Abstract: Disclosed is a six-bar linkage positioning mechanism mounted inside a clean container formed of a locating member and a four-bar linkage and a driving module which, when moved, has the slide of the driving module stopped at the base of the cleaning container and be forced to move upwards relative to a sliding way inside the locating member and to cause the driving link of the driving module to drive the four-bar linkage upwards and to further force the second link of the four-bar linkage to push workpieces in respective insertion slots in a cassette on the clean container. The six-bar linkage positioning mechanism has only one degree of freedom so that it moves workpieces horizontally in the cassette into position by means of contact at a point, preventing contamination due to friction and also improving moving stability.

Abstract: A ride vehicle for use in amusement park rides with interactive game or show equipment. A vehicle body is included with a passenger seat and an interactive device operable by a passenger to interact with the interactive game. A mounting assembly is provided in or on vehicle body and is configured for pivotally mounting the interactive device on the vehicle body. The mounting assembly may be adapted such as with a cam or guide plate to rotate or otherwise position the interactive device through a range of positions at varying distances from the seat. Further, A passenger restraint assembly is provided and is used to determine a size of the passenger in the seat. The passenger restraint is linked to the mounting assembly to drive the mounting assembly so as to place the interactive device at a passenger-use position that is selected based on the defined size of the passenger.

Abstract: A transmission, includes: a plurality of shift members, adapted to be moved in a shifting direction and a selecting direction; a shift lug, having a pair of claw portions spaced apart from each other in the shifting direction; and a shift fork, connected to the shift lug via a shift rail. The shift members are moved by an actuator so that one of the shift members pushes one of the claw portions in the shifting direction to thereby selectively move the shift lug in the shifting direction so as to cause the shift fork to perform a gear shift operation via the shift rail. The shift members are disposed as to be offset from each other in the shifting direction.

Abstract: A vehicle seat is provided with a frame providing structure for a seat back within a vehicle. An active head restraint system is supported by the frame for moving to an extended position when the active head restraint system is activated. The active head restraint system has a linkage to lock in the extended position. A head restraint is oriented above the seat back of the frame. The head restraint is moveable relative to the frame by the active head restraint system to the extended position to provide support to the head of the occupant during an impact condition.

Abstract: Actuator systems and associated methods are disclosed herein. One aspect of the disclosure is directed toward an actuator system that includes a first structure and a second structure movable relative to the first structure. The system further includes an actuator apparatus and an actuator device coupled in series between the first structure and the second structure. The system can still further include a controller operably coupled to the actuator apparatus and the actuator device. The controller can be programmed with instructions to automatically actuate the actuator apparatus and the actuator device so that a position of the first structure relative to the second structure after the actuator apparatus and the actuator device have been actuated is at least approximately the same as a position of the first structure relative to the second structure before the actuator apparatus and the actuator device have been actuated.

Abstract: A valve body has a channel extending along an axis and an inlet port open to the channel. A sleeve, received about the valve body, overlies the inlet port and is rotatable about the axis relative the body. A nozzle projects radially outward from the sleeve. The nozzle is rotatable with the sleeve into a range of positions in which the nozzle communicates with the inlet port through the sleeve.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting an attachment to a vehicle includes first and second mounting pegs mounted to one of the attachment and vehicle, a mounting arm having first and second cut-outs sized and spaced to receive the respective first and second mounting pegs, and first and second latches that are pivotable to trap the mounting pegs in the cut-outs. The apparatus further includes a detent mechanism resiliently holding the first latch in each of the latched and unlatched positions with a detent force. An over-center biasing mechanism provides a biasing force along a line of force, and urges the second latch into the latched and unlatched positions in response to the line of force being on one side of the pivot axis or the other.

Abstract: A self-contained turn signal indicator unit for signaling to the hearing impaired driver of a motor vehicle that the vehicle's turn signals are activated. The indicator unit is attached to the cover of the vehicle's steering column and produces a loud audible signal and a light signal when the turn signal lever is moved to the turning position. The circuitry includes a battery, a turn switch activated by movement of the turn signal lever, and a buzzer and a lamp. A volume control, operable by a user, controls the volume of the sound. An optional timed switch for turning off the circuit has a normally closed position and has an open position for a predetermined period of time after the turn switch is closed and remains closed.

Abstract: A tactor system transforms cable motion to tactor motion. A housing defining a plane is adapted for placement proximate to the skin of a user. A cable is operative to deform a tactor element in the housing, causing a portion of the element to move outwardly from the plane of the housing, thereby imparting a tactile sensation to the user's skin. For example, tension on the cable may cause a strip of flexible plastic or other suitable material to bend at a living hinge that moves outwardly from the plane of the housing. The cable may be driven by an actuator including. Two or more tactor elements may be disposed next to each other or in the same housing, with different elements being activated at different times to enhance the apparent frequency of the stimulus. For example, a reciprocating mechanism may be used to operate a pair of tactor elements out of phase with respect to one another.

Abstract: A load slot bearing assembly includes an inner bearing member and an outer bearing member. The inner bearing member includes a first circular end, a second circular end, and a spherical outer bearing surface between the first and the second circular ends. The outer bearing member includes a first end surface, a second end surface, and an inner spherical bearing surface between the first and the second end surfaces. The inner spherical bearing surface is shaped to allow the inner bearing member to fit within the outer bearing member. The outer bearing member also has a load slot, which includes a first and a second end faces, and a cylindrical surface extending from one end of the outer bearing member inwardly. The cylindrical surface connects the first and a second end faces. The load slot also includes an angulated surface connecting the cylindrical surface with a portion of the inner spherical bearing surface.

Abstract: A shift lever assembly includes a shift lever swingably with a rotational axis as a swing support point, an axis supporting bracket for supporting the rotational axis, two axis supporting elements for supporting both ends of the rotational axis together with the axis supporting bracket. In addition, two beams are provided with each of the axis supporting elements. The beams will break off in case where an impact load is to be applied via the shift lever. Furthermore, a metal plate is provided with the axis supporting bracket for each of the axis supporting elements. The metal plate will be bent by the each of the axis supporting elements moving after break-offs of the beams. According to the shift lever assembly, stroke displacement for energy absorbing can be made relatively long. In addition, relatively large impact energy can be absorbed with short stroke displacement.

Abstract: Configuration-adjusting mechanisms include linkages interconnecting first and second layers of a sheet material. The linkages have hinges positioned and oriented to cause motion of at least a portion of the linkages out of a plane of the first and second layers when the mechanisms are actuated. An apparatus, system, and method include one or more of the mechanisms for changing a contour of a surface provided by a cover overlying the mechanisms. An array of mechanisms or mechanisms corresponding to an array of positions on the surface may be selectively actuated to change the contour or texture of the surface. The array of mechanisms for changing the contour can provide user interface buttons selectively actuated by the mechanisms, which cause the buttons to emerge from the surface. A reconfigurable contour may be provided by selectable sets of the buttons associated with respective functions of a control panel, for example.

Abstract: A robotic manipulator device includes a robotic linkage to rotate an insertion axis about a remote center of motion with two degrees of freedom. A driven link supports the insertion axis. Rigid links in a parallelogram arrangement constrain the driven link to move in parallel to a drive link and the insertion axis to rotate about the remote center of motion. A drive unit has an output shaft coupled to the drive link. Rotation of an input shaft causes the output shaft to rotate. The input and output shafts are at a substantial angle. A housing supports the output shaft. A first motor causes the input shaft to rotate the output shaft. A second motor causes the housing to rotate, rotating the output shaft about an axis that is substantially parallel to the input shaft and passes through the remote center of motion.

Abstract: An automatic cable length adjustment mechanism includes first and second members that slidably engage one another. A spring biases the members apart, and a releasable one-way ratchet-type mechanism interconnects the parts after the parts shift relative to one another to take up slack in a Bowden cable or the like. In a preferred embodiment, the one-way ratchet arrangement includes a plurality of cantilevered levers having teeth or the like that engage rows of teeth.

Abstract: A side core-pulling mechanism of mold includes a slide block, an impacted block and a wobbly block. The bottom of the slide block projects outwards to form a columnar pin. The front surface of the impacted block defines a receiving cavity, a first slot and a second slot. The first slot upright extends downwards to pass through the bottom of the impacted block from the over place of the right end of the receiving cavity and communicates with the right end of the receiving cavity. The second slot extends rightwards and downwards to pass through the bottom of the impacted block from a start end of the first slot. The first and second slots communicate with each other. The columnar pin is movable in the first and second slots. The wobbly block is received in the receiving cavity of the impacted block. The wobbly block is against the bottom wall of the receiving cavity to cut off the first slot at a nature status and rotates upwards in the receiving cavity for making the first slot be in a through status.

Abstract: A turn-actuator possesses a rotatably placed driven element, which turns about an axis of rotation and has at least a first and a second tensile element of a shape memory alloy. The first and second tensile elements are affixed to the driven element, whereby the directions of rotation from torques generated by the contractions of the first and the second tensile elements act upon the driven element in opposite directions.

Abstract: A control lever unit includes a lever, a sensor, an urging body and an elastically undeformable restricting member. The lever is pivoted tiltably from a neutral position in any direction within 360 degrees including two main operation directions and intermediate directions therebetween; The sensor detects tilt angle of the lever in the two respective main operation directions. The urging body puts the lever back to the neutral position. The restricting member has an interior wall for surrounding the lever to restrict tilting range of the lever. Contour of the interior wall of the restricting member includes main operation stop portions for specifying tilt limit of the lever in the main operation directions and intermediate stop portions for specifying tilt limit of the lever in the intermediate directions. The main operation stop portions are positioned outside a quadrangle with the intermediate stop portions at apexes thereof.

Abstract: In some embodiments, co-planar printed circuit boards (PCBs) are electrically connected by leveraging an applied external force to generate a higher in-plane PCB connection force. A crank-and-slider in-plane PCB translation assembly includes a pair of coupling arms parallel to a PCB plane and connected to the PCB, and a leveraging arm parallel to the PCB plane and coupled to the couplings arm and to a fixed support. A guide pin is connected to the PCB and to a first end of each coupling arm, and fits through a longitudinal guide slot defined in the fixed support. A drive pin is connected to an opposite end of each coupling arm and fits through a transverse drive slot defined in the fixed support. The leveraging arm moves the drive-pin end of the coupling arm transversely, e.g. linearly or along an arcuate trajectory, thus pushing the guide-pin end to move the PCB longitudinally.

Abstract: A bicycle component positioning device is basically provided with a fixed structure, an input member and a positioning member. The input member is movably coupled relative to the fixed structure. The input member has a first moving direction and a second moving direction. The positioning member is operatively coupled to the input mechanism to selectively move between a plurality of predetermined positions. The input member and the positioning member are configured and arranged relative to each other such that the positioning member is initially moved by the input member in a direction different from the first and second moving directions in response to movement of the input member both in the first moving direction and in the second moving direction.

Abstract: Provided is a roller set assembly system of a height adjustable, single-post for use with a cart comprising a base section; an upper, adjustable-height workspace; and an intermediate section connecting the base section and the upper working section. The length of the post is adapted for manual adjustment by a user for optimal height. The intermediate section comprises an optionally removable spring member (e.g., a gas spring) within the post to assist in providing upward force necessary to lengthen the post; and a roller set assembly construction that inhibits twisting of the post and as creates a rolling motion between movable members thereby counteracting friction and torque, and facilitating height adjustment.

Abstract: A system for controlling the movement of a steerable multi-linked device may include a steerable multi-linked device a feeder mechanism releaseably connected to the steerable multi-linked device and a controller device. The steerable multi-linked device may include a first link, a plurality of intermediate links, and a second link movably coupled to a second one of the intermediate links. A first one of the intermediate links may be movably coupled to the first link. The controller device may be configured to control movement of the multi-linked device via the feeder mechanism.

Abstract: A riding mower assembly may include a mower frame, first and second wheels, and a steering assembly. The steering assembly may include a steering frame member fixed to the mower frame, a first steering arm rotatably coupled to a first end of the steering frame member and having the first wheel coupled thereto, a second steering arm rotatably coupled to a second end of the steering frame member and having the second wheel coupled thereto, an actuation mechanism, and a cross-member. The actuation mechanism may include a first end coupled to the steering frame member and a second end coupled to the first steering arm. The actuation mechanism may include a motor having an actuation arm extending therefrom that rotates the first steering arm. The cross-member may have a first end coupled to the first steering arm and a second end coupled to the second steering arm.

Abstract: A linkage interconnecting a brake rod with a brake lever in a brake system of a railroad freight car. A length of chain extends from an end of the brake rod, and a monolithic connecting link interconnects an opposite end of the length of chain with a brake lever, so that the brake lever can be moved by pulling the rod, and yet the brake lever is free to move toward the rod if the handbrake system is not in use to keep the brakes applied.

Abstract: The present invention provides a safety device of vibration roller wherein a travel switching device of the roller is switched to a neutral position automatically and the roller stops automatically when the operator is caught between the roller and an obstacle, and a safety switch is activated, even if the travel lever is placed in the reverse position continuously. A back end (16a) of an outer tube of an operation cable (7) is locked in front of the travel lever (4) in the case (2) when a safety switch (22) is not activated, the back end (16a) of the outer tube is released and displaced to a direction of the travel lever (4) when the safety switch (22) is activated.

Abstract: A general purpose linkage apparatus is adaptable for moving or guiding objects along a linear or curvilinear path. The apparatus includes linkages with revolving joints. In self-powered adaptations, a rotating motor may extend and retract the apparatus.

Abstract: A fixed support is provided on a base member near a moving lever. A moving support is provided on the moving lever. A coil spring comprises a coil and a pair of arms extending from the coil. The fixed support is wound with the coil. The moving support is held between the two arms of the coil spring and pressed by outward force of the coil spring thereby assuring smooth reverse of a direction of the force.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a mechanical arm comprising an arm and a bearing bracket. The mechanical arm of the present invention is made of a ceramic material and has the characteristics of ceramic materials—high heat resistance, high abrasion resistance, high hardness, high strength, low friction coefficients and low thermal expansion coefficients. Thus, the mechanical arm of the present invention has less abrasion loss, less sway caused by over abrasion and less deformation caused by sway.

Abstract: The invention proposes a design and deployment scheme for a hyper-articulated manipulator for assembly operations inside an aircraft wing box. The manipulator comprises nested C-channel structures connected by 1 degree of freedom rotary joints. The wing box has a large span, but is only accessible through multiple small portholes along its length. The manipulator is compact enough to enter the wing-box through the portholes, yet capable of subsequent reconfiguration so as to access multiple assembly points inside the wing-box. Traditional electromechanical actuators powering the rotary joints are unsuitable for this purpose, because of limited space and large payload requirements. The manipulator is an underactuated system which uses a single actuator at the base for the deployment of the C-channel serial linkage structure. The deployment scheme modulates gravitational torques in the system dynamics to rapidly deploy the system to a desired final configuration starting from any initial configuration.

Abstract: A link mechanism prevents a first pin from coming out of a groove and prevents interference with other elements. The line of action is the line orthogonal to the center line of the grooved portion and passes through the center of the first pin when the first pin is located at the open end of the grooved portion. A reference line passes through the swinging center of the first link lever and the center of the first pin. The angle between the line of action and the reference line is larger than 0°. The force that raises the pressure at the contact surface between the second pin and the cam surface acts upon the first pin from the grooved portion when the first pin is located at the open end of the grooved portion. The link mechanism is operational without the cam grooved wall in the entire cam surface region.

Abstract: An apparatus, systems and methods for automatically disengaging and re-engaging a cutting implement on a mowing machine by disconnecting and connecting, respectively, electrical power to an implement drive means. Power to the implement drive means is disconnected or connected according to gear positions of transmission control levers provided on the mowing machine. At designated gear positions, cut-out switches associated with the implement drive means are effective to interrupt power to the implement drive means. Repositioning the control levers to non-designated gear positions restores power to the implement drive means. The automatic disengagement/re-engagement of the cutting implement based on the gear position of transmission control levers may be used for two lever zero-turn-ride-on mowing machines or more traditional single lever ride-on mowing machines.

Abstract: A speed changing structure for a work vehicle, comprising a travel speed changing device having a plurality of speed change positions, a manually operated speed changing lever (63), control means (64) for controlling the travel speed changing device, and a manually operable operating part (65) provided to the speed changing lever (63), wherein the control means (64) has a first speed changing mode for operating the travel speed changing device in single steps so as to follow the operation of the speed changing lever (63), and a second speed changing mode for operating the travel speed changing device without passing through intermediate speed change positions to a speed change position that corresponds to the operating position after the speed changing lever (63) has been moved from the speed change position that corresponds to the operating position prior to the speed changing lever (63) being operated; and the control means (64) operates the travel speed changing device in the first speed changing mode when

Abstract: A device for steering a vehicle, particularly a helicopter or even a simulator, comprising a handgrip that can be moved in a manner that is linear to the drive of a drive device, particularly the power unit or motor. The linear motion of the handgrip is coupled with a rotational motion of a drive element.

Abstract: In preferred embodiments, a utility vehicle (such as, e.g., a skid steer vehicle) has a multitude of potential control-to-function configurations (in some preferred embodiments, enabling about sixteen or more configurations). The control-to-function configurations can preferably be selected by matching different control elements to different function drive elements. Preferably, the control elements (such as, e.g., hand control elements and foot control elements) have similar attachment mechanisms and the function drive elements (such as, e.g., various powered devices) have similar attachment mechanisms, whereby multiple control-to-function configurations can be readily achieved.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control device for controlling machines, especially hydraulic machines, by hand or foot. The inventive device comprises an actuating element (1), especially a pedal or a control lever, which can be moved in several directions. The aim of the invention is to feel a resisting force when the actuating element (1) is displaced or adjusted, whereby said force is on the scale of hydraulic forces having a direct effect. The actuating element (1) engages with a transmitter device (3) which is not hydraulic or is hydraulically decoupled from the hydraulic system. A damping device (6) engages with the actuating element (1). Said damping device defies the movement in at least one direction of motion pertaining to the actuating element (1) by means of a fluid that is moved by the actuating element (1).

Abstract: A two-stage, bi-directional shift lever vibration isolator. A shift lever has a sleeve whereinside is a lever vibration isolator which includes a damping body having an axial bore and an outer surface characterized by an hour-glass cross-section composed of convex and concave surfaces; a transmission shift shaft attachment housing located in the bore; an upper washer connected to the housing and abutting an upper end of the damping body; and a lower washer connected to the housing and abutting a lower end of the damping body. The upper and lower washers are sized to provide a predetermined perimeter separation with respect to the sleeve. The hour-glass cross-section of the damping body provides bi-directional natural frequency of vibration and stiffness.

Abstract: A mechanical attachment for a two-stage, bi-directional shift lever vibration isolator. A shift lever has a sleeve which receives thereinside a lever vibration isolator which includes a damping body having an outer surface characterized by an hour-glass cross-section; an attachment housing within the damping body; and upper and lower washers connected to the housing. An attachment bore passes laterally through the housing and is lined by a layer of the damping body. The attachment bore is disposed in the center of recessed surfaces of the hour-glass cross-section. An attachment pin passes through the attachment bore and the sleeve. The shift lever vibration isolator is freely slidable on the attachment pin, facilitated by a clearance between the attachment pin and the bore lining layer.

Abstract: An adjustment device includes a lifting mechanism having a lifting arm articulated to a component of a stationary supporting structure for moving the component between two end positions. A rotary drive mechanism has an output member which is linked to the lifting arm. In order to completely, or at least partially, absorb a load moment exerted during movement of the component, at least one stationary support element is associated to the rotary drive mechanism.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a variable area nozzle having a plurality of flaps. The flaps are actuated by a plurality of actuating mechanisms driven by shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators to vary fan exist nozzle area. The SMA actuator has a deformed shape in its martensitic state and a parent shape in its austenitic state. The SMA actuator is heated to transform from martensitic state to austenitic state generating a force output to actuate the flaps. The variable area nozzle also includes a plurality of return mechanisms deforming the SMA actuator when the SMA actuator is in its martensitic state.

Abstract: A control mechanism for a hydraulic assembly is disclosed. The control mechanism comprises a hydraulic pump, a swash plate, a control arm, a return to neutral mechanism and a cruise control arm. The control arm is linked to the swash plate and is moveable in such a manner so as to provide the swash plate with a plurality of non-discrete angular orientations with respect to the hydraulic pump. The return to neutral mechanism is used to move the control arm from a driving position to a neutral position. The cruise control arm is moveable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the cruise control arm is disengaged from the control arm. In the second position, the cruise control arm engages the control arm to resist movement of the control arm from one of a plurality of non-discrete forward driving positions to the neutral position under the influence of the return to neutral mechanism.

Abstract: A cruise control system for use in connection with a control arm linked to a swash plate that is moveable to provide the swash plate with a plurality of non-discrete angular orientations to affect fluid displacement of a hydraulic pump and a return to neutral mechanism for moving the control arm from a driving position to a position in which the swash plate does not affect fluid displacement of the hydraulic pump. The cruise control system includes a cruise control arm having a portion occupying a plane in common with a portion of the control arm. The cruise control arm is moveable to place the portion of the cruise control arm into contact with the portion of the control arm to prevent the control arm from moving from one of a plurality of non-discrete forward driving positions to the neutral position under the influence of the return to neutral mechanism.

Abstract: Mechanisms for passive gravity compensation for a system of linkage arms are provided. Gravity compensation is provided through a pair of non-circular gear profiles, with an end of each linkage arm connected to a separate gear set of two non-circular cam bodies, by way of separate cables. Springs in the gear sets provide tension in the cables. The tension in each cable varies according to the angle through which the cam bodies have turned as a result of the co-operating non-circular surfaces of the cam bodies. This, in turn is based on the amount the arms have turned and thereby allows the tension in the cables to compensate for the moments on the arms due to gravity, whatever angles they are at, independently of the angle of the other arm. To achieve this for the first arm of the linkage, the tension in the cable leading to the second arm of the linkage is also transmitted as a torque to the first arm through a pulley mounted on the rotation axis of the first arm.

Abstract: A driver control input device includes left and right control posts each having a hand grip. The control posts are movable forwardly and rearwardly and are sufficiently linked together such that forward movement of one control post will result in an equal and opposite rearward movement of the other control post to facilitate sending non-mechanical steering signals to a steer-by-wire system to which the control input device is attached. Accelerator demand input mechanisms and braking demand input mechanisms may also be positioned on the hand grips for generating non-mechanical acceleration and braking signals.

Abstract: A link member interlinks an external member forming part of a cabinet of an apparatus and an internal member capable of pivoting about a pivot shaft located more deeply inside the apparatus than the external member for causing the internal member to pivot in cooperation with the external member pivoting. The link member has a stretchable length and is provided with a resilient biasing member biasing the link member in such a direction as to stretch the length. When the external member is in its closed position, the internal member is positioned to abut a predetermined contact portion by the biasing force of the resilient biasing member. Parts storage shelves are provided in the space defined between the external member and the internal member.

Abstract: According to the invention a travelling mechanism for overhanging working devices, especially for a building crane, comprising a chassis on which the working device can be mounted or is mounted and which is provided with at least one wheel axle or wheels.

Abstract: A manual input device which comprises a mechanism, a major function select switch, a confirm switch, a display unit, and a controller. The mechanism is composed of: a laterally movable motor for applying an external force which is mounted on a frame; a knob fitted to a drive shaft of the motor; an encoder for detecting rotation of the knob; a stick controller for detecting lateral movement of the motor; a first guide plate and a second guide plate for limiting a range of movement of the knob; and a first solenoid and a second solenoid for driving the guide plates individually. The guide groove pattern is different between the first and second guide plates. The range in which the knob can be moved when the first guide plate only is engaged with the drive shaft of the motor is different from that when both the first and second guide plates are engaged with the drive shaft of the motor.

Abstract: A shifting arm for transmitting shifting movements is a formed part which is formed without cutting from a thin sheet. It includes a mouth recess in from an edge of the sheet, and stop faces are formed along the edges of the recess and out of the plane of the sheet.

Abstract: An automatic transmission operating lever which includes a knob with a switch, a lever member and a conducting wire wired in the knob to send a signal from the switch. The lever member includes a rod to be inserted into the knob and a lever base having an end face to which the rod is connected. An insertion hole is provided on an end face, and the conducting wire is inserted thereto. A guide path communicates with the insertion hole and guides the conducting wire in a direction crossing an axial direction of the rod.

Abstract: A symmetric clamp structure having a first arm and a second arm. Both the first arm and the second arm having coaxial threaded bores through the distal ends of each arm. The symmetric clamp structure also includes a screw having a shank, the shank having a head at one end and being threaded at a second opposite end. The threaded portion of the shank is sized and has a pitch appropriate for threadably engaging the screw with the threaded bores through the distal end of both the first and second arm of the clamp structure. The shank of the screw also has a clearance portion between the threaded portion and the head. The screw is threadably engaged with one of the first or second threaded bores such that the head abuts the arm opposite the threaded engagement. The clearance portion has an outer diameter sized to clear the tips of the threads of the threaded bores and a length at least equal to the axial length of each threaded bore.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for balancing a force comprising an articulated mechanism (10) consisting of a proximal arm (12) borne by a support wedged on a first hinge pin (20) and a distal arm (14) borne by the proximal arm and wedged on a second hinge pin (24) extending parallel to the first pin, the distal arm having a free end (26) supporting a load (F). The device further comprises first balancing means (18, 20) with high bandwidth acting on the proximal arm (12), second balancing means (18, 22) with high bandwidth acting on the distal arm (4), and co-ordinating means interposed between the first balancing means and the second balancing means to co-ordinate the respective rotational movements of the proximal arm and of the distal arm. The invention is applicable to mechanical manipulators, to transfer devices and to railway pantographs.

Abstract: In a link mechanism, a first link is disposed to be movable by a driving force from a driving source, and a second link is operatively linked with the first link to move a driven unit. One of the first and second links includes a cam groove having a bent portion which is bent by a radius of curvature smaller than a predetermined value, and the other one of the first and second links includes a pin slidable within the cam groove. In the link mechanism, a sliding speed of the pin sliding in the cam groove is reduced when the pin enters into the bent portion in the cam groove, as compared with the sliding speed before the pin enters into the bent portion.