Abstract: A gimbal module for installation in a gimbal assembly and for operation by a simple type of robot device for use in a space environment. The module has a stator, which is fixedly connected to a first gimbal, and has a coaxial rotor, which is fixedly connected to a second gimbal. The stator and first gimbal have respectively a stator spline and a gimbal spline for aligning and installing the stator in the first gimbal. The stator has a bearing which rotatably supports the rotor. The first gimbal has a bearing which rotatably supports the second gimbal. The stator and first gimbal have respective connector components. A first force is applied along the gimbal axis on the module for aligning and installing the stator and its connecotr component into the first gimbal and its connector component. The rotor and the second gimbal have respective rotor connector components.

Abstract: As a gyroscope is made to precess back and forth across a certain point; a servo, torquing about the axis causing precession, can stabilize the member containing the precession axis by maintaining the gyroscope at that point. In the subject invention, a signal generator measuring gyro movement on the precession axis, energizes the servo at the hinge between the member and its support toward the base and thus stabilizes said member against accidental oscillation of said support. After adding to the precession axis a velocity sensitive means for restraining gyro motion along with means for displacing the signal generator null, the servo will torque, and henceforth stabilize, the member to a new attitude signified by the angular displacement of the null. Momentum of the gyro wheel remembers its position in space and will return the member to its original null. In this manner, up to three orthogonally servoed robot arms may be space stabilized with attitude changes commanded remotely.

Abstract: A crank device for driving a panel of an open roof construction comprises a drive pinion (2) and a crank arm (9). Between the drive pinion (2) and the crank arm (9) there is provided an uncoupling device (46-53; 61-66) for uncoupling the crank arm (9) with respect to the drive pinion (2) such that the crank arm (9) is rotatable about the axis of the drive pinion (2) without rotating the drive pinion (2). Furthermore the crank comprises a locking members (20, 21, 22) for automatically locking the drive pinion (2) in the closed position of the panel. The crank device also comprises an indicator (22) indicating the position of the panel.

Abstract: A gyro compass having a gyro case incorporating a gyro of which the spin axis is substantially horizontal, a vertical ring disposed around the outer periphery of the gyro case and for rotatably supporting the gyro case around a vertical axis, a follow-up pickup for detecting an angular displacement between the gyro case and the vertical ring around the vertical axis, an accelerometer having an input axis parallel to the spin axis, a vertical torquer mounted on the vertical ring for applying a torque of magnitude proportional to an input signal to the gyro case around the vertical axis, and a control apparatus for receiving an output signal of the accelerometer and for supplying its output to the vertical torquer, in which during a predetermined time after the gyro compass is started to operate, the output signal from the accelerometer is differentiated to produce a differentiation signal which is then supplied to the vertical torquer to reduce a settling time of the north-seeking action.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a vehicle window or like opening device regulator retractable winder apparatus and method of utilization of the same. The present disclosure provides a mounting plate rotatable along a first rotational axis and having rotatably mounted thereto a winder handle which is rotatable along a second rotational axis at an angle with the first rotational axis. The handle is allowed relative rotation with the mounting plate between two angular positions whereby rotation past either angular position will cause the handle to rotate along the first rotational axis. The handle in a preferred embodiment is biased into a recessed nonextended position when not in use.

Abstract: The handle folding apparatus for fishing reels according to this invention allows the folding of the handle arm and also the secure coupling of the handle arm to the handle shaft of the spinning reel. A handle stopper is slidably installed between the bottom of the fork of the handle seat and the front end of the handle arm. The handle stopper has an engagement projection which is in contact with the engagement surface formed at the end of the handle arm, in order to produce a wedge effect to securely hold the handle arm without a play when in use or easily allow the handle arm to be folded when not in use. The handle stopper, which is slidably installed but not mounted with a pin as in the conventional apparatus, reliably eliminates plays between the handle arm and the handle shaft of the spinning reel and at the same time makes the handle folding mechanism comact and lightweight.

Abstract: A vehicle window or like opening device regulator retractable winder apparatus and method of utilization of the same is provided. The invention includes a mounting plate rotatable along a first rotational axis and having rotatably mounted thereto a winder handle which is rotatable along a second rotational axis at an angle with the first rotational axis. The handle is allowed relative rotation with the mounting plate between two angular positions. Rotation of the handle past either angular position will cause the handle to rotate along the first rotational axis. The handle in a preferred embodiment is biased into a recessed nonextended position when not in use.

Abstract: A gyroscope employing a rotor in rolling contact with a ball positioned at the end of a drive shaft, the arrangement establishing a loose fitting ball and socket suspension for the rotor. Contact points of the rotor on the ball establishes the necessary pendulousities with the rotor center of gravity for damped gyrocompassing.

Abstract: A marine propulsion device comprising a mounting bracket adapted to be mounted on the transom of a boat, a propulsion unt mounted on the mounting bracket for pivotal movement relative thereto about a generally vertical steering axis, the propulsion unit including a pivotally mounted propeller and an engine drivingly connected to the propeller by a transmission, and a shift handle assembly including an inner member mounted on the propulsion unit for movement relative thereto, the inner member being connected to the transmission for actuation of the transmission in response to movement of the inner member, an outer member movable between spaced first and second positions relative to the inner member, and a bolt for securing the outer member in the first position so as to cause movement of the inner member in response to movement of the outer member, and for selectively permitting movement of the outer member to the second position.

Abstract: A mechanism for permitting a shift lever to be stowed away when it is not being used to operate a shiftable mechanism in a motor vehicle. The mechanism may be attached to shifting apparatus already in place in a vehicle or provided as original equipment. The mechanism has first and second portions that are slidably arranged so that in a first position the shift lever is rigidly connected to the shiftable mechanism and in a second position the shift lever is moved to an out of the way, (stowed position), near the floor of the vehicle. A slot on one of the sliding portions and a pair of pins on the other sliding portion are arranged to permit easy selective movement from the rigid to the stowed position. A biasing spring is connected between the sliding portions to releasably hold the lever in which ever position it is moved to.

Abstract: A combination handwheel/crank for a power tool, such as a radial arm saw or the like, is disclosed with the power tool having a base or frame, a component adjustably movable relative to the base and rotatably driven adjustment mechanism for moving the component relative to the base with this adjustment mechanism having a drive shaft. This crank assembly is provided for rotatably driving the drive shaft, this crank assembly having a hub adapted to securely receive the drive shaft with the hub having an enlarged hub body facilitating the precision manual rotary adjustment of the component. The crank assembly has a crank handle carried by the hub body and radially offset from the hub.

Abstract: A direct current (DC) powered gyroscope (41) utilizes an alternating current (AC) subsystem in which electrolytic switches (49, 50) control torquer motors (45, 46). The alternating current is obtained from commutation circuitry (21-23) in the gyroscope spin motor, so that the spin motor performs an inverter function. Advantages include reduced costs and the ability to operate the gyroscope (41) without an AC power supply.

Abstract: A gyro apparatus comprising a gyro casing incorporating therein a gyro the spin axis of which is made substantially horizontal, a supporting apparatus for supporting the gyro casing with a freedom of three axes, a north-seeking apparatus for giving a north-seeking action to the gyro, a follow-up ring having a follow-up shaft which follows the gyro casing around its substantially vertical axis, a binnacle for supporting the follow-up shaft, a servo motor for rotating the follow-up shaft and a slip ring for supplying a power to the gyro and the like through the follow-up shaft, in which the follow-up ring is formed as a fork-shape and supported to the binnacle in a canti-lever fashion, the follow-up shaft is rotatably supported to the binnacle by one thin-type ball bearing having a large diameter and one bearing having a small diameter, the follow-up shaft is fixedly provided with a rotor of a pancake-type servo motor of a direct drive system, a stator of the servo motor is attached to the binnacle at the posit

Abstract: The invention relates to a crank device comprising a crank and adapted to rotate an at least approximately vertical driving shaft, which may actuate a displaceable panel of an open roof construction for a vehicle. According to the invention a coupling member is mounted between the crank and the driving shaft and after uncoupling, the crank is rotatable about the central axis of the driving shaft without rotation of this driving shaft.

Abstract: A handle assembly for a spinning reel for fishing includes a handle shaft connected to a reel body and having an end projection, and a handle arm connected to the handle shaft. The handle arm is provided with a channel-shaped groove in which the projection of the handle shaft is received. The arm is pivotally connected to the shaft projection, and rotatable between a first position in which it is coaxial with the shaft and a second position in which it is perpendicular to the shaft. The arm is also provided with a recess contiguous to the groove. A slider is slidable in the recess. A spring is disposed in the recess for urging the slider into locking engagement with one side of the shaft projection when the arm is in its first position.

Abstract: A vehicle lifting jack of the actuating screw type is provided with an integral stowable crank. The crank comprises an L-shaped member pivotally connected to a crank handle. These elements are foldable together and may be swung over the lifting jack for storage. These elements are unfoldable for cranking the actuating screw to raise and lower the vehicle lifting jack. When unfolded, the crank is adjustable to a cranking position wherein the cranking element is in substantial alignment with the actuating screw to facilitate cranking.

Abstract: Peristaltic pump including a housing having a backing plate and an upstanding arcuate wall, a pump shaft mounted in the backing plate, and a rotatable pump head mounted on the shaft and comprising at least one roller means for squeezing a segment of flexible tubing against the arcuate wall to achieve pumping of a liquid through the tubing. The pump head includes a pivotable handle having a recessed portion which cooperates with a ledge in the pump shaft to prevent the pump head from moving upwardly from the shaft when the pump is in operation. Also included are means comprising a roller bearing and clutch assembly for preventing rotation of the pump head in an incorrect or undesired direction during manual operation.

Abstract: The specification discloses a chair control in which the pretension on the bias means can be adjusted by means of a bolt having a hollow shank with a retractable lever normally stored therein. There is a slot extending from the opening of the hollow shank down one side which can be engaged by said lever when the lever is retracted from the hollow shank and pivoted to one side. There is a retainer cap on the end of the hollow shank which includes an inwardly projecting annular lip which engages an annular rib on the lever to normally hold the lever in its stored position within the hollow shank of the bolt, even though the bolt is oriented upside down when the chair control is mounted on a chair. The lip is yieldable so that one can grasp the lever and pull it out past the lip when one wants to pivot it to one side and into the slot and thereafter rotate the bolt by applying a force to the lever.

Abstract: A tipping safety handle with automatic release for handwheels or the like designed for use on machine tools, can be engaged by axial displacement inside the handwheel body. For this purpose, the handle comprises pin clutch means acting between the handle and said body, which means preferably comprise a clutch pin and a release counter-pin, both opposed by return springs.

Abstract: A winch for the spooling of a flexible cord and having a collapsable and storable handle and which may be used in a variety of applications, as for example, in the in-line pulling of a rope in a sailboat. The winch generally comprises a spool which is mounted on a frame such as a spindle for rotatable movement. A handle or crank arm is axially shiftable and storable within a bore in the spool and is capable of shifting outwardly of the spool for use. The crank arm is mounted through a hinge mechanism which permits the same to be located in a plane essentially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the spool. A releasable locking means is provided for releasably locking the crank arm to the spool for causing rotation of the same. A hand grip is hingedly mounted on the crank arm and is telescopically shiftable relative to the crank arm.

Abstract: In a fishing reel of the type wherein a drag knob is arranged near the handle mounting end of a handle shaft journalled on a reel body, a handle arm is pivotally mounted on a bracket secured to and protruded from the front end of the handle shaft. A slide key is slidably mounted on the handle arm so as to engage the bracket thereby locking the handle arm in the erected and folded positions.

Abstract: A heading indicator is disclosed which utilizes a one-degree-of-freedom platform stabilized by a two-degree-of-freedom dry flexure gyro. The output of one of the sensitive axis is coupled through an amplifier to the corresponding torquer in the gyro and selectively through another amplifier to the opposite torquer. The other sensitive axis output is coupled through an amplifier to the platform. The indicator initializes to true north and is then switched to a directional gyro mode.

Abstract: The present positional gyroscope is used for stabilizing and steering a fng body, especially a secondary flying body ejected from a primary or carrier flying body which is rotating or rolling about its longitudinal or roll axis. Such gyroscopes are supposed to sense and take over the rolling position information from the gyroscope of the carrier flying body. For this purpose it is necessary that the gyroscope of the secondary flying body avoids course deviations. Hence, the gyroscope is supported in a first locked frame (3, 8) which in turn is suspended in an auxiliary rolling frame (4). A drive mechanism or motor (2) is connected to the rolling frame (4). The driving motor (2) may be switched on for rotating the auxiliary rolling frame (4) prior to activating or ejecting the secondary flying body.

Abstract: Peristaltic pump including a housing having a backing plate and an upstanding arcuate wall, a pump shaft mounted in the backing plate, and a rotatable pump head mounted on the shaft and comprising at least one roller means for squeezing a segment of flexible tubing against the arcuate wall to achieve pumping of a liquid through the tubing. The pump head includes a pivotable handle having a recessed portion which cooperates with a ledge in the pump shaft to prevent the pump head from moving upwardly from the shaft when the pump is in operation. Also included are means comprising a roller bearing and clutch assembly for preventing rotation of the pump head in an incorrect or undesired direction during manual operation.

Abstract: A crank drive for the control of the sliding movement and of the tilting movement of the cover of sliding-lifting roofs of motor vehicles. A crank is provided that is rotatably disposed on a support to be mounted in a stationary manner, with said support having an internal toothing that is concentric with respect to the rotating axis of the crank, a toothed ring having an external toothing being in mating engagement with said internal toothing. The toothed ring is disposed on an eccentric firmly connected with the crank, with respect to rotation, so that it can be rotated around an axis which, with respect to the rotating axis of the crank, is radially displaced by an amount that is about equal to the difference of the tooth-root circle radii.

Abstract: A gyro device arranged to be mounted in a vehicle and operable selectively as a directional gyro or as a gyro compass, which includesa gyro generating signals relative to two measuring directions, an azimuth gimbal mounted with its pivot axis oriented substantially vertically, a drive unit connected to receive the signal from a first position sensor and for pivoting a precession gimbal supported by the azimuth gimbal about a precession axis into a position in which the gyro spin axis is parallel to the pivot axis of said azimuth gimbal, a second position sensor providing a signal representative of the inclination of the precession axis to the horizontal, and a switching member for effecting pivoting of the precession gimbal about the precession axis to bring the spin axis of the gyro into a horizontal orientation for permitting operation of the device as a directional gyro.

Abstract: A handle folding device for a fishing reel is disclosed which is capable of absorbing the shake resulting from micro-small gaps between a handle shaft and a handle and between the handle and a handle stopper, permitting the handle to engage reliably and integrally with the handle shaft and insuring smooth rotation of the handle. The handle folding device has a construction in which the handle can be folded quickly and smoothly with a one-touch operation by rotating the handle while depressing the handle stopper protruding from the upper face of the handle against a spring, and in which the handle thus folded can be automatically fitted to the handle shaft when it is merely rotated to resume its original position.

Abstract: Structural elements of an inertial sensor are fabricated from molded plastic materials. The structural elements are characterized by relatively, small cross-section areas, and further incorporate keys and keyways, as well as guide and alignment slots, molded into the elements for coupling various structural elements.

Abstract: A gimballed platform stabilization system includes at least one outer member, an inner member, and an intermediate inertia bearing member. The intermediate member has limited coaxial angular freedom about an isolation axis with respect to the inner and outer members. A limited freedom (about the isolation axis) torsional flexure element is coupled between the intermediate and inner members. A first servo loop establishes a "negative spring rate" in parallel with the positive spring rate associated with the flexure element, maintaining a low net effective spring force on the inner member. A second servo loop prevents the angular excursion between the intermediate member and the inner member to extend beyond the limits of the flexure element. This inertia reaction stabilization configuration reduces disturbing torques from a stabilization axis to non-linear spring residuals which are relatively small.

Abstract: A transfer mechanism can rotate a gyroscopic device about its spin axis. The mechanism has a support that rotatably supports the gyroscopic device. This mechanism also has restraint apparatus for holding the gyroscopic device in one of two angularly displaced positions. The mechanism includes also a driver such as a stepper motor for driving the gyroscopic device between the two angularly displaced positions. In one embodiment the input axis of a gyroscope is moveable between a vertical and horizontal position to change the mode of operation from direction finding to north seeking, respectively.

Abstract: In the packaging of a fishing reel for shipment or storage the protrusion of the crank handle takes up unnecessary space. Separation of the handle from the reel for packaging often results in marring of the reel or handle as they rattle against each other. This invention sets forth a foldable crank handle. The crank handle has a base with a flat face. Extending into the base from the face and outward through its side is a slot. A pair of tabs are formed at the interface of the slot, face and base side. The crank handle is mounted to the reel by pivotally connecting an end of the axially movable crank rod, rotation of which retrieves the fishing line, into the slot. When the crank rod is secured in the position for fishing line retrieval the face of the base abuts a fitting, rotatably located in the bearing means, which has a recess or receptacle. In this position the crank handle may be operated to rotate the crank rod to retrieve fishing line.

Abstract: Actuating handle means for vehicles including actuating handle lever means having one end pivotably connected with base plate means at a position remote from the actuating handle lever means for movement between an extended and folded positions, the actuating handle lever means being formed at the one end with a pair of spaced spring seat surface which are adapted to be engaged with the other end of resilient spring means in the extended and folded positions, respectively, the actuating handle lever means being further formed with an intermediate spring means between the spring seat surfaces so that the projection is overridden when the actuating handle means is moved between the extended and folded positions.

Abstract: An inertial platform carries at least one dynamically-tuned free-rotor gyro and is mounted in a three-axis gimbal system. Accelerometers are carried on the platform with their sensitive axes aligned with the two sensitive axes of the gyro. During alignment of the platform, and while the gyro motor is being run up to speed, the output of the gyro pick-off on each axis is combined with the output of the accelerometer on the other axis and applied through a resolver to the appropriate gimbal torque motor.

Abstract: The gyrocompass includes an improved indexing mechanism whereby the mechanical position of the gyroscope casing with respect to two orthogonal components of input rate may be measured.

Abstract: Structural elements of an inertial sensor are fabricated from molded plastic materials. The structural elements are characterized by relatively, small cross-section areas, and further incorporate keys and keyways, as well as guide and alignment slots, molded into the elements for coupling various structural elements.

Abstract: A handle to facilitate more rapid winding/or unwinding of a string of a musical instrument is disclosed. The handle replaces the usual knob, and includes a crank member which can be pivoted out from a concealed storage position to an operative extended position, thereby achieving a greater radius of rotation and a resultant fast-wind capacity for the device.

Abstract: A dual suspension gyroscopic device includes a gyro having at least a single degree of freedom and defining an output axis, i.e., the sensitive axis of the gyroscopic device. The gyro is supported by a gimbal which in turn is supported in a case for unlimited angular displacement about the gimbal axis. The arrangement provides low torque suspension about the sensitive axis while permitting normal angular displacement about said axis and maintaining the gyro spin axis in a reference plane. A data transferring slip ring assembly is arranged with the gimbal support and the slip ring assembly and support arrangement is powered to minimize friction about the gimbal axis.

Abstract: A dry tuned two axis gyro having a pulse-rebalanced rate capture loop control. This configuration eliminates the need for an analogue-to-digital converter since the gyro is torquered at a pulse rate using a constant current source. Another feature of the control loop is a cross-channel shaping network which exchanges an electronically damped error from one axis to the other axis. By means of a summing network which combines the error signals from the main channel and the cross channel with a source of time varying ramp voltage, an alternately negative to positive signal is applied to the gyro torquer.

Abstract: A fishing reel consists of a crank which can be folded, when the reel is not in use for fishing. The crank consists of a hub which supports a lateral operating lever. The hub consists of two parts which are joined one on the other for relative pivoting around a shaft arranged perpendicularly to the hub and in a plane which contains the lever. These parts are held against relative pivoting by a sliding bolt which can be moved in directions along the lever. A spring tends to keep a profiled part of the bolt in engagement with a part of the combined profile provided in the part of the hub. A push rod, which forms part of the bolt, can be actuated in a direction in order to unlock the bolt, which makes it possible to fold the crank around the shaft. The reel can be used in all cases where it is desired that a fishing reel occupy as small as possible a volume when not in use for fishing.

Abstract: Means for displacing elements, such as the rollers of printing machines, located between the upright frames of a pedestal machine. A rotatable drive shaft is supported in each of the frames parallel to the direction in which the displacement is to proceed, and is drive connected to the said elements. Adjusting shafts having hand wheels attached to their free ends and coupled to the drive shafts extend, when in working position, into the space between the upright frames. In rest position, they are displaceable out of said space, which is thereby cleared for access to the equipment.

Abstract: A gyroscopic device of the type having a short-circuited rotor winding or conductor so shaped so as to produce axial and radial flux components when rotated in the earth's magnetic field is coupled to a coaxial sensing coil coaxial which gyroscopically stabilized thereby, signals induced in the sensing coil due to the axial flux component of the rotor is used to derive magnetic heading information and there is provided at least one further coil on the supporting body and inductively linked to the sensing coil and rotor such that when the sensing coil is gyroscopically stabilized by the rotor, the coil supported on the supporting body in relation to the gyroscopically stabilized sensing coil is such that any changes in angular orientation of the supporting body relative to the gyroscopically stabilized sensing coil introduces changes in the signal voltages induced in the coils.

Abstract: A turn rate indicator of an aircraft wherein the outer rotor of a Hall motor is used as a gyro rotor. A driving circuit for the gyro stator circuit is provided integrally with the gyro gimbal. The driving circuit is coupled to a connector affixed to the case of the turn rate indicator with fine connecting lines keeping a slack section between the driving circuit and the connector.

Abstract: In a fishing spinning reel, a cylinder is connected to the outer end of a handle lever adapted to rotate the main body of the reel, and one end of a handle stay is slidably inserted into the cylinder. This end is provided with an annular groove, a pair of 180.degree. apart axial notches connected to the groove and a key pin with a portion received in the groove. A spring is contained in the cylinder to urge outwardly the handle stay so as to cause either one of the notches to engage the key pin. To the outer end of the handle stay is rotatably connected a handle knob so that the knob can be folded inwardly or erected outwardly by forcing the handle stay into the cylinder and then rotating 180.degree..

Abstract: A d.c. load is energized through a full wave bridge circuit from an a.c. source in accordance with a d.c. control signal. The d.c. control signal is modulated so as to produce a train of unipolar pulses having pulse widths proportional to the magnitude of the d.c. control signal and synchronized so that the midpoints of successive pulses occur at the peaks of successive half cycles of the a.c. source voltage. A steering network couples the modulated width pulses to either a first or second transistor means in the bridge circuit depending upon the polarity of the d.c. control signal. The selected transistor means is saturated throughout the occurrence of an applied modulated width pulse and arranged so that energizing current is passed through the load in a forward or reverse direction, respectively, depending upon which of the transistor means is actuated.

Abstract: A crank is attached to a molded plastic member by an axle that serves as a hinge. The member is constructed to be manually deformable sufficiently to allow the axle to be attached to the member. After the axle is secured in position, the member will return to its undeformed state. The crank will then be positively secured to the member without any time consuming alignment or assembly procedures.

Abstract: A weighing scale is provided having a number of features including a folding column or pillar, a new type of weighing mechanism, a new type of beam scale, and a new type of knob assembly for weight indicating means for a beam scale, all arranged in a compact form which is completely portable and adapted for packing, shipping and storage.

Abstract: A device for rotating a spool of a fishing reel, comprises a handle stud connected co-operatively with one spool for winding up a fishing line thereon and an operating handle mounted to the end of the handle stud, which operating handle is formed of two arms so as to make changeable the distance between a handle grip and the handle stud, whereby the spool may be rotated to wind up the line thereon with a greater strength from an elongated handle arm for fishing for big game-fish, while, it may be nimbly rotated with a shortened handle arm for fishing for small fish.

Abstract: An improved second order gyroscopic attitude and heading reference system including separate variable time constant accelerometer integrators for independently controlling the velocity error signals associated with respective east and north acceleration signals to provide velocity damped output signals so that a high acceleration input signal of dubious accuracy will have minimal precessional authority while a lower acceleration input signal of greater accuracy will retain nominal control.

Abstract: A window lifter of a motor vehicle actuated by an auxiliary force whose drive is adapted to be engaged electrically; the actuating member for engaging or closing the electric switches for the up and down movement of the window is thereby constructed at the same time as crank arm for the mechanical manual actuation of the window lifter in case of emergency.

Abstract: An operating handle for a fishing reel having a drive shaft. The handle is movable between a folded position when the reel is not in use and a standing position when the reel is in use. The handle includes an arm which is pivotally connected to one end of a stud cooperable with the drive shaft. A sliding member, movable only axially with respect to the stud and located about the stud, abuts one end of the arm. An operating member, rotatably supported about the sliding member, operates a control mechanism which limits axial movement of the sliding member. Rotational movement of the operating member enables the sliding member to slide axially so that the arm may pivot to move into the folded or standing positions.