Abstract: Apparatus for driving a roller-shutter door comprises a driving plate, a planetary-gearset, a stationary housing, and adjustable control means. The adjustable control means is mounted in the stationary housing for cooperating with the driving plate as well as the planetary-gearset for controlling the actuation of a motor whereby a roller-shutter door can be moved to a predetermined limit position. More especially, the adjustable control means is disposed to extend from the stationary housing such that the adjustable control means can be manually adjusted from outside of the stationary housing.

Abstract: A motorized control for a derailleur for bicycles including a box accommodating a motor. The motor has a drive axle pivotally connected to a worm for actuating a transmission mechanism comprising a drive gear, a couple of driven gears engaging with the drive gear, and a control wheel. The bottom side of the control wheel is provided with two symmetrical posts round which a cable may be wound. Two microswitches are disposed at the outer periphery of the control wheel. When the posts of the control wheel touches the respective microswitches, the rotational angle of the control wheel may be controlled and the control wheel positioned. The box is mounted on the bicycle and electrical switches are installed at the handlebar. When the motor rotates in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction, the cable may be controlled via the control wheel to become taut or relaxed to thereby control the speed of the bicycle.

Abstract: An actuator for a motor vehicle friction clutch comprises a drive system, a transmission which converts its motion into an essentially translational motion of an output element, whereby the travel of the transmission can be limited by at least one stop, and a clutch position regulating system.

Abstract: An arm 12 for holding a tool-setting probe 14 in a machine tool is rotatable between an operative position and an inoperative position. The operative position is defined by elements 48,52 which form a stop against further rotary motion beyond the operative position. These elements 48,52 are arranged as a kinematic support, so that the operative position is defined in a precisely repeatable manner. Springs 40 urge the elements 48,52 together. When the arm is in the operative position, these springs are stretched by a repeatable amount, so that they provide a repeatable force, in order to increase the precision of the operative position.

Abstract: A device providing an accurate adjustment of the length of a reciprocating stroke of an actuating rod of a linear actuator. The stroke control device includes a cam-plate mounting shaft 9 horizontally disposed within a limit switch box so that a plurality of limit-switch actuating cam plates 11A-11C mounted on the mounting shaft 9 for actuation of a corresponding number of limit switches LA-LC to control the stroke length of the actuating rod can be observed in one view as a horizontal array of laterally spaced, vertically disposed cam plates.

Abstract: A device for detecting the limits of the rotational motion of a rotating member in an industrial robot is provided. The rotating member rotates in a first and a second rotational direction about an axis relative to a fixed member. The device comprises a limit switch provided on one of the members and a contact piece, provided on the fixed member, for activating the limit switch. The contact piece is rotatable between first and second angular position about an axis parallel to the axis of rotating member.

Abstract: An arm 12 for holding a tool-setting probe 14 in a machine tool is rotatable between an operative position and an inoperative position. The operative position is defined by elements 48,52 which form a stop against further rotary motion beyond the operative position. These elements 48,52 are arranged as a kinematic support, so that the operative position is defined in a precisely repeatable manner. Springs 40 urge the elements 48,52 together. When the arm is in the operative position, these springs are stretched by a repeatable amount, so that they provide a repeatable force, in order to increase the precision of the operative position.

Abstract: A positioning mechanism includes a housing, at least one holding member inserted into a lateral opening formed in the housing at the side wall, thereof and an electrostrictive effect element mounted on the holding member. When the electrostrictive effect element is energized, it expands to urge the holding member against a moving member which is to be stopped and held a desired location.

Abstract: An adjustable limit switch mechanism for controlling the operation of an electric motor of a garage door opener over a selected range of movement including a motor driven threaded shaft supporting at least one switch actuator which is adjustably positionable and restrained from rotary movement while being axially translated by rotation of the shaft. A limit switch is mounted adjacent the threaded shaft so as to be actuated as the switch actuator is translated axially on the shaft.

Abstract: A low-noise, paper pick or other single cycle mechanism is obtained by employing a rotary solenoid (15) which has a force to a detent position which may be overcome by force from a drive roller (1). In the detent position the drive roller faces a blank sector (5) of a gear (3) which is integral with a shaft (7), which is the shaft to be turned. An electrical control signal to the solenoid rotates gear (3) through gear (13), which is directly driven by the solenoid, and which turns gear (11) on the shaft. The drive gear overcomes the force of the solenoid until it is disengaged after one cycle, at which time the detent force of the solenoid holds the mechanism in its detent position.

Abstract: An output torque sensing and limiting mechanism, for preventing the continued application of torque to a load when the torque exceeds a selected value. The mechanism is positioned at the end of a gear train, meshed with the final gear and adapted to transmit the output torque to the load, through an output adapter. An input gear assembly includes a sector gear, meshed with the gear train, for receiving the input torque. A housing assembly is rotationally carried on the input gear assembly, with wing members extending to define a wing angle. The sector gear lies in the wing angle, with vertical gear ends adjacent each wing member. A torque sensor subassembly is carried in each wing member, consisting of a bearing button positioned in registration with the sector gear end, biased into position by a wave spring and adjustable by means of a retainer button. Microswitches are carried on the sector gear, located with the switch elements extending into the gap between the sector gear and each wing member.

Abstract: Transmission that converts a rotary into a translational motion and is preferably attached to a motorized drive assembly, with a rotary drive mechanism and a translationally channeled motion-transmitting component that is attached to the drive mechanism in the vicinity of a track and driven by the drive mechanism. A controller wheel is attached to the motion-transmitting component by way of a cogged gear that converts the translational motion of the motion-transmitting component into a rotary motion on the part of the activating wheel. At least one activating component on the controller wheel engages at least one switch in accordance with the angle of rotation of the controller wheel.

Abstract: An actuator of the type having a limit switch for setting the range through which the actuator's output element moves, has a first element fixed to the output element and a second element carrying an actuation element for tripping the limit switch. Tripping the limit switch during movement of the output element stops movement at that position. A detent mechanism shared by the first and second elements maintains the current position between the first and second elements until force is applied to the second element to overcome the resisting detent force and shift the second element relative to the first element. By so shifting the second element, the position of the actuator's output element is changed to thereby change the position of the output element at which the limit switch is tripped and thereby the range of motion for the output element.

Abstract: The device comprises at least one lead screw (2) driving a sliding yoke (23) whose guide bar (22) is mounted on a rocker arm (19). The lead screw actuates a switch (27) by means of a cam (28) via the sliding yoke. A deliberate action on the rocker arm moves away the sliding yoke (23) which is brought instantaneously into initial position by a spring (25). The lead screw (2) is for preference disengageable by means of an arm (29) driven by the axle of the sliding yoke. This arm provides an angular positioning of the lead screw by acting on a heart-shaped cam (10).The device permits rapid, sure and precise setting of the stopping points of a motor.

Abstract: In the electric actuator of the present invention, the power converting mechanism is provided for converting the rotary power of the motor into linear power of the driven member, which needs no special component part. Therefore, in comparison with the prior art power converting mechanism, it is advantage in that the scale of speed reduction and the stroke can be freely determined, with remarkably reduced number of parts and in low cost. The electric actuator according to the present invention is also provided with the improved clutch device employing the engagement of the weight and the recessed portion for secure transmission of the rotary power of the motor, resulting in full utilization of the capacity of the motor in simplified structure.

Abstract: An actuator is provided with a motor having a worm, a worm wheel in engagement with said worm and having a pinion-engaging part, a pinion having a worm wheel-engaging part and a rotational axis offset from the rotational axis of the worm wheel, a sector wheel having an output arm and meshing with the pinion, a contact holder, and a positional switch for switching contacts according to the engagement of the contact holder with the sector wheel. The sector wheel is sited at its starting position in a state in which the pinion-engaging part is engaged with the worm wheel-engaging part at a position opposite to the rotational axis of the pinion relative to the rotational axis of the worm wheel. The actuator is compact and uses the motor power very effectively.

Abstract: An electrically driven lockable actuator for an airline seat assembly is provided with an extendable and retractable actuator arm driven through a gear train by an electric motor. The actuator arm can be locked or unlocked through the gear train to the electric motor by manual activation of a clutch mechanism. Regardless of whether the actuator arm is locked or unlocked, the position of the actuator arm is copied by a follower extending exterior to the actuator. The follower is adjustable to selectively activate limit switches to disconnect power to the driving motor. The switch arm is compact and mounted on the actuator so that electrical control of the motor relative to the operation of the lockable actuator is realized without reference to the nature of the design of the seat assembly.

Abstract: A bicycle gear shift mechanism (8) to be actuated by an electric motor (m) has a carrier for an actuator member (S) comprising a tensioning arm (29) of a derailleur or a shift plunger of a hub gear transmission. According to the invention, the carrier comprises a cursor (27) slidably displaceable on at least two spaced parallel guides (26) mounted at stationary positions with respect to a housing (18). According to a further aspect, a control circuit for the bicycle gear shift mechanism to be actuated by a DC motor comprises a first and a second power control circuit (70,71) controlled by first and second flip-flop circuits (60, 61) the set inputs of which are connected to switches (68, 69) for shifting to higher or lower gear ratios, and the reset inputs of which are adapted to by activated via a switch (65) which is responsive to the gear-engaged state of the gear shift mechanism.

Abstract: A pan and tilt mechanism for a surveillance camera that can pan through two full revolutions. A bell crank has one arm in the path of rotation of a pair of switches, and the bell crank can be shifted to extend the opposite arm. Each arm can be shifted by one switch, but will actuate the other switch to reverse the pan motor. The electrical cord for the mechanism and the camera is wound about the axis of rotation so the cord stays neat and undamaged through all rotation of the mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for limiting range of motion of an industrial robot in accordance with the invention includes an indicating section (7) for indicating e.g. angles of rotation provided on a stationary side (1) of the swivel portion of an axis about which swiveling motion is possible. A range limiting member (6) having a dog and a stopper is movably disposed on the indicating section (7). When the industrial robot attempts to rotate beyond a stipulated range of rotation during operation, a limit member (81) provided on a movable side (2) of the axis portion contacts the dog (61) on the stationary side (1) to detect overtravel, whereby a warning is issued to the effect that the stipulated range of rotation has been exceeded. When the robot attempts to rotate further due to inertia, a shock absorber (82) strikes a stopper mechanism (62) to prevent excessive rotation.

Abstract: A rotary torque transmission apparatus for a 4-wheel drive vehicle in which a rotary torque of a worm wheel of 4-wheel drive vehicle provided with a reciprocably movable fork shaft, to which a shaft fork for moving a 2-4 wheel change over slider to and fro is fixed, is transmitted to an output shaft via a torsion spring, wherein the worm wheel driven by a motor is disposed on an output shaft supported by a casing so as to be rotatable relative to the output shaft; and a pair of rotary plates so arranged as to be rotatable together with the worm wheel is disposed inside the torsion spring arranged between a pair of fixed plates fixed to the output shaft in such a way that each end of the torsion spring is retained between one rotary plate and one fixed plate disposed on the opposing side to each other, respectively.

Abstract: An electrically-operated curtain drawing/undrawing mechanism comprises a reduction gear connected on the output shaft side of a motor and a driving pulley connected to the reduction gear through an electromagnetic clutch, and further includes an operating switch for sending an operating signal to an electromagnetic clutch circuit in which the electromagnetic clutch is incorporated, and a control logic circuit for sending an operating signal for the motor to the electromagnetic clutch circuit, the electromagnetic clutch circuit being provided for sending the operating signal for sending the operating signal for the electromagnetic clutch to the control logic circuit. Ball bearings are incorporated in the respective bearing portions of a driven pulley and leading curtain runner's wheels.

Abstract: A rod actuator which includes a d.c. motor, a reduction gearing, a solenoid assembly which is used to define an intermediate stop position, and rotation stops. The angular extent through which an output shaft of the reduction gearing is rotatable is limited by a pair of limit stops. The solenoid assembly includes a plunger which is located intermediate the limit stops. A rotational stop is rotatably mounted on the output shaft and has a projection which is adapted to abut against the plunger to cease the motion of the rotational stop. The rotational stop is mounted on the output shaft so as to be rotatable relative thereto through a small angle by a lost motion, but is driven for integral rotation with the output shaft when such angle is exceeded. A lost motion connector is used so the angles of rotation where the rotation of the output shaft is stopped by the plunger during its clockwise and counter-clockwise rotations will be substantially equal.

Abstract: A connector mounting press for mounting connectors onto a circuit board. The press includes a connector receiving space and a device to releasably hold a connector therein to be picked up by a descending tool unit for mounting on an underlying circuit board. A device for automatically transferring connectors from a magazine to the space and for applying a constant pressure on the connectors in the magazine and space is also disclosed.

Abstract: A hydraulic damper of adjustable damping force type includes a piston working in a cylinder and partitioning the interior of the cylinder into two liquid chambers, a piston rod with one end being connected to the piston and the other end extending to the outside of the cylinder, a liquid passage formed in the piston rod for connecting the two liquid chambers, an opening adjusting member rotatably disposed in the liquid passage for selectively adjusting the effective passage area of the liquid passage between at least three different passage area conditions, and an actuating device for reciprocatingly rotating the adjusting member between two extreme positions and one or more intermediate positions corresponding to respective passage area conditions. Two fixed stops are provided to stop the adjusting member at respective extreme positions, and a movable stop is provided to stop the adjusting member at an intermediate position.

Abstract: A power actuator for a window includes a rotary drive member and a rotary driven member which is turned by the drive member and which is connected to the sash of a window to open and close the sash as the drive member is turned in one direction or the other. A reversible electric motor drives a speed reducing gear train and the output gear of the train is coaxial with and rotatable relative to the drive member, a crank arm with a projecting pin is pivotally mounted on the drive member to swing between an active or radially projecting position and an inactive position overlying the drive member. When the arm is in the inactive position, the pin connects the output gear and the drive member so that the motor may turn the driven member. With the arm in the active position, the pin no longer couples the output gear and the drive member and the latter may be turned manually by the crank arm independently of the gear train.

Abstract: The invention relates to a step drive assembly which includes a rotatable operating unit for operating a tool or knife or the like. The assembly has a change-over clutch for selectively connecting the operating unit to a continuously running motor or a brake. Control apparatus for the assembly includes a disk rotatable with the operating unit having teeth and spaces therebetween forming zones and a sensor unit for scanning the zones and outputting a pulse train. An evaluating circuit responsive to the pulse train outputs a positioned stop signal and an overload stop signal to effect a braking operation.

Abstract: A method positioning control is disclosed, to stop mechanisms of a loom at predetermined positions when stopping the loom operation, in which the loom is directly controlled by a microcomputer. In the method, correction is made with respect to a predetermined position for commencing a braking operation so as to stop the mechanisms at said positions correctly. The above-mentioned correction is conducted by, first, obtaining the positional deviation between the actual stop position and the predetermined stop position during the last braking operation, second, using the obtained positional deviation for effecting identical correction regarding the next braking operation, etc. repeated over and over.

Abstract: An automatic vent damper control mechanism for use on furnaces or the like having a spring loaded open position and an electric motor which drives it to a closed position, against the spring bias, via a gear train. A unique over-travel mechanism is provided which prevents damage to the gear train from occurring when the damper reaches the end of its travel towards its open condition.

Abstract: A drain trough system is disclosed wherein the drain trough may be mechanically inverted to permit any debris therein to fall out. The system involves a series of hinged mounting brackets in horizontally spaced alignment, at least one of the mounting brackets being motorized, a length of drain trough supported by the mounting brackets, and a downspout associated with the drain trough. The motorized mounting bracket includes an electric motor positioned below the bracket, a drive mechanism fixedly attached to the spindle of the motor, and a driven mechanism activated by the drive mechanism and associated with a pivotable upper harness member of the mounting bracket.

Abstract: A coupling device, located between the drive part and the cycle part of a moped, wherein the crank drive is provided with a stationary double pinion, connected by an endless chain to the free-wheel pinion, which is secured to the back wheel of the moped, for driving the back wheel by either pedaling or by engine power. The axle of the crank drive passes through the hub of a trapezoidically grooved pulley which is connected by an endless belt to the drive pulley, which is driven by an engine. A mechanism, carried by the grooved pulley, makes it possible to optionally connect or disconnect the grooved pulley, and its associated double pinion, from the engine drive. This mechanism constitutes a double lever having a bent projecting nose, which lever is controlled by a pivotable control button to move the lever between a locked and unlocked position, as desired. When the engine drive is uncoupled from the rear wheel of the moped the moped can be powered by pedalling or by free wheeling.

Abstract: A switching mechanism can be utilized in conjunction with an electrically driven actuator, for example, either a linear or rotary operated actuator. The switching mechanism can be utilized to either control the extent of operation of the actuator, thereby operating as a limit switch, and also can be used for controlling other electrical devices that are to be operated in dependence upon the position of the driven member of the actuator. For this purpose, the switching mechanism is provided with a plurality of electrical switches, each of which can be controlled so as to be switched at different points in the operation of the actuator. Associated with each of the electrical switches is a separate counting mechanism. All the counting mechanisms are driven by a common drive gear which is coupled to the drive mechanism of the actuator.

Abstract: A door member such as a garage door is driven by a motor through a roller chain having a finite length to travel in the garage opening and closing directions. The roller chain is driven by a single drive sprocket driven by the motor to make its reciprocating movement along the same path while making rolling engagement at its roller portion with a guide rail constructed to support the roller portion of the roller chain from the opposite sides. A trolley connected to the door member by an arm is releasably coupled to the roller chain and is also guided along the guide rail while making sliding engagement therewith. A mechanism for detecting abutment of the door member with an obstruction present on the traveling path is provided to detect the above situation when a physical force is imparted to the roller chain due to the abutment. The opening and closing movement of the door member, stopping of rotation of the motor and detection of the presence of an obstruction are electrically controlled.

Abstract: A single revolution clutch in a reduction gear in a franking machine is designed to avoid fraudulent operation and double cycling and for economical production by arranging a worm to drive a split worm wheel having a gap in each arcuate row of teeth respectively on the first and second worm wheel parts. Before operation, the worm rotates in the gaps. On release by a detent of a shoulder a spring brings a tooth into mesh with the worm which rotates the first worm wheel part until a lost-motion connection is engaged bringing the second worm wheel part into mesh with the worm to drive an output shaft. The detent is released by an electrical pulse then guided by a cam track to engage the shoulder arresting the first worm wheel part while the second part continues so as to stress the spring and return to the initial position with respect to the first part.

Abstract: A manufacturing machine such as an automatic assembly machine is disclosed which includes a work station which can include linear motion devices and rotary motion devices. A conveyor system is disclosed for transporting a workpiece to and from the work station, and positioning means are disclosed for precisely positioning the workpiece to the work station.

Abstract: Disclosed is a brake timing control method and apparatus for use with a press machine including a press slide driven through a crank shaft by a variable speed motor to stop the moving press slide at its top dead center regardless of the speed of rotation of the crank shaft. The motor speed is detected and converted into a voltage proportional to the motor speed which is then integrated as a first voltage. A second voltage is provided in accordance with a line or curve representing as a function of motor speed the approximation of the slip angle through which the crank shaft will continue to rotate after braking is initiated. The first and second voltages are additively combined and compared with a reference voltage to provide a stop signal for initiating braking on the press machine when the sum of the first and second voltages reaches the reference voltage.

Abstract: The pawl is retracted from the intermittently rotatable input shaft via a controlled abutment and a spring biased lever-mounted or piston-mounted roller. The abutment serves to start retraction of the pawl while the spring biased roller presses against a non-circular surface of the cam plate on which the pawl is mounted to complete removal of the pawl from the recess. The cam plate also has one or more cam surfaces for resetting the abutment after the pawl has been engaged in the shaft.

Abstract: A control device for driver member comprises an intermittently movable driver member, a follower member adapted to follow the driver member for displacement, retention and return displacement, a control member for controlling the starting and stoppage of the movement of the driver member, and a first and a second signal for starting the movement of the driver member. The movement of the driver member may be started by the first signal to displace the follower member to bring about the retaining position, whereafter the movement of the driver member may be automatically stopped by the control member, and the movement of the driver member may be restarted by the second signal and at the position whereat the return displacement of the follower member is completed, the movement of the driver member may be automatically stopped by the control member.

Abstract: A control device is disclosed for controlling the drive means and consequently the oscillation range of a periodically oscillating member particularly when it is necessary to maintain the speed of the periodic oscillation movement such that it corresponds to the average speed of another drive unit. Two movably mounted sensors are located near opposite ends of a predetermined oscillation range of the oscillating member. When either of the sensors senses the presence of the oscillating member beyond the predetermined oscillation range, a signal is generated by the sensor which is transmitted to control means adapted to adjust the speed of the drive means operating the oscillating member.

Abstract: An apparatus associated with a tire building mandrel for controlling the movements of certain machine members in the delivery and applying of tire building stock to said mandrel. The various types of stock used in the building of a tire are stored in a servicer machine and such stock may be withdrawn and delivered to a building drum or mandrel by an operator during the assembly of a tire. The present apparatus is adapted to control and stop the rotational movements of said drum member at various points in its path of travel thereby allowing the delivery of desired stock length to the building mandrel. The tire building drum may be stopped at different points or locations in its path of travel and with respect to its starting point, the arrangement of which may be determined by the length of amount of stock being withdrawn from the servicer machine or source of supply.

Abstract: A single revolution mechanism is disclosed in which a feed roll is mounted on a print lever which is attached rotatably to a pivot. By rotating the lever, the feed roll can be brought into contact with an external driving shaft. The feed roll is coupled to a ratchet mechanism comprising a pawl and ratchet. The pawl is engaged with a spring urged pressure lever so that when the feed roll is driven, the ratchet pushes itself away from the second lever to latch the print lever and roll in the operative position during a full revolution. After performing the revolution, the print lever reengages the ratchet to unlatch the device from the driving roll in preparation for another actuation.

Abstract: A remote control apparatus for varying engine speeds includes a housing and a reversible constant-speed electric motor mounted on the housing, the motor being adapted to drive a pulley at a substantially lower rotational speed through speed reducing gears disposed in the housing. A pair of stops are adjustably mounted on opposite sides of the pulley for stopping the motor upon contact with a pendulum member after a predetermined rotation of the pulley in either direction. A chain attached at one end to the pulley is attachable at its other end to a spring-biased throttle rod of an engine or the like, the chain being wound around the pulley upon rotation of the motor to exert a pull upon the throttle rod and increase the speed of the engine. Rotation of the pulley sufficiently to cause a stop to actuate the pendulum member causes the motor to stop, thereby maintaining the engine speed at a predetermined maximum.

Abstract: A clamping tool is provided with an electric motor as a driving source of the tool. The condition of the axial force of the clamping means, such as a bolt and nut, on the clamped elements, such as metal sheets is detected by monitoring one of the following quantities of the motor or motor circuit: current, voltage, numbers of rotation, and electric power of said electric motor. When the differential coefficient of the measured quantity reaches approximately zero, after the transient starting conditions have subsided, the motor is stopped. This occurs substantially at the yielding point of the clamping means.