Abstract: A linkage system is disclosed that is suitable for connecting an input shaft and an output shaft. The linkage system has a wide variety of applications, with non-limiting examples disclosed including a hinge for a door or gate, and a hub for a bicycle or similar. The linkage system comprises a first member having an input location fixedly connected to the input shaft, a second member having an input location pivotally connected to an output location of the first member, a third member having an input location pivotally connected to an output location of the second member, and a fourth member having an input location pivotally connected to an output location of the third member and having an output location fixedly connected to the output shaft. The linkage system has an engaged mode of operation whereby rotation of the input shaft causes corresponding rotation of the output shaft, and a disengaged mode of operation whereby the input shaft can be rotated independently of the output shaft.

Abstract: A portable information handling system rotationally couples housing portions with a variable torque hinge having a first axle that rotates with a first housing portion, a second axle that rotates with a second housing portion and a synchronizing gear assembly that translates rotation between the first and second axles. Variable torque is applied by selectively engaging and disengaging a coupler gear with the synchronizing gear assembly to apply and remove an increased torque that resists housing rotation. In one embodiment, the coupler gear is an idler gear of the synchronizing gear mechanism that selectively applies and removes an increase torque of the second axle to the first axle. The coupler gear slides in response to an actuator, such as an electro-permanent magnet acting on a ferromagnetic material with high and low magnetic attraction states.

Abstract: An electronic device is provided, including a first module, a second module, a hinge member, a first rotary member, a second rotary member, and a wire. The first module and the second module are hinged to the hinge member. The first rotary member and the second rotary member are connected to the hinge member and rotatable around a first axis and a second axis relative to the hinge member, respectively. The wire extends through the first rotary member and the second rotary member to electrically connect the first module and the second module.

Abstract: In a rotary piston and cylinder device (1) having a stator and a rotor, in which the stator at least partially defines an annular cylinder space and the rotor includes at least one piston that extends from the rotor into the cylinder space, and in which, during use, the piston moves through the annular cylinder space on rotation of the rotor relative to the stator, wherein at least part of an outer surface (30) of the rotor (22) is a substantially frusto-conical shaped surface.

Abstract: A rotary actuator is used in a shift-by-wire system for a vehicle. The rotary actuator includes a motor, a controller, a housing, and a biasing member. The controller controls the motor. The housing supports a rotor assembly of the motor and holds the controller. The biasing member biases the rotor assembly in an axial direction to eliminate a thrust movement gap between the rotor assembly and the housing.

Abstract: The improved gearbox mechanism of the present invention includes a plurality of cam-actuated gear block assemblies, which transfer power from a power shaft to a secondary or output gear element. Each gear block assembly includes a gear block having a surface that periodically interfaces with a secondary or output gear element. In a preferred embodiment the interface surface comprises a plurality of projections or teeth which correspond to complementary projections or gear teeth on the output gear element. Each gear block assembly further includes a gear block, a rocker arm, cam followers and/or gear block tracking post, which connect or link the gear block to a cam assembly, which in turn is connected to a power source.

Abstract: A transmission member configured to transmit driving of a driving member to a driven member includes a first engaging portion for engaging with the driving member and a spring portion having a shape wound around an axis. The spring portion is to be compressed in a direction of the axis. The spring portion includes a first wound portion wound around the axis and a second wound portion wound around the axis. The second wound portion is connected to the first wound portion and includes a small-radius portion. The small-radius portion is disposed such that, when the spring portion is projected in the direction of the axis, an outer portion of the small-radius portion is projected to inside of a mid-portion between an outer portion of the first wound portion and an inner portion of the first wound portion in a direction perpendicular to the axis.

Abstract: A turbine shaft comprising: a tubular body having an outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface, the inner surface defining a hollow chamber within the tubular body, wherein the tubular body includes a first longitudinal axis concentric to the tubular body; and one or more shielded elliptical orifices, at least one shielded elliptical orifice comprising: an elliptical orifice in the tubular body including a major axis extending from a first side to a second side of the elliptical orifice, wherein the major axis is oriented at an angle parallel with a torque field of the tubular body; a first shielding orifice in the tubular body having a first axis collinear to the major axis; and a second shielding orifice in the tubular body having a second axis collinear to the major axis, wherein the elliptical orifice is located in between the first and second shielding orifice.

Abstract: A device for opening or closing an aircraft door includes an electric motor; a connector to connect the motor, and a driver. The driver includes a screw and nut system having a screw rotationally driven by the motor. The driver is configured to drive continuously and in sequence the connector with the door in a translational movement along one preset direction and then in rotational movement.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a radial fluid device contains a cylinder block mounted for rotation, a first and second plurality of radially extending cylinders, and a first and second cam. The cylinder block contains the first and second plurality of radially extending cylinders, and each radially extending cylinder contains a piston. The cams are disposed about each plurality of radially extending cylinders, and the second cam has at least one more lobe than the first cam.

Abstract: A camshaft unit (1), having a first camshaft (2) which is phase-adjustable with respect to a crankshaft, having a second camshaft (3) which is arranged concentrically with respect to the first camshaft (2), and having a camshaft adjuster (5) by which both camshafts (2, 3) are phase-adjusted with respect to the crankshaft.

Abstract: A four-wheel steering central transmission device includes an input shaft extending through a front wall of a housing and having an input rotary disc formed with a first slide groove. A turning output unit includes an output shaft extending through a rear wall of the housing and having an output rotary disc formed with a second slide groove. A transmission unit disposed between the input and output shafts includes a hollow adjustment block disposed adjustably within the housing and movable leftward or rightward, and a transmission member movable within the adjustment block and having slide pieces inserted respectively and slidably into the first and second slide grooves.

Abstract: In at least one illustrative embodiment, a rotary impact tool may include an anvil and at least one hammer configured to impact the anvil to cause the anvil to rotate. The anvil may include an output shaft, a first lug extending outward in a radial direction from the output shaft and extending a first distance around the output shaft in a circumferential direction, and a second lug extending outward in the radial direction from the output shaft and extending a second distance, different from the first distance, around the output shaft in the circumferential direction.

Abstract: A curvilinear gear system and method for transferring force and speed through a wide range of angles is disclosed. The system can optionally incorporate curvilinear U joints to increase effective range of angles to tailor the system to specific applications. The system includes complimentary gear heads, one of which is a curvilinear gear such as a hemispherical gear. A method of using the gear systems in a transmission apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A window cover system includes an extendible window cover with a pair of lift cords. A lift cord pulley shaft is coupled to a pair of spaced apart lift cord pulleys. A spring drive unit has a beveled gear system with a first gear that is spring biased to resist rotation of first gear in one direction of rotation, and a second gear meshed with the first gear. The lift cord pulley shaft extends through the second gear and is configured to rotate therewith.

Abstract: An apparatus for the shredding or mixing of bulk material, which is mounted on a mobile chassis which may be driven by a power source on the chassis or pulled by a tractor or truck therefor. A power assist transmission is capable of changing a transmission power ratio between the power source and a shredding or mixing member, such as an auger, without any interruption of power to the auger. An oil pump forms part of the transmission for delivery of hydraulic fluid to components in the transmission, and means are provided to reverse the direction of rotation of the oil pump and to also increase the rate of rotation of the oil pump with respect to the rate of rotation of the input shaft, to generate oil pressure required at very low motor rotations per minute to enable the necessary rotation of augers with a full load.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a method and apparatus for reducing the space requirements of, and improving the performance of, a flat type spring formed to produce a negative gradient torque. In an embodiment, a retainer can be added over at least two coils on the free end of each spring to reduce the space requirement for the spring. Embodiments of the invention can incorporate a flat type spring with a negative gradient having reduced space requirements into a shade or blind. Such a shade or blind will then be able to fit into a smaller area or volume. Specific embodiments can use multiple springs restrained in accordance with the subject invention to achieve a desired counterbalancing of the shade or blind. Further embodiments can incorporate gearing to alter the torque output of the springs. Further specific embodiments can incorporate one or more springs restrained in accordance with the invention and gearing to alter the torque output of the one of more springs.

Abstract: A synchronous movement device applied to dual-shaft system includes a first shaft and a second shaft, which are assembled with each other and synchronously rotatable. The synchronous movement device further includes a driver disposed on the first shaft and a reactor disposed on the second shaft and a link unit connected between the driver and the reactor. When the first shaft drives the driver to rotate, the driver pushes the link unit to move along the first and second shafts to forcedly push the reactor to rotate in a direction reverse to the moving direction of the driver. Accordingly, the first and second shafts are synchronously rotated.

Abstract: A synchronous movement device applied to dual-shaft system includes a first shaft and a second shaft, which are assembled with each other and synchronously rotatable. The synchronous movement device further includes a driver disposed on the first shaft and a reactor disposed on the second shaft and a link unit connected between the driver and the reactor. When the first shaft drives the driver to rotate, the driver pushes the link unit to move along the first and second shafts to forcedly push the reactor to rotate in a direction reverse to the moving direction of the driver. Accordingly, the first and second shafts are synchronously rotated.

Abstract: A synchronous movement device applied to dual-shaft system includes a first shaft and a second shaft, which are assembled with each other and synchronously rotatable. The synchronous movement device further includes a driver disposed on the first shaft and a reactor disposed on the second shaft and a link unit connected between the driver and the reactor. When the first shaft drives the driver to rotate, the driver pushes the link unit to move along the first and second shafts to forcedly push the reactor to rotate in a direction reverse to the moving direction of the driver. Accordingly, the first and second shafts are synchronously rotated.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine including: an even number of inline cylinders, each accommodating a piston; a crankshaft rotatably mounted about an axis; first and second balance shafts rotatably mounted about balancing axes parallel to and separate from the engine axis; and first and second mechanisms for rotating the first and second balance shafts at rotating speeds that are dependent on a rotating speed of the crankshaft. The balancing axes of the first and second balance shafts coincide, and the second rotating mechanism adjusts a phase difference between angular positions of the first and second balance shafts around the balancing axis.

Abstract: The present invention discloses drive device for a rotor of s carousel door, In addition to a main drive motor (10), which has a main-drive-motor shaft (12), the drive device according to the invention comprises a secondary drive motor (12) with a secondary-drive-motor shaft (22). The main-drive-motor shaft (12) is coupled at least indirectly to the secondary-drive-motor shaft (22, 62) in terms of rotation, and therefore the secondary-drive-motor shaft (22, 62) is coupled to the rotor in terms of movement.

Abstract: A directional drilling tool is provided, which comprises a first end (2) attachable to a drill string, and a second end (4) attachable to a drill bit. A swivel section (6) is provided intermediate the first and second ends (2,4) and has a first swivel member (18) non-rotatably attached to the first end (2) and a second swivel member (20) rotatably coupled to the first swivel member (18) and rotatable relative thereto about a first axis of rotation which is co-axial with a longitudinal axis (LI) of the tool. A first actuator is adapted to selectively rotate the second swivel member (20) about the first axis of rotation.

Abstract: A method for operating a window cover utilizes an extendible window cover having a first rail, a second rail and a pair of lift cords. The first and second rails of the window cover are movable relative to each other. According to the method, at least one of the first rail and the second rail is moved in a first direction to cause the lift cords to unwind from the lift cord pulleys, thereby rotating a lift cord pulley shaft and a set of gears. Further, at least one of the first rail and the second rail is moved in a second direction to cause the lift cords to wind on the lift cord pulleys, with the lift cord pulley shaft rotating in an opposite direction.

Abstract: An electric actuator includes: an electric motor that includes an output shaft and generates a rotational driving force; shift and select conversion mechanisms that transmit the rotational driving force to a shift select shaft; a transmission shaft that transmits the rotational driving force to the shift and select conversion mechanisms; and a coupling that is provided coaxially with the output shaft and the transmission shaft and connects the output shaft to the transmission shaft so that the output shaft and the transmission shaft are rotatable together. The electric actuator includes a resolver that detects a rotation angle of the output shaft, with regard to the electric motor. A resolver rotor of the resolver is fitted to an outer periphery of a transmission shaft-side cylindrical portion of the coupling.

Abstract: A concentric double axis actuator has a two-stage cross roller bearing, and a preceding-stage actuator and a subsequent-stage actuator which are linked in tandem. The front end of a subsequent stage rotary output shaft of the subsequent actuator, said subsequent stage rotary output shaft passing through a hollow section of the preceding-stage actuator and projecting forward, is linked and fixed to an inner ring of the two-stage cross roller bearing, and the inner ring functions as a subsequent-stage rotary output member. The output rotary side of the preceding-stage actuator is linked to an middle ring of the two-stage cross roller bearing, which functions as a preceding-stage rotary output member. The rotary output element of each stage is supported by the two-stage cross roller bearing, and surface oscillations of the rotary output member of each stage can be minimized, and the moment stiffness of the members can be increased.

Abstract: A nuclear magnetic flowmeter with a measuring tube, a signal apparatus for generating signals to excite a medium flowing through the tube and/or for evaluating signals of the excited medium, at least one signal coil located on the measuring tube for sending signals from the signal apparatus and/or for receiving signals of the excited medium and a matching device between the signal apparatus and the signal coil which has a reactive adjustment object a value of which can be rotationally adjusted mechanically and an adjusting apparatus which is assigned to the adjustment object. The adjustment apparatus has a rotary final control element which influences the adjustment object, a rotary actuator which acts on the rotary final control element, a torque clutch between the rotary actuator and the rotary final control element which transmits a torque generated by the rotary actuator to the rotary final control element, and a rotary stop.

Abstract: An articulation mechanism for use with a surgical instrument includes a shaft, a first member disposed in mechanical cooperation with the articulation shaft, a second member disposed in mechanical cooperation with the shaft, and a flexible shaft having proximal and distal portions. The flexible member is operatively coupled to the first and second members. Upon rotation of the articulation shaft, at least one of the first and the second members moves longitudinally with respect to the other of the first and second members between a first position where the first and second members are approximated to each other and a second position where the first and second members are spaced apart from each other. This longitudinal motion causes the distal portion of the flexible member to articulate relative to the proximal portion.

Abstract: An extended crank system for a bicycle or similar crank driven system has frame with a bottom bracket and a pair of cranks operatively connected to opposite ends of the bottom bracket. A chain ring is operatively connected to one of the cranks. A crank hub is rotatably connected to each of the cranks and extends away from and is substantially parallel to the bottom bracket. A pair of crank extensions is connected to the crank hub, and a pair of crank extension hubs is connected to the pair of crank extensions. Additionally, a pair of crank followers is pivotably connected to opposite ends of the crank extension hubs at respective first ends of the crank followers, as well as pivotably connected to opposite ends of a top bracket mounted to the frame above the chain ring and behind the seat post, at respective second ends of the crank followers.

Abstract: A gear device includes an eccentric cam rotatably formed and including a support portion arranged eccentrically relative to a rotational axis center of the eccentric cam, an internally toothed gear provided coaxially to the eccentric cam, an externally toothed gear supported by the support portion and engaged with the internally toothed gear, an output portion integrally coaxially rotating with the externally toothed gear, and a bearing portion supporting the output portion in a state where an axis line of the output portion and the externally toothed gear slants relative to the rotational axis center of the eccentric cam in a manner crossing the rotational axis center. Each of the internally toothed gear and the externally toothed gear includes a bevel gear portion which is formed by forming gear teeth on a circular cone whose apex overlaps with an intersection point of the axis line and the rotational axis center.

Abstract: A three shaft adjustment mechanism including a drive part which can be connected to a drive shaft in a rotationally fixed manner, a driven part which can be connected to a driven shaft, and an actuator which can be connected to an adjustment shaft as a mechanism part. A mechanical stop for defining an adjustment angle between the drive shaft and driven shaft is provided between two of the three shafts. According to the invention, the mechanism part not involved in the stop has a mass distribution or form which is such that a quotient from its mass moment of inertia J and its partial radius r is smaller than 0.4 kg×mm. The invention also relates to a method for producing a shaft generator having this type of mechanism.

Abstract: A method and system for a shaft coupling assembly is provided. The assembly includes a first coupling half coupled to a distal end of a first shaft wherein the first coupling half includes one or more projections extending away from the first coupling half. The shaft coupling assembly also includes a second coupling half coupled to a distal end of a second shaft wherein the second coupling half includes a media configured to matingly engage the one or more projections in an axial direction, the projections include a relatively large length to width ratio, the media displaces orthogonally to the insertion direction an amount sufficient to facilitate the insertion for each individual projection while substantially preventing gross movement of all of the projections in total such that a linear force or torque applied to one coupling half is transmitted through the mated projections and media.

Abstract: Drive structure is provided for connection between an actuating assembly of a circuit breaker and linkage structure for opening and closing a movable electrical contact disposed in a volume of insulating material in a pole assembly. The drive structure includes a drive lever constructed and arranged to connect with the at least one actuating assembly. A drive shaft has first and second ends, with the first end being removably coupled to the drive lever so that rotation of the drive shaft rotates the drive lever. Seal structure is disposed between the drive lever and the actuating assembly such that the drive shaft can be removed from the drive lever without disrupting the volume of insulating material.

Abstract: A control system for use in safety critical human/machine control interfaces is described, more particularly a joystick type control system and particularly a joystick type control system utilizing magnetic positional sensing. The control system provides a control input device having a movable magnet, a pole-piece frame arrangement positioned about the magnet, at least three magnetic flux sensors being positioned in said pole-piece frame arrangement and a monitoring arrangement for monitoring the output signal of each of said at least three sensors.

Abstract: This invention relates to an actuator and has particular reference to linear and rotary actuators, particularly those for use in the control of robotic arms. The invention provides a relatively low cost means of achieving substantially backlashfree rotary and/or linear motion.

Abstract: An actuating mechanism includes first and second hollow outer shafts, two rotating wheels located between the first and second outer shafts, and an inner shaft received in the second outer shaft. Each of the first and second outer shafts forms a connecting portion at one end thereof. Each connecting portion defines two receiving holes. Each rotating wheel includes a body and a rod extending through the body. The bodies of the rotating wheels are in contact with each other. Two ends of the rod of each rotating wheel are correspondingly received in the receiving holes of the first and second outer shafts to connect the first and second outer shafts together. One end of the inner shaft contacts the rod of one rotating wheel. The inner shaft is rotatable in the second outer shaft to drive the two rotating wheels to rotate.

Abstract: An outer ring, an inner ring and a ball serving as mechanical components configuring a deep groove ball bearing are formed of steel containing at least 0.11 mass % and not more than 0.15 mass % of carbon, at least 0.1 mass % and not more than 0.25 mass % of silicon, at least 0.15 mass % and not more than 0.35 mass % of manganese, at least 3.2 mass % and not more than 3.6 mass % of nickel, at least 4 mass % and not more than 4.25 mass % of chromium, at least 4 mass % and not more than 4.5 mass % of molybdenum and at least 1.13 mass % and not more than 1.33 mass % of vanadium with a remainder consisting of iron and impurity, and have raceway/rolling contact surfaces, the surface being included in a region having a nitrogen enriched layer having a nitrogen concentration of at least 0.05 mass %, the nitrogen enriched layer having a carbon concentration and the nitrogen concentration, in total, of at least 0.55 mass % and not more than 1.9 mass % at a depth of 0.1 mm from the surface.

Abstract: The subject is a rotary drive device (1), which has a device housing (7) in which drive means (2) are disposed that are in driving communication with a rotatably supported power takeoff part (4). The power takeoff part (4) has a power takeoff disc (5) that is received at least partly in a bearing receptacle (25) of the device housing (7), the power takeoff disc being surrounded by an annular roller bearing unit (33). The roller bearing unit has a bearing assembly (34) with rolling elements (35) and with one inner and one outer running surface arrangement (37, 38), and the entire bearing assembly (34) is disposed inside the bearing receptacle (25) and is surrounded radially outward by a boundary wall portion (27) of the device housing (7).

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission comprises an input shaft and an output shaft, a drive wheel, a toothed wheel or a chain wheel, an endless sleeve, a ring wheel, at least one linking member, wedge teeth or a chain, wherein the drive wheel is provided with an annular recess in which a plurality of reversal wedge teeth run, and the wedge teeth are connected with a head portion of the linking member connected with the ring wheel, the spread of axles between the drive wheel and the ring wheel is adjusted via the swinging of the endless sleeve; and with the aid of the locking and releasing operations of the wedge teeth, the linking members are urged to drive the ring wheel, whereby changing the input and output transmission ratio.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gearbox device, in particular, for a hammer drill or chisel, with a torque transmission mechanism, which has a first torque transmitting region for transmission of a torque to a first component and at least one second torque transmitting region for transmitting a torque to a second component. According to the invention, the first torque transmitting region and the second torque transmitting region at least partly have a corresponding partial contour for transmitting the torques.

Abstract: A transmission system for transmitting a rotary motion input to a rotary motion output utilizing hypocycloid motion multiplication is disclosed. The system comprises an input mechanism, at least one hydraulic transmission means, an output mechanism and an output bladder linkage. The input mechanism includes a plurality of rollers that each capture at least one arcuate linkage against an inside surface of a cylindrical hub, causing the linkage to rotate as the roller traverses thereacross and compress one of a plurality of input bladders. The compressed input bladders cause an output bladder to expand to drive the output mechanism in reciprocal linear motion, which the output mechanism converts to rotational motion at the rotary motion output. The output mechanism can be located proximate to, or distal from, the input mechanism.

Abstract: A coaxial gear set, in particular a hollow shaft gear set for industrial drive technology, having high power density, comprising a drive element (7), an element (3), and an output element, with a gear ratio and a transmission of a drive torque occurring between the drive element (7) and the output element via a plurality of radially movable tooth segments (5), an outer tooth flank contour (11.1, 11.2) of the tooth contour (6) of the tooth segments (5) and/or a flank contour (12.1, 12.2) of a gearing (13) of an inner gearing (15) of an internal wheel (1), relative to a gear axis (M), a tooth contour that allows surface contact in the engagement area comprising a logarithmic spiral.

Abstract: The invention relates to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) system, governed by an inertia mechanism that provides an additional degree of freedom, conferring dynamic properties on the transmission. The complete system includes three distinct subsystems. The first subsystem transforms the rotating movement from the drive system into a movement with oscillating angular speed and regulates the amplitude of said movement. The oscillating rotation at the output of the first subsystem is used to drive the second subsystem, which acts as a regulating element by means of the inertia mechanism. In this manner, the second subsystem acts as a torque-regulating element, providing a signal representing the oscillating angular speed at the output shaft thereof. The oscillating rotation at the output of the second subsystem is rectified in the third subsystem, thereby providing a signal representing angular speed in a single direction of rotation at the output shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gearbox device, in particular, for a hammer drill or chisel, with a torque transmission mechanism, which has a first torque transmitting region for transmission of a torque to a first component and at least one second torque transmitting region for transmitting a torque to a second component. According to the invention, the first torque transmitting region and the second torque transmitting region at least partly have a corresponding partial contour for transmitting the torques.

Abstract: A mechanical device including two concentric space frame structures is used to enhance plant growth. Essentially identical in shape but with the inner space frame smaller than the outer by a 4:5 relationship the space frame structures independently rotate about a common axes line. Each space frame consists of a right square pyramid of rods with its apex pointing upward and a second similar pyramid directly below it by a distance approximately two and one half times the length of each rod comprising the pyramid. The second, lower pyramid however has its apex pointing downward and is turned 45-degrees about a line connecting the two apex points. Eight additional rods complete each space frame. They each, respectively connect a corner of the upper pyramid base to a corner of the lower pyramid base in a manner that is symmetric.

Abstract: An output-side swing arm is adapted to be swung about a swing axis thereof when the output-side swing arm is urged by a corresponding part of an input-side swing arm, which is driven by a force transmitted from an input shaft. An adjusting mechanism adjusts an amount of swing of the output-side swing arm by changing a location of a point of action of the input-side swing arm relative to the output-side swing arm in a radial direction of the swing axis of the input-side swing arm.

Abstract: A steerable vehicle lighting system includes a steerable platform assembly and a control assembly. The steerable platform assembly has a body adapted to be mounted to a vehicle, a platform adapted to receive a payload and adapted to rotate with respect to the body, an actuator at least partially placed in the body, and an actuator rod rotatably mated to the actuator and rotatably mated to the platform. A rotation of the actuator rotates the platform. The control assembly includes a first wheel adapted to be placed on a rotating portion of a steering apparatus, a transducer adapted to be mated to a stationary portion of the steering apparatus, a second wheel mated to a rotatable portion of the transducer and adapted to be rotated by the first wheel, and an elastic member that elastically urges the transducer and the second wheel towards the first wheel.

Abstract: A transmission assembly for a rotary piston and cylinder device, comprising a first gear (120) and a gear sub-assembly (15, 16, 17, 18, 19), the first gear connectable to a rotatably mounted shutter (12) of the device, and the first gear extending from a side of the shutter, and the first gear connected to the gear sub-assembly which converts rotation to an axis of rotation different to that of the shutter.

Abstract: A mechanical power communicating device and a modular system of a host and a mechanical power communicating device for communicating a mechanical power service. A first component of the mechanical power communicating device communicates a mechanical power service from host to a second component of the mechanical power communicating device or to a functional device. The mechanical power communicating device may be a functional device, an adapter for coupling a functional device to a host, or a functional unit of an adapter and a functional device. The mechanical power communicating device may include a first component having a first interface connectable to the host, the first component pivotally connected to a second component having a second interface connectable to the functional device. The modular system may include a host having differently oriented mechanical power service interfaces and the mechanical power communicating device.

Abstract: An extended crank system for a bicycle or similar crank driven system has frame with a bottom bracket and a pair of cranks operatively connected to opposite ends of the bottom bracket. A chain ring is operatively connected to one of the cranks. A crank hub is rotatably connected to each of the cranks and extends away from and is substantially parallel to the bottom bracket. A pair of crank extensions is connected to the crank hub, and a pair of crank extension hubs is connected to the pair of crank extensions. Additionally, a pair of crank followers is pivotably connected to opposite ends of the crank extension hubs at respective first ends of the crank followers, as well as pivotably connected to opposite ends of a top bracket mounted to the frame above the chain ring and behind the seat post, at respective second ends of the crank followers.