Abstract: The invention presented relates to an apparatus for applying rotational force to a workpiece.

Abstract: A wheelchair drive system is described that operatively interposes a plural-speed hub subsystem between conventional rotatable hand wheels and their corresponding drive wheels, thereby providing wheelchair propulsion by rotary motion of the hand wheels and selective engagement of the drive wheels dependent upon a manually operated gear-shifting mechanism. Preferably, the hub subsystem includes symmetric left- and right-handed hubs each including a hub body fixedly connected with an easily accessible hand wheel, with the hub body rotating about a spindle fixedly mounted on the wheelchair and selectively gear-connectable to the drive wheel, the spindle being selectively connected to the drive wheel by the operation of a manually shiftable, plural-speed gear train.

Abstract: A mechanism is disclosed for converting oscillatory rotation of an input shaft to unidirectional rotation of an output shaft. An input shaft journalled to a frame is rotatable about an input axis, over a range of rotational positions, between a forward limit and a reverse limit. An output shaft journalled to the frame is rotatable about an output axis, which is normal to the input axis. Three bevel gears are employed, namely a first gear coupled to the input shaft, a second gear coupled to the input shaft and spaced axially from the first gear, and a third gear coupled to the output shaft.

Abstract: The pumping propulsion system relates to a new drive and/or power system for a bicycle/vehicle. Power is applied to the pumping propulsion system by a stepping action from an individual's legs and feet. The pumping propulsion system operates by use of independent drawn cup roller clutch mechanisms which are integral to a pair of support members and a sprocket which in turn are engaged to a shaft. The drawn cup roller clutch mechanisms permit the pair of support members to be returned to an elevated position by a spring mechanism. During operation of the pumping propulsion system, the stepping action by an individual rotates a sprocket which is engaged to a shaft. The shaft is engaged to the hub of the bicycle frame. The rotation of the sprocket circulates the chain, transferring power to the rear wheel propelling the bicycle/vehicle.

Abstract: A machine that converts between reciprocating motion of a piston and rotary motion of a shaft. The shaft rotates an integral web that carries a number of lobe wheels spaced evenly about a pitch circle centered on the shaft. The lobe wheels are planetary driven by pinions and a fixed ring gear. The lobe wheels are somewhat star shaped with radially extending lobes which push followers outwardly, then release them inwardly, as the lobe wheels orbit past and below the follower. The follower is connected by a lever and a pair of connecting rods and to the piston.

Abstract: The rider powered vehicle has two steerable front wheels, each with a turning arm, and a single rear drive wheel. Power transmission means is provided between the rear wheel and a single push-pull and steerable handlebar mounted in a column assembly supported to oscillate about a lateral pivot axis. The handlebar is connected to a steering arm, and two steering links are connected at respective inboard and outboard pivotal connections between the steering arm and the two turning arms. Handlebar rotation causes the inboard pivotal connections to trace an arcuate path, and the lateral pivot axis is located to intersect the arcuate path generally at two spaced locations. This geometry provides a propulsion and steering mechanism that has substantially no interaction between the push-pull power strokes of the handlebar, for vehicular propulsion, and the handlebar rotation, for vehicular steering.

Abstract: A driving gear for a muscle power driven vehicle, such as a wheel chair, comprising an input shaft drivable by means of a lever, and adapted to be coupled through at least two freewheel clutches to an output shaft arranged to be connected to a wheel hub of the vehicle, wherein the driving gear (4) is housed in a closed housing (11, 12) which is arranged to be coupled through said output shaft (22) to the wheel hub (5) of the vehicle, said input shaft (7) being fixedly coupled to an input gear wheel (14) meshing with two separate intermediate gear wheels (16, 16') adapted to be connected through freewheel clutches operative in opposite directions of rotation to one (20) or the other (20') of two meshing change gear wheels, one of which also meshes with a first output gear wheel (21) mounted on the output shaft.

Abstract: In a mechanism for converting oscillatory rotation of an input shaft to unidirectional rotation of an output shaft, two bevel gears are mounted around the input shaft and a bevel gear intermeshed therewith is coupled to the output shaft. Each bevel gear mounted around the input shaft can be alternately coupled to and uncoupled from the input shaft via an associated pawl disposed in a socket in the input shaft and biased toward an operative position wherein such pawl is extended into a single recess in a bearing surface of such bevel gear. Paired pawls and paired recesses may be optionally employed where high torque is encountered. Oscillatory rotation of the input shaft is limited to a range of approximately 180.degree. between two limiting positions. Camming surfaces on the pawls and the gears respectively provide for movement of each pawl from its operative position.

Abstract: A multipurpose transmission mechanism for bicycles, including a pair of one-way cranks, a control mechanism, a reciprocating mechanism, and a fixed lock wheel and a chain wheel holder.

Abstract: Device in the nature of a wrench or the like in which reciprocatory rotary motion is converted to continuous rotation in one direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for converting oscillation motions such as those of ocean waves into a constant torque, comprises: a stationary frame 1 fixedly mounted on a floor of an apparatus's carrier such as marine vessels; a pair of horizontal rotating axles 3, 5 substantially perpendicular to each other, one 3 of which axles 3, 5 is rotatably mounted on the stationary frame 1 while the other 5 is rotatably mounted on the first one 3; swinging pendulums 2, 7a, 7b each of which is fixedly mounted on each of the rotating axles 3, 5 for driving the rotating axles 3, 5 under the influence of the extrinsic oscillation motions to which the swinging pendulums 2, 7a, 7b are subjected; one-way clutches 8a, 8b, 22 and 17 mounted on each of the rotating axles 3, 5 and an auxiliary axle 15 for converting rotation of each of the axles 33, 5 into a unidirectional rotation of each of the one-way clutches 8a, 8b, 22 and 17; and a gear train 13, 25, 26 29 for combining the rotations of the one-way clutches 8a, 8b, 22 and 17 into a rotatio

Abstract: A drive device for a rotating part, in particular a vehicle axle, has at least one digital mechanical drive having an active wedge and associated drive devices which produce, structurally predetermined or optionally from different forms of energy, pulses which are direct-driving or, via energy buffer storage, proportional to path or angle. Such a drive device is useful in vehicles which are driven by human force or in stationary installations. It includes a mechanical pulse drive which, depending on the design, is driven optionally either by human force and/or pressure fluid. A pumping device (6) diverse a part of the drive energy for filling a ppressure accumulator. A control valve (19) and a working member permit pulse-wise connection of a force amplifier (18). This pulse drive of digital character represents a direct drive with human force in the form of mechanical pulses. It stores surplus energy which has been fed in, and then, as a force amplifier, makes it available as needed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a torque converter device which is suitable for use incorporated in a wheelchair. The device includes, on each side of the wheelchair, two one-way clutches such as that which is illustrated in FIGS. 10-11 of the U.S. Pat. No. 4,763,544, coupled together with a handle mechanism so that when a user manipulates the handles forward and backward, force is transmitted to the wheels of the wheelchair. By twisting the handles in one direction or another, the directions of movement of the wheelchair may be reversed.

Abstract: An apparatus for propelling a wheeled vehicle which has a hand-manipulated lever that is connected to a clutch assembly. The clutch assembly has a drum that is rotatably connected to the vehicle and brake bands that are pivotably connected to the lower end of the lever. An actuator rod connected to the lever causes inward movement of the bands to engage the clutch. Once engaged the vehicle can be propelled in which ever direction the lever is being rotated.

Abstract: This invention relates to a rotary driving device, wherein a rotation and an axial movement of an input shaft are imparted to intermediate members as a rotary movement through a torsional connection, whereby the rotary movement of the intermediate members is imparted to an output shaft through a clutch mechanism. This rotary driving device can be used as a driving device in a bicycle for example. Without utilizing the conventional device wherein a chain, a sprocket and the like are used, a rocking movement of a pair of rocking arms connected to the input shaft makes it possible to advance the bicycle.

Abstract: The self-locking revolute joint can be adjusted at angles by turning an activation lever back and forth. It has a mount in which a bearing shaft rests rotatably in bearings, and supports an adjustment wheel which is provided with tooth profiles. The activation lever can be turned in both rotational directions around a turning axle resting in bearings in the mount; it has two swing-out carriers which do not engage with the adjustment wheel when the activation lever is in its central position; when the activation lever is turned, one of them engages with an adjacent tooth profile of the adjustment wheel and brings it to turn. Further, two locking arms rest rotatably in bearings at the mount and lock and adjustment wheel when the activation lever is in its central position. Each one of two radial cams arranged on the activation arm confunctions with a locking arm, via a release arm.

Abstract: A hub mechanism according to this invention for the self-propelling type light vehicle is provided with: a hub shaft secured to the main body of the vehicle; a pair of right and left drivers rotatably carried by the hub shaft and rotatable in the directions for forward and backward movement of the vehicle when actuated by the driving force transmitted from a driving force generating part; a hub shell rotatably carried by the hub shaft; a pair of right and left one-way clutches for forward movement to transmit rotations of the drivers for forward movement to the hub shell and another pair of right and left one-way clutches for backward movement to transmit rotations of the drivers for backward movement to the hub shell; and releasing members for releasing the rotation-transmitting actions of the one-way clutches individually or collectively; in which the rotational directions of the hub shell are optional when the rotation-transmitting actions of the one-way clutches for forward and backward movements are indi

Abstract: A wheelchair includes a chassis, a pair of side wheels for supporting and driving the chassis, at least one front wheel for cooperating with the side wheels in supporting the chassis, and a seat mounted on the chassis for supporting the body of a disabled person. A pair of individually moveable footrests support the feet of the person. A driving gear is mounted for rotation concentrically and in conjunction with each of the side wheels, and a lever is pivotally mounted for rotation concentric with but independent from each of the driving gears. A pawl is mounted on each of the levers for engagement and disengagement with the corresponding driving gear. A pivoted arm and a series of rods connect each lever and pawl with one of the footrests, such that movement of the footrest by the leg of the disabled person in one direction causes the pawl to engage the driving gear and the lever to drive the gear for propelling the wheelchair.

Abstract: A power transmission unit with a power input lever which oscillates about a first axis. A driven member of the transmission unit oscillates about a second axis, parallel to the first axis, embodied within a rockshaft. The range of arcuate travel imparted to the rockshaft is determined by the proximity of a drive pin coupling a lever carried drive member to a driven member carried by the rockshaft. An oscillating sector gear on the rockshaft drives a spur gear which, in turn, drives ratchet teeth equipped ring gear means. The gear means cooperate with pawl means on an output shaft to rotate the shaft in a unidirectional, incremental manner.

Abstract: A ratchet drive comprises a support on which a ratchet gear is mounted turnably about a first pivot axis. A lever is mounted on the support tiltable about a second pivot axis spaced from and parallel to the first pivot axis between a forward stroke and a return stroke. A pair of drive pawls are mounted at one of the ends thereof on the lever tiltable about axes located spaced from and respectively to opposite sides of the second pivot axis and engaging with the other end thereof the ratchet gear, so that when the lever is moved along its forward stroke, one of the drive pawls will engage a tooth of the ratchet gear to turn the latter in one direction while the other pawl moves rearwardly over a tooth and so that during the return stroke the other pawl engages a tooth of the ratchet gear to turn the latter in the same direction while the one pawl moves rearwardly over a tooth.

Abstract: A winch having a main frame on which a drum is rotatably mounted and which is unidirectionally driven by a drive shaft rotatably mounted in the frame, the drive shaft having a pair of axial gear rings rotatably mounted thereon and engageable in unidirectional driving engagement with the shaft, the gear rings meshing with the diametrically opposed pair of gear sectors which are oscillated by foot pedals attached thereto so that oscillatory motion of the gear sector results in unidirectional rotation of the drum.

Abstract: A gas meter is disclosed having a one-way index incorporated therein for causing the indicating means thereof to run only in a forward direction regardless of the actual direction of gas flow. A pivoting member is oscillated by a rotating cam coupled to the measuring means of the meter and includes pawls attached thereto for driving a ratchet wheel, coupled to the indicating means, in one direction only. By this arrangement, the oscillation of the member is independent of the direction of rotation of the cam, which rotation is indicative of the direction of gas flow.

Abstract: An implement mounts a row of rotatable members, having resilient tines, that are rotatable about upwardly extending shafts. The members are driven to rotate intermittently by eccentric mechanisms that reciprocate connectors back and forth, the connectors being coupled to pawls that engage ratchet wheels on the shafts. Non-return pawls prevent the shafts from turning in reverse direction. Preferably, there are at least four tined members mounted in a row on an elongated hollow frame portion and the input shaft mounts two eccentric mechanisms that are located centrally of the frame portion, each mechanism being connected to operate two of the tined members, out-of-phase, so that neighboring members are turned periodically in relative opposite directions. The frame portion is pivoted to a forward coupling member at several points, one of which is a shear pin that allows the frame portion to tilt upon overload of a tined member.

Abstract: A scooter vehicle has a chassis, and a front wheel mounted on the center line of the chassis, a rear wheel mounted on the chassis, and a steering column attached to the front wheel. A pair of ratchet gears are connected one to each of the rear wheels. A platform is rotatively mounted on the chassis. The platform has front and rear foot portions mounted with an angle of less than 180.degree. between them. First chain means connects the front of the platform for driving one of the ratchet drive wheel gears and second chain means connects the rear of the platform for driving the other of the ratchet drive wheel gears.

Abstract: A multi-mode indexer having a gear wheel rotatably mounted on a base; a drive bracket assembly is rotatably mounted coaxially with the wheel shaft for reciprocal movement relative to the shaft. A first pair of oppositely disposed pawls are mounted to the drive brackets to engage and drive the gear wheel during the drive stroke. (One pawl driving while the other prevents overtravel). A second pair of oppositely disposed pawls are mounted to the base to provide a positive stop action against further rotation of the gear wheel at the end of each drive cycle and to lock the gear wheel in position during recovery of the drive bracket so that the gear wheel is at all times either locked in a stationary position or positively locked to the motion of the drive bracket. Cam members are rotatably mounted on the gear wheel shaft to control the action of selected pawls and thus control the CW or CCW indexing of the gear wheel as a function of the position of each cam member.

Abstract: A push-button rotary switch having a switching mechanism including a pair of independent actuators having linear movement into contact with the teeth of a switch position selector ratchet wheel mounted at the center of a rotatable switch-positioning indicator, with the actuators adapted to alternately engage certain of the ratchet teeth so as to rotate the switch-positioning indicator step by step in either direction into different switching positions.

Abstract: A control linkage including an actuator mounted for movement between first and second extreme positions and an intermediate position between the extreme positions, springs for restoring the actuator to the intermediate position from either extreme position upon release of the actuator by an operator thereof, a multiple-toothed member adapted to be connected to a mechanism to be controlled by the linkage, the member being mounted for shifting movement between at least three positions, an element having a nose and mounted for selective engagement with the teeth on the toothed member to shift the toothed member between the three positions thereof, the teeth and the nose being constructed and arranged so that the nose may be cammed out of effective engagement with the teeth upon relative movement between the element and the member and a linkage interconnecting the actuator and the element for moving the nose in opposite directions when the actuator is moved to or from its intermediate position from or to its extr

Abstract: A mechanism for producing bi-directional step motion of a shaft from a uni-directional source of rotation suitable for use in paper tape handling equipment includes a rocker plate rotatably mounted on an output shaft for rotation relative thereto. The rocker plate is caused to oscillate about the output shaft between a first limit and a second limit by a reciprocating connecting rod coupled to the rocker plate. A pawl is rotatably mounted on a pin secured to the rocker plate for engagement with a drive wheel secured to the output shaft. A timing means, a control means, and a control electromagnet cooperate to cause the pawl to engage with, or disengage from, the drive wheel at the limits of oscillation to cause the drive wheel and the output shaft secured thereto to step.

Abstract: A push arm assembly for eccentrically operating a ratchet gear by means of a driving pawl to rotate an unloader arm in the bottom of a silo or the like. Directional change of the driving pawl is accomplished by withdrawing the driving pawl into its housing and rotating it 180.degree. and then releasing it to place the pawl in engagement with the ratchet to drive the latter in the predetermined forward or reverse rotation. The driving pawl also can then be rotated 90.degree. into a position out of engagement with the ratchet when rotation of the unloader arm is not desired. A holding pawl is also employed in conjunction with the driving pawl to restrain the ratchet during the period of oscillation when the driving pawl disengages the ratchet and recedes to engage the next tooth on the ratchet. Directional change of the holding pawl and disengagement from the ratchet is accomplished in the same manner as the driving pawl.

Abstract: An in-line shift mechanism for an automotive automatic transmission having the dual capability of permitting selective shifting directly into any one of plural drive positions, a neutral position, a reverse position or a park position, and also of only sequential shifting through the three drive positions in either direction while requiring momentary release of the shifting lever between adjacent drive positions. The shift lever is pivotally mounted for forward and rearward movement as well as perpendicular (usually generally vertical) movement relative to the pivot axis of the lever. A cam surface is provided on the mounting bracket for engagement with a pin carried by the shift lever to require vertical displacement of the shift lever to move from park position into reverse position and another vertical displacement to move from reverse position to any of the three drive positions or neutral.