Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat, a seatback, a track assembly, a front anchor, a rear anchor, and a first gear. The seatback is coupled to the seat. The seatback is pivotable relative to the seat. The track assembly is configured to couple the seat to a floor of a vehicle. The rear anchor is coupled to the seat and configured to engage with the track assembly. The front anchor is coupled to the seat and configured to engage with the track assembly. A position of the seat relative to the front anchor and the second anchor is adjustable. The first gear extends between the front anchor and the seat. The first gear defines a guide slot therein that receives a guide pin. Movement of the first gear adjusts a position of a front region of the seat relative to a rear region of the seat.

Abstract: It is provided an adjusting device for the longitudinal adjustment of a vehicle seat, comprising at least one rail for defining a longitudinal seat axis along which a seat base of the vehicle seat is adjustable, and for supporting at least one adjusting unit of the adjusting device, and at least two shiftably guided adjusting units arranged one behind the other along the longitudinal seat axis, to which the seat base is to be fixed in order to be adjustable along the longitudinal seat axis. The at least two adjusting units are adjustable relative to each other along the longitudinal seat axis, and each adjusting unit is assigned a separate drive for the power-operated adjustment along the longitudinal seat axis.

Abstract: A parallel position manipulator includes a top plate, a baseplate and a plurality of prismatic joint actuators. Each actuator includes an actuator joint having five Degrees of Freedom (DOF) at either the base plate or the top plate. When one or more of the actuators extends or contracts, the pivot points, or five DOF actuator joint, of the remaining actuators are allowed to shift in any axis other than that actuator's primary axis of motion.

Abstract: An example light concentrator system for precision thermal processes includes a stabilizing base and a structure attached to the stabilizing base. The structure includes support arms. An azimuth control rotates the structure. A primary solar collector on the support arms is rotatable about two axes based on various positions of the sun throughout the day. Elevation actuators adjust an angle of the primary solar collector relative to position of the sun. Collector distancing actuators adjust distance of the primary solar collector toward and away from the sun. A variety of Thermal Processing Units (TPUs) are configured for a specific process or set of processes implementing concentrated solar energy from the primary solar collector at the receiver plane. Position of the spot can be moved on a fixed receiver plane through translation of the lens relative to the support arms or through rotation of a redirecting mirror.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly and a method of controlling a vehicle seat assembly are provided. The vehicle seat assembly has a frame, and a seat pan extending from a forward region to a rearward region, with the rearward region of the seat pan rotatably connected to the frame. A torque tube is supported for rotation by the frame and extends transversely across the seat pan. At least one cam is supported by the torque tube for rotation therewith, and the at least one cam extends outwardly from the torque tube to an associated cam surface. The cam surface supports the forward region of the seat pan and is shaped such that the forward region of the seat pan is raised relative to the rearward region in response to rotation of the torque tube.

Abstract: A six-dimensional smart target determines pose of an object and includes: a gimbal with an azimuthal base and an elevation arm; an elevation member on the elevation arm that has light pipes; and an azimuthal member with light pipes such that the elevation member rotates at a rotary center about an elevation axis and azimuthal axis to consistently maintain the elevation member in a field of view of a measurement instrument.

Abstract: A chair includes a control system for moving the chair between seated and standing configurations to thereby help facility an occupant's egress out of, or ingress into, the chair. One or more controls are provided on the chair that enable the occupant to control the timing of when the chair's movement between the configurations starts, what speed the chair moves at, and when the chair stops. A caregiver control panel provides the caregiver with multiple options for dictating what aspects of the chair's movement between the configurations the occupant is able to control. In some embodiments, a controller dynamically adjusts the speed of the chair based on shifts in the occupant's weight during the transition between the standing and seated configurations, as detected by one or more force sensors. The force sensors may be integrated into the armrests, the seat, the backrest, a combination of these, or elsewhere.

Abstract: The adjustable foot stool comprises a platform, a pad, a plurality of lighting elements, and a pair of adjustable legs. The platform may be adapted to elevate and tilt a foot of a user. An inclination angle of the platform may be changed using the pair of adjustable legs. The pad may cushion the foot 910. The plurality of lighting elements may be adapted to provide illumination of the foot. As a non-limiting example, illumination may be provided for grooming the foot. The plurality of lighting elements may be powered by one or more batteries housed within the platform and may be turned on or off using an on/off switch located on the platform.

Abstract: A lifter includes a pinion gear meshed with an input gear of a link mechanism that lifts and lowers a seat. A rotation control device that controls rotation of the pinion gear includes a rotation restriction mechanism. The rotation restriction mechanism includes a sub-meshing member which meshes with a meshed member together with a main meshing member. The sub-meshing member is displaceable to gradually release the meshing of the sub-meshing member with the meshed member when the meshing between the meshed member and the main meshing member is released.

Abstract: A seat frame is disclosed for a height-adjustable and tiltable seat pan of a motor vehicle seat. The seat frame has two side rails, a first cross bar, a second cross bar, and a drive unit. The first cross bar is supported in the two side rails and the second cross bar serves to support the seat pan. The second cross bar is mounted so as to be rotatable about fixed first axis in the two side rails. The second cross bar is rotated by the drive unit. The drive unit has an actuating motor and an actuator that is displaceable via the actuating motor and connected to the second cross bar outside the first axis. The drive unit is mounted on the first cross bar and rotatable about a second axis of the first cross bar which is fixed in the two side rails.

Abstract: A lifter device including: an input member configured to be rotated about a rotation shaft in synchronization with an operation handle and to input an operation force of the operation handle to a rotation drive mechanism and a lock mechanism; and a fixing member slidably fixing the input member to a support member rotatably supporting the rotation shaft.

Abstract: In a power seat operation device, a slider that is supported so as to be slidable in a radial direction with respect to a dial slides toward the radial direction center of the dial during rotation of the dial. A knob engagement portion that is provided to the slider is thereby disposed between a pair of slider engagement portions that are provided to a knob. This enables rotational operation of the knob to be restricted. However, during rotational operation of the knob, one out of the pair of slider engagement portions opposes the knob engagement portion from toward the radial direction center of the dial. This enables rotational operation of the dial in conjunction with sliding of the slider to be restricted.

Abstract: A seating assembly includes a seat and one or more slide rails that slidably engage an underside of the seat and permit longitudinal movement of the seat along the slide rail. The seating assembly further includes one or more load-dissipating assemblies operably coupled to an underside of the slide rail.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antenna array platform comprising at least one bottom plate, at least one magnet preferably located on the bottom side of the bottom plate, which provides the bottom plate to be attached to suitable platforms made of a material that can be attracted by magnetic field force without the need for any mechanical adaptations, at least one box located on the bottom plate, at least one lid covering the upper part of the box, a number of antenna slots equal to the number of antennas to be used, made in the lid, at least one plate that provides support so that the box stays at a required position, at least one screw positioned on at least one side of the plate and entering the angling hole that corresponds to the required angle, providing the plate stays fixed.

Abstract: A manually operated seat height adjustment actuator mechanism includes a rotatory actuator-driven torque input mechanism defining a first axis and a torque output mechanism defining a second axis offset from the first axis. The rotatory actuator-driven torque input mechanism is provided by a planetary gear assembly. The torque output mechanism comprises a cycloidal drive assembly including eccentrically driven gears. Linking gearing operatively links the torque input mechanism and the torque output mechanism. The eccentrically driven gears engage an output pinion configured to engage a gear segment of a seat height adjustment mechanism for raising and lowering a seat.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a solar panel truss mounting system comprising a base and a truss assembly coupled to the base. The truss assembly comprises a first panel rail mount, second panel rail mount parallel to the first panel rail mount, base rail mount parallel to the first and second panel rail mounts, and a plurality of support members. A first portion of the plurality of support members extends between the first and second panel rail mounts. A second portion of the plurality of support members extends between the first panel rail mount and the base rail mount. A third portion of the plurality of support members extends between the second panel rail mount and the base rail mount. The system can further comprise a plurality of connectors for coupling a plurality of photovoltaic solar panels to the truss assembly.

Abstract: A shock isolation structure for mounting a radar system to a supporting surface on board of a vessel includes a platform on which the radar system can be attached, six strut-like damping elements operating in both tension and compression between the platform and the supporting surface. The damping elements are oriented in a truss configuration with first ends of the damping elements connected to the supporting surface for universal movement and with second ends of the damping elements connected to the platform for universal movement. Each of the damping elements includes a magnetorheological or electrorheological fluid damper.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a support structure. A main hinge of the structure is installed with a stop mechanism, so when an object to be supported is placed at a higher location while being in an unfolding state, the object to be supported is restrained from being rotated from a vertical state to a horizontal folding state, thereby preventing falling due to the unstable gravity center; when a connection unit is folded towards a base, an upper end of a first auxiliary connection member links the stop mechanism to rotate for gradually altering the stopping location, so the object to be supported is enabled to be horizontally folded; as such, the object to be supported can be maintained in a stable state during the folding process, thereby preventing the occurrence of falling.

Abstract: A portable lift facilitation assembly assists in lifting a person from a seated position. The assembly includes a base and a top. A biasing member urges the top away from the base into an extended position. Extension arms are coupled to the base and the top. Each extension arm is extendable between a retracted position and an elongated position. A latch is coupled to the base and selectively secures the top to the base. A release is coupled to the base and operationally coupled to the latch for selectively releasing the latch from the top wherein the biasing member urges the top into the extended position.

Abstract: A system for supporting a plurality of solar panels includes elongated support members each having a first portion, a coextensive second portion, and a longitudinally extending mid portion between the first and second portions. The first and second portions each have a base for contacting a surface and an edge receiving area configured to receive an edge of a solar panel at a height above the base, with the heights placing one edge higher than the other. When installed, support members are disposed generally parallel to each other and spaced apart on a surface, with the edge receiving portions facing each other. The upper edge of a solar panel is received in the edge receiving area of the first portion of one of the support members and a lower edge of the solar panel is received in the edge receiving area of the second portion of the other support members.

Abstract: An angle adjusting stand contains two bases, each including a hole, at least one limiting aperture, an engaging portion, and plural first locking faces; two adjusting devices, each including a holder, a spring, a bolt, and a nut; two supporting posts, each including a first contacting portion, a second contacting portion, and a connecting portion coupled; at lease one middle post including a top and a bottom horizontal sections, wherein the top horizontal section includes two sides, one of which includes a first extension to retain with the first slot and another of which includes a first recess to retain with the first pillar, the bottom horizontal section includes two sides, one of which includes a second extension to retain with the second slot and another of which includes a second recess to retain with the second pillar so that the middle post is connected between the two supporting posts.

Abstract: This involves a cart that can be used in changing a marking module in a xerographic color marking system. The cart has a lifting mechanism securely attached to its upper surface. When the marking module is to be changed and a new replacement module installed, the lifting mechanism is used to support the marking module during each of these procedures. Since the marking modules are relatively heavy (30-35 lbs.), to prevent accidental damage to the module, the cart and its attached lifting mechanism are conveniently used by the customer. The lifting mechanism is made up of an upper cradle, a bottom plate attached to the cart and a movable linkage. The module securely rests in the cradle in both removal and installing operations. It is not uncommon for a customer to want to change a color or colors in one or more modules. This cart and its attached lifting mechanism makes it relatively easy to accomplish this change.

Abstract: This invention provides a xerographic marking module that has a built-in lifting mechanism that is useful in installing a new module in a xerographic marking system. The lifting mechanism forms the bottom portion of the marking module and comprises an upper cradle to hold the remaining module portion, a lower plate that constitutes the bottom of the module when in a collapsed position, and a movable linkage that connects the cradle to the lower plate. When in installation mode, the linkage creates a vertical force which will upwardly push the cradle (holding the module) away from the lower plate into an installation elevation. After slides in the module and in the color marking system are mated, the lifting mechanism is collapsed and the module pushed into the color marking system or apparatus.

Abstract: A moving element having secondary keyboard for a portable electronic device is placed between a first member and a second member of the device for providing different keyboard sets to improve readability of text when in different operating configurations. When the second member slides out laterally relative to the first member, the moving element remains stayed in the first member, not moving with the second member. When the second member slides out vertically relative to the first member, the moving element slides with the second member along the sliding groove on the first member, and the moving element is exposed on top of the second member to present a concise dialing keyboard. The secondary keyboard contacts corresponding buttons of a primary keyboard directly. Thus, there is no need to provide additional circuit module exclusively for the secondary keyboard such that the cost and volume can be reduced.

Abstract: A slope controllable foot plate for a golf swing practice apparatus which includes a actuating oil pressure motor providing the power for controlling the slope, a transformation device for transforming the rotating driving power to linear driving power, and a slope control oil pressure cylinder for controlling the slope of the foot plate, whereby a lower height and a simplified structure of the foot plate is obtained.

Abstract: A multiple ball joint gimbal mount apparatus which includes a mount platform structure, and a plurality of linear motor actuators arranged in a housing assembly. Each actuator includes an actuator shaft and an actuator connector at a distal end of the shaft. The platform structure includes a plurality of platform connectors each for coupling to a corresponding actuator connector to form a pivoting connection between the actuator shaft and the platform structure. A controller selectively actuates the plurality of linear motor actuators to selectively position the plurality of actuator shafts along respective shaft axes and position the mount platform structure at a selected position within a gimbal range of motion. The gimbal structure can optionally include a mechanism to selectively lock the mount structure in any respective position within the gimbal range of motion.

Abstract: A stopper structure for a seat lifter includes a stopper formed at another end of a connecting rod to abut on a connecting shaft when a cushion frame is located in a lifting limit position and a lowering limit position with respect to the base frame. When the cushion frame is located in the lifting limit position, the stopper restricts rotation of a sector gear in the direction of lifting the cushion frame with respect to the base frame. When the cushion frame is located in the lowering limit position, the stopper restricts rotation of the sector gear in the direction of lowering the cushion frame with respect to the base frame.

Abstract: A ratchet-type lever mechanism for seat lifter, which comprises a brake unit whose shaft is connected with a mechanism of the seat lifter, two ratchet gear wheels provided about the shaft of brake unit, a shaft rotatable in a spaced-apart relation with the brake unit shaft, an operating lever connected with the shaft, and a sector ratchet gear element provided between the operating lever and two ratchet gear wheels. The sector ratchet gear element is so arranged in the lever mechanism to enable a user to rotate the operating lever in usual way without confusion about direction of rotation of the lever to cause upward and downward motions of the seat lifter. The sector ratchet gear element may be of an outwardly-toothed type having two outwardly toothed arcuate gear teeth and two sector gear portions, or may be of an inwardly-toothed type having two inwardly toothed arcuate gear teeth.

Abstract: An display support has a yoke connecting between a securing plate and a pivot plate. The yoke has a linkage movably received between confining holes and a threaded bolt extending through a central hole in the securing plate to be screwingly connected to a nut. The yoke is pivotally connected to the pivot plate via a pivot. Therefore, adjustment of the nut changes the angle of the pivot plate relative to the securing plate.

Abstract: Vehicle seat provided with a height-adjusting mechanism comprising a link connected to a rack which is pivotally mounted to the seat cushion and has a circular toothed section meshing with a pinion mounted to the cushion by means of a rigid yoke the plates of which are guided without free play by arcuate guides formed by the rack, a part of the yoke engaging in an arcuate slot formed in the rack.

Abstract: A seat lifter for height adjustment of vehicle seat, which has a lifter linkage for vertical movement of the seat and a drive mechanism therefor. The lifter linkage includes a pair of links, a bell crank portion formed in one of the two links, and a rotation transmission link element including a sector gear which is operatively connected with the bell crank portion. The drive mechanism comprises a ratchet-type lever mechanism operatively connected via a brake unit with the lifter linkage, the arrangement of which ratchet-type lever mechanism is such that only one-stroke operation of a lever causes a bifurcated ratchet pawl to rotate so as to bring a selected one of its two pawl portions to engagement with a ratchet gear wheel, thereby allowing for automatically selecting a desired operative direction without any switch-over operation and then continuously transmitting a certain amount of rotation force to the lifter linkage, so that the vehicle seat can easily be raised or lowered to a certain level.

Abstract: A seat lifter for height adjustment of vehicle seat, which has a lifter linkage for vertical movement of the seat and a drive mechanism therefor. The lifter linkage includes a pair of links, a bell crank portion formed in one of the two links, and a rotation transmission link element including a sector gear which is operatively connected with the bell crank portion.

Abstract: A seat lifter device for a vehicle includes a reduction gear mechanism which is disposed between an operating member and a link which is adapted to be pivoted to raise and lower the vehicle seat. The reduction gear mechanism is mounted on a shaft and a spring is provided for assisting the rotation of a shaft on which the reduction gear mechanism is supported.

Abstract: A self-levelling apparatus for a seat comprises a base (21, 22, 27), a seat levelling assembly (2, 18, 19, 41) displaceably connected with the base, and a reversible electrical motor (40) disposed between the seat and the base for rotation of the seat levelling assembly around an axis about parallel with the base. The seat levelling assembly is disposed between the base and the axis. Themotor shaft (42) extends parallel with the axis and engages with a flexible actuation means, such as a roller chain, fixed at its one end at the base. The apparatus also comprises a positional detection means for control of the motor. The apparatus further comprises arcuate co-operating seat and base bearing elements (2; 22) of which at least one has a surface defined by rotation of a straight, curved or irregular line around the axis, such as a cylinder or cone segment surface.

Abstract: A device to adjust the height of panels, more particularly, the height of working tables includes at least one console (12) which is mounted to a stand and fitted with at least two vertical translational lifting elements (14). A lid or cover (13) is screwed on the console (12). An opening is formed between the console (12) and the lid or cover (13) which is adapted to receive a profile section of a frame. The profile section is clamped between the lid and the console when the lid is screwed to the console. The lifting elements (14) are located in holes (121) in the console (12). The lifting elements (14) are inserted in the holes (121) in such a way that they can not rotate.

Abstract: A support device comprising two superposed platforms connected by two electrically controlled jacks of adjustable length and by an upright of constant length forming on these platforms the apices of triangles, device characterized in that the jacks and the upright are rigidly fixed on one of the platforms, so-called upper platform, by an articulation assembly comprising a universal joint and a pivot pin, each pivot pin being located parallel to the opposite side of the triangle defined on this platform.

Abstract: A console enclosure for supporting various computer or electronic components including an adjustable monitor supporting shelf within the enclosure, and adjustable keyboard table and a shielding canopy.

Abstract: The highly-stiffened, dual-axle antenna tracking pedestal improves tracking performance, reduces manufacturing and installation costs and increases safety during field assembly, maintenance and operation of the pedestal. The reinforced concrete counterweights affect the natural frequency of the pedestal system and reduce vibrational effects from wind loads during antenna slew. Reduction of the number of structural components and pouring concrete counterweights at the job site simplifies fabrication, as well as reducing shipping and handling costs. The use of a dual-axle mount provides antenna slewing without problems associated with conventional azimuth-elevation pedestal systems. The pedestal mount has a structure and drive system that is simple and inexpensive. The drive system has two orthogonal rotational axes, one oriented east-west and the other north-south. The two rotational degree-of-freedom arrangement allows smooth tracking over the entire sky.

Abstract: A seat height adjustment system particularly adapted for use with vehicle seats and which permits the elevation of one side of the seat base to be adjusted relative to the elevation of an opposite side of that base. The system employs spring assemblies to provide an upwardly directed bias on the seat base which urges that base towards a position of maximum elevation. An actuator is operable to effect downward adjustment of the seat base elevation by imposing a force on the seat base which acts counter to the bias force. Actuator may include two electric motors each of which is connected to a respective two corners of the seat base through flexible drive cables. The arrangement is such that the seat base corners controlled by a respective one of the motors move up or down according to whether the motor is operated in a forward or a reverse mode respectively.

Abstract: A vehicular seat adjuster has a pair of rail units for adjustably sliding a vehicular seat in the fore-and-aft direction and a lifting mechanism for adjustably moving up and down the seat. The lifting mechanism is installed to the rail unit and includes a front lifting section disposed under a front portion of the seat for vertically moving a front portion of a seat according to an operation of a front motor unit and a rear lifting unit disposed under a rear portion of the seat for vertically moving a rear portion of the seat according to an operation of a rear motor unit. The front and rear motor units are swingably supported to a shaft member, which is rotatably supported to the pair of seat rails.

Abstract: A seat adjustment mechanism principally for vehicle seats comprises a frame connected to a base by front and rear linkages. A mechanism is provided that is operated by a handle with a first movement of the handle unlocking the front linkages to allow the tilt of the frame to be adjusted relative to the base and continued movement of the handle unlocking both linkages to allow the height of the frame to be adjusted relative to the base. This is achieved by successively pivoting lever arms that successively unlock the pairs of links.

Abstract: An adjustable support for an apparatus allows the apparatus to be positioned at a selected inclination relative to a supporting surface, for example, a telephone supported on a table surface. The support includes at least one apparatus foot, wherein one end of the apparatus rests on a supporting surface and the other end of the apparatus rests on the foot. The bottom of the apparatus includes a hinge in which one end of the foot is fastened for rotatable movement. The bottom of the apparatus is provided with at least one stop ledge which is spaced from the hinge, and the apparatus foot is provided with a stop cleat which in a first position abuts the stop ledge. The stop cleat is provided with a lever which, when pressed, causes the stop cleat to move resiliently to one side to pass the stop ledge, allowing the apparatus foot to be moved to a second position relative to the apparatus bottom.

Abstract: An adjustable seat having a seat cushion and a backrest which are both secured to an underframe. The seat further includes a hydrostatic system of incompressible fluid contained within a closed circuit. The hydrostatic system includes individual actuators which bear against the seat cushion or both the seat cushion and backrest to adjust the inclination thereof. A shutoff member is provided to alternately allow and prevent movement of fluid within the closed circuit to change and then maintain a desired inclination.

Abstract: A tiltable table has a pneumatic actuator and a locking system for establishing and maintaining a table position. The locking system is operated by an air cylinder that engages a dog with a ratchet plate secured to the table. The ratchet permits the table to be raised but not lowered while locked. The ratchet must be unlocked before the table can be lowered. The dog is spring-biased to locking position, and is air-operated for release against the action of the biasing spring. On lowering the table, air from the actuator can be used to unlock the ratchet. The air can be permitted to escape through a restriction orifice at a slow enough rate to maintain sufficient air pressure to keep the locking system disengaged, but sudden release of all the air pressure will again permit the spring to re-lock the system to prevent a downward slamming of the table surface.

Abstract: An improved manually adjustable vehicle seat assembly is disclosed.

Abstract: A seating level adjusting device includes an elevating mechanism attached on a frame of the vehicle seat for raising or lowering the seating level, and a handle assembly separatably connected with the elevating mechanism for manipulating the elevating mechanism. The handle assembly carries an actuating mechanism for actuating the elevating mechanism, a locking mechanism for locking the actuating mechanism, and a releasing mechanism for releasing the lock state of the actuating mechanism. When repairing one of the actuating, locking, and releasing mechanisms, the handle assembly is separated from the elevating mechanism. The repair can be easily accomplished.

Abstract: A support column for holding a patient support means of an operating table has a foot portion (18) and a head portion (46), which head portion is adapted for connection with the patient support means and by means of an adjusting mechanism located inside of the support column is adjustable relative to the foot portion (18) and pivotal about horizontal axes. The adjusting mechanism includes a lifting column standing on the foot portion (18), which lifting column at its upper end is connected with a lifting mount (30,32,34) carrying a number of linear drives (36) arranged parallel to the lifting column (20). Each linear drive at one of its ends is cardanically connected to the lifting mount (30,32,34) and at its other end is cardanically connected to the head portion (46), with the head portion (46) through at least one other cardanic joint (48) being connected with the lifting mount (30,32,34).

Abstract: A multi-driving assembly of a vehicle power seat for adjusting forward and backward movement and height of the front and rear portions of the seat. At a left side of the motor shaft of an electric motor (central portion of a vehicle) where no wide space is secured, a first tightening member having no clutch is screwed to a first rotating screw shaft, which is provided with a first clutch to adjust forward and backward movement of the seat. At a right side (door side), second tightening members each having a second clutch provided therein are screwed to a second rotating screw shaft to adjust the height of the front and rear portions of the seat.

Abstract: An adjustable vehicle seat wherein the frame supporting the seat portion is defined by two sides, each presenting a bottom portion sliding along a respective horizontal longitudinal guide, and a top portion integral with the seat portion and connected to the respective bottom portion so as to travel, in relation to the bottom portion, along a fixed vertical guide integral with the bottom portion and by virtue of two actuating devices located on either side of the fixed guide and each of which provides for rocking the respective top portion in relation to the respective bottom portion and about a respective axis perpendicular to the fixed guide.

Abstract: A tiltable table has a pneumatic actuator and a locking system for establishing and maintaining a table position. The locking system is operated by an air cylinder that engages a dog with a ratchet plate secured to the table. The dog is spring-biased to locking position, and is air-operated for release against the action of the biasing spring. On lowering the table, air is permitted to escape through a restriction orifice at a slow enough rate to maintain sufficient air pressure to keep the locking system disengaged, but sudden release of all the air pressure will again permit the spring to re-lock the system to prevent a downward slamming of the table surface.