Abstract: There is shown a tool holder for a hob, which is embodied as a bore having a clamping device provided between a spindle and a counterholder, the clamping device having a centring clamping piece that is engageable in the hob and a receiving mandrel that is engageable in the hob, the receiving mandrel being braced with the centring clamping piece in order to mount the hob, wherein the centring clamping piece has a flange. In order to ensure the best concentric running properties in a stable manner, it is proposed that the centring clamping piece and the receiving mandrel each have a flange, which each mount a radial adjusting drive with at least one adjusting member that is adjustable with respect to the spindle and/or the counterholder in order to center the clamping device.

Abstract: An electric discharge machining apparatus includes: electrodes the total quantity of which is equal to N; an alternating-current power source; and capacitors the total quantity of which is equal to N. The alternating-current power source applies an alternating voltage commonly to the electrodes. One end of each of the capacitors is connected to a corresponding one of the electrodes, whereas the other ends of the capacitors are commonly connected to the alternating-current power source.

Abstract: The invention relates to a selective soldering plant for the soldering of electronic circuit boards, at least one container for liquid solder, a soldering arrangement with at least one soldering nozzle and at least one pump for conveying the liquid solder to the soldering arrangement being provided, an inner shielding device for at least partially shielding the soldering arrangement upwardly with regard to a gas flow being provided above the soldering arrangement, and an inflow device being provided, through which gas, in particular protective gas, can in any event flow into the region below the inner shielding device. It is proposed that an outer shielding device for at least partially shielding the inner shielding device upwardly with regard to a gas flow be provided.

Abstract: A cathodic protection device enclosing a reference cell and a conductive media and having two coupon assemblies mounted, facing opposing direction, on an exterior surface. The coupon assemblies each have a disc-shaped coupon seated in a coupon jacket and are electrically coupled to a wire. The coupon jacket defines a pocket in a first surface and a groove in a second, opposing surface thereof. The disc-shaped coupon is seated in the pocket and the wire is seated in the groove with the electrical junction therebetween aligned with an aperture connecting the pocket to the groove. A sealing material is used to form a watertight seal between the disc-shaped coupon and the pocket and fills the groove. The device includes a hydrophilic porous member having a first surface in communication with the conductive media and a second surface in communication with an external environment.

Abstract: An electric arc welder including a high speed switching power supply with a controller for creating high frequency current pulses with negative polarity components through the gap between a workpiece and a welding wire advancing toward the workpiece, where the pulses and a background current defining a series of weld cycles. A wave shape generator defines the shape of the pulses and the background current including a controlled ramp up and/or ramp down in each of said cycles, and a circuit to change the shapes of the pulses and/or background current in a repeating pattern in each of the weld cycles, including a negative current in at one of said pulses. The shape change in a cycle can be between first and second shapes or by a rhythmic AC modulation.

Abstract: A power supply is provided. The power supply in one form includes a rectifier circuit, a capacitor and an RC circuit. The rectifier circuit is configured to receive a three phase AC signal. The rectifier circuit has a positive output connected to a positive node and a negative output connected to a negative node. The capacitor is connected in parallel with the rectifier circuit between the positive node and the negative node. The RC circuit includes a resistor and capacitor connected in electrical series connection where the resistor and capacitor are connected between the positive node and the negative node in parallel with the first capacitor and the rectifier circuit.

Abstract: A torch-mounted power controller mounts to the handle of a welding torch and includes a control lever that is operated by the user's finger. The control lever is arranged to allow the user to hold the torch with a normal grip. Power supply to the welding torch is controlled by applying finger pressure to a control lever. A voltage control circuit is operatively connected to the control lever and controls the amount of power supplied responsive to the movement of the control lever.

Abstract: A power supply assembly for a plasma arc torch is provided. The power supply assembly includes an input circuit, an energy storage device, a torch connector and an output circuit. The input circuit is configured to produce a first output signal. The energy storage device is electrically connected to the input circuit for receiving a charge signal therefrom. The energy storage device is capable of producing a second output signal. The torch connector is electrically connected to the input circuit and the energy storage device for receiving the first and second output signals through the output circuit. The torch connector is configured to supply at least one of the first or second output signal to the plasma arc torch to sustain a plasma arc.

Abstract: An ultrasonic jointing method is provided for performing an ultrasonic joint of a conductor part which is exposed by removing a coating of an electric wire with respect to a terminal. The ultrasonic jointing method includes: holding the conductor part of the electric wire and the terminal between an anvil and a horn in which a concave part is formed; and applying an ultrasonic vibration to the conductor part of the electric wire and the terminal that are held between the anvil and the horn. The conductor part is received in the concave part which has a space area of 0.89 to 1.46 times as large as a cross-sectional area of the conductor part of the electric wire.

Abstract: A fiber laser beam machine includes a machining head that condenses a laser beam and irradiates the laser beam on a workpiece; a fiber that guides the laser beam output from a laser oscillator to the machining head; a fiber connector that fixedly joins the fiber to the machining head; a cable holding device such as a cable bear (registered trademark) that is flexible, is in a U shape, and houses the fiber; and a fixing section that fixedly joins the cable holding device to the machining head.

Abstract: A pure Ar-MIG welding wire for welding steel according to the present invention is formed of a flux-cored wire. The flux-cored wire is formed in the manner that a formation formed by welding a carbon steel hoop into a pipe shape or a seamless pipe is used as an outer sheath, the outer sheath is filled with a flux, and a wire drawing process is performed. The flux accounts for 7 to 27 mass % of the total wire mass. The wire contains graphite in the amount of 0.16 to 2.00 mass % on the basis of the total wire mass and iron powder in the amount of 20 mass % on the basis of the total flux mass. According to the construction, neither expensive metal resource nor a greenhouse effect gas is used, slag and fume generation is inhibited, and a weld joint having a high static tensile strength and fatigue strength can be obtained.

Abstract: A method for depositing material layers on a workpiece made of a material which contains a titanium aluminide includes the steps of: preparing the workpiece; heating the workpiece in a localized region by induction to a predefined preheating temperature; and depositing an additive, preferably in powder form, on the heated surface of the workpiece by build-up welding, in particular laser build-up welding, plasma build-up welding, micro-plasma build-up welding, TIG build-up welding or micro-TIG build-up welding; the additive including a titanium aluminide.

Abstract: Processing used pistons includes receiving defective and non-defective pistons removed from service, sorting the used pistons into standard and expanded processing categories, and repairing a defect in pistons in the expanded processing category via welding. An inventory of interchangeable replacement pistons is populated with remanufactured pistons from both the standard and expanded processing categories.

Abstract: A method for machining and finishing a metallic member to provide a finished product without any additional process uses a lathe and a milling process. A non-circular metallic member on a worktable is rotated, and lathe tool moved backwards and forwards to machine the peripheral top portion of the metallic member. The path of the lathe tool machines curved surfaces of the top portion of the metallic member. The rotation of the metallic member is then stopped, and a milling cutter is brought to meet the peripheral sidewall of the metallic member. The movement and feeding of the milling cutter is predetermined. The worktable rotates the metallic member to enable one end edge of the peripheral sidewall and then another to face the milling cutter, and have the end edge chamfered by the milling cutter.

Abstract: A structure and method of mounting a heat sink having a body and mounting points configured so as to connect to a mounting medium, at least one of the mounting points being configured to allow movement in a thermally-induced expansion direction.

Abstract: A method for connecting a first component to a second component having a through hole includes the following steps: bringing the two components against one another and positioning them relative to one another, detecting the spatial position of the hole by a position detection electronic unit, positioning a connecting element at a location within the hole as a function of the spatial position of the hole or as a function of position data determined by the position detection electronic unit, connecting the connecting element to the first component, with the result that the connecting element projects into or through the hole, and clipping onto the connecting element a clip element which holds the two components together.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an ultrasonic probe having an increased number (e.g., twelve) of ultrasonic sensors for measuring the level of liquid within a sealed container. The ultrasonic probe includes a neck tube that enables the ultrasonic probe to be used with existing, standardized container fittings despite having an enlarged barrel to accommodate the increased number of ultrasonic sensors. Embodiments of the present invention also provide a system and method in which ultrasonic sensors within an ultrasonic probe are activated one at a time to reduce crosstalk between the ultrasonic sensors and their wiring.

Abstract: A method for retrofitting an already existing gas turbine power plant is provided. The method features at least the following steps: fluidically connecting a gas turbine to a flue gas duct which is suitable for conducting flue gas which is produced by the gas turbine; connecting the flue gas duct to a steam generating unit which is fluidically connected to a water-steam cycle, and via which water-steam cycle a power generating facility can be operated; fluidically connecting a CO2 separation apparatus to the flue gas duct for separating the CO2 from the flue gas in the flue gas duct; and electrically connecting the power generating facility to the CO2 separation apparatus, preferably for the essentially energy-autonomous operation of the CO2 separation apparatus.

Abstract: In an electric clamp apparatus, a drive unit including a motor is disposed on an end of a body on which a clamp arm is rotatably supported. The drive unit includes a hollow housing connected to the body, and a motor unit, which is configured to be accommodated in the interior of the housing. After the motor unit has been inserted into the interior of the housing from one end side thereof, two lock plates, which are disposed on a frame of the motor unit, are rotated, whereby holes of the lock plates are made to engage with projections of the housing. As a result, the motor unit is fixed in a state of being accommodated in the housing.

Abstract: A key cutting machine includes a housing, carriage, key clamp, and motor to drive the carriage. The key cutting machine may include a vacuum removably attached to the housing. The key cutting machine may be selected between manual, automatic, and semi-automatic user modes. Additional improvements or features of a key cutting machine are also described.

Abstract: Disclosure relates to a fixed abrasive-grain processing device and a method of fixed abrasive-grain processing used for producing a semiconductor wafer, and a method for producing a semiconductor wafer which make the surface of the semiconductor wafer possible to have preferable flatness and which can prevent the number of steps and the installation area of facilities from increasing.

Abstract: A device for finish-machining a workpiece in the form of a crankshaft or a camshaft includes a workpiece holder and a rotational drive configured to rotate the workpiece about a workpiece axis. A first finishing tool is configured to machine a main bearing which is concentric with the workpiece axis. A second finishing tool is configured to machine an additional bearing which is radially offset from the workpiece axis. A first tool drive is configured to generate an oscillating movement of the first finishing tool in a direction parallel to the workpiece axis. A second tool drive is configured to generate an oscillating movement of the second finishing tool which is independent of the movement of the first finishing tool in a direction parallel to the workpiece axis.

Abstract: A high speed polishing device useful for polishing a large number of miniature components, such as multi-layer electronic components, is disclosed. In various embodiments of the present invention, a vertical planetary ball mill or other barrel polishing device is modified to rotate polishing containers having a modified interior cavity structure. This interior cavity provides a smooth, gradually curved interior sidewall that improves circulation within the container during high-speed vertical polishing rotation. The improved circulation results in polishing for a larger number of components placed within the container and in less time than existing polishing container structures. In further embodiments, the containers are rotated around a generally tilted axis positioned at an angle between entirely vertical and horizontal positions. Rotation about a tilted axis further reduces collisions and increases relative polishing movement within the container.

Abstract: A tool for use during the abrasive flow polishing of an airfoil cluster in an abrasive flow machine is described. The tool may comprise a body and prongs extending from the body. Each prong of the tool may be configured to insert between an adjacent pair of airfoils of the airfoil cluster to create at least one channel therebetween. The channel may allow the flow of an abrasive media therethrough.

Abstract: A substrate holding apparatus holds a substrate and presses the substrate against a polishing pad. The substrate holding apparatus includes a top ring configured to hold the substrate and press the substrate against the polishing pad, a vertical movement mechanism configured to vertically move the top ring, a torque detector configured to detect a torque of the vertical movement mechanism when the top ring is being lowered or being lifted by the vertical movement mechanism, and a controller in which a torque of the vertical movement mechanism when the top ring is brought into contact with a surface of the polishing pad at the time of a pad search is preset as a torque limit value. The controller calculates a torque correction amount from the torque detected by the torque detector and a preset reference value, and corrects the torque limit value by using the torque correction amount.

Abstract: The polishing device includes an edge chamber that presses the surface to be polished against the polishing pad by pressing a back side of the surface to be polished of the wafer, a thickness measuring unit that estimates a remaining film profile of the surface to be polished of the wafer in realtime during polishing, and a closed loop control device that controls a pressing force on the back side of the surface to be polished by the edge chamber in accordance with a measurement result by the thickness measuring unit during polishing. The closed loop control device controls not only the pressing by the edge chamber during polishing, but also the pressure of a retainer ring as a periphery of the edge chamber affecting the pressing of the surface to be polished against the polishing pad.

Abstract: Among other things, one or more systems and techniques for increasing temperature for chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) are provided. For example, a liquid heater component is configured to supply heated liquid to a polishing pad upon which a semiconductor wafer is to be polished, resulting in a heated polishing pad having a heated polishing pad temperature. The increased temperature of the heated polishing pad increases oxidation of the semiconductor wafer, which improves a CMP removal rate of material from the semiconductor wafer due to a decreased oxidation timespan and a stabilization timespan for reaching a stable CMP removal rate during CMP. In this way, the semiconductor wafer is polished utilizing the heated polishing pad, such as by a tungsten CMP process.

Abstract: A substrate holding apparatus and a polishing apparatus which can reduce vibrations of a top ring in its entirety by damping vibrations transmitted from a retaining ring to a top ring body is disclosed. The substrate holding apparatus includes a top ring body having a substrate holding surface configured to hold and press a substrate against a polishing surface, a retaining ring configured to surround the substrate and to contact the polishing surface, and a drive ring comprising a ring member configured to hold the retaining ring on a lower surface thereof, a central member disposed at a central part of the top ring body and supported by the top ring body, and a connecting portion configured to connect the ring member and the central member. The drive ring includes a first material and a second material having a modulus of longitudinal elasticity smaller than the first material.

Abstract: A fixture is provided for retaining a metal workpiece for contact by finishing media during operation of a media based finishing operation. The fixture comprises a body and a magnet for retaining the workpiece in contact with the body. By use of super-magnetic materials a significant holding force may be achieved.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a polishing device includes a stage, a polishing unit, and a strain measuring unit. The stage is rotatable together with a semiconductor wafer. The polishing unit polishes the rear surface of the semiconductor wafer mounted on the stage beside the stage. The strain measuring unit measures a first strain that is a radial-direction strain of the semiconductor wafer and a second strain that is a circumferential-direction strain of the semiconductor wafer during the polishing.

Abstract: A protective hood device with at least one protective hood basic body is configured to at least partially cover an insertable tool of a portable power tool. The protective hood device has at least one functional recess, and at least one covering unit which is mounted on the at least one protective hood basic body so as to be movable relative to the at least one protective hood basic body. The at least one covering unit is configured to cover the at least one functional recess of the at least one protective hood basic body in at least one first position. The at least one protective hood device further includes a locking unit which is configured to lock the at least one covering unit in the at least one first position relative to the at least one protective hood basic body.

Abstract: A disc-shaped grindstone 1 includes a plurality of split grindstones provided in an outer circumferential surface of a disc-shaped base 3. At least a part of the split grindstones include a moving grindstone 6 which is movable in the axial direction of the disc-shaped base 3. Since a part of the split grindstones 4 is the moving grindstone 6 which is movable in the axial direction, the width of the disc-shaped grindstone 1 may be changed in a manner such that the moving grindstone 6 is moved in the axial direction. Accordingly, it is possible to promptly handle a plurality of kinds of grinding targets without replacing the disc-shaped grindstone 1.

Abstract: A polycrystalline diamond element leaching assembly includes a polycrystalline diamond element, a protective leaching cup surrounding at least a portion of the polycrystalline diamond element, and a liner positioned between the polycrystalline diamond element and the protective leaching cup. A leaching assembly for processing a polycrystalline diamond element includes a protective leaching cup configured to surround at least a portion of a polycrystalline diamond element and a liner configured to be positioned between the polycrystalline diamond element and the protective leaching cup. A method of processing a polycrystalline diamond element includes assembling a polycrystalline diamond element, a liner, and a protective leaching cup such that the liner is disposed between the polycrystalline diamond element and the protective leaching cup, and exposing at least a portion of the polycrystalline diamond element to a leaching agent.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an improved clamp for securing two members together. The invention includes a pair of clamp jaws that may be positioned in spaced relation to each another and adjusted in three dimensions.

Abstract: A tire bead locking tool is provided. The tool may include a body; a first jaw connected to the body; a second jaw pivotally connected to the body and located to oppose the first jaw; a locking mechanism configured to selectively lock the first and second jaws in a relative position with respect to each other; and a resilient member attached to one of the first and second jaws and located between the first and second jaws. A method of manufacturing may also be provide. The method may include: forming a body; forming a pair of jaws on the body wherein at least one of the jaws pivots with respect to the body; attaching a resilient member to at least one of the jaws; and forming a locking mechanism that can selectively lock the jaws in a position; and extending a handle further from the jaws than the locking mechanism.

Abstract: A garbage disposal installation tool is provided that is adapted to support a garbage disposal from its upper opening and through the sink drain, whereby the disposal unit is supported from above while the installer secures the unit to the sink drain. The device comprises a tool body having an elongated, threaded rod with an upper end and a lower end. The upper end comprises a handle, while the lower end comprises a pivotable garbage disposal support member adapted to support the disposal unit from its upper opening and from the interior thereof. Along the threaded rod is a sink drain bridge element that is adapted to bear against the upper surface of a sink drain and support the tool body and the disposal unit therefrom. The bridge element is threaded to the elongated rod and positionable along its length to elevate the disposal unit by rotating the handle.

Abstract: This invention provides a tool for tightening and loosening lenses with respect to camera bodies. The tool includes a body that defines a cavity that is slightly larger in diameter than the sidewalls of the lens adjacent the lens face. Within the cavity is a thin, high-friction, elastomeric material that resides between the edges of the lens when the cavity is pressurably engaged over the lens face. The material frictionally couples the tool body to the lens face and adjacent side walls, thereby allowing a predetermined level of torque to be applied to tighten or loosen the lens. The tool can be adapted for attachment to a handle, such as a torque wrench or can include a handle specifically adapted/contoured for grasping by a user's hand.

Abstract: A pneumatic tool has an outer casing, a selector valve, a switching button and a cover. The outer casing has two elongated holes formed through an external surface of the outer casing, and facing and communicating to each other. The selector valve is rotatably mounted in the outer casing and has a communicating hole and two connecting blocks. The connecting blocks are axially formed on and protrude from an external surface of the selector valve, align with each other and respectively face the elongated holes. The switching button is detachably connected to one of the connecting blocks and extends out of one of the elongated holes. The cover is detachably connected to the outer casing to cover the other elongated hole and has a shape corresponding to a shape of the external surface of the outer casing.

Abstract: Drive plates of a hydraulic torque wrench cartridge are thickened for extended surface contact with three pawls and a direct contact with the piston rod. The drive plates are held together and are additionally stiffened by dowel pins and shoulder screws. Snap pins are axially slide able and spring loaded connecting the piston rod with the drive plates in an easily disengage able fashion. Three pawls are arrayed in a pitch adjusted with respect to the ratchet teeth pitch in correspondence with an elastic deformation of the drive plates for a balanced force transfer across them. The pawl-tooth interfaces are also in an outward opening angle preventing them from snapping free under load.

Abstract: Illustrative embodiments of power tools with spindle locks are disclosed. In one illustrative embodiment, a power tool may include a drive train including an output assembly, the output assembly including a spindle configured to support a tool element, a power source configured to selectively supply energy to the drive train to cause the output assembly including the spindle to rotate, a switch movable between a first position in which the power source does not supply energy to the drive train and a second position in which the power source supplies energy to the drive train, and a spindle lock configured to automatically engage the output assembly including the spindle when the switch is in the first position and to automatically disengage the output assembly including the spindle when the switch is in the second position, the spindle lock preventing rotation of the output assembly including the spindle when engaged.

Abstract: An angle impact tool includes a handle assembly extending along a first axis, a prime mover in the handle, an output shaft rotatable about the first axis, and a work attachment connected to the handle assembly. An output drive is supported in the work attachment for rotation about an output axis perpendicular to the first axis. A gear assembly including a spur gear is positioned within the work attachment to transfer torque from the prime mover about the first axis to the output drive about the output axis. An impact mechanism is positioned within the work attachment and includes a hammer and an anvil. The hammer rotates under the influence of the prime mover and is operable to periodically deliver an impact load to the anvil. The output drive rotates about the output axis under the influence of the impact load being transmitted to the output drive by the anvil.

Abstract: A hand tool includes a handle with a shank and a fixing member is connected to the shank. An isolation layer is coated on the outside of the shank and an annular groove is defined between the isolation layer and the fixing member. A socket has a lip having a positioning member to be engaged with a notch of the fixing member. A guide member is located beside the positioning member. A ring-shaped locking member is connected to the socket and has a recess with which the guide member is engaged. The locking member has two flexible blocks. A positioning member has a protrusion inserted into the through hole of the locking member and has a ridge contacting the lip of the socket. The protrusion has two passages, which are engaged with the two blocks. A bit is inserted into the reception hole of the positioning member.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing a pin from a target location is described. The apparatus includes a rod; a clamp that includes multiple arms and attached to a one end of the rod; a sleeve coupled to the rod and adapted to enclose the clamp, where the arms of the clamp are pushed towards each other to engage with a pin in the enclosed position. The apparatus further includes a clip member to couple with the rod for removing the pin from the clamp by disengaging the clamp from the sleeve. The clip member includes a first arm coupled to a second arm via a pivot member, the clip member being adapted to couple to the rod between the sleeve and a hammer. The hammer is coupled to the rod and adapted to strike a force on the clip member to disengage the clamp from the sleeve.

Abstract: An installation tool for inserting a helical threaded insert into a tapped hole includes a driving mechanism, a series of mandrels and a series of head tubes. When a user wants to rebuild a broken tapped hole, the user can choose one mandrel and a related head tube with suitable size for rebuilding the broken tapped hole. Furthermore, a special threaded hole is defined in the head tube to reduce the size of the helical threaded insert for matching the broken tapped hole so that the user can rebuild the tapped hole easily.

Abstract: A fastener-driving tool includes a housing and a workpiece-contacting element movable between a rest position and an activated position. The tool also includes a trigger connected to the housing and movable between a rest position and an activated position, a control valve including an actuating pin, an actuation lever movably connected to the trigger and movable between a rest position and an actuating position adjacent to the actuating pin, and a trigger control mechanism associated with the actuation lever and configured for moving and holding the actuation lever in the actuating position. In a powered mode, the trigger control mechanism causes the-actuation lever to move and remain in the actuating position such that the tool is actuated each time the workpiece-contacting element contacts a workpiece and moves to the activated position causing the actuation lever to contact the actuating pin and initiate an actuation of the tool.

Abstract: A hand-held power tool has a torque-limiting unit with which a maximum torque transferred from a motor output shaft to a tool driver is adjustable by an operator. The torque-limiting unit has a spring system with spring elements having substantially similar characteristics (such as length, compression forces, etc.) and yet generating different spring forces.

Abstract: A power tool is provided with a prime mover which causes the tool to rotate and a housing which houses the prime mover. In a back-end face that is positioned on an opposite side on the housing from a tool side, a back-end groove, into which a user can position his/her web between his/her thumb and forefinger, is formed. A pair of side-face grooves, into which the user can place the thumb and forefinger, are formed in both side faces of the housing. A depth changing portion is formed in at least one of the side-face grooves, such that the depth is reduced toward the back-end face of the housing. According to this structure, even when the housing is gripped directly from the back-end face, the user can easily draw up or raise the power tool.

Abstract: A detachable grip is provided with bracket system that can be removably attached to a desired location along the length of a fishing rod, and that has a removable grip which attaches to the bracket. More particularly, in one embodiment the bracket girdles the fishing rod using bolts to fasten a top half of the bracket to the bottom half of the bracket. In one or more embodiments, the grip attaches to the bracket and extends in a direction away from the bracket that is substantially in a direction perpendicular to the rod. In one embodiment, the grip is attached to the bracket by a bolt, and is adapted to allow the grip to be readily detached.

Abstract: A wall mounted tool rack having a plurality of pivotally attachable panels is disclosed. The tool rack includes an open rectangular frame mountable on a vertical wall, wherein the frame includes a number of horizontal mounting apertures which are spaced to match a spacing of a wall stud and accept a fastener used to mount the frame flush to the vertical wall, and a number of pivot apertures. The pivot apertures accept top and bottom pins of a mounting rail which is attached to a panel, and allows the panel to rotate about a vertical axis through at least 120 degrees of rotation. The panels may be composed of peg-board and may accept mounting clips which provide a means to attach or hang tools of different sizes, shapes, and weights to the panel.

Abstract: A manipulator includes an elongated main unit, a bending portion, and a distal end portion that are disposed in this order from a basal end; a plurality of main bending mechanisms having main linear members that extend from the distal end portion to the main unit, main motive-power generating portions), and main motive-power transmitting portions that transmit motive powers generated by the main motive-power generating portions to the main linear members in the form of linear motions in the longitudinal direction; a plurality of auxiliary bending mechanisms that are provided so as to form pairs with the respective main bending mechanisms and parallel thereto and that exert a pressing force and a tensile force on the distal end portion; and switching portions that selectively actuate either the main bending mechanisms or the auxiliary bending mechanisms, which are paired.