Abstract: An adjustable diameter mechanism includes a plurality of cylinder portions, each of the cylinder portions comprising an arcuate portion of a cylinder and extending along an arc of less than or about 120 degrees of a 360 degree circle and having an inner side and an outer side. The inner side of the cylinder portions are coupled to first ends of a scissors mechanism at a pivot point and a slot of the cylinder portions, the scissors mechanism having a first and a second piece pivotally coupled at a pivot coupling, respective second ends of the scissors mechanism coupled to a respective pair of threaded bolts engaged with a screw having opposing threads meeting at a central point thereof.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a drawer lifting mechanism, and more particularly to a mechanism that is adapted to bring stored items that are disposed on a supporting surface of a drawer lifting mechanism to a user. The drawer lifting mechanism may be actuated by human power or by use of one or more actuators. In some configurations, the drawer lifting mechanism is disposed and used in the kitchen to enable the delivery of the contents of a kitchen cabinet to a user that is disposed proximate to the cabinet.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an electric actuator having a structure capable of reducing an external force or impact acting on a screw shaft when a piston rod is at a stretched position. An electric actuator includes a nut, a piston rod, recesses, keys, holes, and a tapered portion. Into the nut, a screw shaft is screwed. The piston rod moves linearly via the nut. The recesses are formed on an outer circumferential surface of the nut. The keys are each provided to a recess. The tapered portion is formed on an inner wall of the cylinder body. The piston rod advances to move the keys outward to cause the keys to fit to the tapered portion to block retraction of the piston rod.

Abstract: A device suitable for supporting a component, such as a flat display screen, which device comprises a first arm, which can be connected to a wall with a first end thereof, being pivotable about a first pivot axis, and which is connected to a first end of a second arm with a second end thereof, being pivotable about a second pivot axis, which second arm can be connected to the component that is to be supported with a second end thereof, being pivotable about a third pivot axis. The device is furthermore provided with a third arm, which can be connected to the wall with a first end, being pivotable about a fourth pivot axis, and which is connected to a first end of a fourth arm with a second end, being pivotable about a fifth pivot axis, which fourth arm can be connected to the component to be supported with a second end, being pivotable about a sixth pivot axis.

Abstract: A lift between lower and upper levels of a house includes a cabin and an essentially horizontal platform which is essentially vertically movable by actuating elements arranged thereunder. The actuating elements include at least one pair of rotatably mounted arms pivotally arranged around an axis in the middle part thereof. The free ends of the first arm of one pair are pivotable around a fixed axis and respectively around an axis sliding along the platform. The free ends of the second arm are pivotable around a fixed axis connected to the platform and respectively around a sliding axis. An actuating unit interacts with at least one of the arms such that the pivot axis of the second arm for the platform, the middle pivot axis of the arms of the pair and the pivot axis of the first arm are never aligned.

Abstract: An improved connecting rod assembly for a reciprocating internal combustion engine provides essentially simple harmonic linear motion of a piston, thereby eliminating forces and moments caused by non-simple harmonic linear motion of a piston. The connecting rod assembly of the present invention maintains a uniform distance between a crank pin and a piston. Essentially simple harmonic piston motion also increases engine efficiency by reducing the amount of negative work which results from detonation before top dead center. The connecting rod assembly may include a first member rotatably connected to a crankshaft and having two connection points each spaced a distance A/2 from the crankshaft connection, and second and third members having a length C, arranged in a crossing relationship, and connecting respective ones of the connection points of the first member to respective ones of two connection points on a piston, the piston connection points being spaced apart by a distance B.

Abstract: A mower is provided which includes a pair of link mechanisms for mounting a cutter unit on the side of a mower body in suspended form. Each link mechanism includes a pair of lifting links. The paired lifting links are pivotably connected to the side of the mower body at opposing end portions. The other end portions of the paired lifting links are connected together so that the paired lifting links can be rotated upward and downward about the respective pivot points. The cutter unit is supported by respective intermediate portions of the lifting links in suspended form, and lifted by rotating the lifting links of the paired link mechanisms upward and downward in a linked relation.

Abstract: An adjustable support column for chairs, stools, tables or other furniture items in which a support tube telescopically receives a mounting cylinder. The mounting cylinder is seated on a diamond threaded support rod in the support tube by means of one or more drive nuts and a locking nut. A clutch selectively releases the locking nut to permit longitudinal adjustment of the mounting cylinder relative to the support tube. The diamond threaded support rod is connected to a power spring which stores energy as the support rod is rotated in one direction to cause a return of the support rod to its initial position when the locking nut is released.