Abstract: A droplet jetting apparatus includes: a nozzle that ejects a jet of liquid droplets; a detector that detects a hand or an object in a flight path of liquid droplets from the nozzle; a pump including a suction portion for suction of liquid, and a discharge portion which is connected to the nozzle and discharges the liquid which has been sucked into the suction portion; a driver which by rotation of a cam, sucks liquid into the pump and discharges the liquid in a compressed state; and controller which actuates the driver. When the detector detects the hand or object, the controller actuates the pump by rotation of the cam, and ejects a jet of liquid in droplet form from the nozzle.

Abstract: A robotic sign waver has a chassis including a main plate which mounts a drive train. The drive train includes a motor and a gearbox coupled to the motor. The gearbox has an output shaft that drives a crank arm with a linkage rod attached thereto. The linkage rod drives a rocker plate that is mounted on the main plate for repetitive motion. An elongated waving arm is mounted on the rocker plate for repetitive motion with the rocker plate. The rocker plate is robust to withstand the stress and wear of repetitive motion while the waving arm is relatively light to minimize its load on the drive train. A counterweight is attached to the rocker plate on the opposite side of the main plate from the rocker plate by means of connectors extending through slots in the main plate. A reversible connector plate allows attachment of the chassis to either vertical or angled sign boards.

Abstract: An electric bicycle is provided that can increase the diameter of the joining section between a crankshaft and a crank arm, suppress an increase in manufacturing cost, and minimize a size increase of a hanger with a torque sensor disposed in the hanger. A crankshaft 17 is divided into a crankshaft body 17A on the periphery of which a torque sensor 23 is disposed, and an auxiliary crankshaft 17B connected to one side of the crankshaft body 17A. A diameter D1 of the joining section between the auxiliary crankshaft 17B and a crank arm 18B and a diameter D3 of the joining section between the crankshaft body 17A and a crank arm 18A are larger than a diameter D2 of the connecting section between the crankshaft body 17A and the auxiliary crankshaft 17B.

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

Abstract: A reciprocating pedal transmission for a pedal-powered vehicle. Two pedals are selectively connected to a driveshaft by one way clutches. A reversing gear mechanism forces the non-pushing pedal to travel in a direction which is opposite to the direction of the pushing pedal. The non-pushing pedal may also be used to input force (a pulling force) if desired. The arcuate range of motion is infinitely variable. The user may reverse the pedal travel at any time using only the forces applied by the feet.

Abstract: An exercise machine includes a support structure, a crank shaft rotatably mounted on the support structure, a first planetary gear set operatively coupled to the crank shaft so that the crank shaft provides an input for the first planetary gear set, a second planetary gear set operatively coupled to the first planetary gear set so that an output of the first planetary gear set provides an input for the second planetary gear set, and a flywheel rotatably operatively coupled to the second planetary gear set so that an output of the second planetary gear set rotates the flywheel.

Abstract: A gearless transmission mechanism includes a plurality of identical linkages, each having an off-center center of rotation, an input end and an output end. The linkages being connected to each other such that the input end of one linkage is connected to the output end of another linkage. When force is applied to the input end of one linkage an output force results in the output end of the other linkage, which is not connected thereby resulting in force reduction.

Abstract: A drive unit includes an output shaft, a drive source, which causes the output shaft to rotate in a reciprocating manner within a first angular range, an arcuate movement portion, which performs arcuate movement about the axis of the output shaft as the shaft is rotated, a pivot shaft, and a lever member, which is rotational about the axis of the pivot shaft. As the arcuate movement portion performs arcuate movement, the lever member is rotated, in a reciprocating manner within a second angular range, while changing the engaging position with the arcuate movement portion.

Abstract: A kitchen appliance includes a base body, a pivot arm which is disposed in a pivotable manner on the base body and a lever facility for assisting a pivoting movement of the pivot arm. An adjusting mechanism is operably connected to the lever facility to set a degree of assistance for the pivoting movement.

Abstract: A wiper linkage of a windscreen washing system for a motor vehicle, comprising a motor crank (10) with a first end section (14) and a second end section (16), wherein the motor crank (10) is connected at its first end section (14) to a drive motor via a connecting element (12), and wherein the motor crank (10) has, at its second end section (16), a double ball pin (18) which is connected to a first joint rod (20) and to a second joint rod (22), wherein by means of a rotational movement of the motor crank (10) a first crank radius (28) can be transmitted to the first joint rod (20) and a second crank radius (34) can be transmitted to the second joint rod (22), wherein according to the invention the first crank radius (28) of the first joint rod (20) has a different size from the second crank radius (34) of the second joint rod (22).

Abstract: A drive device in a windshield wiper unit comprises a crank arm (4), which is connected via a connecting element (5) made of plastic to a wiper shaft (3). The connecting element (5) is molded both to the crank arm (4) and to a connecting section (3A) of the wiper shaft (3), wherein the crank arm (4) is only connected via the connecting element (5) to the wiper shaft (3).

Abstract: Provided herein are selectable angle eccentric arms, devices comprising selectable angle angle eccentric arms, and methods for making such devices. Examplary devices are exercise devices.

Abstract: The disclosure provides new crankshaft configurations for various purposes. In one embodiment, new crankshaft configurations are provided that are believed to be particularly suitable with internal combustion engines. Exemplary mechanisms convert a linear sinusoidal motion to a rotational one. In another embodiment, new crankshaft configurations are provided that are believed to be particularly suitable with manually operated drive systems, such as on bicycles. Exemplary mechanisms convert elliptic or linear reciprocating motion into angular motion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a suspension type swing mechanism, which comprises: a fastening base, the circumference thereof is radially pivoted with a supporter, and the bottom thereof is installed with an axial hole; a swing member, the bottom thereof is connected to the top of a hung article, and the swing member is installed with an axially-extended axial tube which passes through the axial hole and penetrates into the fastening base; a transmission device, a motor thereof is fixed at the periphery of the axial hole, an output shaft of the motor is connected to the inner end of a crank set, the outer end of the crank set is provide with a sleeve member sleeved on the axial tube for forming a synchronous motion; and an axial rotation device, which further includes a first rolling mechanism installed between the hung article and the fastening base and a second rolling mechanism installed between the fastening base and the swing member; with the output of the motor, the sleeve member at the output end of t

Abstract: An articulating ball joint for connecting a pair of driven members to a driving member such as a crank pin. In one embodiment, a single ball is held in a first, or inner, socket defined by a coupling member having a convex outer surface, and the first socket is held within a second, outer, socket defined in a second coupling member also having a convex outer surface, which is, in turn, engaged by a retainer.

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: A circuit breaker includes a plurality of pole assemblies, each having a movable contact and a stationary contact. A bellcrank assembly is associated with each pole assembly. Each bellcrank assembly includes a bellcrank lever including a cylindrical body and at least one radially extending arm. The radially extending arm is mechanically interrelated with the movable contact so that rotation of the bellcrank lever selectively causes the movable contact to engage or disengage the stationary contact. At least one of the bellcrank lever radially extending arms is relatively more flexible than the other bellcrank lever radially extending arms.

Abstract: Rotary actuator lever apparatus having an annular recess are described. An example rotary actuator lever includes a cylindrical body that has a first opening and a second opening axially aligned with the first opening, and sized larger than the first opening. The lever arm extends a predetermined distance from the body and has a first arm member spaced from a second arm member. Each of the first and second arm members includes an aperture to receive a fastener to operatively couple the lever to a stem of an actuator. The body includes an annular recess adjacent the first arm member of the lever arm to enable the first arm member to flex relative to the second arm member when the lever couples to the actuator stem.

Abstract: The invention relates to a window wiper system with a window wiper drive (1), in particular for rear window wipers of a motor vehicle, with a gear housing (10), which can be closed by means of a housing cover (14), for accommodating a gear arrangement (11), wherein the gear housing (10) and the housing cover (14) each have a run-on surface (15a, 15b) for the axial guidance of the gear arrangement (11). When the housing cover (14) is closed, an intermediate space (16) is formed between the mutually opposite run-on surfaces (15a, 15b), said intermediate space corresponding to the geometrical dimensions of an installation region of the gear arrangement (11) to be inserted.

Abstract: A torque transfer device for efficiently increasing the torque transferred from a drive unit to another device (e.g. transmission, sprocket, etc.). The torque transfer device generally includes a drive unit, a first rotating member rotatably attached to the drive unit, wherein the drive unit rotates the first rotating member, a receiving unit, a first rotating member rotatably attached to the receiving unit and a connecting arm attached to a first attachment point of the first rotating member and a second attachment point of the second rotating member. The first attachment point is offset from a first rotational axis of the first rotating member and the second attachment point is offset from a second rotational axis of the second rotating member.

Abstract: A crank assembly having a crank arm with a handle member pivotally coupled thereto is provided. The handle member includes a lock assembly with a crank component and a handle component. The crank component includes a latch surface on a crank arm outer surface. The lock assembly handle component is, preferably, at least one extension extending from the handle member and structured to engage the latch surface. The lock assembly handle component further has a release device structured to disengage the at least one extension from the latch surface. The release device is accessible from the crank arm outer surface. In this configuration, a user may easily access the release device because the release device is located on the outer surface of the crank arm.

Abstract: An assembly includes at least one piston, a rotating member, a transition arm, and a mechanism. The transition arm is configured to translate between rotational movement of the rotating member and a first linear motion of the piston. The mechanism is configured to superimpose a second linear motion of the piston onto the first linear motion of the piston. The assembly can be a hydraulic (or air) pump or hydraulic (or air) motor, with the second linear motion resulting in reduced output ripple or smooth torque vs. angular rotation, respectively. Also, the assembly can be an alternator or electric motor, with the additional linear motion resulting in an ac waveform that conforms substantially to a sinewave or a back emf that conforms to the input voltage or electric waveform. In addition, the assembly can be an internal combustion engine in which the second linear motion results in the pistons lingering about top dead center during the combustion process.

Abstract: The Abdomicycle is a three or four-wheeled vehicle, (depending upon vehicle model) on which a rider sits upon a seat, leans back against a backrest which is provided for comfort and safety purposes and propels the vehicle either forward or reverse by a reciprocating motion on a bar that encloses them as they sit on the Abdomicycle. The bar is connected to either the single or dual rear wheels via a crank type mechanism that allows the linear pushing/pulling of the bar from front to back to be converted into a circular motion for the purpose of driving the rear wheel or wheels. The occupant's feet rest upon a forward steering linkage system that allows either foot pressure, or the leaning position of the occupant's body to turn the vehicle to the right or left. The vehicle includes a braking system connected by cable to the wheel(s) for the purpose of stopping the vehicle. The Abdomicycle is designed as a manually powered vehicle for exercises.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a crank drive system (10) of a shaft (11) of a microtome (1). The crank drive system (10) encompasses a first and a second shaft (11, 12). The first shaft (11) is rotatable with a crank (13). The first shaft (11) comprises a first transfer gear (14). The second shaft (12) comprises a second transfer gear (15). A rotation of the first shaft (11) is transferable from the first transfer gear (14) to the second transfer gear (15) of the second shaft (12). The second shaft (12) is thereby capable of being caused to rotate. To make possible, with a microtome (1), an advance or a lowering of the specimen (2) in two respective oppositely directed rotation directions with the same crank drive system (10), the crank drive system (10) according to the present invention is characterized in that a third transfer gear (16) is provided.

Abstract: A lever with a shifting pivot or fulcrum point such that in pivoting of the lever between a first position and a second position for at least one angular segment of such pivoting about a first fulcrum point and for a second angular sector of such pivoting, pivots about a second fulcrum point.

Abstract: An assembly includes a piston and a transition arm coupled to the piston. The position of the transition arm is adjustable to vary a stroke of the piston. A balance member is adjustable relative to the transition arm to counterbalance the transition arm in varying positions. A control rod is coupled to the transition arm and the balance member. Linear movement of the control rod moves the transition arm in a first direction to change the stroke of the piston and moves the balance member in a second direction substantially opposite the first direction to counterbalance the transition arm. A method of counterbalancing a variable stroke assembly includes moving a transition arm coupled to a piston to vary a stroke of the piston, and moving a balance member in a direction substantially opposite to the direction of movement of the transition arm to counterbalance the transition arm.

Abstract: A metering pump includes an actuating mechanism, and a plurality of piston cylinders coupled to the actuating mechanism. A first of the cylinders has a working volume that differs from a second of the cylinders. The actuating member is centrally located and the cylinders are arranged radially about the actuating mechanism. The working volume of the cylinders can be varied by adjusting the spacing of the cylinders from the actuating mechanism, thus varying the stroke of pistons housed within the cylinders, and/or by providing the cylinders with different inner diameters. A method of metering fluids includes independently adjusting stroke of a plurality of pistons to adjust the volume of metered fluid, and selecting different cylinder diameters to adjust the volume of metered fluid.

Abstract: This invention concerns an improvement of the central drive linkage for the cutting and creasing machine which comprises at least a plurality of differential gears mounted on the upper part, and a plurality of fine-tuning mechanism evenly distributed on the lower part; in which the main drive shaft and the counter weight of the differential gears are arranged in the eccentric manner so as to generate relatively angular differentials as the central drive linkage rotates. The counter weight has a connecting rod linking to a crankshaft which has an upper end connected to the workbench and a lower end to the fine-tuning mechanism in order to obtain comparatively stable working torque output and precise performance and to attain the intermittent change of slow lifting and fast lowering of the workbench movement. Four sets of fine-tuning mechanisms are evenly disposed under and support the overall weight of the differential gears.

Abstract: The invention is a device for fast taking out and putting in, especially the device can fast take out a chip from a wafer to put in another chip receptacle, wherein, the invention includes a gear set, which consists of a first big gear, a second big gear and a small gear; at least two driving device, which consists a first driving device and a second driving device; a link mechanism, which cooperates with the gear set to proceed that the link mechanism moves forth toward a non-horizontal direction and back toward the reverse direction, and moves down toward a non-vertical direction and up toward the reverse direction as well; a lift mechanism, which is driven by the first driving device, and a mold plate with gear set and link mechanism is then driven either to complete the actions of moving down toward a non-vertical direction and up toward the reverse direction as mentioned above.

Abstract: The apparatus is a foot exerciser which swings the feet with an electric motor driven rotating cam with holes spaced at different distances from the drive shaft. The cam has a drive link attached at one of the holes and the drive link is also attached to one swinging arm of a parallelogram structure to which an oscillating foot cushion is attached. Moving the drive link attachment between holes on the rotating cam or between several holes along the length of the swinging arm changes the amplitude of oscillation of the foot cushion.

Abstract: A driver courtesy device includes a first unit attachable to the dashboard or steering console of an automobile, within reach of the driver of the automobile, and a display unit mounted adjacent the rear window or one of the side windows of the automobile. The first unit includes a signal transmitter actuated by the driver. The display unit includes an upstanding member resembling an arm and hand, a signal receiver, and a motor actuated for a predetermined operational period upon receipt of the signal transmitted by the first unit. An interposer converts rotary motion of the actuated motor to linear motion to thereby move the arm and hand in a reciprocating, waving motion to convey a courteous gesture.

Abstract: A motor vehicle screen wiper apparatus comprises a screen wiper mounted on the upper end of a drive spindle, the apparatus including means for varying the inclination between the spindle axis and a reference axis which is substantially at right angles to the plane of the glass to be swept. The drive spindle is mounted for pivoting movement about at least one pivot axis, and the apparatus includes a cam mechanism which controls this pivoting movement of the drive spindle, so as to vary the inclination between the drive spindle axis and the reference axis as a function of the rotational position of the drive spindle about its own axis of rotation.

Abstract: The invention refers to a wiper arm with a fixing part made from asheet metal, comprising a bore for the non-rotatable fixation on a wiper shaft and which is provided at least around the bore with an upper sheet metal section and a bottom sheet metal section being integrally connected and lying approximately in parallel to said upper sheet metal section. In order to provide the fixing part in the area of the bore with a high stability of form, a sheet metal section is supported against the flat side of the other sheet metal section around the bore at a distance from the outline of the fixing part which can be noticed when looked at in direction of the axis of the bore.

Abstract: A mechanism for controlling the reciprocating movement of griffe frames in a weaving loom which includes four crank arms which are mounted offset angularly with respect to one another to a driving shaft associated with the loom. Two short connecting rods and two long connecting rods are connected to the four crank arms with the two short connecting rods being pivotally mounted to one of the griffe frames and the two long connecting rods being mounted to the other of the griffe frames whereby rotation of the driving shaft causes a reciprocating movement of the griffe frames.

Abstract: A swivel mechanism for the electrical fan having the motor used to drive the blade of the electrical fan is used to control the swiveling movement. The controlling elements generally includes an U-shape supporting bracket, a positioning post and a connecting mechanism which is disposed between the output shaft and the positioning post. The motor is supported by an U-shape supporting bracket and the U-shape supporting bracket includes a pair of legs which can be connected to the rear housing by a pair of screws. Accordingly, the motor is capable of pitching upward and downward by the help of the screws. The lower end of the U-shape supporting bracket is rotatably mounted onto a positioning post, accordingly, the supporting bracket being capable of swiveling thereof.

Abstract: An improved electromagnetic coupling apparatus is advantageously utilized in conjunction with an oil well pump assembly. The electromagnetic coupling apparatus includes rotatable inner and outer shafts. A stationary annular coil assembly is supported on the outer shaft by bearings which allow the outer shaft to rotate relative to the coil. A pole piece drum extends around the outer shaft and is effective to concentrate magnetic flux conducted from the stationary coil. A rotatable eddy current drum extends around the pole piece drum. The pole piece and eddy current drums are fixedly connected with the inner and outer shafts. The inner and outer shafts extend in the same axial direction from the pole piece and eddy current drums.

Abstract: A wiper is provided for use in a vehicle for wiping the windshield glass. A holder is fixed to a baseplate of the vehicle body and, against the holder, an inner bearing is supported so as to rotate about its axis. A pivot shaft is inclined relative to the axis of the inner bearing while being rotatably supported. The driving force is transmitted from a driving source into driving forces for a first driving apparatus for driving the pivot shaft and second driving apparatus for driving the inner bearing. Inversion apparatus or a rotating apparatus always rotates the second driving apparatus either in a direction opposite to or in the same direction as the rotational direction of the first driving apparatus.

Abstract: A transmission mechanism for a scroll sawing machine is disclosed. An upper counter weight and a horizontal counter weight are secured to the lower end of a rocker arm, which has its top end secured to the scroll saw blade upper driving arm, and carried to move by the transmission shaft of a motor. The rotation of the transmission shaft of the motor drives the upper counter weight to rotate so as to eliminate any possible vertical shock waves, and simultaneously drives the rocker arm to move up and down so as to eliminate any possible horizontal shock waves.

Abstract: A bicycle having pedal bars pivoted on the frame near the rear wheel, with a pedal sprocket positioned above the rear wheel. A connection member couples the rear end of each of the pedal bars to the pedal sprocket and further includes conversion mechanism whereby up and down movement of the push bars induces rotative movement of the pedal sprocket. Foot pedals are mounted on the front end of the pedal bars. Downward pressure by a rider on the foot pedals (alternately applied) forces upper movement of the connection members and corresponding rotation of the pedal sprocket for driving the bicycle.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in feeding physically incapacited persons comprising a spoon supported for orbital and rectilinear movement in a predetermined path, one or more receptacles, and kinematics selectively operable to move a selected receptacle into the path of movement of the spoon and for effecting orbital and rectilinear movement of the spoon from an at-rest position above the receptacle into the receptacle to pick up a quantity of food therefrom, remove it from the receptacle to a position to be received by the person and then return it to its at-rest position in readiness for a repeat cycle of operation.

Abstract: A device for use with a tennis ball projecting machine to control the flight of the balls projected from the machine through a flexible tube. The device has a pair of adjacent casings supporting the tube. The first casing is pivotably mounted at its rear end to the machine for swinging about a vertical axis. The second casing is pivoted at its rear end to the front end of the first casing and holds the outlet end of the tube at its free end. The second casing can be moved up or down, and fixed in place, to control the ball trajectory. A power mechanism is provided on the device to oscillate the first casing, and thus the second as well, about the vertical axis to swing the ball projecting tube according to a predetermined angle about a vertical axis.

Abstract: A drive for operating a punching tool comprises a toggle-joint lever to one of whose lever members the punching tool is operatively connected. The second lever member of the toggle-joint forms part of a quadrilateral linkage. This linkage consists of the second lever member, a first transverse lever member linked at one end to the second lever member and at the other end to another lever element, and a second transverse lever member linked at one end to the other lever element. The first transverse lever member is a two-armed lever supported on a fixed pivot near its linkage to the second lever member for pivoting the two-armed lever about the fixed pivot. The second transverse lever member and the other lever element are linked to a crank drive.

Abstract: The invention relates to a crank drive, particularly to a crank drive for photographic cameras having a crank including a crankpin, and a drawbar pivotable about the crankpin. The drawbar consists of first and second rods connected to one another, and disposed in respective substantially parallel planes, which rods are joined or connected by a hinge having a hinge axis substantially parallel to the crankpin axis.

Abstract: A motion-transmitting arrangement, particularly for windshield wipers, has a drive with a rotary output shaft on which a crank member is mounted for rotation. A crank rod has one end connected to a crank pin which is transversely spaced from the shaft, and its other end is pivoted at one location to a member which latter is also pivoted at another location and which is coupled with an element (e.g., a wiper blade) to be moved. An arrangement is provided for varying the distance between the shaft and the crank pin and/or between the crank pin and the pivot at the one location and/or the pivot at the one location and the pivot at the other location.

Abstract: A mechanical linkage device is provided for replacing the master and slave cylinders and associated parts in a hydraulic vehicular clutch system to convert the system to direct mechanical operation. The linkage device, provided in kit form and installable as a unit, is attached by welding to one end of the pre-existing cross shaft in the clutch system, and includes an elongated actuating rod one end of which is pivotally attached in the linkage device and the other end of which engages the throw-out fork of the clutch system in place of the pre-existing slave cylinder piston rod. The point of pivotal attachment can be varied relative to the axis of rotation of the cross shaft, and the effective length of the actuating rod can also be adjusted, to adapt the linkage device for proper installation and operation in a given vehicular clutch system.

Abstract: The invention provides a throttle-valve control arrangement for an engine mounted by vibration dampers on a support structure. The arrangement insures that pivotal movements between the engine and the support structure about a pivot center do not effect the throttle-valve setting, by the use of a throttle-valve linkage incorporating a pair of interengaging levers having mutually contacting surfaces, one of which surfaces is curved and has a center of curvature situated on the pivot center between the engine and the support structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for converting a rotary movement into an oscillating movement frequently employed in agricultural implements, comprising a rotatable driving shaft, a fly-wheel rigidly secured thereto, an oscillatorily driven body adapted to oscillate about an axis crossing or intersecting the driving shaft axis and a coupling element pivoted to said body and journalled eccentrically in the fly-wheel; to adjusting in a simple manner the magnitude of the oscillating movement or the amplitude thereof, the device is adapted in that the bearing of the coupling element in the fly-wheel is arranged in a displaceable manner for varying the eccentricity and hence the amplitude of the oscillatory movement.

Abstract: A power wrench having at least a partially annular drive head connected at first and second pivots through a first of a pair of telescopic members and to a third member, respectively, the third member being connected by a third pivot to the second member, and upon a relative linear telescopic motion of the first and second members, the drive head is rotated through a predetermined arc under the control of the third member.