Abstract: A pneumatic actuator including a first housing having a first cylinder formed therein, a first piston slidably positioned within the cylinder of the first housing, a first rack connected to the first piston and extending therefrom, a second housing having a second cylinder formed therein, a second piston slidably positioned within the second cylinder of the second housing, a second rack connected to the second piston and extending therefrom, and a pinion engaging the first and second rack and rotatable relative to a movement of the first and second racks. The first piston has a center axis aligned with a point of contact between the first rack and the pinion. The second piston has a center axis aligned with a point of contact between the second rack and the pinion. Each rack is supported against the pinion by a pin supported by support members arranged transverse to the axis of the pinion.

Abstract: An assembly suitable for use as an overclamp assembly is provided. The assembly includes a base having a shaft inserted therethrough. The shaft rotates about an axis relative to the base. A center block is pivotably coupled to the shaft for arcuate movement about the axis and relative to the base. A longitudinal drive assembly is inserted into the center block and coupled to the shaft. Rotation of the shaft causes the longitudinal drive assembly to traverse a longitudinal path and an arcuate path about the axis. The longitudinal drive assembly includes a holder which is suitable for attachment to a probe arm.

Abstract: Silk-screen printing apparatus is provided for the silk-screen printing of articles such as oval-shaped bottles and containers on the two major curved peripheral surfaces thereof, sequentially, with one printing pass. The apparatus utilizes, in this case, two squeegees positioned one behind the other and synchronized in such a manner as to force ink through a screen provided with two image patterns as each of the two image patterns on the screen moves sequentially over the two curved surfaces to be printed.

Abstract: A lock system for an article of furniture such as a cabinet or pedestal having one or more drawers or doors includes a lock bar movable between locked and unlocked positions responsive to an actuator and operating mechanism. The actuator and operating mechanism includes a lead screw which provides front-rear movement of a slider to which a toothed rack is mounted, in response to key operation of the lock mechanism by an operator. A toothed pinion is engaged with the toothed rack, and is rotatable in response to the front-rear movement of the rack. A pair of shafts are mounted to and rotatable with the pinion, extending between the pinion and a pair of levers mounted one on each side of the cabinet. Each lever is pivotably mounted, and includes an arm for lifting and lowering the lock bar in response to rotation of the shaft.

Abstract: A device for installing and removing a removable computer component, such as a data storage drive or computer card, into or out of a computer housing. The device features a drive sled to which the data storage drive is mounted. A stationary carrier tray is secured to the computer housing. Interlocking angled tracks on the drive sled and the carrier tray secure the two structures together. To promote easy coupling of the drive's electrical interface connectors, the front end of the drive sled has a floating guide plate with forward-projecting locating pins, which pins are used to align the electrical connectors held by the floating guide plate. A rack and pinion mechanism is provided. The rack is disposed on the top of the carrier tray while the pinion is located on the underside of the drive sled. As the drive sled slides onto the carrier tray, the lever-actuated pinion gear engages the rack and consequently displaces the drive sled relative to the stationary carrier tray.

Abstract: A technical device, in particular an electromechanical running gear for the movement of information carriers, such as magnetic tapes or discs, having a carrier plate (1) made of metal at which movable functional parts (5, 7) made of synthetic resin are formed by an injection molding process (outsert molding). Each functional part is held in a respective hole (3, 4) in the plate by means of retaining pieces (5a, 5b, 7, 7c) made of synthetic resin which overlie both plate surfaces (1c, 1d). The retaining pieces are interconnected through the hole by an integral synthetic-resin connection bridge (5b, 7b) integral with these pieces. Clearance sufficient to obtain a smooth movement of the functional parts (5, 7) in the holes (3, 4) is obtained through mechanical deformation of the retaining pieces subsequent to the insertion molding.

Abstract: A rack and pinion mechanism in a switch apparatus which ensures proper staging of the pinion to the rack during assembly is disclosed. A protuberance engages a receiver disposed on the rack and operates to prevent final assembly of the pinion to the rack unless both are properly staged. This minimizes the occurrence of misstaged switches assembled in blind installation conditions.

Abstract: A variable stroke mechanism provides a means for varying the stroke and leverage of a linkage between reciprocating power source and crankshaft. The mechanism includes a lever connected at one end to the reciprocating power source and at the other end to the crankshaft with a variable fulcrum point between the two ends. The lever forms a longitudinally extending slot for containing a fulcrum member, the other surfaces of which, while generally cylindrical, secures a series of parallel and equiangularly displaced cylindrical roller bearings. The top of the slot formed within the lever is a flat bearing surface and the opposing bottom surface contains a series of semicircular channels forming a gear train sized and located to successively engage the roller bearings on the fulcrum member and said bearings serving as gear teeth such that rotation of the fulcrum member changes the position of the fulcrum point relative to the lever.

Abstract: Fastening apparatus for detachably fastening a removable roof section to a vehicle body includes an elongated locking device on the roof section movable between a roof-lock position in which the locking device locks the roof section to the vehicle body and a roof-unlock position in which the locking device unlocks the roof section from the vehicle body. A bow-shaped handle has two end parts, and a rotatable device rotatably connects one end part of the handle with the locking device such that the handle is rotatable between a handle-lock position to dispose the locking device in the roof-lock position and a handle-unlock position to dispose the locking device in the roof-unlock position. A connecting device is disposed between the other end part of the handle and the connecting link, the disconnectable connecting device having a connect position which connects the other end part of the handle and a rotatable connecting link.

Abstract: A stirring device for facilitating dialysis includes a housing, an axle with a first end portion extending out of the housing and a second end portion extending into the housing, a sprocket connected to the second end portion of the axle, a motor unit provided inside the housing, a circular cam plate mounted eccentrically on and being rotatably driven by a driving shaft of the motor unit, and a cam follower having a curved edge provided with gear teeth which mesh with the sprocket. The cam follower is formed with a cam groove to receive the cam plate. Rotation of the cam plate inside the cam groove causes reciprocating left and right movement of the cam follower to bring about reciprocating clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the sprocket and the axle. A dialysate chamber confines a receiving space to receive a volume of solvent. The dialysate chamber is provided on top of the housing and is formed with an axially extending tubular sleeve.

Abstract: This invention relates to a flexible robot arm comprising a plurality of disc-shaped elements arranged in a series so as to consist of a flexible arm, both surfaces of each of the elements being formed in convex having an arched opposed single curve so as to form contact surfaces, and a plurality of wire-like actuating devices for allowing the flexible arm to curve or bend in a desired direction. The flexible robot arm of this invention is directed to make motors for driving the actuating devices compact in size and light in weight and also a drive unit section compact in size and light in weight. The flexible robot arm includes two drive units each interconnected to the proximal ends of respective pairs of actuating devices (e.g. 3a and 3c, and 3b and 3d) disposed oppositely to each other on the diagonal and driven through rotary members (5a, 5b, 9a, 9b or 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) each being rotated by one of the motors (8a, 8 b) in both the clockwise and the anti-clockwise directions.

Abstract: An anti-theft steering shaft lock on an automotive steering column including a first clutch element on a rotatable steering shaft and a second clutch element on a stationary part of the steering column. The first clutch element has notches accessible in the direction of the centerline of the steering shaft and the second clutch element has axial lugs for engagement in the notches. The second clutch element is mounted on the stationary part of the steering column for bodily movement in the direction of the centerline of the steering shaft between locked and unlocked positions relative to the first clutch element. An annular control element is rotatably supported on the stationary part of the steering column around the second clutch element and has a circumferential cam slot which receives a radial lug on the second clutch element such that rotation of the control element effects bodily shiftable movement of the second clutch element between its locked and unlocked positions.

Abstract: A cylindrical container and cover to be firmly fitted thereon with a bayonet coupling and supports for a lever multiplier to supply to a rack rod a force "n" times stronger than the one applied to the levers, the lever multiplier being integral with a cylinder which slides inside a housing with cuts fitted in the cover center to allow a constant compression according to the heap height; force is transmitted onto the waste to compress it with a piston, which is firmly connected with a nut to the lower part of the rack rod.

Abstract: A remote control system is provided for transmitting control movement to a controlled member, such as a throttle or transmission control lever, on a marine propulsion unit from a selected one of a plurality of remote control units each of which has an operator movable between a plurality of positions. A remote control mechanism has at least one slidably supported control element operatively connected to each of the operators for linear reciprocation of the control elements upon movement of the respective operator. The remote control mechanism further includes a pinion gear operatively engaged with the control elements, a shaft connected for rotation with the pinion, and a pair of connecting links for converting the linear reciprocation of the control elements into a rotary motion of a spindle. A first rotation angle detecting device detects the rotational position of the spindle and transmits a signal to a control unit indicative of this rotational position.

Abstract: An extendable elevating leg rest assembly for a wheelchair includes a support tube connected to the wheelchair. A first gear member is fixed to the support tube. An extendable strut, which includes a hollow upper strut member pivotally connected to the first gear member and a lower strut member slidably received in the upper strut member, pivots about the first gear member between a lowered position and an elevated position. An adjustable foot rest assembly is releasably clamped to the lower strut member. The leg rest assembly also includes a mechanism for extending the foot rest in reaction to the strut being pivoted toward the elevated position. The extending mechanism includes a second gear member, a drive link, and a follower link. The second gear member is rotatably mounted on the upper strut member and is in meshing engagement with the first gear member so that the second gear member rotates when the strut is povited about the first gear member.

Abstract: A rotary actuator includes a plurality of interchangeable and essentially identical modular drive units each having a pair of racks operably rotating a drive shaft such that the torque applied to the shaft is evenly divided between the drive units. The shaft has pinion-type teeth of a length to accommodate the number of drive units needed to develop the required shaft torque. End plates sandwich the drive units therebetween and rotatably support the shafts. An internal channel system routes hydraulic fluid simultaneously to the proper ends of the racks of each of the drive units to translate the racks in unison. A position sensor identifies the rotary position of the shaft and provides such information to the control mechanism. A rack biasing mechanism for each rack provides biasing pressure against an associated back of a rack directly opposite the shaft and includes a roller acting on the back of the rack. A differential pressure sensor arrangement is provided to sense rotary loading of the shaft.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wheelchair having a pair of levers along its opposite sides connected with sprockets on drive wheels. In one form, each lever is connected to its sprocket by a rack. The drive wheels have a clutch enabling the power stroke of the lever to drive the wheels through the rack-and-pinion engagement, yet permitting the sprocket to rotate in the reverse direction freely upon the return stroke of the lever. The rack includes an arcuate extent void of teeth to enable disengagement of the drive connection between the lever and sprocket whereby the wheels may move freely in either direction. In another form, a chain interconnects the lever and a return spring connected to the wheelchair frame. The chain has an extent void of pins to enable disengagement of the drive connection between the lever and sprocket, whereby the sprocket and, hence, drive wheel are free to rotate in either direction. A speed change mechanism is employed to vary the torque applied to the sprocket by the lever.

Abstract: A rolling mill drive with spindles arranged axially slidably between pinions and work rolls. A joint of each spindle is releasably connected to the neck of at least one roll, particularly the work roll. At least the spindle joint connected to the work roll includes a coupling and uncoupling device, preferably an annular bayonet-type coupling device.

Abstract: An oscillating wiper device for motor vehicle windshields comprising a wiper arm including an inner partial arm having guide means for supporting an outer partial arm for rotation about the longitudinal axis thereof and for longitudinal displacement relative to the inner partial arm, and a structure which enables rotation of the outer partial arm about the longitudinal axis thereof upon oscillating movement of a wiper blade.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting a machine tool such as a robot arm comprises: upper and lower track rails each having a square or circular cross-sectional shape which are horizontally arranged in parallel so as to be away from each other in the vertical direction; and a casing slidably inserted therebetween. Rack tooth trains are formed on the lower surface of the upper track rail and on the upper surface of the lower track rail. The casing has an almost H-shaped cross-sectional shape and comprises a casing main body and two side plates attached at both end surfaces thereof. Rail side track grooves and casing side track grooves are formed on the inner wall surfaces of the track rails and casing main body. Balls are inserted between the corresponding opposite track grooves.

Abstract: A fire-resistant valve 10 with a valve stem 40 mounted for linear motion through a valve stem bore 41 in the valve body 12 and connected to a valve element 20 by a connection means which effects movement of the valve element 20 between its valve open and its valve closed positions in response to axial linear motion of the valve stem 40. The valve includes a valve stem actuator 46 and a valve stem seal assembly comprising a primary seal in the form of an axially extensible and compressible metallic bellows 50 disposed in sleeved relation to the valve stem 40. The bellows is connected at one end by an annular weld 41 to the valve stem and at its other end by an annular weld 52 to the valve body in encircling relation to the valve stem and valve stem bore so as to effect a fluid-tight, gas-tight seal therebetween. A packing structure mounted in the annulus between the valve stem and wall of the valve stem bore provides a secondary valve stem seal.

Abstract: A CPM device is disclosed having a single drive tube supporting the calf and thigh support members. Arms extend upwardly from the calf and thigh support members, each supporting an adjustable cradle in which the calf or thigh rests. The support arms are rotatable 180 degrees so that either leg may be supported over the single drive tube. A foot support is also cantilevered from the end of the calf support drive bar. The drive tube which supports the calf and thigh drive support bars is cantilevered from a unique support mechanism which attaches an end of the drive tube to the horizontal bed frame at the end of the hospital bed. A rack and pinion mechanism is combined with a unique gas spring in order to allow the drive tube to be easily rotated up above the hospital bed with the gas spring providing a power assist to the person lifting the drive tube off the bed in order that the drive tube may be easily rotated up off the bed without undue physical exertion.

Abstract: The invention relates to an actuator, comprising:a cylinder,one or two pistons reciprocally movable in that cylinderone or two racks, each carried by a piston,a pinion coupled to the rack(s),an output connecting part coupled to that pinion for connecting to a device for driving, such as a butterfly valve,means for connecting to a line for medium under pressure for causing the pistons simultaneously to move towards or move away from one another, thereby causing the execution of a corresponding pivoting movement of the output connecting part, andresetting spring means for forcing the pistons into a terminal rest position.The invention provides an actuator with the feature that the resetting spring means comprise at least one gas spring which is connected between the cylinder and a piston.

Abstract: A head protection or helmet suspension is shown having a ratchet adjustment apparatus for the adjustment of the suspension size where the ratchet apparatus is comprised of three parts, all pre-molded of resilient plastic material and having a pre-molded spring fixed around the center of the adjustment knob to engage pins in the ratchet case to lock the suspension size in position. The assembly has no metal parts and is therefore suitable for use around electricity and electrical apparatus.

Abstract: An automatic washing apparatus designed to travel on a single I beam track that can be easily mounted in an existing self-service car wash bay. This apparatus is unique within itself since the trolley apparatus that supplies water and chemicals to the water boom manifold is driven entirely by a screw gear apparatus. The water boom manifold swing is also unique, being rotated by a single half spur gear that is rotated by striking a gear rack at either end of the I beam. An improved embodiment features an adjustable gear rack assembly at one end of the track which is adjusted to shorten the linear travel between end turns in response to signals from vehicle position indicating devices in order to efficiently wash smaller cars. The improved embodiment also includes a smoother vibrationless screw drive and a more rigid one-way clutch bearing support for the rotating members.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting an outboard trolling motor to a boat for movement of the motor between a horizontal stowed position and a vertical operating position includes a track-mounted carriage which supports the motor for reciprocal movement along a horizontal boat surface, such as a deck, and a pivoting mechanism at the end of the track to tilt the motor and its mounting to a vertical operating position. The pivotal mechanism may comprise a curved track section coextensive with the horizontal track, or a split carriage mechanism in which the motor mounting portion is pivotable with respect to the track engaging carriage portion through the operation of a rack and pinion mechanism at the end of the track.

Abstract: An improved power actuator with lost motion arrester for coupled use in accomplishing remote control, set, and set hold of rotary flow control valve adjustments wherein the lost motion arrester component is comprised of a circular rack and pinion timing gear assembly that functions to allow smooth mechanical operation during displacement of the power actuator to accomplish valve adjustment, but upon any valve adjustment set stop instantaneously provides in coupled combination with the power actuator assembly a positive mechanical lock and hold function in arresting the lost motion action by which operational adjustment and set of the power actuator mechanism is made.

Abstract: A pivotation device for a centrifugal chain assembly of a motor vehicle comprises a drive, a rack longitudinally displaceable by the drive, a gear wheel forming with the rack a gearing, an output drive shaft driven by the gear wheel and a pivotation arm, connected thereto by a coupling, for the centrifugal wheel of the assembly. A guide rod of round material extends parallel to the rack, which is guided in a flying manner on the guide rod. The teeth of the rack are located at the side facing away from the guide rod and the gear wheel supporting the rack against a lateral pivotation about the guide rod.

Abstract: A table suspended from a room ceiling has a table top that is positionable between a retracted first position against the ceiling and a second position extended from the ceiling toward the floor. Extension and retraction occur through a pivotal arm assembly. The arm assembly is controlled by electric or manual powered drive mechanisms. The drive mechanisms are enclosed in a modular housing that is manufactured to interchangeably accept either the electrical or the manual drive mechanisms. The suspended table includes a table top that is rotatable about a vertical axis.

Abstract: A machine for rhythmic and reciprocal movement of workpieces and the like in at least two successive steps is described. A carriage for moving the pieces has a drive in the form of at least two synchronously operating crank pins (12, 13), each engaging a groove (25, 26) of a slide track (24) fixed to the carriage (18-20) over about half the length of its travel. One step is thus executed. Then the crank pin in question (13) exits a groove (26) and the other crank pin (12) enters its groove (25). It then executes the second step. At the beginning of each step, the velocity of the carriage is zero. In the further course, it rises to a maximum at a crank angle of 90.degree., and drops back to zero at the end of the step. In this way an especially gentle and rapid motion is made possible. The crank pins may each be mounted on its own shaft, or they may be mounted together on a common shaft with an offset of 180.degree..

Abstract: A variable ratio rocker arm is provided for use in combination with the valve stem and push rod of an internal combustion engine. The rocker arm has a toothed rack. A fulcrum rod is provided with a toothed sector and a curved sector. A stationary support member has an elongated slot defined between a rod seat and a toothed rack. The fulcrum rod toothed sector engages the toothed rack of the rocker arm and the toothed rack of the stationary support member. A roller bearing assembly is movably disposed between the rod curved sector and the rod seat, with the roller bearing assembly being rollable along the rod seat. An operating arm is coupled to the fulcrum rod for simultaneously rotating and translating the fulcrum rod along the toothed racks.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for converting a unidirectional displacement to an angular displacement of selectable direction. The apparatus 10 has a rack gear assembly, which has two opposing rack gears 16 and 17 held in a parallel spaced relationship and constituting a coordinate plane. Disposed within the two opposing rack gears is rotational shaft 15 having attached to it engagement pin 21 for engaging a segmental pinion gear slot 22 or 23. A pair of opposing segmental pinion gears 13 and 14 are rotatably attached to shaft 15. Each segmental pinion gear 13 and 14 is engaged with a corresponding rack gear 16 and 17. The invention also provides a means for engaging the first said engagement means with either one of the two segmental pinion gears.

Abstract: A rotary actuator for a damper shaft controls the angular position of the damper shaft in accordance with variations in fluid pressure inside of the actuator. The actuator includes a housing, a flexible diaphragm within the housing separating it into a fluid-tight compartment and a second compartment open to the atmosphere. The fluid-tight compartment is provided with a fluid pressure receving port open to a control source of variable pressure. The piston and piston rod are slidably mounted in the second compartment in contact with the diaphragm. The piston rod includes a longitudinally extending rack, and a crank arm rotatably mounted in the housing has a gear segment in meshing relationship with the rack. The actuator shaft to be controlled extends through the housing and is mounted in the crank arm to support the rotary actuator, and the rotary actuator is clipped to an air conditioning duct to prevent it from rotating on the damper actuator shaft axis.

Abstract: A counterbalance assembly for use with a rotatable arm in a robotic manipulator, wherein such arm is rotated about a rotation axis. The assembly further includes one or more compression springs for providing resistance to compressive forces, and converting apparatus for translating the rotational movement of the rotatable arm about the rotation axis into linear deflection of such compression spring, whereby resistance of the compression spring to linear deflection in either direction along its longitudinal axis establishes an effective counterbalancing force which reduces the load bearing on the arm drive regardless of the direction in which the rotatable arm is rotated.

Abstract: The soil loosening device has at least one, preferably two journals protruding downwardly from a supporting body, which are driven to a pivotal motion along a limited angle. Tine-like soil loosening tool members in bifurcate arrangement, to be driven along a circle segment, are mounted on the journals. The driving unit for driving the tools is characterized by its simple design since it consists of only a few, reliably guided and sturdy components. Particularly, there is provided a crank shaft which drives a toothed rack member to an oscillating motion. Gear wheels connected to the journals mesh with the toothed rack member. Accordingly the expenditure in manufacturing the device is low and the device has a high resistance to wear. The driving unit of the device may be attached to the supporting body in different angular positions by means of a coupling device.

Abstract: A variable ratio rocker arm is provided for use in combination with the valve stem and push rod of an internal combustion engine. The rocker arm has an elongated slot defined between a rod seat and a toothed rack. A fulcrum rod is provided with a toothed sector and a curved sector, with the toothed sector being engaged with the toothed rack portion of the rocker arm. A roller bearing assembly is movably disposed between the rod curved sector and the rod seat, with the roller bearing assembly being rollable along the rod seat. An actuator arm is coupled to the fulcrum rod for simultaneously rotating and translating the fulcrum rod through the rocker arm slot. The operating arm causes the fulcrum rod to rotate and translate along the mating toothing from one point of pivotal engagement, corresponding to a first engine operating condition, to another point of pivotal engagement, corresponding to a second engine operating condition.

Abstract: A device for automatically dispensing a unitary product has a frame having two grooves therethrough. A coil having a movable core is joined to the frame and one end of one U-shaped flange is joined to one end of the core of the coil for movement therewith. A stud is fixed relative to the frame and cooperative with the one U-shaped flange for guiding its movement. A projection from the one end of the one U-shaped flange joined to the core also butts against the stud, whereby to limit the movement of the one U-shaped flange with the core. A rack on the one U-shaped flange and a pinion rotate a toothed wheel at one end of another U-shaped flange. Two fingers are rotatably connected to the other end of the other U-shaped flange for movement respectively along the grooves upon the rotation of the other U-shaped flange for dispensing the product.

Abstract: A linear to rotary actuator is disclosed having a fluid pressure operated diaphragm whose linear movement is translated into rotary movement of an output member by a helical coupling therebetween. The coupling comprises a coupling member that is insert molded in the diaphram so as to extend therethrough and interlock therewith while preventing fluid from passing from one diaphragm side to the other. The coupling member has a combined guide and anti-rotation portion extending from one side of the diaphragm that slidably engages a stationary guide so as to guide linear movement while preventing rotational movement of the coupling member and further has a helix extending from the other side of the diaphragm that slidably engages in a slot in a section that meshes with a gear connected to the output member whereby linear movement of the diaphragm forces linear non-rotational movement of the coupling memmer and thereby rotary movement of the output member.

Abstract: An orthopedic hinge is polycentric and employs a rack cooperating with pinions formed at the ends of the hinge arms. A special arrangement for limiting rack displacement is effective to selectively clamp the hinge arms at a given arm angle or to permit movement within a limited range of allowable angles.

Abstract: An operating mechanism for a rotary valve comprises a rack 18 reciprocatable within a housing 10 by an actuator 20 axially movable from outside the housing through an access aperture 30. The rack engages a pinion 14 connectable with a valve stem 16. A bellows seal 24 surrounds the actuator and is sealed at one end to the rack and at the other end to the housing about the aperture to prevent escape of any noxious fluids which might escape past the valve gland into the operating mechanism housing when sealingly mounted to the valve body.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of bookbinding machines, and in particular to a device controlling gripper members arranged to transfer books, magazines, and the like.The technical problem to be solved was that of providing a simple and accurate form of mesh engagement of gear wheels, constituting power drives for the movable gripper members, with stationary racks arranged in a discontinuous fashion along the path of movement of the gripper members.The solution to the problem is provided by positioning members (15,16) projecting eccentrically from the gear wheels (4) and being adapted for engagement in an entry channel (18) located at one end of the stationary racks (14). The entry channel (18) is made gradually narrower and has an oscillating portion (20) at that portion where the positioning members tend to move as the gear wheels engage with the racks (14).

Abstract: A disposable surgical stapler having an overall hypodermic shape and a geared plunger mechanism, which gives a mechanical advantage. One of the improvements is the hypodermic configuration, which permits the surgeon to suture or staple without twisting his hand or the flesh of the patient. A magazine feed supplies the sutures or staples to the applying head at an advantageous angle.

Abstract: In a motion transmitting mechanism comprising a linearly moveable member (3) operating to and from an end stop, a compressible spring (9) is arranged between the linearly moveable member (5) and a supporting surface (10), whereby the spring is compressed when the member (5) approaches the end position and gives a force on the member (5) directed away from the supporting surface when the member is in its end position.

Abstract: A steering mechanism for a vehicle which includes a disk and a pair of rollers which rotate 180.degree. about a series of fingers to turn the wheels. The pivot member of the steering mechanism includes a slot having a spring biased pin extending thereinto to inhibit wear on the mechanism as it is pivoted.

Abstract: Apparatus for attachment to an automated robot or other similar type of automatic machinery, for controlling paint spraying nozzles to provide additional degrees of freedom of spray direction and film coating, including a rack and pinion gearing housing attachable to the robot, one or more air cylinders mechanically linked to the rack and pinion gearing, a shaft rotatably coupled to the pinion gear and fixedly attached to one or more spray nozzles. Air activation of the air cylinders causes the pinion gearing mechanism to pivotally rotate about the shaft axis, rotatably positioning the spray nozzles in various preselected angular positions.

Abstract: An apparatus and a process for burnishing annular surfaces. The apparatus includes a burnishing tool which is actuated to rotate in one direction and then in the opposite direction. The apparatus is used for the burnishing of annular thrust bearings which have oil wick slots and wick slot oil ramps. A rack and pinion connects a tool mounting spindle to an air cylinder and is used to rotate the tool in one direction and then the other direction. The tool has a convexly shaped burnishing surface. The tool's axis of rotation is coaxially aligned with the central axis of the annular surface. The rotation of the tool in one direction and then in the other direction burnishes the thrust surface and the wick slot oil ramps of the bearings. The opposite ends of the rotational burnishing strokes locates the tool in the wick slots so as to leave no stopping imperfection on the thrust surface of the bearing.

Abstract: Slidably mounted blocks with toothed wheels supporting arms of various radial extension provide variable travel distances for the gripper bar when moving in the transfer direction.

Abstract: A device for automatically inserting and ejecting an information carrier by means of an over-center mechanism, which is actuated manually until the over-center point is reached. The over-center mechanism comprises an eccentric gear which has a diameter which increases as the insertion movement proceeds, the gear surface engaging a sliding member for the information carrier. As a result, the automatic insertion path length is increased relative to the manual insertion path length.

Abstract: A valve for vehicle liquid heating circuits that includes a sealed case, an inlet, an outlet and a mechanism for opening and closing at least one of said inlet and said outlet. The valve includes a guide means for mounting a member having a rack thereon and rotatable means with a toothed segment engagable with and actuating the rack along the guide means to move a valve plug into and out of engagement with a seat located at either said inlet or said outlet. A rotatable cylindrical element that includes said toothed segment extends through said sealed casing to accept a lever for actuating the segment to thereby move the rack and its associated plug.

Abstract: A plurality of component lead processing assemblies are located in a plane each releasably secured to a different given location on a support structure. Each processing assembly has an anvil and a lead processing part which is rotatable relative to the anvil for performing the lead processing on leads of components secured to a printed circuit board. A link structure is coupled to each lead processing part movable in a direction parallel to the plane of the processing assemblies for concurrently rotating the processing parts in response to the actuation of drive means.