Abstract: A worm gear-worm retractor for an implanted tongue retraction device is provided. The retractor of the present invention includes a control switch capable of adjusting a retraction force of a pull line, a pull line fixing device capable of fixing the pull line, and a casing. The control switch and the pull line fixing device are mounted in the casing, and the control switch is a worm gear-worm structure formed by a worm and a worm gear. Because the control switch adopts the worm gear-worm structure, by rotating the worm, the worm gear can be driven, so that the pull line fixing device connected to the worm gear rotates, thereby tensioning or loosening the pull line to adjust the retraction force of the pull line fixing device. The retractor has advantages of a compact structure, a small size and convenient adjustment.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a foldable container including a bottom plate, a top plate, and side wall panels provided between the bottom plate and the top plate, in which the side wall panels include a front panel, a rear panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel, and the container includes first and second torsion bars respectively provided at lower ends of the first and second side panels to generate torque when the first and second side panels are rotated, third and fourth torsion bars respectively provided at lower ends of the front panel and the rear panel to generate torque when the front panel and the rear panel are rotated, and a first rotation support member having an L-shape, including one end coupled to a post coupling point (220) spaced apart by a predetermined distance from the lower end of the front panel, and the other end coupled to a third torsion bar at a bottom plate coupling point (210) located on a side spaced apart by a predetermined distance from an end of the bottom plat

Abstract: An endoscope includes: a plurality of wires each having a distal end connected to a bending portion of an insertion portion and a proximal end extending into an operation portion; one or more tubular members provided on the operation portion and including a first part extending in a direction of a longitudinal axis of the insertion portion, a second part provided on a proximal end side of the first part and extending in a side direction to the longitudinal axis, and a bent part connecting the first part and the second part, any one of the plurality of wires being inserted into the one or more tubular members, the first part and the second part being fixed to the operation portion; and a stopper fixed in the operation portion and arranged to prevent movement of the bent part by abutting on an inside of bending of the bent part.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a negative pressure generating device and an automatic negative pressure wound therapy device having a pressure changing function using the same. The present invention includes a static load elastic unit which provides an elastic force having a predetermined magnitude; a rotating unit which is connected to the static load elastic unit to rotate by the static load elastic unit; and a negative pressure cylinder which is connected to the rotating unit and interworks with the rotation of the rotating unit to generate a negative pressure therein. According to the present invention, a constant negative pressure may be consistently generated by a mechanical structure so that a manufacturing cost is significantly reduced as compared with an electrical structure and the size may be reduced.

Abstract: Provided is a support apparatus including a drive motor, a link mechanism that, by transmitting motive power output from the drive motor, is extendable and contractable in response to the motive power, and a pair of rotating bodies that act as a variable speed mechanism that outputs the motive power to the link mechanism by a reduction ratio according to an attitude of the link mechanism. At least part of the link mechanism forms a trapezoidal link mechanism.

Abstract: Slack-compensating pulleys, transmission systems including slack-compensating pulleys, and methods of operating these. In general, slack-compensating pulleys include a pulley body onto which a cable can wind, and one or more (e.g., two) slack take-up surfaces that rotate with the pulley body that are configured to remove slack form an outgoing length of cable by increasing the cable path length and wrap angle. In particular, described herein are minimal access tools having slack-compensating transmissions.

Abstract: A linear module includes: a base, a slide stage, two support frames, two retaining units and a steel belt. With the pivoting freedom given by the guide portions of the retaining units, when the slide stage moves, the rolling elements can be abutted more closely against the contact surface of the steel belt via the pivoting of the guide portions, so as to reduce the occurrence of deformation and clearance produced by the steel belt, which not only improves the sealing performance of the steel belt and operation smoothness of the linear module, but also produces a dust proof effect, thus achieving the purposes of automatically adjusting contact angle, preventing deformation while extending the life of the steel belt.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a robotic arm is provided including a linkage assembly and a strap drive train. The linkage assembly includes first, second, third, and fourth links pivotally coupled in series together at first, second, and third joints to define a parallelogram with an insertion axis. The strap drive train includes first and second sets of straps coupled to the linkage assembly. As the linkage assembly is moved about a pitch axis, the first set of straps ensures the third link maintains the same angle relative to the first link, and the first and second set of straps ensures the fourth link maintains the same angle relative to the second link.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to motorized closure assembly, comprising: an opening frame configured to fit around the opening; a substantially rectangular closure slab having a closure slab frame configured to surround the substantially rectangular closure slab and sealingly fit within the opening frame; and a motorized driver, wherein the motorized driver is entirely embedded within the closure slab frame or within a combination of the closure slab frame and the opening frame, the motorized driver configured to slidably move the slab between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: A positioning device in a gantry-type construction, include two parallel linear guides with integrated linear drives, each of which supports an X-carriage in a manner allowing movement in an X-direction, and having a cross bar which is joined to the two X-carriages and which, with the aid of an integrated linear drive, supports a carriage in a manner allowing movement in a Y-direction perpendicular to the X-direction. In addition, the positioning device has a toolholder which is guided on the Y-carriage in a Z-direction and bears a tool for processing a workpiece located in an X-Y plane, the tool being located next to the cross bar so as to be offset in the X-direction. A force frame, disposed above the tool in the Z-direction, transfers a process force acting on the tool, to the carriages, without deforming the cross bar by a torque.

Abstract: A stacking machine is provided, which comprises a body and a translational mechanism for driving the body to make a translational motion. The synchronous belt used in the translational mechanism can effectively resolve the problem of slipping caused by wheel rolling, and thus enables the movement of the stacking machine to be more accurate, with the highest speed of the movement also increased significantly. Besides that, the synchronous belt mechanism is more accurate in positioning, which reduces the number of times of repeated adjustments and maintenance caused by bigger positioning errors.

Abstract: A tower frame combined transmitting pumping unit without guiding wheels includes a tower frame, a powering system, a transmitting system, a controlling system, a balancing weight box, a weight hauling cable, a rope wheel, a driving rope and rope hangers. The rope wheel is fixed on a side of an operation platform through a rope wheel supporting device. A central axis line of the rope wheel is located within the operation platform. A wheel rim of the rope wheel extends beyond the operation platform and a minimum distance between a most external rim thereof. The weight hauling cable and the driving rope twine around the rope wheel reversely. A free end of the weight hauling cable is connected to the balancing weight box through a rope hanger A. A platform moving device is installed between the operation platform and a top of the tower frame.

Abstract: A telescoping mechanism and method of extending and retracting a telescoping mechanism includes a first arm that extends in a particular direction with respect to a base, a second arm that extends in that direction with respect to the first arm, a first drive assembly that extends and retracts the first arm, and a second drive assembly that extends and retracts the second arm. The first drive assembly includes a rotatable drum and a cable. The cable is wrapped at least one turn around the drum. The cable has a first portion attached to one end portion of the first arm and a second end portion to an opposite end portion of the first arm.

Abstract: Actuations systems in which pulley systems may be used as redundant (back-up) mechanisms are described. The systems provide mechanical advantage, especially useful when manual input is required to deploy a back-up mechanism. A pulley may be integrated into a clevis, a cable routed about the pulley, and one end of the cable made stationary, causing the pulley to counterbalance approximately twice the input force provided.

Abstract: An apparatus having a member that revolves about a remote center of motion (RCM) and a base link coupled to a mounting fixture. A first and second link are pivotably coupled to the member at respective distances from the RCM and are translatable relative to the base link along a first direction, at a fixed ratio of displacement. The ratio of respective distances equals a fixed ratio of displacement. The apparatus has a translational motion generator for a first and second element along parallel opposing directions. The translational motion generator is disposed on the first link and enables motion parallel to the first direction. The base link is fixed in position, the first element is fixed to the base link and the second element is fixed to the second link, such that the first and second link may translate relative to the base link with fixed ratio of displacement.

Abstract: The lifting gear consists of 3 systems (FIG. 1): 1. 1st Axle System: 1st-axle, 1st-balancer, base board, on the 1st-axle there is a direction-controlling ratchet wheel and a set of (totally 6) 1st-fixed-pulleys. 2. 2nd Axle System: a 2nd-axle, a 2nd-balancer, a clutch within and a 2nd stepping gear of 2nd-balancer-lifting. On the 2nd-axle, a pair of 2nd-fixed-pulleys, 2nd-chains/ropes with the 2nd-balancer on one end and a plummet on the other end. The 2nd stepping gear for pulling the 2nd-balancer, includes a driven wheel attached to a 2nd-axle, a small driving wheel, a large driving wheel, a 1st-gliding bar, pressure lever and a 2nd direction-controlling ratchet wheel. 3. 1st Applying System of Auxiliary Lifting for lifting the base board: a fly wheel on 1st-axle, a 1st-gliding-bar, a pressing-surface (pedal). The retractable container is for a special usage of the device, namely, the retractable wheelie bin (FIG. 12).

Abstract: An actuator (10) includes a body (12), an output member (14) slidably received in the body (12) along— a first axis (X1), an electric motor (18) arranged to set into rotation a motor shaft (20) about a, second axis (X2) and a motion conversion mechanism (22) for converting the rotary motion produced by the electric motor (18) about the second axis (X2) into a translational motion of the output member (14) along the first axis (X1). The motion conversion mechanism (22) includes a driving pulley (24) which is drivingly connected for rotation with the motor shaft (20) and an elongated mechanical transmission member which is wound onto the driving pulley (24) and is fastened at its two opposite ends to the output member (14) to draw this latter in either direction along the first axis (X1) as a result of the rotation of the driving pulley (24) in either direction. The output member (14) is shaped as a rod and is received in a cylindrical cavity (16) of the body (12) so as to project partially therefrom.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides differential drive assemblies and methods of making and operating differential drive assemblies. The differential drive assembly includes a rotor having a rotor axis about which the rotor is configured to rotate. The rotor has a peripheral wall portion encircling the rotor axis that is positioned a varying distance radially outward from the rotor axis. The differential drive assembly also includes a base coupled to the rotor. That includes a first plurality of pulleys and a carriage movably coupled to the base that includes a second plurality of pulleys and is movable with respect to the base. The differential drive assembly includes a rope wound about the rotor. The rope extends from the peripheral wall portion of the rotor to the second plurality of pulleys. The rope extends from the second plurality of pulleys to the first plurality of pulleys to form a continuous rope circuit.

Abstract: A transmission control structure for a curtain system includes a driving set and a transmission set having a base casing having one end formed with a mounting portion, on which an end portion of an upper transverse track of the curtain system is mounted. Also, a pulley wrapped around by a rope of the curtain system is pivotally mounted in the base casing. The driving set has a motor with the controllable forward and reverse rotations and rotating speed. The motor has an output shaft for driving the pulley of the transmission set. Because the mounting portion of the base casing is directly connected to one end portion of the upper transverse track of the existing curtain system, only the existing rope needs to be wound around the pulley of the transmission set. The replacement and modification can be easily made, and the unessential waste can be decreased.

Abstract: A wire connection apparatus includes a link unit and a drive unit configured to drive the link unit. The link unit includes a first link, a second link rotatably coupled to the first link, a third link rotatably coupled to the second link, a plurality of wires, each of which is fixed at one end thereof to the third link, and is fixed at the other end thereof to the drive unit, and through which a driving force is transmitted from the drive unit to the third link, a path forming structure to form a path of each of the wires between the drive unit and the third link, and a length holding structure to hold constant a length of each of the wires between the drive unit and the third link.

Abstract: A deceleration mechanism comprises a base, a transmission device rotatably connected to the base, and a driving device fixed to the base. The transmission device includes a driving assembly having a driving wheel and a driven assembly having a driven wheel. Diameter of the driven wheel is greater than that of the driving wheel. The driving device provides power to rotate the driving wheel. The transmission device further includes a transmission member wound on the driving wheel and the driven wheel. The transmission member winds on the driving wheel at least one winding, then criss-crosses and winds on the driven wheel.

Abstract: An endoscope includes an endoscope insertion portion having a bendable bending portion and a bending mechanism configured to bend the bending portion. The bending mechanism includes a pulley, at least one annular member, a pulling member, and a pulling operation member. The pulley is rotatably driven. The annular member is formed into a C-shape with a cut-out, and can be elastically deformed. The annular member is externally fitted to the pulley with a gap. The pulling member has an intermediate portion wound around the annular member. The distal end portion of the pulling member is connected to the bending portion, and the proximal end portion of the pulling member is connected to the pulling operation member which pulls the pulling member. The width direction position at the winding start position of the pulling member wound around the annular member is made different from the width direction position at the winding end position of the pulling member.

Abstract: A serial robot includes a base, first and second segments, a proximal joint joining the base to the first segment, and a distal joint. The distal joint that joins the segments is serially arranged and distal with respect to the proximal joint. The robot includes first and second actuators. A first tendon extends from the first actuator to the proximal joint and is selectively moveable via the first actuator. A second tendon extends from the second actuator to the distal joint and is selectively moveable via the second actuator. The robot includes a transmission having at least one gear element which assists rotation of the distal joint when an input force is applied to the proximal and/or distal joints by the first and/or second actuators. A robotic hand having the above robot is also disclosed, as is a robotic system having a torso, arm, and the above-described hand.

Abstract: A drive assembly for connection to the polish rod of a reciprocating pump includes a support frame fixed in proximity to a wellhead. A linear actuator includes a lower portion fixed to the support frame and an upper portion supporting two pairs of direction altering cable guides thereon. Four lengths of cable each include a first portion substantially anchored to relative to the polish rod by a pump bracket, a second portion substantially anchored to the support frame by an anchor bracket, and an intermediate portion extending through a respective one of the direction altering cable guides on the upper portion of the linear actuator between the first portion and the second portion.

Abstract: A motorized drive system and method for articulating an articulated joint having a motor and an elastic cable. The elastic cable is operatively connected to both the motor and the articulated joint such that the motor articulates the joint via the elastic cable. In addition, the elastic cable is adapted to be sufficiently elastic such that the motorized drive system is configured to use one motor for each degree of freedom through which the articulated joint moves.

Abstract: A push-pull chain actuator (1) comprises a housing with a chain exit/entry opening (4) and a sprocket (2) arranged to engage a push-pull chain (3). The sprocket (2) causes the polygon effect. The actuator comprises a first chain guide part (10a) for guiding said push-pull chain (3) around the sprocket (2) and a second chain guide part (10b) for guiding said push-pull chain (3) at the correct angle between the chain exit/entry opening (4) and the sprocket (2). The second chain guide part (10b) is shaped as a meandering path to counteract the polygon effect. Alternatively, the second chain guide part (10b) can be shaped and dimensioned to reduce chain oscillations caused by the rollers (8c) engaging or disengaging the chain exit/entry opening (4) at the end of the second chain guide part (10b).

Abstract: A linear movement device has a housing and a carriage which can move in a longitudinal direction with respect to the housing, wherein the housing extends with an essentially constant U-shaped cross-sectional shape in the longitudinal direction, with the result that the housing bounds a guide cavity, wherein the guide cavity is covered with a toothed belt which extends in the longitudinal direction, wherein the toothed belt is attached at both ends to the housing with the result that said toothed belt defines a toothed belt plane, wherein at least one separate guide rail which extends in the longitudinal direction is arranged within the guide cavity, on which guide rail at least one separate guiding carriage is mounted in a longitudinally movable fashion, which guiding carriage is permanently connected to the carriage, wherein a first and a second deflection wheel, which deflect the toothed belt out of the toothed belt plane, are rotatably attached to the carriage, wherein a rotatable drive wheel, which is in

Abstract: The present invention provides a locating beam and a robot linear motion unit having the same. The locating beam comprises a first support beam (11) and a second support beam (12) which are parallel to each other, wherein a crossbeam (13) is connected between the first support beam (11) and the second support beam (12) and is vertical to the beams (11, 12), and each of the joints between the crossbeam (13) and the beams (11, 12) is provided with a right-angle connecting piece (15). The robot linear motion unit comprises a motion track and a transmission mechanism arranged along the extension direction of the motion track, wherein the motion track is arranged on a surface of the locating beam.

Abstract: An operating element with a drive motor equipped with a drive shaft, which can be driven in two opposite rotational directions to move an actuating element between two end positions by a motion transmission device. Each of two motion transmission devices includes a winding body, onto which a traction element is wound in the direction opposite to that in which the traction element of the other transmission device is wound. The free end of the traction element is attached to the actuating element.

Abstract: A transmission device includes a bracket, a belt, a driven module, and a limiting member. The bracket includes a mounting plate and a limiting piece extending from the mounting plate. The idle module is slidably mounted to the mounting plate. The belt is engaged with the idle module and preventing the idle module from sliding along a first direction relative to the mounting plate. The limiting member is located in a side of the idle module and rotatably mounted to the limiting piece. The limiting member abuts the idle module along the first direction, to prevent the idle module from sliding along a second direction, which is opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A novel mechanical system, based on a new cable driven mechanical transmission, able to provide sufficient dexterity, stiffness, speed, precision and payload capacity to actuate multi-DOF micro-manipulators. Besides the possibility of being used in several articulated surgical instruments and robotic systems for surgery or other applications involving remote manipulation, it enables the design of a novel fully mechanical surgical instrument, which offer the advantages of conventional laparoscopy (low cost, tactile feedback, high payload capacity) combined with the advantages of single port surgery (single incision, scarless surgery, navigation through several quadrants of the abdominal cavity) and robotic surgery (greater degrees of freedom, short learning curve, high stiffness, high precision, increased intuition).

Abstract: A drive assembly for connection to the polish rod of a reciprocating pump includes a support frame fixed in proximity to a wellhead. A linear actuator includes a lower portion fixed to the support frame and an upper portion supporting two pairs of direction altering cable guides thereon. Four lengths of cable each include a first portion substantially anchored to relative to the polish rod by a pump bracket, a second portion substantially anchored to the support frame by an anchor bracket, and an intermediate portion extending through a respective one of the direction altering cable guides on the upper portion of the linear actuator between the first portion and the second portion.

Abstract: A liquid jetting apparatus includes: a liquid jetting head; a carriage which carries the liquid jetting head and moves in a scanning direction; a plurality of pulleys arranged on a first plane, each having an axis extending perpendicular to the first plane, and including at least a first pulley and a second pulley separated from the first pulley in the scanning direction; an endless belt put around the plurality of pulleys to make contact with a circumference of each of the first and second pulleys and connected to the carriage; a pulley holder having a fixing portion, holding a tension adjusting pulley which adjusts a tension applied to the belt, being movable along the first plane together with the tension adjusting pulley; two plates sandwiching the fixing portion of the pulley holder; and a fastening member which fixes the fixing portion to the two plates.

Abstract: An elevator includes a set of hoisting ropes supporting a counterweight and an elevator car moving on respective tracks, each hoisting rope having a substantially round cross-section, and a hoisting machine engaging the set of hoisting ropes via a traction sheave. The traction sheave has a plurality of rope grooves. Each of the plurality of rope grooves generally conforms to a substantially circular shape. Each of the plurality of rope grooves has an opening for receiving a hoisting rope from among the set of hoisting ropes. A coating is adhesively bonded to each of the plurality of rope grooves. Each hoisting rope has a diameter below 8 mm. Each hoisting rope is composed of steel wires having a strength exceeding 2000 N/mm2. A contact angle between the set of hoisting ropes and the traction sheave is greater than about 180 degrees.

Abstract: A surgical instrument shaft roll drive mechanism includes an electrical conductor that electrically couples the surgical instrument shaft to an electrical connector. The electrical conductor is routed adjacent to a roll drive tendon between a roll drive input capstan and a roll drive output capstan on the shaft. The electrical conductor allows an electrically conductive instrument shaft to be electrically coupled to surgical equipment for use, e.g., as a shield for electrocautery equipment.

Abstract: A window regulator assembly having cables for driving one or more lifter plates along rails includes connectors for connecting the ends of cables together. The connectors are connectable together in a ‘use’ position and can be held in a lifter plate in the use position. By having the connectors connect to each other they withstand the tension in the cables when the window regulator assembly is at rest and the lifter plate is only required to withstand the differential tension between first and second cable segments during movement of the lifter plate. This allows the lifter plate to be formed from a relatively lower strength and less expensive material since it is subject to relatively lower stresses than prior art lifter plates.

Abstract: A robot arm capable of being driven with a small force while having an enhanced rigidity includes a joint unit formed by stacking a plurality of link modules up against each other, and at least one driving device allowing the joint unit to pivot along at least one axis, wherein the driving device includes a cable disposed to pass through the plurality of link modules a plurality of times, a plurality of multi-turn pulleys configured to change a path of the cable when the cable passes therethrough, such that the cable passes through the plurality of link modules, and a driving unit configured to pull or push the cable such that the joint unit pivots.

Abstract: A robot has a structure in which finger joints do not interfere with each other. The robot includes a first actuator driving the finger joint, a first power transmission, a second actuator driving the finger joint, and a second power transmission. The first actuator and the first power transmission are coupled with a wrist joint so that the position of the first actuator and the first power transmission is changed. Accordingly, even if the wrist joint operates, the distance between the first actuator and the finger joint is constantly maintained.

Abstract: A wiper system having an electric motor operatively associated with a primary pivot shaft assembly. Also included is a secondary pivot shaft assembly. A first windshield wiper is coupled to the primary pivot shaft assembly, and a second windshield wiper is coupled to the secondary pivot shaft assembly. The system includes a cable assembly having at least one cable operatively associated with the primary pivot shaft assembly and the secondary pivot shaft assembly, wherein the electric motor is capable of rotating the primary pivot shaft assembly and the first windshield wiper, wherein rotation of the primary pivot shaft assembly generates tension in the at least one cable, and wherein the at least one cable tension generates rotation of the secondary pivot shaft assembly and the second windshield wiper.

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: A steering system for boats includes a control member of the steering wheel type, lever type or the like connected to a driving shaft of a transmission composed of at least two transmission elements dynamically engaged one with the other, of which one is an input and the other one an output elements. The output element drives a member transferring the motion of the control member to an operating unit, such that a movement/rotation of the control member is transmitted to the transfer member through such transmission. Moreover, at least the input element is produced from a material obtained by a sintering process.

Abstract: A numerical controlled combination drive tower pumping unit includes a main tower frame, a power system, a drive system, a control system, a balance weight box, a balance weight pull rope, a wire rope wheel, a drive rope, and a wire rope hanger. The control system is connected to the power system to control the speed and the reversing position of the power system. The power system is mechanically connected to the wire rope wheel. The wire rope wheel is mounted on a wire rope wheel shaft. Two ends of the wire rope wheel shaft are placed on the wire rope wheel support and are respectively installed in two roller wheels. The wire rope wheel shaft or two roller wheels are placed on a rolling plane. There are limiting blocks at both ends of the rolling plane, and there are also locating blocks to fix the roller wheels.

Abstract: A reducing device having a cable or a belt and cable, providing a high reduction ratio, and including: two driving drums; two sheave wheels; at least one driving cable traveling from a first driving drum to one sheave wheel, from the one sheave wheel to the second driving drum, from the second driving drum to the other sheave wheel, and from the other sheave wheel to the first driving drum; a driven cable, including one strand which travels from a fork of the one sheave wheel to a driven wheel, and one strand which travels from the driven wheel to a fork of the other sheave wheel. The driving drums have different diameters and/or different rotation speeds so rotation thereof causes movement of the sheave wheels driving the driven cable, and rotation movement of the driven wheel. The reducing device is applicable, for example, to robots and haptic interfaces.

Abstract: A bending apparatus includes: a bending portion; an operation element erected vertically from an operation portion having a longitudinal axis and has a shaft portion in which a tilt direction and tilt angle are changeable; a pulling member having one end connected to the bending portion; a pulley on which a rotary body around which the pulling member is wound is arranged; a motor that generates a driving force that rotates the pulley to pull the pulling member wound around the rotary body in a winding direction; a hanging frame that extends in a diameter direction of the shaft portion, and includes an attachment portion to which the other end of the pulling member is attached; and an attachment path setting member provided inside the operation portion, which changes a path of the pulling to the longitudinal axis direction and guides the pulling member to the attachment portion.

Abstract: In an elevator element for driving or reversing an elevator suspension device in an elevator system, that interacts with an elevator suspension device, the arithmetic mean of the roughness value of the contact surface measured in the circumferential direction of the elevator element, and the mean roughness value of the contact surface measured in the axial direction of the elevator element, are different. The arithmetic mean roughness value of the contact surface measured in the circumferential direction of the elevator element is less than 1 micrometer.

Abstract: An auxiliary device for a sliding module is disclosed. The auxiliary device includes a substrate having a guiding portion, a belt wheel rotatably disposed on the substrate, a wire disposed on the belt wheel, and a movable or sliding rack utilized for pivoting the wire. The sliding rack is movably attached to the guiding portion of the substrate and is capable of assembling with a sliding module. When the sliding rack driven by the sliding module is reciprocally moved, the sliding rack drives the wire to rotate the belt wheel, thus to minimize the unsmooth operation compared to conventional skills.

Abstract: A linear actuator unit has a slide plate which is allowed to freely move along the outer rail while causing a cover to retreat. The linear actuator unit includes: an outer rail, which is formed into a cylindrical shape, and includes the slit-opening portion formed along an axial direction thereof; the slide plate (3), which is coupled to an inner block in the hollow portion through the slit-opening portion; a cover belt, which is tensioned between both ends in a longitudinal direction of the outer rail so as to cover the slit-opening portion; a belt-guiding member, which separates the cover belt from the outer rail correspondingly to movement of the slide plate; and a seal member, which seals between the belt-guiding member and the cover belt and between the belt-guiding member and the outer rail.

Abstract: A telescoping mechanism and method of extending and retracting a telescoping mechanism includes a first arm that extends in a particular direction with respect to a base, a second arm that extends in that direction with respect to the first arm, a first drive assembly that extends and retracts the first arm, and a second drive assembly that extends and retracts the second arm. The first drive assembly includes a rotatable drum and a cable. The cable is wrapped at least one turn around the drum. The cable has a first portion attached to one end portion of the first arm and a second end portion to an opposite end portion of the first arm.

Abstract: A deployment system for spatial appendages, such as, for example, solar generators, comprises at least one two-phase deployment articulation line, furnished with two rotation spindles. The deployment system comprises a synchronization mechanism for the two rotation spindles so that when the driving spindle rotates during a first deployment phase, the driven spindle does not rotate, and then, when the driving spindle rotates during the second deployment phase, the driven spindle rotates in a manner synchronized with the driving spindle.

Abstract: A compact capstan includes a drum, a coupled hub, a passage extending through the drum and hub, and a shaft extending through the drum and hub. The shaft engages the passage such that the shaft can transmit a torsional force to the drum and the hub which are free to move along the length of the shaft. The drum includes a spiral groove to receive a cable loop wound around the drum. The hub has a thread with substantially the same pitch as the spiral groove to engage a threaded support such that the hub and the drum move laterally along their length relative to the threaded support as the hub and the drum are rotated. The shaft has a length that is substantially greater than the passage such that the shaft extends beyond both ends of the passage.