Abstract: An example an adjustable bracket and a damper system usable with the adjustable bracket assembly for transmitting an actuation force from an actuator to a plurality of damper assemblies. The adjustable bracket assembly may include a shaft extending along and configured to rotate about a first axis in response to an output from the actuator, a first output lever configured to transmit a rotational force of the shaft to a first damper assembly, and a second output lever configured to transmit the rotational force of the shaft to a second damper assembly.

Abstract: A device to transmit torque from a driving shaft to a driven shaft includes not less than three respective eccentrics secured to each of the shafts, and cable-type connecting rods. The eccentrics can be angularly offset by up to 50 degrees between each other to reduce vibrations. The cable-type connecting rods connect via bearings the eccentrics of the driving and driven shafts and operate solely in tension. Increasing of the unit loads and reduction in weight of the connecting rods and counterweights is provided. Up to twelve eccentrics are secured to each of the shafts in order to increase the uniformity of torque transmission to the driven shaft.

Abstract: An actuator system having a controlled element configured for rotary movement about a first axis relative to a reference structure; a linkage system between the element and reference structure; a first actuator and a second actuator configured to power a first degree of freedom and an independent second degree of freedom of the linkage system, respectively; the linkage system having a first link configured for rotary movement about a second axis not coincident to the first axis and second link configured for rotary movement about a third axis; the linkage system configured such that a first angle of rotation may be driven independently of a second angle of rotation between said first link and said reference structure; wherein one of the first or second actuators is configured and arranged to drive rotation of the element about the first axis when the other is operatively locked.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an easy-to-control tool for minimally invasive surgery.

Abstract: A torque multiplier for converting an input torque to an output torque. A torque multiplier includes a cam mounted on a drive shaft for rotation therewith when an input torque is applied to the drive shaft, the cam providing a magnetic field that is radially asymmetrical relative to the drive shaft, a first output shaft for providing an output torque, and a magnet spaced apart from the cam and mounted to move relative to the cam in response to magnetic coupling forces between the cam and the magnet as the cam rotates, the magnet being operatively connected to drive the first output shaft, wherein magnetic coupling forces between the cam and the magnet return rotational energy to the drive shaft during part of the cam rotation.

Abstract: The conventional pedal crank drive from DE 43 11 404 C2 has second crank arms (2), connected to the outside of the first crank arms (1), by means of a rotating joint (3) and each comprises a pedal (5), with adjustable angular inclination. Said drive system has the problem that the extended pedal crank unit does not have the required stiffness before the bottom deadpoint to convert the full pedal traction force into torque. According to the invention, said problem is overcome whereby a carrier plate (4) is arranged on the first crank arm in the vicinity of the rotating joint (3) with an angular adjustment and a ratchet mechanism (7) is arranged on the second crank arm, such that the rotating joint is periodically locked in the region of the bottom deadpoint and hence a double length rigid force arm is formed, whereby the pedal traction force is ergonomically converted into maximum torque with the large radius from A to B.

Abstract: An engine-flywheel hybrid in which the engine power is varied mainly by the frequency of power cycles, not by the power per power cycle. The flywheel absorbs the energy from the power cycles and delivers energy. The rotary stop start mechanism stops and starts a crankshaft efficiently with minimal energy loss. This is accomplished by varying the offset of a double crank four bar linkage. The invention allows an engine's flywheel to be quickly be brought up to speed in about a half of a revolution, followed by combustion, expansion, and stopped one revolution after starting. Further, utilizing offset, the engine crankshaft will turn faster than the input shaft when the piston is at top dead center, shortening the time of highest heat transfer, making the engine more efficient. Also, that when used as an auto engine, the part load efficiency would be near the maximum efficiency of the engine, nearly doubling the miles per gallon of the auto.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method is provided for individually positioning first and second input links of a four-bar linkage to move first and second follower links pivotally joined therebetween in order to move a chuck supported by one of the follower links between a retracted position and an extended position.

Abstract: An arrow rest assembly is connected to an archery bow so that an arrow rest is: (i) positioned to support the shaft of an arrow nocked and ready for drawing or drawn and ready for shooting, (ii) positioned to support the shaft of the arrow during an early portion of shooting of the arrow by the bow, and (iii) to allow substantially unimpeded passage of the fletching of the arrow during only the latter portion of shooting of the arrow by the bow. The arrow rest assembly exerts only substantially negligible force on any cable of the bow when the bow is drawn.

Abstract: Device for transmitting rotary motion in a diverter switch comprising a motion-transmitting member for transforming an alternating rotary motion of a drive shaft into a unidirected rotary motion of a driven body driven about driven shaft. The motion-transmitting member includes an intermediate body rotatable about an intermediate shaft. A mechanical energy accumulation member is connected to the driven body. The motion-transmitting member for transforming the alternating rotary motion of the drive shaft into a unidirected rotary motion of the driven shaft includes an intermediate motion member connected to a crank mechanism. The motion member includes an engagement mechanism for transforming the linear motion into a unidirected rotary motion of the intermediate shaft via drive members.

Abstract: A crankshaft having a damper wherein torsional vibration occurring at the crankshaft can be effectively damped at various positions by a vibro-isolating rubber and an inertia arc integrally formed at a balance weight, thereby improving the damping of the torsional vibration of the crankshaft in comparison to a crankshaft formed with only one damper pulley.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling a electro-hydraulic system of an earthmoving machine. The electro-hydraulic system may include a pump providing fluid to at least one fluid system. The electro-hydraulic system also includes an engine connected to the pump, and a controller for providing a commands to the engine. The method includes the steps of determining a desired characteristic of the fluid system, comparing the desired characteristic with a deliverable characteristic of the fluid system, and generating a power boost in response to the comparison; thereby controlling the electro-hydraulic system.

Abstract: A fan structure includes a fan head having a plurality of blades mounted for rotation. A mechanism is coupled to the fan head and is constructed and arranged to move the fan head along a surface of a sphere in a three dimensional pattern. At least one motor is constructed and arranged to cause rotation of the blades and movement of the mechanism. The mechanism thus provides both back-and-forth and up-and-down motion of the fan head.

Abstract: A traveling driving device for a bicycle, which device is capable of increasing rotational torque of a chain wheel using pedaling cranks without elongating a crank arm. This device is borne by a bearing disposed on a frame of the bicycle and has an eccentric plate put on a rotating shaft having cranks with pedal. This eccentric plate is secured to a frame member of the bicycle through a stay portion. The chain wheel is put rotatably on the outer periphery of the eccentric plate through a ball bearing and a working plate secured to the rotating shaft is linked to the chain wheel by linking members. When the rotating shaft is rotated by pedaling action of the cranks, rotation is transmitted to the chain wheel through the working plate and the linking members.

Abstract: A rider propelled vehicle includes a frame having a hub portion. Each of two cranks has a crank shaft extending into the hub portion and mounted on the hub portion for rotation relative thereto independent of the other crank shaft. Both of the cranks can be rotated through a top dead center position and a bottom dead center position in which the force applied by the rider to the crank for propulsion of the vehicle is at a minimum. An output shaft extending from within the hub portion is operatively connected to a drive wheel of the vehicle for driving rotation of the drive wheel to propel the vehicle. The output shaft is mounted on the hub portion for rotation relative to the frame and the cranks. A torque transmission assembly interconnecting the output shaft with the crank shafts for transmitting torque from the crank shafts to the output shaft is contained within the frame.

Abstract: A device and a process are disclosed for driving a moving surface in a reciprocating motion in a plane, and having a magnitude A.sub.2. Two parallelograms are provided, which can be distorted in a plane perpendicular to the plane where the motion is carried out. Each of both parallelograms exhibits two parallel sides, one being common to both parallelograms and driven in a reciprocating motion having a displacement A.sub.1 =A.sub.2 /2, the other parallel side of the first parallelogram being stationary and the other parallel side of the second parallelogram being driven in a reciprocating motion having a displacement A.sub.2.

Abstract: A power transmission device of a press machine comprises a rotary shaft rotated around a first axis by the rotation of a flywheel and an arm mounted on the rotary shaft and pivotally connected to a first link. A second link is pivotally connected to the first link so as to be rotated around a second axis, eccentric from the first axis, by the rotation of the arm. A lever is pivotally connected to the second link so as to be rotated around the first axis by the rotation of the second link and is also connected to a crankshaft so as to rotate the crankshaft. A rotor and guide constrain the rotary motion of the second link relative to the second axis to movement along a hypothetical circle centered on the second axis.

Abstract: A device for absorbing energy from a bicyclist's foot on the downward pedal stroke and releasing it shortly afterward into the drive chain to propel the bicycle is disclosed. The energy is stored in a coil spring which is connected between the sprocket wheel and an adjacent crank. The sprocket wheel is fitted to a bearing on the crankshaft and is free to rotate independently of the crank except as it is restrained by the connecting spring. If the crank and the sprocket wheel rotate relative to one another away, from the equilibrium position of the spring, the spring is compressed or stretched and the resulting force causes a restoring torque. When the magnitude and angle of the force stretch the spring on the pedal stroke, the invention allows the rider's foot to move quickly through the power stroke, where great force is exerted. Less time is spent by the rider in exerting force on the pedal; this saves muscle energy, since a muscle, unlike a spring, uses energy in exerting a static force.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including an image bearing member and a rotatable member such as a transfer roller, a charging roller or a cleaning roller press-contacted to the image bearing member in relation to an image formation process on the image bearing member. A coupling is employed for transmitting the driving force from a driving power source to the rotatable member, so that the state of press-contact between the image bearing member and the rotatable member is maintained substantially uniform along the longitudinal direction with stability.

Abstract: A transfer device for use in treating a work product is disclosed, in which a first gripper assembly rotates about a pivot point located between an input conveyor and a station, and a second gripper assembly rotates about a pivot point positioned between the station and an output conveyor. The rotation of each gripper assembly may be accelerated or decelerated at predetermined points in the rotation cycle by use of a cam, roller, and linkage mechanism.

Abstract: A rotary drive mechanism has an input shaft with a first crank, mounted parallel to an output shaft, the input shaft being offset from the output shaft by a distance equal to the length of the first crank, the output shaft having a second crank of greater length than the first crank, the first and second cranks are pivotally connected to opposite ends of a link, interlocking formations are provided to prevent rotation of the second crank and link independently of the input shaft when the second crank and link are parallel to one another.

Abstract: A sealed rotary transmission device comprises a control shaft and a receiver shaft parallel to and spaced from the control shaft. A bellows surrounds the receiver shaft, and has one end fixed in a sealed way to a casing of the device. The device also includes a transfer member constrained to move parallel to a plane perpendicular to the receiver shaft. The other end of the bellows is fixed to this transfer member in a sealed way. On each of the control and receiver shafts is a respective crank, eccentric to its axis by the same distance. These cranks are coupled to the transfer member and spaced by the same distance as the shafts. This enables circular translation of the transfer member.

Abstract: A velocipede such as a bicycle or tricycle includes a drive sprocket mounted on a frame for adjustment between a plurality of positions defining an arcuate path having an axis of curvature. A second sprocket is rotatably mounted on the axis and is coupled to the drive sprocket by a first chain. A third sprocket is mounted coaxially with and is coupled to the second sprocket for rotation therewith. A fourth sprocket is mounted on the rear wheel and coupled to the third sprocket by a second drive chain.

Abstract: A shed-type coil winder is disclosed in which a shed form is supported against rotation within a rotating wire feed envelope. Rotation of the shed form is prevented by an eccentric drive. The eccentric drive includes a wire support rotating about a first axis and an eccentric ring rotating about an eccentric axis spaced from and parallel to the first axis. The eccentric ring is driven by a parallelogram-type linkage so that it rotates with the flyer support in a uniform manner. The eccentric ring engages an eccentric cam on a form support to hold the form support against rotation while the flyer support and the eccentric ring rotate. A window is provided in the eccentric ring through which a wire guide extends with clearance. Consequently, the eccentric drive does not interfere with the rotation of the wire guide system. A jump actuating system is connected to the form support system to axially move the form in a stepwise manner.

Abstract: Apparatus for making a plastic film bag having bag mouth lips projecting beyond a heat-seal band closing the bag mouth and providing a stiffening patch bonded to the interior or exterior of a bag mouth lip between the heat-seal band and the bag mouth end for reclosing the bag mouth after the heat-seal band has been opened. For reclosing the bag mouth, the apparatus applies stiffening patches to a web of sheet material for making bags at the time that the bags are formed and filled by clipping from a strip of patch-making material patch pieces having pressure-sensitive adhesive on one side. The apparatus transfers such patch pieces from a rotary shear onto the bag-making material by an orbiting transfer member having a suction pickup to pick up a patch piece and blowing means for subsequently detaching the patch piece from the transfer member and depositing it onto the web of bag-making material.

Abstract: A drive device for a press wherein a drive device assembly provided with a quick-return mechanism capable of changing its speed characteristic in different degrees is built in a unitary case, each unit case being freely attachable and detachable at the crown center of the press, an output shaft of the drive device has its end portions projecting outwardly from both sides of the unit case and is coupled with a main crankshaft at its end portions through couplings, a main gear located in the unit case is divided into two parts to form a hollow section therebetween, and a link drive an balance weight for the linkage are built in the hollow section.

Abstract: An assembly for transmitting rotary motion from an actuator knob to an operating mechanism in the heating, air conditioning and ventilating system of an automotive vehicle comprises a rack and pinion rotatably connected to the actuator knob. The rack is linked to the operating mechanism via a positioning lever and an intermediate lever.

Abstract: A mechanism and control for mechanically moving a rotary metal removing tool such as a milling cutter or grinder in a path determined by a regular or irregular contour of a work part. The control is such that the tool may move at a constant feed rate or at a variable rate, for example, more slowly, in areas where a heavier cut is necessary. A contour cam controls the tool position and a second cam controls the feed rate in either a constant or variable velocity as determined by the workpiece.

Abstract: A drum hoist or winch in which at least one circular cam lobe mounted eccentrically on an axle overlapping the axle is interconnected with a like circular cam lobe mounted on a second axle by inboard linkage whereby rotation of one axle will rotate the other axle in unison. A hoist drum mounted concentrically with at least one of the axles can thus be rotated in unison with the other axle to wind or unwind one or more cables thereon.A preferred embodiment has three circular cam lobes mounted eccentrically on each axle 120.degree. angularly out of phase with each other with an inboard link plate interconnecting a cam lobe on each axle in rotatable relation.A brake mechanism mounted on an axle has components normally frictionally engaged which rotate as a unit. Sliding frictional motion to slow down and positively brake the hoist to a stop is provided only when rotary speed of the axle exceeds a predetermined speed.

Abstract: Conversion of a conventional volume-price computer for a liquid fuel metering pump to extend the existing range from three place to four place unit price per volume and comprising an auxiliary differential gear train assembly driven from the main output gear of the volume register shaft through a settable variable gear train and a fixed step-up gear train assembly wherein an additional higher unit price per volume of 0, $1, or $2 may be added to the conventional mechanism.

Abstract: An irregular-motion mechanism comprising two series-connected double cranks each comprising a driving link and a driven link connected thereto by a connecting rod, the driving link of the first double crank and the driven link of the second double crank being mounted for rotation about a common axis, the driven link of the first double crank being rigidly joined to the driving link of the second double crank, the driven link of the first double crank forming an obtuse angle with the driving link of the second double crank the ratio of their lengths being about 2:3 with a length-ratio range of about 3:2 to 5:4 for the driving link of the first double crank and the driven link of the second double crank, and with a length ratio of about 1:1 for the connecting rods of the first and second double cranks. The device provides a considerable increase in power in the extreme positions of irregularity because of the obtuse angle.

Abstract: Motion transmitting apparatus includes a case member, a pair of coaxial shaft members, and a pair of shuttle members. The members rotate about the shaft axis in unison as a differential mechanism, with differential action between the shaft members provided by oscillation and reciprocation of the shuttle members in opposite directions relative to another axis perpendicular to the shaft axis. Grounding the case member causes this opposite oscillation and reciprocation of the shuttle members to provide a reversal of the direction of rotation of the shaft members.

Abstract: A differential gear or motor driven shaft carries drive sprockets for a m chain having a load end and a tail end. The shaft also carries a pulley or gear for driving with a belt or chain a corresponding pulley or gear on an intermediate shaft. This intermediate shaft also carries a pulley or gear which drives a belt or chain, and this belt or chain in turn turns a pulley on an idler shaft. The idler shaft also has chain idler pulleys thereon and other pulleys or gears for driving with belts or chains corresponding pulleys or gears on chain storage shafts. These chain storage shaft carry chain storage sprockets. The main chain is reeved around the drive sprockets, with the load ends hanging down and the tail ends reeved around the idler pulleys and the chain storage sprockets. As the load ends of the main chain are hauled in or paid out, the tail ends are respectively fed into or out of chain storage bins beneath the chain storage sprockets.

Abstract: A drive assembly for a physically propelled vehicle such as a bicycle having a crank arm operatively connected to a drive member for rotating the drive member, and a power arm rotatively mounted for relative angular movement between the power arm and crank arm. A control mechanism interconnects the power arm and the crank arm for rotating the crank arm and drive member, and for accelerating the power arm ahead of the crank arm during one portion of the crank arm cycle and decelerating the power arm behind the crank arm during another portion of the crank arm cycle. More particularly, the control mechanism includes a cam surface provided on either the crank arm or power arm, and a cam element having a shaft rotatively mounted on the other of the arms and having a spaced cam follower engaging the cam surface.

Abstract: A coupling comprising first and second members adapted to be connected respectively to a rotary drive and a rotary driven means subject to displacement from its normal axis of rotation. An elongate member is located intermediate the first and second members and drivingly connected to each member by a plurality of links and connecting pins. Each link includes a pair of connecting pins extending in the same axial direction away from the link. One pin of each link is secured to a flange at one end of the intermediate member, the other pin being secured to a flange of the first or second member at that end of the intermediate member. The links are provided adjacent the side of the flanges opposite one of the first or second rotary members to reduce the angular displacement required of the connecting link pins to accommodate axial displacement of a given distance and to provide a structure in which the elements may be readily assembled and disassembled.