Abstract: A card/chassis coupling system includes a chassis defining a chassis housing with a chassis wall defining a card entrance to the chassis housing. The chassis wall engages a securing element on a card to secure it in the chassis housing. A card/chassis release device adjacent the card entrance includes a base in the chassis housing, and a card mover member and securing element release member that are each moveably coupled to the base and to an actuator member extending through the chassis wall. Movement of the actuator member into the chassis housing causes the securing element release member to move relative to the base to engage the securing element on the card and disengage it from the chassis wall, and causes the card mover member to move relative to the base to engage the card and move it through the card entrance and out of the chassis housing.

Abstract: A knob for an input device includes a knob housing being rotatable on an axis, a shaft extending from the knob housing along the axis, a ratchet wheel axially coupled to the shaft with a toothed perimeter, and a ratchet arm to couple to the toothed perimeter of the ratchet wheel when the ratchet arm is engaged such that a ratcheted rotation occurs when the knob is rotated, and decouple from the toothed perimeter of the ratchet wheel when the ratchet arm is disengaged. The knob can further include a resistance wheel axially coupled to the shaft with a substantially smooth perimeter, and a resistance arm to couple to the smooth perimeter of the resistance wheel when the resistance arm is engaged such that a friction is provided when the knob is rotated, and decouple from the smooth perimeter of the resistance wheel when the resistance arm is disengaged.

Abstract: A tool assembly for safely rotating a heavy turbine generator rotor for alignment and maintenance purposes. The tool assembly includes a plurality of segments mounted to an outer face of a coupling affixed to an end of a shaft of the rotor, where the segments include a plurality of segment teeth extending beyond an outer edge of the coupling. A tool is positioned adjacent to the coupling and includes a support assembly, a hydraulic ram and a ratcheting pawl. The ratcheting pawl includes a drive pin positioned to engage the teeth of the segments, where extension of a piston rod from the hydraulic ram causes the coupling and shaft to rotate.

Abstract: A hydraulic torque wrench system has a power head and interchangeable link cartridge drives, insertable into the power head. A power head to cartridge drive connection system secures the cartridge drives into the power head forming a single unit having a torque line extending through the center line of the power head, in order to eliminate adverse reactive forces. A hydraulic hose coupler allows 360° by 360° coupler rotation. The link cartridge drives include a reaction pawl which controls the movement of the ratchet within the cartridge drive, a clam shell drive plate for an internal ratchet tooth cassette, a locking system to maintain a ratchet square drive in opposed lateral positions, and a reaction arm adjustment system for locking the reaction arm in a plurality of configurations in relation to the cartridge drive.

Abstract: An actuating device is provided for the rotation of a turbine shaft train and includes a principal turning gear electrically operated and an auxiliary turning gear hydraulically operated. Also provided is a turbine-generator set for the generation of electricity including the actuating device.

Abstract: A hand-held actuator device for releasing into the body from a delivery system a medical prosthesis, like a stent, comprising a frame (10) that acts as a housing, a reel (30) for receiving a wire (8), a manually operable slider (34) mounted to the frame and a one-way connection between the slider and the reel. Actuating the slider causes the reel to wind up the wire and release the medical prosthesis.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved drive system for a personal vehicle comprising: a frame with a steerable front wheel and rear wheel connected to a drive axle connected to a crank arm by a drive linkage; a roller rotatably attached to the crank arm; a pedal pivotally attached to the frame having a cavity for receiving the roller; a contoured wear bar carried by the cavity for contacting the perimeter of the roller; a major arch included in the contoured wear bar contacting the roller when the pedal is on a down stroke; a minor arch included in the contoured wear bar for providing additional power when the pedal is near the end of its down stroke; and, a major front slope included in the wear bar for contacting the roller when the pedal is in its upstroke to place the pedal at its highest most position.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a planar positioning device includes a first actuator displaceable in a first axis direction, a second actuator displaceable in a second axis direction perpendicular to the first axis, a first displacement magnifying mechanism configured to magnify a displacement of the first actuator, a second displacement magnifying mechanism configured to magnify a displacement of the second actuator, a stage arranged in a plane, a first drive support mechanism including a parallel link connected between the first displacement magnifying mechanism and the stage to transmit the magnified displacement in the first-axis direction to the stage, a second drive support mechanism including a parallel link connected between the second displacement magnifying mechanism and the stage to transmit the magnified displacement in the second-axis direction to the stage, and a stabilizing support mechanism configured to apply tensions in the first-axis direction and the second-axis direction to the stage.

Abstract: A device comprising an element to be driven and a driving element designed to be urged into engagement with the element to be driven and an actuating element adapted to generate a reciprocating movement to move the driving element, the driving element and the actuating element being formed by etching in a semiconductor material block, are provided. During a first alternation (a) of the movement generated by the actuating element, the driving element is urged into engagement with the element to be driven to pull the element to be driven. During a second alternation (b) in the opposite direction generated by the actuating element, the driving element slides on the element to be driven, such that the element to be driven is displaced in a step-by-step movement by the driving element.

Abstract: A stepper actuator including a brake drum and a central gear mechanically connected thereto. The brake drum and the central gear are selectively rotatable in opposing first and second rotational directions. First and second actuation members are moveable through first and second actuation cycles to incrementally rotate the central gear. The actuation members engage and subsequently disengage the central gear as they move through their actuation cycles. The actuation members are configured to rotate the central gear during engagement therewith. A braking assembly is operatively connected to the first and second actuation members and is frictionally engaged to the brake drum to prevent rotation of the brake drum when the first and second actuation members are each in a retracted position as occurs when neither is moving through a corresponding actuation cycle.

Abstract: A two directional traversing mechanism uses a ratchet bar moved by an actuator to oscillate. Notches in the ratchet bar engage a pawl pivotally mounted to a piece of equipment so that the pawl and equipment move in the first direction. When the direction of the ratchet bar is reversed either the pawl is moved forward to an adjacent notch, or the pawl swings due to a biasing force such that when the ratchet bar again reverses direction, the ratchet bar causes the bar to pivot the pawl in a direction opposite the first direction. When the ratchet bar again operates in the reverse direction the pawl now engages with a notch of the ratchet bar and moves the equipment in the reverse direction.

Abstract: A drive assembly, particularly for driving arms around a compartment in a waste material digester, comprises a rotatable hub having an inner drive plate and a ratchet plate secured thereto for rotation therewith. Positionally opposed, parallel piston and cylinder drive reciprocatably drive an outer drive plate, drive arms pivotally carried on the outer drive plate engaging with drive pins on the inner drive plate to drive the hub in one direction. Movement of the hub in the opposite direction is prevented by latches engaging with respective shoulders of the ratchet plate when the outer drive plate moves in said opposite direction.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for driving one or more force coils. A system for driving force coils is provided including a PWM drive coupled to a first coil and a linear drive coupled to a second coil. The PWM drive efficiently drives the first coil to apply a first force. The linear drive drives the second coil to apply a second force that is substantially noise-free. The first force is greater than the second force.

Abstract: The invention proposes an arrangement for the mechanical interfacing of a micromotor of the MEMS type with a toothed wheel in which the micromotor is produced in the upper layer of a plate made of crystalline or amorphous material and comprises at least one actuator which drives a rotor in rotation, characterised in that a pinion, coaxial with the rotor and arranged above the rotor, is connected in rotation to the rotor by means of at least one pin which is received in an associated housing and in that the pinion meshes with the toothed wheel.

Abstract: An engine (10) which can deliver mechanical work for an extended duration in comparison to the duration of energy input into the engine. The engine (10) includes a drive shaft (11) through which it delivers mechanical work. The drive shaft (11) is drivingly connected to an electrodynamic machine (13) for generating electrical energy. The drive shaft (11) is driven by a drive system (15) which incorporates various drive mechanisms (16), power means (17) for operating the drive mechanisms (16) and gearing (18) for drivingly connecting the drive mechanisms (16) to the drive shaft (11). The various drive mechanisms (16) are operated in a pre-determined sequence by the power means (17). Each drive mechanism (16) is in the form of a rack and pinion mechanism. The power means (17) for operating the drive mechanisms (16) comprises spring structure (130) associated with each rack of the rack and pinion mechanisms.

Abstract: Indexing drives associated with a transmission each include a housing having a plurality of guideways, actuators slidably mounted in the guideways and a carrier with follower elements. The actuators include drive elements which can extend to the follower elements. The follower elements are movable across the drive elements and the drive elements are movable toward and away from the follower elements. The drive elements include convexities and the follower elements include concavities. The concavities are spaced from one another and the convexities are spaced from one another such that when one of the concavities is fully engaged with one of the convexities, two other of the concavities and two other of the convexities are sufficiently aligned to be partially engageable. The follower elements are severally arranged to provide cylindrical surfaces with concavities, circular surfaces with concavities and longitudinal surfaces with concavities.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical (MEM) ratcheting apparatus is disclosed which includes an electrostatic or thermal actuator that drives a moveable member in the form of a ring gear, stage, or rack. Motion is effected by one or more reciprocating pawls driven by the actuator in a direction that is parallel to, in line with, or tangential to the path. The reciprocating pawls engage indexing elements (e.g. teeth or pins) on the moveable member to incrementally move the member along a curved or straight path with the ability to precisely control and determine the position of the moveable member. The MEM apparatus can be formed on a silicon substrate by conventional surface micromachining methods.

Abstract: A device for the back rounding of book blocks in a book binding machine cooperating with a conveyor device. The device includes a driving arrangement and rounding elements driven in rotation by the driving arrangement. The rounding elements taking up the book block following release of the book block by the conveyor device. The rounding elements acting on both sides of the book block through pressurized rotational movement thereof. When the book blocks are gripped by the rounding elements, the rounding elements may selectively travel in a lifting movement which is separate from the rotational movement into preselectable, defined vertical positions.

Abstract: A driving device (actuator) 10 includes a driving shaft 16 which is Linearly driven in the axial direction by a piezoelectric element 15 and two disks 18a and 18b which are made of an elastic material and fixed to a rotary shaft 17. Peripheral portions of the two disks 18a and 18b vertically hold the driving shaft 16 between them so as to be frictionally coupled with the driving shaft 16 by their elastic forces. When the driving shaft 16 is linearly driven in the axial direction by the piezoelectric element 15, the peripheral portions of the two disks 18a and 18b receive a force in the tangential direction and rotate around the rotary shaft 17.

Abstract: A drive pulse generating apparatus capable of freely adjusting drive speed of a drive device using an electromechanical transducer for adjusting the width of a rising portion and the width of a falling portion of a sawtooth waveform pulse having a gradual rising portion and a steep falling portion or a steep rising portion and a gradual falling portion by adjusting waveform of a drive pulse or combining drive pulses having different waveforms of a sine waveform, a sawtooth waveform and the like by which the drive speed of the drive device using the electromechanical transducer is freely adjusted.

Abstract: An actuator comprises a base, a guide assembly mounted on the base, a first displacing unit mounted on the base for displacement into engagement with the guide assembly to place the first displacing unit in a fixed state and for displacement in a moving direction along the guide assembly when the first displacing unit is not in a fixed state, and a second displacing unit integrally connected to the first displacing unit and mounted on the base for displacement in the moving direction along the guide assembly. A holder is mounted in contact with the guide assembly for movement with the second displacing unit and for supporting the second displacing unit on the guide assembly with a frictional force weaker than a force with which the first displacing unit is maintained in the fixed state to thereby allow the second displacing unit and the holder to move in the moving direction while the holder contacts the guide assembly and while the first displacing unit is in the fixed state.

Abstract: An indexing apparatus is disclosed that can be used to rotate a gear or move a rack in a precise, controllable manner. The indexing apparatus, based on a reciprocating shuttle driven by one or more actuators, can be formed either as a micromachine, or as a millimachine. The reciprocating shuttle of the indexing apparatus can be driven by a thermal, electrostatic or electromagnetic actuator, with one or more wedge-shaped drive teeth of the shuttle being moveable to engage and slide against indexing teeth on the gear or rack, thereby moving the gear or rack. The indexing apparatus can be formed by either surface micromachining processes or LIGA processes, depending on the size of the apparatus that is to be formed.

Abstract: An apparatus for rotating a drum employs a plurality of drive sprockets disposed about the outside surface of the drum and spaced-apart along the length of the drum. Each drive sprocket has a first flange, a second flange, and a plurality of pins interconnecting the first flange and the second flange, spaced-apart about the drum and parallel to the axis of the drum. Spaced-apart hydraulic rams each exert force on one of the drive sprockets so as to cause rotation of the drum. Each ram is moveable between a linearly retracted first state and a linearly extended second state and has a first end and an opposite second end. The first end is secured to the base, the second end is engageable with the pins of a selected drive sprocket so that as the ram extends from the first state to the second state, the ram exerts force on a pin in the first direction, the first direction being tangential to the outside surface and perpendicular to the axis of the drum.

Abstract: The power train of a motor vehicle employs an automated transmission and an automated clutch between the transmission and the combustion engine. The clutch is automatically disengaged prior to, and is automatically reengaged after, each selection of a particular gear of the transmission. A common first actuator (such as a reversible stepping motor) is employed to select the condition of the clutch and to select various gears, and a second actuator is used to effect actual shifting of the transmission into or from a selected gear. The connection between the first actuator and a clutch operating member comprises a reciprocable or rotary first cam, and the connection between the first actuator and a gear selecting member comprises a preferably rotary second cam which receives motion from the first cam.

Abstract: A tensioning system for an endless chain comprising a snail cam mounted on a second shaft parallel to a sprocket shaft which supports a sprocket and chain, a follower running against the snail cam and mounted on a mechanism supporting the sprocket shaft, a ratchet device which selectively limits the rotational direction of the second shaft so that the radius of the snail cam at the follower increases with rotation, a means of applying a controlled rotational force to the second shaft to advance the ratchet device if chain tension is below a predetermined level, but not advance it if chain tension is above a predetermined level.

Abstract: A linear drive mechanism comprises an electromechanical conversion element for producing repeatable linear displacements in a predetermined direction, a working member fixedly connected to said electromechanical conversion element for simultaneous displacement therewith and having a guide surface formed in the direction of displacement of said electromechanical conversion element, a moving member frictionally contacting with the guide surface of said working member, and a pushing member furnished on said working member for pushing said moving member against said guide surface of the working member.

Abstract: Advertisement at the point of purchase is presented by a box containing a rotary device which displays graphic material on each step of the device. The rotary device is mounted in a box having a lens focused on the graphic material. A very low cost is achieved by a plastic plate shaped to form two cantilever springs, one of the cantilever springs has a tooth which steps the rotary drive into a viewing position, and the other of the cantilever springs has a tooth which stops the rotary device in a viewing position.

Abstract: In the present invention, a single cylinder or solenoid, ratchet-action, three speed actuator is used on an in-line shifter which actuator can be controlled by a button, single rpm switch, timer or a multiple number of rpm switches, or timers with a special controller. In-line shifters can control forward or reverse pattern transmissions. The pattern for a three-speed forward shifting transmission is first gear, second gear, third gear, neutral, reverse, and park. The pattern for a three-speed reverse shifting transmission is third gear, second gear, first gear, neutral, reverse, and park. A shifter for a forward pattern transmission must be pushed or pulled in a forward direction to shift to the next higher gear, and a shifter for a reverse pattern transmission must be pushed or pulled in a rearward direction to shift to the next higher gear. The handle of an in-line shifter travels in an arc through these patterns.

Abstract: A segmented sign drive provides rotational driving force from a drive arm moving in reciprocating motion. The arm moves a series of pins in a series of grooves located in drive disks. A drive disk is mounted to each segment of the sign so as to rotate the segments into preferred positions in a step-by-step sequence where all of the segments move together to new positions so as to change the outward appearance of the sign. The grooves are ramped so that on a forward stroke of the drive arm the pins are moved upward on a ramped groove in the drive disks to fall into a preferred hole at one end of each of the grooves. On the return or reverse stroke, the pins, now caught within the holes, cause the disks to rotate by one part of the cycle. On the next cycle, the pins again move out of the holes and up the ramp surfaces of the next grooves which have been moved into place where the former grooves were.

Abstract: A circular, surface-coating application of sprayable composition or mortar is achieved through a rotatable spray head with at least one lateral discharge opening. The composition or mortar is distributed as uniformly and over as large a surface area as possible in the vicinity of the spray head. The spray head is moved axially forwards and back in an axial direction through the same distance during conveying of the composition or mortar and is rotated automatically through the same angular distance about the axis.

Abstract: A coke oven door extractor is mounted on the rail car and includes door engaging supports movable in individually differing amounts relative to a plane parallel to and including the door jamb and a door jamb height axis of symmetry and movable vertically, allowing the door extractor to compensate for front-to-back tilting and side-to-side leaning of the coke oven door jamb due to thermal distortion of the battery and variations in individual door heights. The extractor includes a first frame pivotally mounted to the car, a second frame horizontally translatably mounted to the first frame, and a third frame vertically translatably and pivotally mounted to the second frame, with the third frame including the door supports.

Abstract: A multi-speed transmission for transmitting power between a first shaft and a second shaft includes a plurality of gear sets, a plurality of connector gears corresponding to the plurality of gear sets and a shifting mechanism. Each gear set includes a first gear rotatably disposed about the first shaft, a uni-directional free wheeling mechanism between the first gear and the first shaft, and a second gear coupled to the second shaft. The uni-directional free wheeling mechanism permits the first gear to freely rotate about the shaft when the first gear rotates in a preselected direction relative to the rotation of the first shaft and locks the first gear to the first shaft at all other times. The first and second gears are spaced apart from one another but may be interconnected by one of the plurality of connector gears. Each connector gear is movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position.

Abstract: A stepping actuator which is simple and compact in construction, and capable of converting rectilinear reciprocating motions into stepwise rotations of a predetermined stepping angle suitable for application of limited or limitless stepping rotations in one direction or in both forward and reverse directions.

Abstract: A coke oven rail car with a drive control system for positioning the car and for spotting the functional equipment carried by the car. A sensor determines the relative position of the car with respect to a selected oven in a coke oven battery. The car includes a first drive for effecting gross movement of the car along the rails and gross positioning of the car relative to the selected oven. The car further includes a second automatically controlled drive for effecting fine movement of the caw along the rails and fine positioning of the car relative to the selected oven. In one embodiment the first drive is manually controlled, while in another embodiment the first drive is automatically controlled. The second automatically controlled drive can take the form of one or two disk clutch type mechanisms or a clutch band type mechanism.

Abstract: A land vehicle or bicycle (110) is disclosed having a front wheel drive which includes an impulse drive mechanism and shock driver. The front wheel drive mechanism (140) includes a handle bar/driver mechanism (151) attached to an impulse drive mechanism (166). The bicycle (110) may be used such that the handle bar/driver mechanism (151) is fixed for use as a conventional bicycle or may be released by a twist grip (159) or thumb release (193) so that the bicycle may be driven by a drive mechanism (140). The shock drive mechanism (FIGS. 14-16) provides forward propulsion force due to the compression (308) and recoil (304) forces of a shock absorber (144) when the bicycle (110) encounters a bump, curb or other obstacle.

Abstract: An adjustable bed includes a base frame, a mattress frame and linkage for mounting the mattress frame for relative movement with respect to the base frame. A mechanical jack is operatively connected to the base frame and the linkage for moving the mattress frame between high and low positions. A mechanical jack includes an enclosure. A bearing supports a ram within the enclosure for extension and retraction. A drive plate and a hold plate define apertures through which the ram extends. A drive bar is shifted by rotation of an actuator shaft to lock the drive plate to the ram and extend the ram from the housing. The drive spring resiliently biases the drive plate to an unlocked or return position. A hold spring biases the hold plate to a locked position to prevent return movement of the ram into the enclosure. A release bar is shifted into engagement with the hold plate upon reverse rotation of the actuator shaft to release the plate and permit lowering of the ram into the enclosure.

Abstract: A transmission device having a simplified construction as well as a higher power transmission efficiency is provided, wherein a rotational speed can be changed steplessly without interrupting a power transmission and the rotation can be reversed. In the outer periphery of the rotating shaft (2) a thread-shape spline (5) having a first inclined plane oblique to the axial direction is provided and a rotating body (3) having a spline (not-shown) engaging with the spline (5) is rotatably and externally engaged with the rotating shaft (2). One of the rotating shaft (2) or the rotating body (3) is selected as a driving side and the other is selected as a driven side and both or one of the rotating shaft (2) and the rotating body (3) are displaced in the axial direction of the rotating shaft (2).

Abstract: A ratchet device is disclosed which includes a body, a ratchet wheel rotatably supported by the body, a feed pawl having an engaging portion engageable with teeth of the ratchet wheel, a support member for holding the feed pawl, a member for biasing the feed pawl toward the wheel teeth, and a drive device for moving reciprocating the support member between two positions to place the feed pawl alternately in its fully advanced and retracted positions, so as to rotate the ratchet wheel a predetermined angle in one direction. The ratchet device further includes a stopper member for contact with the feed pawl when the pawl is placed in the fully retracted position, to thereby prevent the engaging portion of the pawl from disengaging from the teeth of the ratchet wheel.

Abstract: An improved draw pin device for use in drawing synthetic filaments is disclosed, the draw pin being rotated stepwise by means of a stepper switch device with the rotation being affected by the pulling action of the filaments.

Abstract: An actuator system for controllably rotating a rotary (valve) element positioned in a pressurized fluid vessel. A double-acting piston-cylinder intermittently rotates a ratchet wheel operatively connected to the rotary element. The cylinder is sealed within a bellows chamber assembly in the vessel and is controllable by a pressure source positioned outside of the vessel. The wheel is rotated by a ratchet member biased against the ratchet wheel and attached to the cylinder and reciprocable therewith. A ratchet pawl biased against the ratchet wheel prevents the reverse rotation of the wheel, and thereby of the rotary element.

Abstract: A combustion cleaning machine for removing coatings on the interior of combustion chambers for jet engines is provided and includes a rotatable turntable for carrying a plurality of the generally cylindrical combustors to and from at least one work station where a fluid, liquid or mixture is projected at a combustor under high pressure to remove the interior coating.The machine includes a revolvable main turntable or wheel having a plurality of individual minor turntables for supporting the combustor cylinders and rotating them. A computer or microprocessing control means is provided for monitoring and controlling various machine functions including the means for indexing the main turntable, the means for rotating the individual turntables and the combustors mounted thereunder, and the means for directing or spraying the material at the cylinders.

Abstract: A fastener group device includes a feeding gear for meshing with connecting elements of a fastener group, a feeding pawl for intermittent rotation of the feeding gear, a stopper for preventing reverse rotation of the feeding gear and a feeding cam for raising and lowering the feeding pawl. The feeding pawl includes a ratchet and spring, the spring for biasing the ratchet toward the feeding gear. An escape space into which the spring enters following rotation of the feeding gear is provided rearwardly of the feeding pawl. When the spring is received by the escape space, the spring is substantially inoperable for biasing the ratchet toward the feeding gear.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a material dispensing container that uses a flexible band to drive a piston within a storage container. The band is so formed so that it can be easily wound or folded within a small area at the bottom of the storage container. The band is connected to a piston within the container, and the movement of the band forces materials stored above the piston to be dispensed through any dispensing orifice at the top of the container. The band drives the piston by being forced through a tapered conduit. The passage of the band through the conduit, orients the band and causes the band to loose some of its flexibility. The stiffened band is then used to drive the piston. The passage of the band through the tapered conduit also orients the band so that extensions, stemming from the band, can be engaged and forwardly advanced by the user.

Abstract: A vehicular conveying apparatus (10) for use in a car wash includes a plurality of plate-like pushers (20) individually mounted for pivotal movement to engage the rear of a wheel (12) and push in an upward and forward direction to urge the wheel (12) to roll downstream along a predetermined path (18). Four parallel shafts (56) are supported for linear movement underneath the pushers (20). Catches (42) are disposed on each of the shafts (56) for engaging and moving the pushers (20). On the bottom of each pusher (20), a spring-biased coupler (40) is pivotally attached for movement toward and away from an associated catch (42). An actuator (38) is attached to the bottom of each of the pushers (20) for moving the coupler (40) of the next adjacent upstream pusher (20) toward its associated catch (42). Thus, when a wheel (12) engages one pusher (20), the next adjacent upstream pusher (20) causes the wheel (12 ) to roll into engagement with another pusher (20).

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus wherein the reciprocation of a piston which is achieved utilizing air pressure causes movement of a pawl portion provided on the piston, and this movement in turn causes intermittent rotation of a spindle. In particular, according to the present invention, a pair of pawl members are used, and a selector lever is provided to permit only one of the pawl members to cause the rotation of the spindle. When the pawl member to be actuated is thus selected through the action of the selector lever, selection can be made as to the direction of rotation of the spindle.

Abstract: A tray stacking apparatus includes a pawl having a projection piece, a roller for opening the pawl, a roller for returning the pawl, and an urging device for urging the pawl into an open position or a closed position. The pawl is opened during its descent, and is returned to its original closed position at a bottom limit position. The tray stacking operation is effected by one driving operation without the pawl rubbing against the tray and thus, powder is not produced by a rubbing of the pawl against the tray so that a clean working environment may be maintained.

Abstract: A flashlight having a switch and beam adjustment mechanism located in the tailcap whereby the flashlight may be turned on and focused with one hand without changing the grip on the flashlight by that hand. Batteries of "AAAA" size are contemplated for use in one embodiment of the flashlight.

Abstract: A hot melt applicator has a feeding mechanism for advancing a block of solid material toward a melting chamber, and the feeding mechanism includes a retraction device for shifting the block a slight distance in a rearward direction to a retracted position subsequent to the dispensing operation. The feeding mechanism has a release device for enabling the block to float freely after moving to the retracted position in order to provide additional room for molten material in the melting chamber upon thermal expansion of the material.

Abstract: In the stepping or indexing drive of a character drum having secured thereat a pinion, wherein there is provided an actuation plunger for rotary motion of the pinion in the one direction and another actuation plunger for rotary motion of the pinion in the other direction, there must be prevented that the character drum while rotating from one index position to the next can be stopped and remain in an intermediate position between two index positions. For this purpose, there is provided a movable locking or detent element which coacts with both actuation plungers and with inclined surfaces formed at the switch housing. This locking or detent element is brought by each individual actuation plunger, at the start of its actuating path, into a locking position for the other actuation plunger and retained in this locking position to positively prevent simultaneous actuation of both actuation plungers.

Abstract: A two-speed stepper actuator unit for use in paper machine headbox slice lip control has a spindle 16 driven by a power nut 24. A lever clamp 32 has legs 34 and 36 selectively clamped together around nut 24 by means of a cam action locking plate 40 driven by solenoid 48. The longer leg 36 of clamp 32 has a cam follower which rotationally drives nut 24 through the lever 36 in response to the shape of a cam plate 50 which translates in the housing 12 on antifriction rollers 66 when drive solenoid 54 is actuated. The cam surface 60 guides the lever 36 in either of two speed modes depending on whether spring biased roller follower 52 is on cams surface portion 62 or 64.