signal generator which generates an excitation signal whose voltage is converted into a predetermined voltage through a switching element, a plurality of detection coils to which the excitation signal generator applies the excitation signal, and which plurality of detection coils outputs voltage, which changes in accordance with change in the magnetic property of the magnetic property change material, between connection points between the detection coils, and an operational state monitor which monitors an operational state of the switching element.

Abstract: Disclosed is a monitoring system for collecting and/or transdermally rediffusing air containing environmental contaminants. The inventive monitoring system generally includes at least one diffusion collector and/or an equilibrium diffuser. The diffusion collector is provided with at least three layers, i.e. an adhesive layer that is in direct contact with the skin of a living being, a barrier layer, and a collecting layer on the exterior face of the monitoring system. The equilibrium diffuser includes an adhesive layer and a collecting layer. The collecting layers and the adhesive layers of the two components of the monitoring system are preferably made of the same material and have the same dimensions.

Abstract: A method for determining the state of preservation of a wooden support and establishing a diagnosis in order to find out whether the wooden support is in a state which is suitable for use, in a state requiring a maintenance operation or in a state requiring its elimination includes measuring the hardness of the wooden support and the hygrometricity of the wooden support. The method further includes determining the species of the timber of the wooden support, determining the treatment previously applied to the wooden support, calculating the resulting safety residual stress, comparing the value of the calculated safety residual stress with an observed average safety residual stress and establishing a diagnosis depending on this comparison.

Abstract: A transmission is provided having a dual clutch, to achieve torque flow through a countershaft gearing arrangement. The countershaft gearing arrangement includes a plurality of co-planar gear sets having gears that are selectively connectable to a plurality of countershafts. At least one transfer gear set transfers torque from the counter shafts to an output shaft. The output shaft is connected to a final drive unit that has a final drive unit output shaft that is transverse to an input member connected at one end to a torque converter and at the other end to the dual clutch.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine including a transmission for transmitting power from a crankshaft to an output shaft through speed change, with the speed change in the transmission being performed by the driving of a speed change electric motor through a speed change drive mechanism, wherein power transmission control means for controlling the transmission of power from the crankshaft to the transmission is provided at one end of the crankshaft, and at least a part of the speed change electric motor and the speed change drive mechanism is disposed on the outside of the power transmission control means. This configuration of the internal combustion engine is reduced in size because of the layout of the speed change drive mechanism and the speed change electric motor.

Abstract: A ball screw assembly has an axially extending screw with an external helical groove and a nut with a through bore for receipt of the screw. The through bore has an internal helical groove adapted for cooperation with the external helical groove to define a ball raceway. A plurality of load bearing balls is disposed in the raceway for rolling contact with the internal and external grooves. A spacer is disposed between adjacent ones of the load bearing balls to prevent the balls from contacting one another. Each of the spacers has at least three pairs of diametrically opposite concave dimples adapted for contact with the load bearing balls at separate times from one another.

Abstract: A circulating member for a ball screw is disposed on a nut, the nut is formed with Gothic type threads, and the circulating member of the ball screw is formed with return path for enabling the balls to circulate. The connecting ports at both ends of the return path for connecting the threads of the nut are shaped in Gothic style, thus eliminating the level difference and consequently preventing the balls from being struck and jammed.

Abstract: A resin worm wheel is formed by injection molding and includes a first end and a second end. The worm wheel is adapted to be driven by a worm. The worm wheel further includes: an engaging portion including a plurality of teeth engageable with the worm and a tooth space formed between the neighboring teeth; a first non-engaging portion adjacent to the engaging portion at the first end of the worm wheel and not engaging with the worm; and a first cutout portion formed at the first non-engaging portion continuously from the tooth space, the first cutout portion extending axially.

Abstract: A bimodal shifter assembly provides a radically simplified mechanical arrangement for movement of the shifter in each of two modes along distinct shift paths.

Abstract: An adjustable steering column assembly of a vehicle has a central lock device for selectably locking an adjustable steering housing and co-extending steering shaft to a stationary bracket or chassis. For driver convenience and comfort, the steering housing and shaft are together adjustable with respect to the bracket. The lock device has a roller actuator preferably having inner outer members with a lever supported operably in between by a guide feature for movement along a first centerline substantially parallel to the steering shaft. Preferably, cam couplers are located between the outer member and the lever and the inner member and the lever for converting movement of the lever along the centerline to longitudinal movement of a carrier that traverses the centerline.

Abstract: A tension compensation assembly for a mechanical control cable. The tension compensation device has a housing with opposing ends. First and second sections of the control cable pass through but are attached at each end of the housing such that the sheaths of each section are coupled to the housing and reciprocable cable coaxially disposed in each control cable section extend into the housing. The cables are attached to opposing ends of a reciprocably disposed capsule or spring caps generally enclosing a spring. In operation, the capsule moves slidably within the housing over a predetermined travel and tension for the cables. However, if an over-tension condition is experienced, the capsule may bottom out at an end of the housing and the spring will either compress or extend, depending upon its design, thus allowing the effective length of the control cable assembly to increase, thus preventing the stretching or breaking of the cables or damage to cable end fittings.

Abstract: An adjustable positioning apparatus, which may be used for a foot-operated control, includes a first member that is movably supported with respect to a base, an adjuster that is supported on the first member, and a second member. The adjuster includes a displacement device, an actuator, and a controller. The displacement device includes a first portion that is coupled to the first member, and includes a second portion that is displaced with respect to the first portion. The actuator displaces the second portion with respect to the first portion, and the controller operates the actuator and determines displacement of the second portion with respect to the first portion. The second member is coupled to the second portion.

Abstract: Driving torque outputted from a motor portion is transmitted to a worm from a motor shaft, further to a helical gear from the worm, and is taken out to the outside from an output shaft which rotates together with the helical gear with a fixed shaft fixed to a gear box as a center. This fixed shaft is constructed in a hollow and cylindrical shape having an opening in which one end portion thereof has been opened, and a ceiling surface in which the other end portion thereof has been closed, and one end portion of this fixed shaft is subjected to dislocation preventive work, and is fixed to a gear box made of resin by pressing-in or insert molding. The other end portion of the fixed shaft is formed with the dislocation preventive structure of the output shaft and the helical gear installed to the fixed shaft.