Abstract: An accelerometer comprises a support, a first mass element and a second mass element, the mass elements being rigidly interconnected to form a unitary movable proof mass, the support being located at least in part between the first and second mass elements, a plurality of mounting legs securing the mass elements to the support member, at least two groups of movable capacitor fingers provided on the first mass element and interdigitated with corresponding groups of fixed capacitor fingers associated with the support, and at least two groups of movable capacitor fmgers provided on the second mass element and interdigitated with corresponding groups of fixed capacitor fingers associated with the support.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, an mode matching circuit for a inertial sensor including an oscillator circuit configured to selectively couple to a sense axis of an inertial sensor and to provide sense frequency information of the sense axis, a frequency comparator configured to receive the sense frequency information of the sense axis and drive frequency information of the inertial sensor, and to provide frequency difference information to a processor, and a programmable bias source configured to apply a bias voltage to the sense axis to set a sense frequency of the sense axis in response to a command from the processor, and to maintain a desired frequency difference between the sense frequency and a drive frequency of the inertial sensor.

Abstract: An in-plane, monolithically-integrated, inertial device comprising: a support structure and first and second spring mass systems springedly coupled to the support structure. The first spring mass system comprises first and second time domain digital triggers configured to measure rotation and displacement respectively of the support structure about a first axis and along an orthogonal second axis respectively. The second spring mass system comprises third and fourth time domain digital triggers configured to measure acceleration and displacement respectively of the support structure about the second axis and along the first axis respectively.

Abstract: An analyzer that can provide information concerning a golf shaft assembly's oscillation properties, its natural frequency and its flat line oscillation planes. In the embodiments presented, a clamping assembly holds both the golf shaft assembly and an oscillator. Oscillation of the golf shaft assembly and that of the oscillator with known oscillation properties provides information about the golf shaft assembly's oscillation properties. Some of the test procedures presented are made possible by oscillation coupling between the golf shaft assembly and the oscillator. Oscillator assemblies are presented which have adjustable natural frequencies and one has a preferred oscillation deflection plane.

Abstract: According to the embodiment, there is provided a blade vibration measuring apparatus, having, a contactless displacement 5 sensor which outputs a displacement measurement signal as measuring a displacement of a turbine moving blade in a rotation axis direction, a blade top position identifying device which outputs a blade top position identification signal to identify a top position based on a distance between the contactless displacement sensor 10 and the top position of the turbine moving blade as receiving the displacement measurement signal output from the contactless displacement sensor, and a blade vibration calculating device which calculates vibration amplitude and a vibration frequency of the turbine moving blade based on temporal variation of the distance 15 between the contactless displacement sensor and the top position of the turbine moving blade as receiving the blade top position identification signal output from the blade top position identifying device.

Abstract: A method for detecting the integrity of a bond of a multi-piece work piece includes capturing a first image of the work piece, stressing the work piece, capturing a stressed image of the work piece, and comparing the first image of the work piece with the stressed image of the work piece to determine the integrity of the bond.

Abstract: New techniques are provided for measuring the thickness of a pipe wall using ultrasonic reflections. The apparatus includes a signal processor that receives a signal containing information about ultrasonic pulses injected into a pipe wall; and determines a pipe wall thickness measurement based at least partly on decomposing the signal received in order to identify either peaks using a cepstrum analysis or repeated spacing using a wavelet analysis. The wavelet analysis includes dividing data in the signal received into a specific frequency component and a defined temporal component in order to detect correct pulses where multiple reflections are caused by irregularities in the pipe wall surface being measured. The cepstrum analysis includes processing repeating pulses in the signal in order to detect correct pulses where multiple reflections are caused by irregularities in the pipe wall surface being measured.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring a differential pressure of a fluid flowing through a fluid line includes a nozzle having a nozzle interior wall defining a nozzle chamber. The nozzle interior wall tapers at a constant rate of area reduction to generate a laminar fluid flow. A differential pipe is coupled to the nozzle and fluidly communicates with a downstream portion of the fluid line. The differential pipe has a pipe interior wall defining a differential chamber fluidly communicating with the nozzle chamber. A first pressure port is formed in the nozzle and fluidly communicates with the nozzle chamber to obtain a first gauge pressure of the fluid, and a second pressure port is formed in the differential pipe and fluidly communicates with the differential chamber to obtain a second gauge pressure of the fluid.

Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a housing that includes an interior surface and an axially symmetric liner disposed along the interior surface of the housing, where the liner includes an interior surface and an exterior surface. The pressure sensor further includes a sensing member that includes an interior surface and an exterior surface, where the interior surface of the sensing member is adjacent to the exterior surface of the liner, and the sensing member is configured to expand with the liner. The pressure sensor further includes a strain gauge affixed to the exterior surface of the sensing member.

Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a detecting circuit configured to detect the difference between outputs from a first pressure variation sensor and a second pressure variation sensor. The first pressure variation sensor and the second pressure variation sensor have a lower limit frequency which provides sensitivity equal to or higher than a predetermined value as the effectively same frequency characteristics in accordance at least with a capacity of a cavity or a distance of a gap. The gap of the first pressure variation sensor communicates the exterior of the pressure sensor and the interior of the cavity of the first pressure variation sensor, and the gap of the second pressure variation sensor communicates the interior of the cavity of the first pressure variation sensor and the interior of the cavity of the second pressure variation sensor.

Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a detecting circuit configured to detect the difference between outputs from a first pressure variation sensor and a second pressure variation sensor. The first pressure variation sensor and the second pressure variation sensor have the same distance of a gap, and have frequency characteristics different from each other, that is, cutoff frequencies different from each other by setting the value of a capacity of the cavity of the first pressure variation sensor to be larger than the value of a capacity of the cavity of the second pressure variation sensor.

Abstract: Systems and methods in accordance with embodiments of the invention implement multi-directional environmental sensors. In one embodiment, a multi-directional environmental sensor includes: an inner conductive element that is substantially symmetrical about three orthogonal planes; an outer conductive element that is substantially symmetrical about three orthogonal planes; and a device that measures the electrical characteristics of the multi-directional environmental sensor, the device having a first terminal and a second terminal; where the inner conductive element is substantially enclosed within the outer conductive element; where the inner conductive element is electrically coupled to the first terminal of the device; and where the outer conductive element is electrically coupled to the second terminal of the device.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a hydraulic jack is provided having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion attached to a first section of a structure and the second portion attached to a second section of the structure. When a pressurized fluid is forced between the first portion and the second portion, a load is transferred to the first section and the second section by the pressure of the fluid on the first portion and the second portion. The first section and the second section are forced apart by the load, thus creating or enlarging at least one void in the structure. The pressurized fluid fills or partially fills one or more of the at least one void, thereby increasing the surface area effectively normal to the direction of the load in contact with the pressurized fluid.

Abstract: A material testing machine measuring strain of a tube-like test piece, comprising: a plurality of radial direction displacement detection units; an axis direction displacement detection unit; and a calculation unit that calculates the strain, wherein: each of first and second displacement meters of at least one of the radial direction displacement detection units comprises: a needle; a fixed frame; a movable frame; and a displacement sensor having a body part and a contact protruding from the body part, and wherein a tip of the contact contacts a stopper plate; the needle is oriented in the radial direction of the test piece; the needle protrudes from an end of the movable frame; displacement in the radial direction of the test piece is detected by detecting a moving amount of the needle; and the calculation unit calculates a curvature radius in the tube axis direction of the test piece.

Abstract: A torsion measurement device is disclosed. In one embodiment, the device includes a component having a marked surface and an optical sensor. The marked component and the optical sensor may be attached to a tube or other elongate member and positioned to enable the optical sensor to measure angular deflection of the tube from rotation of the marked component with respect to the optical sensor. The angular deflection may be combined with other data to determine applied torque and torsional stress on the tube or other elongate member. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A micromachined or microelectromechanical system (MEMS) based push-to-pull mechanical transformer for tensile testing of micro-to-nanometer scale material samples including a first structure and a second structure. The second structure is coupled to the first structure by at least one flexible element that enables the second structure to be moveable relative to the first structure, wherein the second structure is disposed relative to the first structure so as to form a pulling gap between the first and second structures such that when an external pushing force is applied to and pushes the second structure in a tensile extension direction a width of the pulling gap increases so as to apply a tensile force to a test sample mounted across the pulling gap between a first sample mounting area on the first structure and a second sample mounting area on the second structure.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for measuring the surface energy of a material. The device includes a pulling mechanism and a clamp. A film, including an adhesive side, is attached to a surface to be measured. The film is clamped to surface energy measuring device. The device is placed flush on the surface. A pulling mechanism is pulled until a triangular piece of film tears and is removed from the surface. The device is then lifted off of the surface and a measurement is made at the pre-calibrated marking nearest the tip of the triangle torn into film.

Abstract: A multiphase flow rate measurement device including a gas-liquid separator (100) that includes a container (10) having a top section (11), a bottom section (12) and a hollow body section (13), an inlet section (20) that is provided in the body section (13), a liquid outlet section (21) that is provided in the bottom section (12), a gas outlet section (22) that is provided in the top section (11), an inner pipe (30) that is connected to the top section (11), and a lower end of the inner pipe (30) being open at a position lower than a lower end of the inlet section (20), and a guide plate lower section (42) that is provided on an outer side surface of the inner pipe (30), a space (90) being formed in at least part of an area between a guide plate lower section (42) and the body section (13).

Abstract: A measurement arrangement comprises a clock generator (11) which can be coupled to an emitting ultrasonic transducer (13) and a mixing arrangement (12) for providing a first mixer output signal (SO1). The mixing arrangement (12) has a first input (18) which can be coupled to a receiving ultrasonic transducer (14) and a second input (19) which is coupled to the clock generator (11).

Abstract: A Kiel-style pressure probe includes pressure tubing having a remote sending end, the pressure tubing extending through an open-ended shroud, wherein the shroud has a diameter of at least about 0.375 to 0.50 inch and wherein a forward end of the shroud is formed with at least two drainage apertures in proximity to the remote sensing tip of the pressure tubing.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing roller skew, which involve ascertaining first and second thrust load properties applied to a roller while a rotary body rotates in opposing rotational directions, and adjusting an orientation of at least one bearing assembly for the roller until an amplitude difference between the first and second thrust load properties is below a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: In the method for measuring a micromechanical semiconductor component which comprises a reversibly deformable measuring element sensitive to mechanical stresses, which is provided with electronic circuit elements and terminal pads for tapping measurement signals, the measuring element (18) of the semiconductor component (16), for the purpose of determining the distance/force and/or distance/pressure characteristic curve thereof, is increasingly deformed by mechanical action of a plunger (32) which can in particular be advanced step by step. After a or after each step-by-step advancing movement of the plunger (32) by a predetermined distance quantity, the current measurement signals are tapped via the terminal pads (24). The semiconductor component (16) is qualified on the basis of the obtained measurement signals representing the distance/force and/or distance/pressure characteristic curve.

Abstract: A force sensor may include a sense die mounted to a substrate and an actuating assembly for transmitting an external force to the sense die. The sense die may include a diaphragm, a boss extending from the diaphragm, and one or more sensing elements (e.g., piezoresistive elements positioned on the diaphragm). The actuation assembly may include a force receiving feature configured to receive an external force at a first end and transfer at least a portion of the received external force through a second end to the diaphragm via intimate contact with a bottom side of the boss. In some cases, the force sensor may also include signal conditioning circuitry.

Abstract: A force sensor may include a sensing die with a sense diaphragm. An actuation assembly may include a button member and a pin and/or other features, where a first end of the pin may engage the sense diaphragm and a second end of the pin may engage the button to facilitate transferring a force applied to the button to the sense diaphragm. In some cases, the interface between the button member and the pin may allow the button member to swivel or pivot, at least to some degree, relative to the pin, which may facilitate transferring a force from the button member to the diaphragm with minimal mechanical loss. In some cases, the second end of the pin may be at least partially tapered, with the taper engaging the edge of an indentation in the button.

Abstract: A microflow analytical system includes a laminate pump assembly connectable with one or more sources of fluid, one or more pneumatic control pumps, a mixer, and a sensor. The laminate pump assembly is adapted to deliver predetermined volumes of the fluid(s) through a plurality of flow paths which are formed within layers of the assembly. Each flow path can include an inlet valve, a pump valve, and an outlet valve each of which are controllable by the pneumatic control pumps. A series of manifolds can be formed within the layers of the pump assembly to provide for simultaneous activation of selected flow paths. Delivered fluid volumes can be mixed in the mixer which, in some embodiments, may be integral with the laminate pump assembly. The sensor can measure one or more characteristics of the mixed fluids to determine one or more properties of the fluids.

Abstract: A milk sampling system for use with an automatic milking machine includes a metering pump (2) having an inlet (9) connected to a induction system (3) and an outlet (10) connected to a discharge system (5). The induction system includes a manifold block (4) with passages forming supply paths (12, 13, 15) for connecting the pump inlet to a milk source, a washing fluid source, and a source of pressurized air, and solenoid valves (21, 22, 25) to selectively open and close the supply paths. The discharge systems includes a manifold block (6) with passages forming a plurality discharge paths (27, 29, 31, 33) for successively delivering discrete milk samples for analysis, and solenoid valves (35, 36, 37, 38) to selectively open and close the discharge paths.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for sampling rock mass, especially jointed rock mass. The present disclosure provides a simple and convenient method for sampling jointed rock mass to prevent the rock sample from being disturbed and damaged during sampling and accordingly resulting in opening of the weak structural planes, to therefore obtain rock specimen correctly reflecting the basic physical and mechanical characteristics of rock mass comprising integral fissure network. The method for sampling jointed rock mass of the present disclosure comprises the following steps: Step a: Siting; Step b: Drilling; Step c: Protecting; and Step d: Sampling. The method is suitable for determining the basic mechanical properties of the rock mass and for assessing the stability of caverns in jointed rock mass.

Abstract: Disclosed are collection devices, kits, and methods for collecting and transporting one or more samples. A collection device of the present invention includes a central panel including a detachable sample strip. The sample strip has a sampling area for applying a sample on each side of the sample strip. The collection device includes two flaps, each capable of covering a portion of the sample strip that includes a sampling area. Consequently, a user is not exposed to a first sample when applying a second sample. Additionally, the sample strip can be detached without uncovering the sample strip.

Abstract: A two-speed power take-off unit adapted for installation in an all-wheel drive vehicle having a transversely mounted engine/transaxle powertrain. The two-speed power take-off unit includes a planetary gear reduction unit capable of establishing a high-range and a low-range drive connection between the powertrain and a transfer assembly. The transfer assembly provides drive torque to a front differential assembly driving the front wheels and a PTU gearset driving the rear wheels.

Abstract: The rack shaft supporting apparatus includes a support yoke, a plug, a torsion spring or a spiral spring and a guide bush. A plug cam portion of the plug includes three plug cam surfaces. A yoke cam portion of the support yoke includes three yoke cam surfaces having a shape corresponding to that of the plug cam surfaces. The yoke cam surface contacts to the plug cam surface. The torsion spring or the spiral spring imparts force rotating the yoke cam portion against the plug cam portion to the support yoke. The guide bush includes a bush body and an arm portion. The bush body is fixed to the housing. The arm portion supports a side portion of the rack shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rack and pinion steering system for a motor vehicle, comprising a steering box (2) in which a rack is displaceably mounted, and a thrust piece bore (1) accommodating a thrust piece which is forced against the rack by means of a set screw (11) screwed into a thread zone (6, 7). The invention is characterised in that a groove (8) is cut in the thread zone (6, 7) of the thrust piece bore radially outwards and a sealing ring (16) is inserted in said groove (8).

Abstract: A press drive for a press includes an elbow lever drive. The elbow lever drive comprises a first lever, a second lever and a connecting rod. The lengths of the two levers as well as the connecting rod are fixed. The first lever is pivotally supported on the press frame by a first support bearing. The second lever is supported on the plunger via a second support bearing. The connecting rod and the two levers are supported by an elbow joint so as to be pivotable relative to each other about a common pivot axis. The connecting rod is driven by an eccentric drive. An adjustment arrangement is provided for moving the eccentric drive relative to the press frame or respectively, the first support bearing. In this way, different operating modes can be established depending on the position of the eccentric drive along the adjustment path.

Abstract: A swash plate of a swash plate-type compressor is covered with a resin-based coating layer containing 5 to 60 mass % of spherical graphite particles having an average particle diameter of 5 to 50 ?m, the balance being one or more species selected from polyimide resin and polyamide-imide resin. The spherical graphite particles excepting minute particles having a particle diameter 0.5 times or smaller the average particle diameter, have an average shape coefficient (YAVE) falling within a range of 1 to 4, and 70% or more in number of the spherical graphite particles have a shape coefficient (Y) within a range of 1 to 1.5, YAVE=total[{PMi2/4?Ai}]/i Y=PM2/4?A wherein “total” indicates that a value in [ ] is totalized for number “i”, “PM” indicates the circumferential length of one particle, “A” indicates a cross sectional area of one particle, and “i” indicates the measurement number.

Abstract: An electric actuator is capable of easily achieving reduction in weight and size when compared to a hydraulic cylinder device, capable of being used in place of the hydraulic cylinder device, and capable of freely extending in response to a suddenly-applied impact load. An electric actuator converts rotation of an electric motor into advancing/retracting motion of an output rod using a screw shaft and a nut member mounted to the screw shaft. The output rod includes: a drive cylinder, to which the nut member is provided, the drive cylinder being arranged around the screw shaft; and a movable cylinder arranged to overlap the drive cylinder around the screw shaft and freely advancing and retreating with respect to the drive cylinder. The electric actuator further includes a releasing mechanism provided between the drive cylinder and the movable cylinder, for engaging the movable cylinder with the drive cylinder.

Abstract: Ball screw comprising a ball nut (1), which is rotatably mounted on a threaded shaft and on the inner circumference of which at least one ball thread (2) wound around an axis (8) in a coil shape is provided for balls (3) to roll on, wherein at least one recirculating element (5), which is arranged on the outer circumference of the ball nut (1) and which is provided with a recirculating channel for the balls (3), connects a start of a coil to an end of a coil of the ball thread by means of the two ends of the recirculating element in order to enable endless recirculation of the balls (3), wherein the ball nut (1) is provided with a flange (6) for fastening a belt pulley (15) and with a bearing seat (9), and a sleeve (12) pushed onto the ball nut is provided with a perfectly cylindrical outer circumferential surface, which outer circumferential surface secures the recirculating element (5) on the ball nut (1) and surrounds the ball nut (1) in a tubular shape between the flange (6) and the bearing seat (9).

Abstract: A control device for industrial machinery that includes a conventional mini-joystick comprising a drive shaft; a casing at least partially covering said the conventional mini-joystick; a plate element resting on the casing, the plate element including a central through hole allowing the passage of the drive shaft; and a hollow tubular runner internally comprising the drive shaft such that when the runner moves the drive shaft likewise moves; wherein the interaction between the runner and the plate element make the device highly sensitive when being used in industrial environments, and where the use of a conventional mini-joystick results in a small and portable device.

Abstract: A transmission device for an internal combustion engine for preventing components thereof from being damaged for making the components smaller in size and weight, reducing a load and a time required to shift gear positions for increased operability and for reducing overall size and weight. A transmission device for an internal combustion engine includes a shift drum angularly movable by a star-shaped drum plate that is turned when a change spindle is turned and a stopper roller for limiting the star-shaped drum plate against turning movement. The star-shaped drum plate includes peaks corresponding to a plurality of gear positions and valleys interposed between the peaks. A selected one of the valleys includes a curved wall for being more gently contacted by the stopper roller than curved surfaces of the other valleys which are contacted by the stopper roller.

Abstract: An actuating device for selecting gear steps in a gearshift transmission. The actuating device comprises a selector lever that can be moved between at least two drive-setting positions and a locking mechanism for restricting the movement range of the lever and locking certain positions or for locking the selector lever. The locking mechanism comprises a locking recess connected to the selector lever and a blocking cam that can be rotated by an actuator. The cam engages in the locking recess. Complex locking tasks are possible with the simplified actuating device. In addition, the range of movement of the selector lever can be freely positioned largely variably and its width can be changed. Furthermore, the selector lever of the actuating device is movable by the actuator or locked in a desired position.

Abstract: A shifting apparatus for a manual transmission which transmits shifting operations of a shift lever to the transmission and includes a control shaft rotatably and movably mounted to a control housing may include a control body which may be mounted to the control shaft and may be rotated with the control shaft or moved along an axial direction of the control shaft with the control shaft according to selecting operating or shifting operation, wherein a shift groove and a select groove may be formed to one side and the other side of the control body, and a stopper protruded on an inward side of the control housing corresponding to the control body for supporting the rotated control body along circumferential direction thereof.

Abstract: A gear shift device for a shiftable gear unit of a power tool includes a housing, an operating element, and a transmission member that acts upon a displaceable gear unit component. A bearing sliding guide is disposed in the interior of the housing and configured to slidingly guide the transmission member.

Abstract: A pivoting structure for a brake lever includes a connector having one end connected to a handle of a bicycle and another end having a assembling space opened thereon; a brake lever having one end which is assembled to the assembling space; and a pivoting set having a horizontal shaft and a vertical shaft, one end of the horizontal shaft inserted through a wall of the assembling space, the vertical shaft passing through one end of the brake lever, another end of the horizontal shaft connected to the vertical shaft. Therefore, the brake lever is vertically and horizontally pivotable on the connector via the pivoting set.

Abstract: A steering apparatus of the present invention includes a fixed bracket, a fastener, a primary cam that rotates with a rotation operation of the fastener, and a secondary cam that is non-rotatably attached to a fixed side portion and is in contact with the primary cam. Cam operating portions each including an inclined surface portion, a high level surface, and a contact protrusion are formed at regular intervals along a circumferential direction on a base flat surface of each of the primary cam and the secondary cam, and the inclined surface portion is constituted by a low gradually inclined surface, a middle sharply inclined surface, and a high gradually inclined surface arranged in this order from the base flat surface toward the high level surface. With the arrangement, operability of an operating lever in locking and unlocking is improved.

Abstract: A connection structure of a control cable includes one control cable, the other control cable, a joint case separable into pieces on respective sides of one and the other control cables, a joint member, and an attachment member. The other control cable includes first and second control cables. The attachment member has a fitting portion allowing fitting of an inner cable of each of the first and second control cables into an outer circumferential surface of the attachment member. The fitting portion can be exposed from an internal space when the joint case is separated. Thus, a connection structure of a control cable with which an inner cable can readily be removed can be obtained.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fixing element for locking a hinged hand crank on the input shaft of a support winch for semi-trailers, wherein the hand crank is fastened to the input shaft in an articulated manner and can pivot between at least one folded-in rest position and at least one folded-out usage position. According to the invention, said fixing element has a fastening section for fastening to the hand crank and a spring bar connected to the fastening section on which at least one locking section is formed, wherein the locking section reaches over the end face of the input shaft in a form-fitting manner in a folded-out usage position of the hand crank and is simultaneously pulled against said end face of the input shaft.

Abstract: A cam part (1) is provided for a variable sliding cam valve drive of an internal combustion engine, which cam part (1) can be mounted on a basic shaft of the sliding cam valve drive fixedly so as to rotate with it but axially displaceably, and has one or more cam groups (2, 3) and at least one connecting link piece (4) with at least one spiral groove (5) for an actuator pin engagement. At least one weight-reducing groove (7) which does not coincide with the spiral groove (5) is formed on the outer casing (6) of the cam part (1).

Abstract: It is a kind of crank mechanism that consists of a crank and a link. There are two key parts: one is a crank, it is to do a revolving motion; another is a link, it is to draw the crank. The purpose is to change the route of motion.

Abstract: A quick release pedal is revealed. The quick release pedal includes a pedal shaft for being assembled with a pedal, a connection member, a positioning pin, and a moving part. The pedal shaft is disposed with a fastening part and a mounting slot. A mounting hole corresponding to the mounting slot is arranged at the connection member. The positioning pin includes a circular groove, a mounting part corresponding to the mounting hole, and a locking part. The moving part is sleeved over a wall surface of the connection member arranged with the mounting hole. At least one long slot corresponding to the locking part of the positioning pin is disposed on the moving part. At least one magnetic part is mounted between the moving part and the wall surface. Thus assembly and disassembly of the pedal is more convenient and faster by the magnetic part attached to the wall surface.

Abstract: A crankshaft for an internal combustion engine comprises at least five main journals aligned on a crankshaft axis of rotation and at least eight crankpins, each of the crankpins being disposed about a respective crankpin axis and positioned between the main journals. Each of the respective crankpin axes is oriented parallel to, and spaced radially from, the crankshaft axis of rotation. Each of the crankpins is joined to a pair of crank arms for force transmission between each of the crankpins and the respective crank arms. Each crank arm is joined to a respective main journal for transmitting torque between the crank arm and the main journal. At least four of the crankpins are spaced radially a first semi-stroke distance from the crankshaft axis of rotation, and at least four remaining crankpins are spaced radially a second semi-stroke distance from the crankshaft axis of rotation.

Abstract: A crankshaft for an internal combustion engine comprises at least four main journals aligned on a crankshaft axis of rotation and at least six crankpins, each being disposed about a respective crankpin axis and positioned between the at least four main journals. Each of the respective crankpin axes is oriented parallel to, and spaced radially from, the crankshaft axis of rotation. Each of the at least six crankpins is joined to a pair of crank arms for force transmission between each of the at least six crankpins and the respective pair of crank arms. Each crank arm is joined to a respective main journal for transmitting torque between the crank arm and the main journal. The at least six crankpins are disposed asymmetrically about the crankshaft axis of rotation.

Abstract: A strain wave gear apparatus includes a rigid internal gear, a flexible external gear, and a wave generator. The wave generator includes an input shaft fixing member including eccentric cams, bearings respectively fixed to outer sides of the eccentric cams, and housings respectively fitted to outer peripheral surfaces of the bearings. The eccentric cams are arranged side by side in a direction of an inclined axis inclined with respect to an input rotation axis at an inclination angle (?) in a manner that respective center axes of the eccentric cams are parallel to the inclined axis and decentered in directions opposite to each other from the inclined axis. The housings are each formed into a tapered shape so that an outer peripheral surface of each of the housings is held in surface contact with an inner peripheral surface of the flexible external gear.