Abstract: A connecting rod includes a hollow body with a ring at each end and a centre, a thickness wall e, the wall defining an outer perimeter pe and an inner perimeter pi, a surface section s being contained between the outer and inner perimeters, wherein the outer perimeter pe increases from the ends of the hollow body to the centre of the connecting rod, the hollow body maintaining a constant surface section s, the thickness e decreasing from the end to the centre of the connecting rod.

Abstract: In at least some implementations, an interface device for control of multiple movements includes a drive controller and a steering controller. The drive controller is adapted to be movable about a pivot axis relative to a base. The steering controller carried by the drive controller for movement with the drive controller and rotatable relative to the drive controller about an axis of rotation that is not parallel to the pivot axis.

Abstract: A needle adjustment device is provided. The needle adjustment device includes a stopping component and an actuator. The stopping component is configured to establish a maximum penetration depth of a needle. The actuator is fixedly coupled to the needle and movable proximally and distally to one or more positions and to adjust a penetration depth of the needle depth up to the maximum penetration depth.

Abstract: A bellcrank for a variable adjustment device for an aircraft turbomachine, is articulated respectively to a control housing, to a synchronization bar, to a piston stem of an actuator and to a turnbuckle. The bellcrank includes a part for articulation to the control housing which includes, on the one hand, a tab and, on the other hand, a tubular portion spaced apart from the tab, the tab and the tubular portion including orifices that are aligned and are configured to receive a common axis of articulation of the control housing.

Abstract: A human-machine interface comprising: —a magnetic rocker rotatably movable between a rest position wherein an implement is maintained in a neutral position and a tilted position wherein the implement is in a reclined position, —a magnetic assembly, attached to a frame, capable of cooperating with the magnetic rocker to generate a magnetic return force that constantly urges the magnetic rocker towards its rest position, —a sliding connection comprising a flange and a slide, and —the implement comprises one of the slides, and the flange and the magnetic rocker comprise the other of the slide and the flange such that the sliding connection transforms the movement of the implement towards the reclined position by moving the magnetic rocker towards its tilted position and vice versa.

Abstract: The invention relates to a joint, in particular for use in a parallel kinematic positioning device, which has at least three rotational degrees of freedom, and which has a rigid carrier element and at least two elastically deformable joint devices arranged overlapping one another at least in sections on the carrier element, wherein each of the joint devices comprises two joint elements, and each of the joint elements has an elongated connecting section and a securing section arranged at one end of the connecting section for securing the joint device to a higher level unit, and the two connecting sections of each joint device extend in a direction pointing away from the carrier element in such a way that they cross over one another.

Abstract: Systems and methods for intermittent supply of lubricating oil to a tip of a rocker arm assembly. In one embodiment, a lubricating oil may be selectively to a tip of a rocker arm via oil channels aligned only during opening of a valve coupled to the tip.

Abstract: A pallet lift includes a base and a deck extending forward of the base. Load wheels support the deck. A platform above the deck is pivotable relative to the base. The platform has an upper support surface for supporting objects thereon. The platform may be pivoted as the pallet lift travels on an inclined surface, such as a truck ramp, in order to keep the platform relatively level relative to gravity to increase stability.

Abstract: A spatial large-stroke compliant hinge with hybrid structure, which includes a rectangular planar unit for implementing an out-of-plane torsion function and a crossed-shaped planar unit for achieving an in-plane rotation function. The crossed-shaped planar unit is formed by two flexible straight beam thin sheets intersecting into a crossed-shaped structure with an angle, and the rectangular planar unit and the crossed-shaped planar unit are connected through an external connection or an embedded connection.

Abstract: An agricultural baler includes a main bale chamber having an inlet for receiving crop material. A strawhook arrangement includes a plurality of strawhooks and an actuation mechanism for moving the strawhooks between an open position wherein the inlet to the main bale chamber is open, and a closed position wherein the inlet to the main bale chamber is closed. The actuation mechanism includes a two-bar linkage and an actuator. The two-bar linkage has a first bar with a first end and a second end, and a second bar with a first end and a second end. The first end of the first bar is pivotally coupled with the strawhooks, and the first end of the second bar is pivotally coupled with a fixed structure of the baler. The actuator is coupled with the second ends of the first bar and the second bar. The actuator is operable to apply pushing or pulling forces to each of the second ends and thereby selectively move the strawhooks between the open position and the closed position.

Abstract: A fuel cell-type industrial vehicle according to the present disclosure includes a vehicle main body in which a fuel cell unit is installed, and controller configured to control operations of the vehicle main body. The fuel cell unit includes a charging plug which is connectable to a charging socket for supplying fuel gas, and a detection mechanism configured to detect the connection state between the charging plug and the charging socket. The detection mechanism includes a sensor having an output signal that shifts in accordance with the connection state of the charging socket relative to the charging plug. The controller prohibits operation of the vehicle main body after determining, on the basis of the output signal of the sensor, that the charging socket is connected to the charging plug.

Abstract: A two-piece coupling walking beam is foldable and separable for sucker rod pumping system shipment, storage, installation, or servicing. It provides a two-piece coupling walking beam using connection plates—a pin plate, a fastening plate, and/or strengthening plate(s) for sucker rod pumping systems. A foldable walking beam with a two-piece coupling beam has a connection joint by which the portion with a horsehead located in the front end of the beam for sucker rod pumping systems wherein the walking beam can be folded either transversely (horizontally or sideways) or longitudinally (vertically) to the other portion of the beam without a horsehead to provide working space for system maintenance, installation/reinstallation, or servicing.

Abstract: A rocker arm swingably supported by an arm shaft and operating a valve by rotation of a cam includes an arm body part including a bearing portion supported by the arm shaft, a cam-side arm portion extending from the bearing portion toward a first side, and a valve-side arm portion extending from the bearing portion toward a second side, an arch part extending over the bearing portion and connecting the cam-side arm portion and the valve-side arm portion, and a lightweight part disposed in a space defined between the arm body part and the arch part and having a reduced weight compared with a case where the space is filled with the same material at the same thickness as the arch part.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a wear measuring system for friction elements, in particular for brushes and the like, as well as to a method for measuring the wear of friction elements, comprising at least one consumable friction element, a holding device for movably positioning the friction element relative to a friction surface, and a measuring device for determining a wear status of the friction element relative to a wear length of the friction element, wherein the measuring device has a potentiometer, wherein the potentiometer is mechanically coupled with the friction element in such a way that a movement by the friction element relative to the friction surface induces a movement by the potentiometer.

Abstract: Cushioning dampers are beneficial for preventing stress cracks on a sucker rod reciprocating pump whose circular arc head is contiguous with a counterweight and is pivotably connected to the pitman arm, crank arm weight, and speed reducer. The pitman arm is substantially horizontal and the crank arm to wrist pin phase angle is about 70-90 degrees. Auxiliary counter weight extends from the head weight on a stinger and the head weights are adjustable. The head weight diameter is either constrained within the circular arc head's outer diameter or can be larger. The upper pitman bearings are outboard on the equalizer which is integral with the head. The center bearing of the head is outboard on the rectangular sampson post. The head counterweight increases permissible load on a speed reducer. This invention has embodiments for adjusting sampson post height and pitman arm length; and for changing the stroke length without removing the wrist pin from the crank weight hole.

Abstract: An optical system (e.g., a telescope) comprising an optical assembly that reflects and refracts light rays through a single window about an optical path to a detector. A field-of-view switch assembly comprises a mount, having a pair of diverter mirrors, movably coupled to the optical assembly and being selectively movable between a non-bypass position and a bypass position. The diverter mirrors bypass a first field-of-view and translate a second field-of-view (both through the single window) when moved from the non-bypass position to the bypass position to redirect the optical path. The diverter mirrors straddle the optical path in the non-bypass position. A dynamic shutter shields the second diverter mirror and exposes the second diverter mirror when moved between non-bypass and bypass positions. A four-bar linkage mechanism rotates the mount with an on-board motor and a torsional shaft to absorb impact forces. Associated methods are provided for facilitating switching between fields-of-view.

Abstract: A bicycle control lever includes a luminous indicator arranged between an inner half-shell and an outer half-shell, and the outer half-shell has at least one transparent region at the luminous indicator.

Abstract: Provided is a damper opening/closing mechanism of a vehicle air-conditioning device, the damper opening/closing mechanism being configured such that a pin (28) of a damper lever (26) is fitted in a cam groove (24) of a link plate (22) rotatably driven by a stepping motor and that a damper (19) is opened/closed through the damper lever (26) rotated by rotation of the link plate (22). One end portion of the cam groove (24) for reference positioning of the stepping motor is in such a shape that a connection surface (32) not contacting an outer peripheral surface of the pin (28) connects between the point of contact of the outer periphery of the pin (28) with one end surface of the cam groove (24) and the point with a side wall surface (24A) of the cam groove (24) when the damper (19) is in a closed state.

Abstract: A finger-operated lever device to be installed on a handlebar of an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) or other applicable vehicle, for actuating a cable to cause acceleration of the internal combustion engine of the vehicle. The lever device includes a housing, an internal first lever assembly connectable to the cable, and an external second lever assembly. The external lever assembly and the internal lever assembly are connected so that user operation of the external lever assembly causes the internal lever assembly to rotate. The external lever assembly is divided into two portions, a support member and an extension member. The extension member can be adjusted at different angles to the support member, allowing the user to set the angle of the lever to most comfortably fit to his or her riding posture.

Abstract: An actuation system for actuating a clutch piston of a transmission includes an actuator and a lever. A first end of the lever is attached to the actuator. The lever is pivotable about a lever connection location. Movement of the actuator rotates the lever about the lever connection location. A spring assembly is pivotable about a spring connection location, and pivotably connected to the lever at a second end of the lever. When the actuator is disposed in an un-actuated position, the spring assembly is positioned such that a pre-loaded spring force is directed along a zero moment path to generate a zero moment in the lever. When the actuator is disposed in an actuated position, the spring assembly is rotated so that the spring force is directed along a moment generating path in order to generate a moment in the lever to rotate the lever.

Abstract: A heat isolating linkage (5) that includes an elongate link having first and second end portions (10, 12) and a middle portion (14) extending therebetween. A bearing opening (16) is formed in the first end portion (10) and a bearing race (18) is disposed in the bearing opening (16). A rod end ball (20) is disposed in the bearing race (18). At least one aperture (30-36) is formed through the middle portion (14). The middle portion (14) may include a plurality of apertures (30-36) each in the form of a rectangle that forms a ladder pattern. Accordingly, the middle portion (14) has a cross sectional area (A2) that is smaller than the cross sectional area of at least one of the first and second end portions (A1, A3).

Abstract: A overload protection mechanism protects a driven load, such as a driven lever. An overload lever is pivotally coupled to a first part of the driven load. The overload lever has a first end that receives an applied force and an opposing second end. A zero length spring mechanism is coupled to a second part of the driven load spaced apart from the first part and to the second end of the overload lever. The zero length spring mechanism urges the second end of the overload lever toward the second part of the driven load with a force that is substantially proportional to the distance between the second end of the overload lever and the second part of the driven load. A stop mechanism is coupled to the zero length spring mechanism to maintain a minimum distance between the second end of the overload lever and the second part of the driven load.

Abstract: The invention relates to a resetting device (6) for a steering-column switch unit (1) of a motor vehicle, having a triggering element (10) by means of which an actuating lever (2) of the steering-column switch unit (1) can be moved from an actuated position into an initial position, having an intermediate piece (22) on which the triggering element (10) is mounted so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis (35) between a rest position and a triggering position in which the actuating lever (2) can be moved into the initial position, wherein the triggering element (10) is furthermore mounted on the intermediate piece (22) so as to be displaceable in a sliding direction (28) perpendicular to the pivot axis (35), having a spring element (27) for generating a spring force which acts parallel to the sliding direction (28) and with which the triggering element (10) is arranged under preload on the intermediate piece (22), and having a switch override protection unit (32) with at least one switch override spring (33, 34

Abstract: A brake pedal simulator apparatus for a vehicle for implementing a change in a foot effort applied to a brake pedal for each stroke, may include a pedal arm including one end hinge-connected to one side of a frame and the other end in which a pad may be mounted, a link unit including a plurality of links mutually connected between the frame and the pedal arm, and an elastic member elastically supporting the link unit and configured to form reaction force by elastic force in the pedal arm according to the each stroke by the foot effort applied to the pedal arm.

Abstract: Lockout devices for use with rotary actuators are described. An example lockout device for use with a rotary actuator includes an insert including a first portion to be inserted into a lever of the rotary actuator, the insert to interact with one or more features of the lever to enable rotational movement of the lever to be transmitted thereto. The lockout device includes a second portion of the insert to extend from the lever, the second portion defining an opening through which an object is to be inserted to rotationally fix the insert and the lever in a first position relative to a housing of the rotary actuator.

Abstract: A vehicle parking brake control has an extendable pin with three faces, and a roller on a lower surface. The faces correspond to engage, hold, and disengage of a parking brake. The control also has a lever rotatably connected to it, where the lever has a roller at a lower lever surface. The roller being capable of rotational contact with the pin faces. Further, the control has a base with an upper surface for the pin roller to move across. When the parking brake is engaged the lever roller is in contact with a first face, when the brake is on hold the lever roller is in contact with a second face, and when the brake is in the disengage position the lever roller is in contact with a third face of the extendable pin. Consequently, the rollers provide a reliable lifelong operation of the control over prior controls.

Abstract: The invention relates to a brake pedal (1) for a vehicle comprising a lever (6) provided with a hollow reinforcement segment (12) which comprises a longitudinal groove (13) with a <<pi>> cross-section on the one hand which opens onto the lower portion of the lever (6), said groove (13) being delimited by an upper wall (14) and two side walls (16), and at least two successive oblique reinforcement ribs (20, 120) oriented from the upper wall (14) towards the lower aperture (15) on the other hand, which each connect the left side wall (16) to the right side wall by subdividing the groove into several opening cavities (21, 121), such that in each cross-section (S1, S2, Si, . . .

Abstract: Disclosed is a control system that may include a tab pivotally connected to a structure, a coupling member pivotally connected to the structure, and a device operatively connected to the tab via the coupling member, wherein the device is configured to control an external system. Disclosed also is a vehicle that may include a first device and a control system. The control system may include a tab pivotally connected to a structure, a coupling member pivotally connected to the structure, a frangible member connecting the tab and the coupling member to the structure, and a second device operatively connected to the tab via the coupling member, wherein the second device is configured to control the first device.

Abstract: A variable stator vane assembly for a gas turbine engine has a projection protruding from the upper stem of the vane and which engages an aperture in the vane lever to provide a visual indication of correct alignment between the lever and the vane.

Abstract: Provided is a position holding device for a rotating lever, which includes a rotating lever and a torsion spring, and is capable of elastically holding the rotating lever at the two positions including a first position and a second position. The torsion spring includes a coiled part, and a first arm part and a second arm part each extending from the coiled part and facing each other across an engagement portion of the rotating lever. The first arm part includes a mountain portion formed at an intermediate portion thereof. The second arm part includes an urging portion. As a result, an urging force generated by the urging portion can be applied to the rotating lever as a braking force against an urging force generated by the mountain portion. Consequently, it is possible to reduce an abutment noise generated when the rotating lever abuts against a stopper member.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide systems and methods for unlocking, opening, closing and locking a vent sash. The system may include a base configured to attach to one or more of a vent stop and a window frame. The system may include a lever pivotably or slidably attached to the base. The lever may be configured to pivotably attach to a locking mechanism interface of the vent sash. The lever may be configured to pivot substantially ninety degrees in a first direction to an unlocked position. The lever may be configured to pivot substantially ninety degrees in a second direction to an opened position. The lever may be configured to pivot substantially ninety degrees in a third direction to a closed position. The lever may be configured to pivot substantially ninety degrees in a fourth direction to a locked position.

Abstract: An object detecting actuator and an object detecting switch with increased durability. The actuator in one embodiment includes a roller that receives a load of an external force; and a roller lever to which the roller is rotatably attached by means of a rotary shaft, the actuator being a displacement member that is displaced in accordance with the load of the force received by the roller, wherein the roller is constituted by a sintered body of stainless steel material impregnated with lubricating oil, and a density of the sintered body of stainless steel material is in a range of 6.45 to 6.7 g/cm3.

Abstract: A bicycle shift operating device is provided with a mounting bracket, a shift unit, an attachment member and an operating member. The shift unit is disposed in the mounting bracket. The attachment member is removably attached to the mounting bracket. The operating member is movably mounted on the attachment member. The operating member is mechanically coupled to the shift unit to operate the shift unit while the attachment member is attached to the mounting bracket, and the operating member is mechanically disengaged from the shift unit while the attachment member is removed from the mounting bracket.

Abstract: A support assembly for helicopter control sticks has a supporting structure; an instrument panel fixed to the supporting structure; and a connecting device for connecting the sticks to the supporting structure. The connecting device has a longitudinally elongated arm fitted on one end with the sticks; and the arm slides to move the sticks to/from the supporting structure, and rotates about a horizontal axis to adjust the height of the sticks.

Abstract: A monitoring device for detecting a value indicative of the actuation stroke and/or release stroke of a thrust element of a brake actuating mechanism, the thrust element being actuated by a lever of the brake actuating mechanism, including a sensor for sensing variations in a physical property of at least one part of the brake actuating mechanism, whereby the sensor and the part of the brake actuating mechanism are arranged so that by the relative movement between the part of the brake actuating mechanism and the sensor repeated variations in the physical property along a path of the relative movement are created and sensed. The path is formed between the lever and a stationary part being adjacent to the lever. The invention is directed both to drum brakes and to disc brakes.

Abstract: A cantilever control system including: a cantilever control arm having a bifurcated section for its attachment to a stationary structure so as to provide resistance to off-center loading, a springy portion of the cantilever control arm disposed at the bifurcated section whereby spring redundancy is provided, and a rigid section of the cantilever control arm which includes a user interface portion (i.e., a foot pad or hand grip); a diversity of sensors in terms of types and locations; a coarse flexure control in the form of a contoured snubber which tunes the flexing stiffness and cantilever control arm flexure feel; and a plurality of fine flexure controls including at least one of: a flexure hysteresis control, an over-travel stop control, and a pre-load flexure control.

Abstract: This invention solves some critical issues of contamination and waste of paper taken from a roll of paper towels for cleaning. Two hands are required to remove a sheet, one to restrain the roll and the other to pull the sheet away The hand restraining the roll will leave contamination, exposing others to bacteria. Users will consume more paper than is required to get a clean sheet. This invention solves the problem using a self adjusting vertical clamp bar to restrain the roll, that is held on a vertical post, and horizontal base, eliminating the need to use a second contaminated hand. The clamp bar will self adjust to roll size as sheets are removed.

Abstract: A brake lever for a brake of a vehicle for transmitting a brake force from an actuator into a brake actuation mechanism for a frictional engagement of brake pads, wherein the brake lever includes a housing made of cast iron, which cast iron is solid-solution strengthened ferritic spheroidal graphite cast iron.

Abstract: A shift operation device that has a simple structure and is provided with a lever knob that can absorb impact load that acts on the lever shaft in the axial direction. A core 11 is provided on the inside of the lever knob, and formed on the core 11 are screw cramps 11b, comprising cylindrical bosses, inside which are inserted screws that fix the core 11 to the lever shaft. V-shaped cut-out grooves 110 formed in the height direction of the cylindrical bosses are provided on the cylindrical parts 11b1 of the screw cramps 11b to reduce the thickness of the cylindrical parts 11b1, providing weak sites with response to the load that acts on the lever shaft in the axial direction.

Abstract: A spring includes a coil portion and first and second arms. The coil portion is supported around a support portion of a base member. The first arm includes a projecting portion that slides the engagement projecting portion in association with rotation of the rotating lever and presses the rotating lever in a direction in which the rotating lever abuts a first stopper portion when the rotating lever is in a first position and in which the rotating lever abuts a second stopper portion when the rotating lever is in a second position. The second arm abuts a spring stopper portion of the base member in a state where a load is exerted in a direction in which the coil portion is wound so that an inner circumferential surface of the coil portion is pressed against an outer circumferential surface of the support portion facing the engagement projecting portion.

Abstract: An adjustable steering column assembly having a repositionable steering column and a break-away lever arm. The lever arm has a first mounting interface and an adjustment assembly member operably coupled with the steering column has a second mounting interface. Engagement of the first and second mounting interfaces mounts the lever arm on the adjustment assembly member. Movement of the lever arm rotates the adjustment assembly member to facilitate the repositioning of the steering column. Applying a breakaway force exceeding a threshold value to the lever arm disengages the mounted lever arm from the adjustment assembly member by relative translational movement between the first and second mounting interfaces. Some embodiments employ a threaded fastener installed to a predetermined torque to bias the first and second mounting interfaces into engagement. The threaded fastener can be installed such that it may be non-frangibly disengaged by displacement through the open end of a slot.

Abstract: An adjustment assembly and adjustable steering column including a linearly slidable actuating lever are provided. The actuating lever is slidable between a first position and a second position along a linear travel path. The actuating lever includes an engaging portion which engages a gear assembly. The gear assembly is connected to a clamping mechanism. The clamping mechanism is configured to apply or release a clamping force on a steering column or other component. Movement of the actuating lever between the first and second positions causes rotation of the gear assembly. Rotation of the gear assembly causes the clamping mechanism to apply or release the clamping force, depending on the direction of rotation. The adjustment assembly also includes a rake bracket to support a compression bracket.

Abstract: Embodiments of an unpowered pedal assist device are provided for use in conjunction with a vehicular control pedal movable between a non-depressed position and a depressed position. In one embodiment, the unpowered pedal assist device includes a multi-bar linkage and at least one resilient element coupled to the multi-bar linkage. The multi-bar linkage is configured to be coupled to the vehicular control pedal and, when so coupled to move from a start position to a finish position as the vehicular control pedal moves from the non-depressed position to the depressed position. The at least one resilient element is configured to bias the multi-bar linkage: (i) toward the start position over an initial range of travel of the vehicular control pedal, and (ii) toward the finish position over a primary range of travel of the vehicular control pedal.

Abstract: Provided is a retainer for assisting in installation of a parking brake actuator for use in a vehicle by limiting relative movement of an input lever and a mounting bracket. The retainer has a first part and a second part connected via frangible connection(s). The first part of the retainer is fixed relative to a mounting bracket and the second part is fixed relative to the input lever (via a pivot member). After installation, the lever is moved from its first, installation position to a second, in-use position. The application of force and movement of the lever rotates the pivot member, which rotates the second part of the retainer relative to the first part thereby breaking the frangible connection(s). The input lever of the brake actuator is then ready for use to apply or release brakes of the vehicle.

Abstract: A clamping device has a hollow shaft (1) rotatably mounted in a housing with a clamping element fastenable to the shaft and includes a lever arm (2) as part of a toggle lever mechanism. An intermediate element is articulated on both sides by the lever arm (2) and an axially movable final control element (4) of a drive element, respectively. An inner shaft (6), connected to a hand lever (5), is arranged in the hollow shaft (1). The inner shaft has a pin element (7) that extends through a link guide (8) on the hollow shaft (1). The inner shaft (6) can be operationally linked to the toggle lever mechanism. A spring element (9) tensions the inner shaft (6) against the hollow shaft (1) in the main axial direction. The spring element (9) is arranged in the interior of the hollow shaft (1).

Abstract: A multi-point door lock includes first and second lock assemblies. Each assembly includes a housing, an actuator defining an actuator slot, and a locking element pivotally engaged with the housing, wherein a rotation of the actuator causes a rotation of the locking element from a retracted position to an extended position. A master lever arm is located external from the first lock assembly housing and defines a master lever arm slot aligned with the actuator slot of the first lock assembly. A slave lever arm is located external from the second lock assembly housing and is engaged with the actuator slot of the second lock assembly. A link connects both the master lever arm and the slave lever arm and is located external to both the first lock assembly housing and the second lock assembly housing. A face plate is secured to each lock assembly housing.

Abstract: A lever for rotating about its pivot a turbomachine variable-pitch stator vane: including a first zone for attachment to a lever drive member, a second zone for attachment to the variable-pitch stator vane, and a third zone of elongate shape between the first zone and the second zone is disclosed. A vibration-damping laminate is applied to at least one surface portion of at least one of the zones of the lever. The laminate includes at least one layer of viscoelastic material in contact with the surface portion and a backing layer of rigid material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the wear of a force-loaded linkage of an earthwork device, wherein the instantaneous load on the linkage is measured during operation of the earthwork device and used to perform a calculation of the service life.

Abstract: An apparatus and its method of use for precisely rotating a crankshaft to one or more desired angular positions. The apparatus may include a controller that is programmed to automatically rotate the crankshaft to said one or more positions, or positional control may be allocated to a user of the apparatus. Rotation of the crankshaft is accomplished using a motor or motor/gearbox assembly coupled to a drive element that is adapted to engage an exposed portion of a crankshaft of interest. The angular position of the motor or motor/gearbox assembly and/or the drive element, is monitored, such that the angular position of the crankshaft shaft of interest is known and may be controlled.

Abstract: A four bar drive link system simulator 10 has a frame assembly 11, a proximal hinge attachment bracket 20, a bottom bracket simulator 40, a pair of crank levers 31L, 31R, a pair of coupling levers 32 and a pair of pedal simulator levers 22L, 22R. The frame assembly 11 has a plurality of guide rails, including at least a proximal hinge adjustment rail 22, and a frame simulator rail 13. The proximal hinge attachment bracket 20 is connected to the proximal hinge adjustment rail 22. The bottom bracket simulator 40 is attached or otherwise connected to the frame simulator rail 13. The pair of crank levers 31L, 31R is each attached at a first end to an axle 42 having its axis of rotation in the bottom bracket simulator 40, one crank lever being on one side of the bottom bracket simulator 40, the other on the opposite side. The pair of coupling levers 32 is each attached to an opposite second end of the crank lever 31L or 31R.