Abstract: A torque wrench is disclosed for use in rotating a range of different sized fasteners. The torque wrench may include an input end configured to receive a torsional input, and a gear train operatively driven to rotate by the torsional input. The torque wrench may also include an adjustable adapter connected to the gear train at an output end and configured to adjustably engage the range of different sized fasteners, and a housing configured to enclose the gear train and the adjustable adapter.

Abstract: A thermal compensation system is provided for a liquid-filled inflexible chamber of a device. The chamber has at least one exposed, at least partially transparent surface allowing an outside observer to observe at least one liquid and comprises a mechanism accommodating thermal expansion and/or contraction of the liquids. The mechanism is disposed so as to be substantially invisible to the observer.

Abstract: A bicycle operating device includes a base, a pulling pawl, a positioning ratchet and a positioning pawl. The pulling pawl includes first and second apart contact parts that are spaced apart. The positioning pawl is movable between holding and releasing positions. The positioning pawl engages the positioning ratchet to selectively establish predetermined positions of the positioning ratchet while in the holding position. The positioning pawl disengages from the positioning ratchet to permit the positioning ratchet to move in one direction while in the releasing position. The first contact part contacts the positioning ratchet to move the positioning ratchet during movement of the positioning ratchet in the other direction from a first predetermined position of the predetermined positions. The second contact part contacts the positioning ratchet to move the positioning ratchet during movement of the positioning ratchet in the first direction from a second predetermined position of the predetermined positions.

Abstract: A bicycle operating device includes a base member, a positioning ratchet, a holding member and a restricting member. The holding member moves between a holding position and a releasing position to selectively establish a plurality of gear positions. The holding member prevents movement of the positioning ratchet while the holding member is in the holding position, and releases the positioning ratchet for movement while the holding member is in the releasing position. The restricting member moves between a non-restricting position and at least one restricting position in which the restricting member restricts movement of the positioning ratchet. The positioning ratchet moves in a first set of the gear positions while the restricting member is in the non-restricting position. The positioning ratchet moves in a second set of the gear positions while the restricting member is in the at least one restricting position.

Abstract: A system having a kickstand bracket is described. The kickstand bracket has a leg stop groove and a mount position, the leg stop groove having a boundary and a recess between ends of the boundary. The recess is configured for accepting a leg stop when a kickstand is rotated from a first position to a second position. An alignment locator is configured to attach to the kickstand bracket over the leg stop. A spring is attached at one end on the kickstand and at the other end on the mount position of the kickstand bracket, the spring configured for urging the kickstand towards the second position.

Abstract: A bicycle operating device is provided with a position maintaining arrangement that selectively maintains a movable member in any one of a plurality of holding positions relative to a fixed member. The moving arrangement selectively moves the movable member in a first moving direction from a current holding position to another one of the plurality of holding positions. The first operating member moves in a first operating direction from a rest position to a first end position, and moves in a second operating direction from the rest position to a second end position. The movable member is moved by a different number of the holding positions in the first moving direction when the first operating member moves from the rest position to the first end position as compared to when the first operating member moves from the rest position to the second end position.

Abstract: A portable computer includes a display module, and a hinge module. One end of the hinge module is connected to the display module. The portable computer further includes a host module. The host module includes a housing whereon an accommodating space is formed. The other end of the hinge module is fixed inside the accommodating space. The portable computer further includes a battery component installed on the housing for covering the accommodating space so as to cover the hinge module.

Abstract: An enhanced computer assembly and related method is provided that enables easy shipment and installation of such computing systems. In one embodiment a split top hat design is provided that can be removed. The removable split hat comprises a receiving member and an inner member that are secured to the frame in a manner that can be easily removed. In an alternate embodiment, a collapsible top hat is provided which adjusts the height of the assembly from a first to a second position. The collapsible feature has an upper portion that is connected to a plurality of pivoted side members that are capable of collapsing onto themselves.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a housing, a display and a support mechanism. The housing includes a bottom plate and a peripheral wall. The display screen is mounted to the housing and positioned above the bottom plate. The support mechanism is movably and adjustably assembled to the bottom plate of the housing, away from the display screen. The support mechanism includes a retracting assembly and a support assembly. The retracting assembly is releasably mounted to the bottom plate and received within the housing. The support assembly is rotatably hinged to the bottom plate of the housing, and further hinges with the retracting assembly for supporting the housing at different viewing angles.

Abstract: An electronic device of the present invention includes: a first case and a second case that are oppositely provided in a slidable manner; and a flexible flat cable that is provided in a state of having a U-shaped bend portion in a gap between the cases, and connects circuit substrates respectively housed in the cases, on a facing surface of at least one case among facing surfaces of the cases, a step that pushes up the flexible flat cable from the facing surface of the one case to the gap side is provided, and the step is provided in a region of non-contact with the U-shaped bend portion which is displaced in a sliding direction of the cases during sliding operation of the cases.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, the electronic apparatus includes a main body including a main body connector, a holder detachably mounted on the main body, the holder including a front supporter and a back supporter that are used to support an external apparatus and an opening between the front supporter and the back supporter, the main body connector exposed from the opening when the holder is on the main body, so that an external apparatus connector of the external apparatus is plugged to the main body connector to achieve an electrical connection when the external apparatus is inserted between the front supporter and the back supporter.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose a portable computer 100 having a removable access panel 108 for accessing data processing components stored within the portable computer. In one embodiment, the portable computer includes an upper housing 102 pivotably connected to a base housing 104. The base housing accommodates the data processing component and includes a top side that faces the upper housing and a bottom side opposite the top side. Furthermore, the access panel is formed to have substantially similar dimensions as the bottom side of the base housing, while also being configured to tool-lessly and releasably attach to said bottom side so as to expose or cover the removable component and an entire area of the bottom side of the base housing.

Abstract: An electronic device in which a holding member for holding an external instrument is arranged rotatably on a housing section, and a restricting part for restricting, at a predetermined angle, rotation angle of the holding member is formed on an inner wall of the housing section. The holding member makes contact with a front side surface engaged with a connector of the external instrument. The restricting part restricts rotation of the holding member whose back surface facing the front side surface is exposed from the housing section. When holding member includes a guiding part that guides the external instrument in a direction that detaches it from the housing section when the holding member is further rotated beyond the restriction by the restricting part, the external instrument can be detached from the housing section when the rotation is equal to or larger than a restriction angle defined by the restricting part.

Abstract: A display device includes a display panel, a base, a circuit module, and a wall mount bracket. The base includes a base body and a carrier pivoted around the base body. The display panel is disposed on the base body. The carrier is capable of swinging between a support position and a folded position relative to the display panel. The circuit module is disposed in the carrier and is electrically connected to the display panel. The wall mount bracket is disposed on a surface of the carrier and moves to an unexpanded position or an expanded position relative to the carrier through an extension plate, so as to increase a torque when the base supports the display panel to stand or be hung on a surface.

Abstract: A support arm has an attachment hole formed thereon. The support arm has a first side wall and a second side wall both constituting edge of the attachment hole. An engaged convex portion is formed on the second side wall. The first side wall restricts a hook of the front panel from moving in a direction away from the second side wall toward the first wall. The first side wall is elastically deformable such that it swells in the direction.

Abstract: A handheld electronic device includes a first body, a second body, and a locating member. The second body is slidably connected to the first body, and has a slide surface and a locating opening. The locating opening is located at an end of the slide surface. The locating member has an elastic portion and a sliding portion, the elastic portion is disposed between the first body and the sliding portion, and the sliding portion is capable of leaning against the slide surface or being inserted in the locating opening under an elastic prestress of the elastic portion.

Abstract: A fixing mechanism for fixing a detachable module is disclosed. The fixing mechanism includes a frame for covering the detachable module. The frame includes a frame body and a pivoting portion connected to the frame body. A pivoting hole is formed on the pivoting portion. The fixing mechanism further includes a casing. The casing includes a lateral plate whereon a slot is formed, a shaft portion extended from the lateral plate in a first direction and disposed on a side of the slot, and an engaging portion extended from the lateral plate in a second direction and disposed on another side of the slot for inserting into the pivoting hole of the pivoting portion so that the pivoting portion is capable of pivoting from a first position to a second position as abutting against the shat portion.

Abstract: A turning device to rotate the rotatable part of a wind turbine that comprises a stationary part and a rotatable part is described. The rotatable part is rotatable with respect to the stationary part 4 of the wind turbine, and the stationary part 4 is located within a nacelle, wherein the nacelle is at least partially enclosed by a housing. The turning device comprises a first lever and a second lever that is detachably attached to the rotatable part of the wind turbine. The first lever and the second lever reach from inside the housing of the nacelle through an opening to the outside of the nacelle, so that the drive is located outside of the housing of the nacelle, when the turning device is attached to the wind turbine.

Abstract: An energy conversion system that converts linear kinetic energy to rotational kinetic energy is disclosed. A force is applied to a coil spring, compressing the spring. The spring drives an arm forward as the spring returns to its uncompressed state. The arm, in turn, causes the driving portion of an over-running clutch to rotate forward and drive an output shaft. The linear motion of the arm being driven forward by the spring is converted to rotational kinetic energy in the output shaft. The output shaft may then be connected to an external device to drive that device.

Abstract: Described herein is a motor vehicle lock for use in all types of closing elements of a motor vehicle, wherein the motor vehicle lock can be brought into different function states such as “unlocked”, “locked”, “theft protected” or “child locked.” The motor vehicle lock includes a coupling device designed for quick decoupling which includes a coupling arrangement with a shiftable switch element that can be shifted by means of at least one control drive. Depending upon the coupled state, the switch element couples together or decouples two swivelable adjustment elements of the actuating system.

Abstract: An electronic assembly comprises a rotation device comprising a fixed platform defining a through hole. An annular groove is formed in the inside wall of the fixed platform. A first transmission element seats a plurality of teeth. A second transmission element is located in the through hole, and comprises a threaded axis portion and a toothed portion meshing with the plurality of teeth. A third transmission element comprises a rotation portion rotatably mounted in the interior of the annular groove of the fixed platform. A threaded hole is defined in the rotation portion, and is configured for cooperating with the threaded axis portion. A driver source is fixed on the fixed platform and is configured for rotating the first transmission element. An electronic device is mounted on the third transmission element.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a driving system for a belt axis of a winch in the field of mechanics, which addresses the problems existing in conventional driving systems, such as a complicated structure and poor reliability. The driving system for the belt axis of the winch is positioned at the extension end of the belt axis on one side of a winch support. The driving system includes a rotary body and a fixed base, in which the fixed base is connected to the extension end of the belt axis via a connection means and the inner end of the rotary body is set on the fixed base. An insertion pore is positioned at the outer end of the rotary body. A spring is provided between the rotary body and the fixed base, under the action of which the inner end face of the rotary body is attached to the outer end face of the fixed base.

Abstract: A bulk foodstuff dispenser for dispensing predetermined amounts of foodstuff from a hopper. An auger is driven by a handle capable of movement in two directions, while a clutch allows movement of the auger in only one direction. The forward movement of the handle causes the auger to rotate and move foodstuff forward to be dispensed. The forward movement of the handle is predetermined by setting a stopper, thereby regulating the amount of rotation of the auger and thus determining the portion of foodstuff to be dispensed. A spring returns the handle to its at rest position, so that the dispensing process may be repeated from the same handle position. Gears between the handle and the auger allow the handle to be pulled in a more ergonomically sound way.

Abstract: A retractable motor-driven awning can be extended or retracted by energizing the motor in one direction or another. A manually operable system, however, is also employed for rotating the awning by hand in a direction to retract the awning in the event the motor drive becomes inoperable. The ability to hand rotate the roll bar to retract the awning is achieved by connecting the roll bar to the drive shaft of the motor with a manual override system. Implementations of a manual override mechanism include one-way bearings and various ratchet designs.

Abstract: A manual propulsion mechanism for wheelchairs utilizes a lever pivotally mounted to the hub of each rear wheel such that the wheelchair user can propel the chair with push/pull movements of the levers. Forward and reverse propulsion directions are accomplished by a system of one-way reversible clutches contained in the propulsion wheel hubs which also allow the levers to be operationally disconnected such that the chair can freewheel. Operator control of direction shifting is through twisting motions imparted to the grip handles of the propulsion levers. In a preferred embodiment, improved ergonomics for propulsion direction changes are made possible by an improved short excursion clutch shifting mechanism that reduces the angle of arc through which the operator must twist the grip handle to effect the direction change. This allows the operator to retain a comfortable, stable grip on the grip handle while simultaneously propelling and controlling direction of movement.

Abstract: Automatic neutral finder apparatus for a motorcycle transmission, for automatically locating and positively engaging the transmission's neutral position. A preferred embodiment of the apparatus includes a shifter cam rotatable about an axis through predetermined rotational displacements for effecting gear shifts and having a neutral position; a stop indexed to the neutral position of the cam; a plunger actuable for engaging the stop to stop rotation of the cam when the cam is at its neutral position; and a circuit associated with the plunger and including a switch operable by the motorcycle operator for actuating the plunger to engage the stop. The plunger is further actuable for disengaging the stop, and the switch is preferably operable by the motorcycle operator for actuating the plunger to disengage the stop.

Abstract: A transmission utilizes oscillating torque to vary the mechanical power transmitted to a load. An arm assembly is rotatably coupled to a frame. At the ends of the arms are eccentric masses, rotatably coupled thereto. An input shaft rotates the masses about the ends of the arms. The rotating masses produce an oscillating torque that causes the arms to oscillate. The arms are coupled to an output assembly. The output assembly utilizes one way clutches, with one clutch reversed relative to the other clutch. The one way clutches convert the bidirectional rotation of the arms to unidirectional rotation for the load. The output speeds of the transmission are controlled by providing at least two side by side rotatable masses and varying the phase of one of the masses relative to the other mass. Varying the phase changes the center of gravity of the masses, thereby affecting the torque applied to the arms.

Abstract: A feeding mechanism for a forging machine includes a roller unit consisting of a pair of feeding rollers. Two rotating shafts are connected respectively and fixedly to the feeding rollers at an end portion, and to outer and inner driven gears at the other end portion. The inner and outer driven gears mesh with each other. A driving gear meshes with the inner driven gear, and rotates reciprocally within a predetermined angular range. The driving gear and the outer driven gear are sector gears. Each of the inner and outer driven gears is mounted on the corresponding rotating shaft by means of a unidirectional bearing so as to convert reciprocal rotation of the driving gear into intermittent unidirectional rotation of each of the rollers. Each of the rollers is provided with a braking member, which includes a circumferentially extending brake plate that presses against an outer periphery of the corresponding roller.

Abstract: A derailleur gear unit includes a ratchet wheel rotatably mounted around a pivot base and formed with a plurality of teeth. A retaining disk is fixedly mounted around the pivot base, and a shank extends from an outer periphery of the retaining disk and is formed with a catch. A first shifting lever includes a first end portion, a mediate portion rotatably mounted around the pivot base, and a second end portion. A pawl member is pivotally mounted on the first end portion of the first shifting lever and includes an arcuate guiding track slidably abutting on the catch, and a detent meshing with one of the teeth of the ratchet wheel. A second shifting lever includes a first end portion pivotally mounted around the pivot base and a second end portion. A pushing rod located radially opposite to the detent of the pawl member is mounted on the first end portion of the second shifting lever and meshes with one of the teeth of the ratchet wheel.

Abstract: For a ratchet mechanism for driving adjustment devices for vehicle seats, in particular motor vehicle seats, with a control lever (4) that can be swivelled back and forth and a ratchet (6) movable by this, which cooperates with a gear ring (3) of a driven gear (1), a gear connection is provided between the control lever (4) and the ratchet (6) which engages the ratchet (6) necessarily with the gear ring (3) in an initial area of the swivelling movement of the control lever (4). Only with further swivelling movement of the control lever (4) does the ratchet (6) move on a track about the rotational axis of the driven gear (1) while positively carrying the same. Also the control lever (4) lifts the ratchet (6) from the gear ring (3) necessarily in the starting area of the isle return stroke movement of the control lever (4).

Abstract: A control device for a bicycle derailleur includes a rotor for winding a flexible cable for controlling the derailleur, and springs means interposed between the rotor and a support body of the device and able to oppose the return action of the spring of the derailleur.

Abstract: A bicycle shift control device for controlling a gear shifter via a gear shift cable includes a winding member supported for rotation around an axis for winding the gear shift cable, a first control member for rotating the winding member in a first direction, and a second control member mounted concentrically with the axis. The winding member rotates in a second direction opposite the first direction in response to movement of the second control member in the direction of the axis.

Abstract: A speed change control device for a bicycle, particularly a "mountain-bike" comprises two actuating levers, respectively for controlling down-shifting of the bicycle chain on rear sprockets or front gears of smaller diameter and up-shifting of the chain on sprockets or gears of greater diameter. The control levers are movable in two planes parallel and closed to each other, which are arranged below the handlebar, out of the interference therewith, in the mounted condition of the device on the handlebar. The device further includes a return spring for the rotor on which the flexible control cable is wound, which exerts an action opposite to that of the return spring associated with the rear or front derailleur to which the control cable is connected.

Abstract: A gearshift adjusting device has a first hollow sleeve, a second hollow sleeve coupling with the first hollow sleeve, and a retaining ring disposed in an upper portion of the first hollow sleeve. The first hollow sleeve has an inner pipe and a hollow disk seat disposed on the inner pipe. The second hollow sleeve has an outer pipe and an annular ring disposed on the outer pipe. The inner pipe is inserted in the outer pipe. The hollow disk seat encloses the annular ring. The first hollow sleeve is connected to a handle of an exercise bike.

Abstract: A bicycle speed changing apparatus comprises a support means, a cable winding means, a fixation plate, a high gear shifting means, a retaining mechanism, a low gear shifting means, and a transmission mechanism. The support means is fastened with the handlebar of a bicycle. The low gear shifting means has a low turning rod connected with the support means by a first retrieving spring and provided with a first braking portion. The cable winding means is connected with the support means by a torsion spring. The fixation plate is provided with a second braking portion. The high gear shifting means has a high turning rod fastened with the fixation plate by a second retrieving spring. The retaining mechanism has a shaft fastened pivotally with the support means and the fixation plate. The shaft is provided with an engaging means and a first cam, a first ratchet portion and a third braking portion.

Abstract: A bicycle shifting control unit includes a control member operable by a user, and a rotating body for rotating in one direction to wind a shifting cable and for rotating in another direction to unwind the shifting cable. A first transmission transmits movement of the control member into rotation of the rotating body at a first transmission ratio, and a second transmission transmits movement of the control member into rotation of the rotating body at a second transmission ratio. The second transmission ratio is greater than the first transmission ratio. A coupling mechanism is provided for allowing the control member to be selectively coupled to the first and second transmissions.

Abstract: A first speed change lever is coupled to a take-up mechanism for causing the take-up mechanism to pivot for changing gears of the bicycle transmission in response to movement of the first speed change lever from a first position to a second position in the direction of a first axis. A second speed change lever is coupled to the take-up mechanism for causing the take-up mechanism to pivot for changing gears of the bicycle transmission in response to movement of the second speed change lever from a third position to a second position in the direction of a second axis that is different from the first axis. In a particular embodiment, the first axis is disposed generally parallel to the bicycle handlebar when the apparatus is mounted to the handlebar, and the second axis is disposed generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the bicycle.

Abstract: There is disclosed a bicycle speed change operation assembly wherein the speed change operation can be performed during the braking operation, and the speed change can be made in an optimum way in relation to various running situations.

Abstract: A device for positioning cargo includes a rack slidably engaged in a tube and outstretched from the tube so as to force against the cargo in order to position the cargo within a container, a base is secured to the tube, a ratchet gear is rotatably supported in the base and engaged with the rack, a handle is pivotally coupled to the base and has a catch engaged with the ratchet gear, the rack can be easily and quickly outstretched from the tube when the handle is rotated in a reciprocating action.

Abstract: A strap extending and tensioning system includes a strap winding mechanism to wind a predetermined length of strap on itself. A clevis slip hook is included for coupling to a rear end of a tow truck or the like. A strap tightener allowing the strap to be tightened passes through a through slot in the strap tightener. The strap tightener has a rotatable handle to rotate counter-clockwise a pair of ratchet wheels and a shaft to wind the strap on the shaft and thus place the strap in tension loading. Two pawls, as part of a pawl plate in the rotatable handle, may engage the ratchet wheels to rotate counter-clockwise through a biasing spring which pushes the pawl plate in a predetermined direction. The shaft can wind the strap to tighten it when the displaceable handle is rotated to provide a counter-clockwise rotation of the shaft.

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: A control device for a bicycle derailleur that includes a fixing member, control structure for effecting a change speed, a reciprocating member reciprocatably supported by the fixing member and operatively connected to the derailleur to be movable between a forward direction for shifting a chain from a smaller sprocket to a larger sprocket and in a backward direction for shifting the chain from the larger sprocket to the smaller sprocket, the reciprocating member being urged in the backward direction, and a retaining mechanism acting as a one-way mechanism for permitting the reciprocating member to move in the forward direction and preventing the same from moving in the backward direction thereby to position and maintain the reciprocating member.

Abstract: A speed control apparatus for a bicycle includes a support shaft fixed to a bracket mounted on a handlebar; a first control lever pivotable about the support shaft and retainable in position after pulling a change speed wire to effect a change speed operation, the first control lever being returned to a pull starting position after the change speed operation; and a second control lever pivotable about the support shaft for releasing the change speed wire to effect a change speed operation, the second control lever being returned to a release starting position after the change speed operation. For improved operability of the apparatus, the first and second control levers are operable in opposite directions, with respective control portions of the levers movable close to each other when the levers are operated.

Abstract: A dual drive bicycle having a steerable front wheel and a rear wheel that is driven. A foot-powered drive system includes a first rotatable shaft extending transversely to the bicycle. A rotatable drive sprocket is operatively connected to a second shaft rotatably mounted on the steering post in which the front wheel is mounted. A rotatable driven sprocket is mounted on the first shaft and is capable of rotating same for forward drive. A continuous drive chain extends about the drive sprocket and the driven sprocket. A third rotatable shaft is mounted on the steering spindle so as to pivot with the front wheel when the latter is steered. A universal joint connects the second and thrid shafts at a location above the steering shaft. A further continuous chain and cooperating sprockets together with a hand-crank are provided to rotate the third shaft.

Abstract: In a snap locking mechanism for rotary switches an operating shaft (4) operable by a switch handle can be rotated against the force of an energy-storage mechanism and each lock-in position is occupied with at least partial release of the energy-storage mechanism. The energy-storage mechanism is formed by axially acting compression springs (8) and acts on a driver ring (6) exhibiting slopes in the peripheral direction which interacts with another driver ring (13), couplable with the operating shaft, exhibiting a corresponding counterprofile with slopes. A coupling for dragged slaving (28, 29) is provided between the two driver rings (6, 13). Handle-side driver ring (6) carries stops (11) on its front facing away from these slopes, which interact with counterstops (12), integral with the housing, when they reach the snap position of the locking mechanism.

Abstract: A bicycle speed control apparatus according to this invention comprises a take-up element for winding up a speed control cable, the take-up element being urged in a cable unwinding direction, a wind-up control member for rotating the take-up element in a cable winding direction, a position maintaining mechanism including a first engaging member and a first engaging portion engageable stepwise for maintaining the take-up element in a selected position, a rotation limiting mechanism including a second engaging member and a second engaging portion engageable stepwise for limiting rotation in the unwinding direction of the take-up element to a predetermined amount, and an unwind control member operable to effect a change speed by actuating the rotation limiting mechanism and releasing the take-up element from the position maintaining mechanism for unwinding the cable.

Abstract: A retrofitable attachment for easily and quickly converting most conventional wheelchairs into self-propelled, steerable wheelchairs. The invention includes a drive arrangement easily attachable to one of the rear wheels of the wheelchair, an elongated arm unit easily attachable adjacent one of the front casters of the wheelchair, and a connecting member extending between the arm and rear drive arrangement. The elongated arm unit has an outer drive arm portion and an inner steering arm portion, both of which are mounted for pivotal movement together about a first axis to activate the drive arrangement. Additionally, the occupant of the wheelchair can twist or rotate the inner steering arm position about a second axis to steer the front caster of the wheelchair. The steering arrangement further includes a unique gearing system that eliminates dead spots in the steering and allows for easy and uniform manipulation of the steering arm and front caster.

Abstract: A speed change lever apparatus for use in a bicycle. The apparatus has a winding member for winding up a speed change control cable and a cable-pulling lever operable to pull the cable by causing the winding member to pivot only in a cable winding direction. The cable-pulling lever returns to its home position after completion of speed change operation. The improved apparatus includes a position maintaining mechanism for stepwisely maintaining a position of the winding member and a release lever operable to release the position maintaining mechanism. The release lever also returns to its home position after completion of release operation. At the respective home positions, the cable-pulling lever and the release lever are operable in substantially same directions to enable a cyclist to disregard the direction of lever operations. Further, the home positions of the levers are disposed at different yet adjacent locations relative to a direction normal to the lever operating directions.

Abstract: A machine is provided for continuously packing food or pharmaceutical products in thermoformed plastic material containers, comprising a station for receiving and unwinding reels of plastic material film, heating stations, a thermoforming station, a dosing station, a sealing station and a cutting station, and chains for moving the plastic material film step by step from one end of the machine to the other, which are driven without slipping over drive wheels having a smooth surface.

Abstract: A two-speed stepper actuator (10) for rotationally driving a power nut (24) to adjust a slice lip spindle (20) linearly. A clamp for power nut (24) includes a bushing plate (32) driven by drive solenoid (D) which is mounted for rotation relative to power nut (24). A lever (40) is pivotally mounted on the bushing plate (32) and includes an eccentric locking cam surface (50) shaped for selective clearance of nut (24) when in the center or number 2 position and clamping engagement of nut (24) when in the opposite extreme 1 and 3 positions. A first amount of rotation of the lever (40) about its pivotal mounting (48) on said bushing plate (32) engages and locks lever end cam surface (50) against nut (24) and a second and additional rotation of the lever (40) then drives the nut (24). Three position solenoids (L) and (D) drive the bushing plate (32) and lever (40) independently and at different speeds due to an accommodation by spring (36) on pusher rod (34) of solenoid (L).