Abstract: Seat post and handlebar post that may be used for upright and recumbent stationary bicycles with its height adjustments and tilt angles controlled and powered by mechanisms that allows the user to adjust each to their desired position while operating the bicycle.

Abstract: A door opening and closing device includes: a motor; an output shaft configured to output power of the motor; a transmission mechanism configured to transmit the power of the motor to the output shaft; and an accommodation member configured to accommodate the motor and the transmission mechanism. The door opening and closing device is installed in a vehicle main body or a door supported by the vehicle main body in an openable and closable manner, thereby opening and closing the door by the power that is output from the output shaft. The accommodation member is cylindrical in shape, and the motor and the transmission mechanism are accommodated in the accommodation member so that the motor, the transmission mechanism, and the output shaft are arranged in an axial direction of a rotary shaft of the motor.

Abstract: Drive of a seat adjusting device, especially for motor vehicles, with a spindle that is fastened on a first of two rails, which are adjustable with respect to each other, by means of at least one mounting on one end of the spindle, and with a transmission driven by a motor that is mounted on the second rail, whereby the mounting is a single piece stamped bent part with a first area with at least one fastener opening and a second area that is offset upward relative to the first area for holding one end of the spindle, whereby the first area and the second area are connected to form a single piece by a transition area, whereby the second area is designed with a slot with legs lying opposite each other, at least in sections, and opposite a slot between which the end of the spindle can be fixed.

Abstract: A rolling hinge device comprises two substantially parallel winding cylinders, longitudinal link element-forming winding means, the winding means being able to maintain a predetermined distance between the winding cylinders and being wound around winding cylinders, and at least two flexible tracks, a flexible track being fixed to each winding cylinder, the flexible tracks being arranged facing one another and having a point of contact, a prestressing force being applied at said point of contact of the flexible tracks under the effect of the winding means. At least one flexible track comprises at least one slot produced over at least a part of its length, the slot delimiting a plurality of flexible beam sections of determined profiles.

Abstract: A device for generating a controllable reciprocal movement of a moveable mechanical element between a first stop point and a second stop point. At least one drive element is moved continuously with reciprocal movement between two turning points. A coupling device with a controllable coupling serves for the selective coupling of the mechanical element to the drive element. The coupling device further features a freewheel and is arranged such that in the active state of the coupling the mechanical element is coupled to the at least one drive element during a first half-cycle of the movement of the drive element and is moved from the first stop point to the second stop point, and during a second half-cycle of the movement of the drive element is substantially uninfluenced by the drive element due to the action of the freewheel.

Abstract: A steering yolk bearing assembly includes a body. The body can include a first end having a flat surface and a second end opposite the first end. The second end can have a concave surface having a radius of curvature, RCS, a first lateral side and a second lateral side opposite the first lateral side. A first bearing pad can extend from the first lateral side of the concave surface and a second bearing pad can extend from the second lateral side of the concave surface opposite the first bearing pad. Each bearing pad can include a shaft contact surface having a radius of curvature, RSCS, and RSCS?2×RCS.

Abstract: A rotary actuator mechanism for applying torque to a shaft and comprising an actuator housing forming an actuator path that includes an actuator pinion rotatably supported in said housing and having said shaft secured thereto. The pinion having peripheral notches of a selected shape and positioned within the actuator path. The mechanism having a train of discrete actuator elements having opposite ends and positioned in the actuator path, each of the actuator elements being of said selected shape to enable reception in the peripheral notches, a plurality of the elements engaging the notches. The mechanism having at least one linear actuator supported by the housing and engaging one of the ends of the train of actuator elements, the linear actuator being selectively activated to push the train of discrete actuator elements through the actuator path to thereby serially engage the actuator elements with the notches of the pinion and thereby apply torque to the shaft.

Abstract: Three or more displacement generation mechanisms, which allow some of a plurality of guide members that are provided respectively to a plurality of guide holding members that is capable of reciprocally moving substantially perpendicularly to shifting directions of a reciprocally movable linear motion structural member with respect to a base member, and a rocking member that is provided to an end of a linear motion member capable of reciprocally moving in directions substantially in parallel with the shifting directions of the guide holding members so as to rock around an axis substantially perpendicular to the respective shifting directions of the linear motion structural member and the linear motion member, to be made in contact with each other so that some of the guide holding members are displaced relatively to the linear motion structural member, are operation-controlled, with a result that a transmission gear ratio between a displacement velocity of the linear motion member and a displacement velocity of

Abstract: Provided is an actuator device used in a plurality of sites of a multi-shaft driving mechanism such as a multi-shaft manipulator, a robot arm, a leg structure and a snake-shaped robot. A torque sensor 14 is connected to a bearing 17 such as a cross roller bearing through a mount part. As illustrated, the torque sensor 14 is driven by an outer ring relative to a stationary part case 19 of an actuator device 10. An attachment surface of an output shaft frame 20 is arranged in a position offset from the bearing 17 on a side of the stationary part case 19. An entire length of the actuator device 10 in an output shaft direction does not change also after the output shaft frame 20 is attached and an occupied space does not increase.

Abstract: A head structure of a robot according to the invention includes a first motor and a second motor so supported side by side within a head of the robot that output shafts are positioned coaxially with each other; a left elastic frame that is so driven by the first motor and one end of which is so fitted as to be rotatable around the output shaft and the other end of which extending in a perpendicular direction from the output shaft is supported by a trunk of the robot; and a right elastic frame that is so driven by the second motor and one end of which is so fitted as to be rotatable around the output shaft and the other end of which extending side by side with the left elastic frame from the output shaft is supported by the trunk.

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: Disclosed is a wave-type linear motion mechanism including a hydraulic pressure chamber for applying a retention force in the axial direction to a rigid screw member which moves in a linear fashion. Regulating valves are provided in the hydraulic pressure chamber, and these regulating valves open during the rotation of a wave generator so that no hydraulic pressure is exerted on the rigid screw member which moves in a linear fashion. During the rotation of the wave generator the regulating valves close to establish an airtight state in the hydraulic pressure chamber, and a hydraulic pressure is exerted as a retention force on the rigid screw member. Although restricted by the meshing strength between the rigid screw member and a flexible screw member and the buckling strength of the flexible screw member, the retention force of the wave-type linear motion mechanism is able to be increased.

Abstract: A vibration-type actuator includes a vibration member, a driven member configured to move relative to the vibration member by a vibration of the vibration member, an output member connected to the driven member, a shaft inserted in a through-hole in the vibration member, a fixing member coupled to the shaft and configured to support the output member, and a coil spring provided between the driven member and the output member and configured to bring the driven member into pressure contact with the vibration member. The coil spring includes, at an end portion thereof, a first end turn portion with a plural number of turns. The coil spring is connected to the output member at the first end turn portion. The thickness of the first end turn portion is greater than a gap between the driven member and the output member.

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 drive apparatus for a concentrator photovoltaic array including a gearbox case, a motor body housed within the gearbox case and a motor shaft coupled to and extending though a motor bearing of the motor body and having an axis of rotation. A front shaft mount bearing is coupled to one distal end of the motor shaft and a rear shaft mount bearing coupled to the other distal end of the motor shaft, and the front and rear shaft mount bearings are constrained by the gearbox case. A driver gear can be coupled to the motor shaft to drive the photovoltaic array. The front and rear shaft mount bearings transfer loads from the motor bearing to the gearbox case.

Abstract: A linear actuator is provided. In one embodiment, the actuator includes a motor, a gearbox, and a linear actuation device. The motor serves as a primary input to provide a rotational input to the gearbox, which generates a corresponding rotational output. The linear actuation device converts the rotational output of the gearbox into a linear motion for driving a load in a linear direction. The actuator includes an override system as a secondary input. The override system may be operated to drive the gearbox in the event that the motor becomes non-operational. Anti-back-driving devices may be provided to prevent back-driving of the motor and of the override system. In the context of a resource extraction system, the motor may be an electric motor powered by subsea electronic control system. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A door driving apparatus having a motor, a sleeve formed at a drive end of a rotor of the motor, a pinion integrally fixed to a rotation shaft integrated with a spline shaft detachably fitted to the sleeve, and left and right racks disposed opposite to each other with respect to the pinion and engaged with the pinion so that the left and right racks can move in directions substantially parallel and opposite to each other. When the motor is individually removed from a rack and pinion casing, the pinion is left in the pinion and rack casing while upper and lower sides of the pinion are engaged with the right and left racks, respectively. Accordingly, the relative positions of the left and right racks are unchanged.

Abstract: An actuating device for a locking means of a longitudinal adjusting means of a motor vehicle seat with upper and lower rails engaging in each other and longitudinally adjustable relative to each other, between which a cavity is formed, is provided. The actuating device comprises actuating elements for unlocking the locking means pretensioned in locking direction. The actuating elements are combined to a functional assembly which can be inserted into the cavity between the upper and lower rails, is connectable with the locking means and can be brought into an operating position for actuating the locking means on insertion into the cavity between the upper and lower rails and connection with the locking means.

Abstract: An actuator for pulling and releasing a bicycle control cable, including an actuator body including a hollow interior. A plunger is disposed in the hollow interior and is axially movable. The plunger includes at least one driving lug and at least one latching lug. A latching ring is rotatably disposed in the hollow interior, the rotation of which by the plunger lugs creates a cable pull and a cable release state of the actuator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lifting device for a tool, in particular for a lower tool of a deep drawing machine or traysealer, having a framework, at least one tool-receiving portion that is supported in the framework in a liftable manner, and at least one displacement transducer that is arranged between the framework and the tool receiving portion. The framework and this tool receiving portion are connected to each other via at least one knee joint rod assembly, said displacement transducer having at least one crank drive that acts on the knee joint rod assembly. The crank drive has two end positions, each of which is formed in the region of a dead center, and the knee joint rod assembly has an extended dead center position, said extended dead center position of the knee joint rod assembly being formed in one of the dead center positions of the crank drive.

Abstract: An optical anti-shake driving structure includes a base, a sliding platform, a driving device and a limiting device. At least two guide rods are set on the base, the guide rod is set on the same plane as the base. The sliding platform suspended on the guide rods and having a lens set within a hole on the sliding platform, the lens aligned with a light transmissive hole of the base. The driving device set on the base to drive the sliding platform, the limiting device set on the base to limit the displacement range of the sliding platform. The components of the driving structure are simplified, of a greatly reduced thickness, are easy to assembly, as well as lowering cumulative tolerances.

Abstract: Structural support azimuth rotation mechanism (2) comprising the following: a rotating structure (1) with respect to a fixed vertical rotation shaft (3), connected to the structural support (2) by connecting means, which includes: a flat base (10) in the center of which is located the fixed vertical rotation shaft (3), and a side wall (11) along the entire length of the perimeter of the flat circular base, at least one fixed azimuth rotation device (4) of the rotating structure (1), that includes rotation means (5, 6, 15, 16) that are supported by the side wall (11) of the rotating structure (1), and a fixed system of support on the ground, that includes the fixed vertical rotation shaft (3) and a plurality of feet (7, 7?, 7?), on which is fixed at least one fixed azimuth rotation device (4).

Abstract: An adjustment mechanism for vehicle seat, comprising a gearbox, an eccentric element driven by a driving unit, an eccentric gear wheel rotatably mounted on the eccentric element, a drive output unit equipped with an inner gear ring which cooperates with the eccentric gear wheel by partial engagement of the teeth, a sliding block equipped with a first and a second longitudinal guide, the sliding block cooperating with the eccentric gear wheel by the first longitudinal guide, the sliding block cooperating with the gearbox by the second longitudinal guide, the material of the second longitudinal guide having a lower hardness than the hardness of the material of the eccentric gear wheel.

Abstract: A swing leaf actuator has an output shaft and a drive mechanism with at least one drive portion. The drive mechanism is operatively connected to the output shaft to be driven in at least one direction. The output shaft has a connecting portion that is connected to a swing leaf. The output shaft is translationally movable along its axis of rotation. A method for mounting the swing leaf actuator includes inserting the drive mechanism into a housing of the swing leaf actuator. Components disposed on the output shaft in a torque-proof manner are aligned such that the output shaft is pushed into the components. The output shaft is inserted into the components to be torque-proof with respect to each other. A mounting device includes elements configured to align the output shaft with regard to the components disposed on the output shaft in a torque-proof manner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive device for a sliding door or a sliding plug door of a passenger transportation vehicle, comprising at least one at least linearly movable runner (7) in order to move a door leaf fastened thereto, a motor (3) fastened to the runner (7) or to the passenger transportation vehicle, and a first gearbox (2, 5, 6) between the motor (3) and runner (7) in order to effect at least the longitudinal displacement of the runner, characterized in that at least two fastening options (13, 14), which differ in the arrangement ratios of the first gearbox and motor, are provided between the motor and the first gearbox.

Abstract: An actuator having an electromechanical drive and a housing is provided. The driving torque provided by an electric motor is transmitted by gear train to two actuator outputs connected to two parts of a stabilizer. The gear train is an eccentric gear train, the drive shaft of which is driven by the electric motor. An overall eccentric driven by the drive shaft has on its circumference a drive gear having a first outer profile and a second outer profile different therefrom. In the operating state the drive gear first outer profile is connected to a first inner profile of a first one of the outputs and the drive gear second outer profile is connected to a second inner profile of the second one of the outputs, and the connection can be eliminated by changing the eccentricity of the eccentric such that both outputs can rotate freely relative to each other.

Abstract: A connecting rod for an aeronautical actuator system, having one shaft transmitting forces applied in tension and/or compression along a longitudinal axis of the rod. When the connecting rod is in service, an elastically deformable element connected to the shaft is configured to react to the forces applied to the shaft, and displays elastic deformation when effected by these forces. The deformable element has a peripheral part rigidly connected to a member of the rod in which the shaft is slidably mounted. Measurement means associated with the deformable element determine the forces. The measurement means is partially housed in the deformable element. The deformable element includes a central part elongated along the longitudinal axis, which is rigidly connected to the shaft and in which the measurement means are at least partially housed. An intermediate part runs transversally to the central part and connects the central part and the peripheral part.

Abstract: A hopper gate opening/closing mechanism for use in a combination weigher (100) includes an actuator (31) for generating a driving force for opening and closing the hopper gate; and a cam mechanism (40A, 21) for opening and closing the hopper gate (14A) based on the driving force applied by the actuator (31); wherein the cam mechanism (40A, 21) inhibits the hopper gate (14A) from being opened in a position at which the hopper gate (14A) is closed.

Abstract: A drive unit for a motor vehicle having a guide element, a function unit guided by the guide element and which is movable via a motor, and a carrier guided by the guide element and coupled to the function unit. The carrier includes a coupling element movable relative to a main body of the carrier, so that to bring about an engaged state the coupling element is arranged in a first position inside a receptacle of the guide element to fix the carrier on the guide element, and to bring about a coupled state the carrier is arranged in a second position inside a recess of the function unit so that the carrier is moved together with the function unit. The carrier has a securing element that is movable relative to the main body and which, in a fixing position, prevents movement of the coupling element out of the first position.

Abstract: The invention is a stand-alone automatic basket lift for deep fryers. The lift has an arm controlled by a timer. A standard basket 14×5×5 inch containing food is attached to the arm. Upon pushing the start button, the arm will lower the basket into the fryer and stay a predetermined time there frying the food. After the predetermined time elapses, the basket is lifted out of the deep fryer. The timer has six memories to store the predetermined time at user's desire. The predetermined time can be programmed to the accuracy of one second by the user. The maximum predetermined time is 99 minutes and the minimum is one second. Each lift is a stand-alone machine and can be installed at different positions relative to the fryer. For practical applications, two lifts are built into one unit. Three models for different installation positions are designed: side-installation model, back-installation model and top-installation model.

Abstract: The invention relates to a head support comprising a head support case that can be moved in relation to at least one stay bar in the X direction. The invention also relates to a locking system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a supporting device for a semi-trailer or the like, comprising an outer supporting tube and an inner supporting tube, wherein the inner supporting tube is telescopically arranged in the outer supporting tube and may be moved in the axial direction relative to the outer supporting tube by a spindle mechanism mounted inside the outer supporting tube. The supporting device may further comprise an actuating device for actuating the spindle mechanism, which is configured as a separate structural unit and arranged outside of the outer supporting tube. The invention further relates to a semi-trailer having at least one such supporting device as well as an actuating device and a transmission device for use in such a supporting device.

Abstract: A drive assembly for a drug delivery device comprises a rotation member being configured to be rotated in a first direction during setting of a dose of a drug and to be rotated in a second direction during delivery of the dose, a drive component being configured to follow rotational movement of the rotation member in the second direction during delivery of the dose and a stop member being configured to prevent rotational movement of the drive component in the first direction. The drive component comprises a first drive part and a second drive part, coupled to each other such that relative rotational movement of the first and second drive parts is prevented and relative axial movement is permitted.

Abstract: A relative-rotation synchronous movement-aid device, which has a simple structure and is easy to assemble. The synchronous movement-aid device includes a linking arm and a rotational wheel assembled with the linking arm. The linking arm has a pivoted end and a free end mounted on the rotational wheel. The pivoted end is mounted on a rail. When an external force is applied to the linking arm, the pivoted end can freely move along the rail. The free end serves to make the rotational wheel relatively rotate along with the movement of the linking arm to achieve better synchronous movement effect than the conventional slide mechanism.

Abstract: A bi-directional rotary actuator causing the output shaft thereof to output two or more kinds of bi-directional and rotational driving forces. A bi-directional rotary actuator includes a rotary solenoid (101) serving as a driving source, a link body (104) engaged with a shaft (132) such that a rotational force can be transmitted to the shaft, an output element (105) connected to the link body, and switching operation means (106) for selecting connection between the link body and the output element. Transmission of a rotational force between the link body and the output element can be appropriately switched to either gear drive performed by meshing of gears or link drive based on a link ratio, and this allows the actuator to output bi-directional rotary driving forces having two or three rotational angles. The switching described above is performed by movement, in the direction of the axis of the shaft, of the link body by utilizing the repulsive or attractive action of an electromagnetic force.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus including a body, a control panel installed on the top of the body, and a height adjusting device to adjust a height of the control panel. The height adjusting device includes an installation bracket for installation of constituent elements of the height adjusting device, a drive motor to generate rotational power, and at least one arm having one end rotatably coupled to the installation bracket and another end rotatably coupled to the control panel. A clutch unit is placed operationally between the drive motor and the arm to selectively cutoff power transmission between the drive motor and the arm. Thus, the height of the control panel is manually adjustable after the clutch unit cuts off power transmission between the drive motor and the arm.

Abstract: Seat actuators and methods for operating seat actuators are disclosed. A seat actuator comprises an actuator interface, a motor, and a brake. The actuator interface is adapted to be coupled to a corresponding seat interface. The motor is operable to provide a force to the actuator interface. The brake comprises a plurality of interlocking components. The brake is operable to prevent movement of the actuator interface by a mechanical interlocking of the plurality of interlocking components. A method for operating the seat actuator comprises operating a motor of the seat actuator to provide a force to an actuator interface, and operating a brake to prevent movement of the actuator interface by mechanically interlocking a plurality of interlocking components of the brake.

Abstract: An entertainment button device includes: an entertainment button that a player can push; a button-up-and-down mechanism configured to move the entertainment button up and down from a predetermined normal operation position to a protruding position in which the entertainment button protrudes upward from the normal operation position; a stopper plate configured to hold the entertainment button in the protruding position; and a protruding position detector configured to detect the entertainment button being held by the stopper plate.

Abstract: A moving device is disclosed. A moving device includes a driving unit comprising a rotary shaft that is rotatable in a forward direction and a reverse direction by air pressure, a power delivery unit connected to the rotary shaft and adapted and configured to convert rotary motion of the rotary shaft to linear motion.

Abstract: An assembling mechanism of a self-locking linear actuator includes a gearbox, a one-piece rear retainer seat and a casing. The gearbox is composed of two half pieces, which are mated with each other for accommodating and locating a transmission mechanism of the actuator. The rear retainer seat is fixedly held in the gearbox for supporting a bearing of a threaded rod of the transmission mechanism and bearing the stress from the threaded rod. The contact faces of the rear retainer seat and the gearbox are regular polygonal to facilitate adjustment of fixing angle of the rear retainer seat. The casing is composed of two half casings, which are mated with each other to accommodate the transmission mechanism, the gearbox and the rear retainer seat. The mating faces of the half casings are parallel to the axis of the output shaft of a motor to facilitate connection operation of the casing.

Abstract: An ejection device for a furniture component moveably housed in or against a furniture body. The ejection device includes a swivellably housed lever. A first castor is attached to a free end of the lever, and a second castor is attached to the lever at a distance from the free end.

Abstract: An ejection device for a furniture component moveably housed in or against a furniture body. The ejection device includes a swivellably housed lever. A first castor is attached to a free end of the lever, and a second castor is attached to the lever at a distance from the free end.

Abstract: The cartridge (22) comprises a body (24), a rotary control plate (28) driving a push plate (30) in a translational movement, elastic means (38) of compressing the push plate (30) towards the control plate (28), and a cage (40) for holding the elastic means (38). The body (24) comprises a projection (42) for attaching the cage (40), collaborating with an attachment orifice (46) formed in an axial tab (44) of the cage (40). The cage (40) is capable of a rotational movement between an attachment position in which the attachment orifice (46) collaborates with the projection (42), and a release position in which the cage (40) is not attached to the body (24). The body (24) comprises a first limit stop (50) that limits the rotation of the cage (40) with which the tab (44) collaborates in the release position. The body (24) comprises a ramp (60), adjacent to the first limit stop (50). In the release position (40), the tab (44) rests radially against the projection (42) and the ramp (60).

Abstract: An apparatus for moving a slide-out room disposed in an aperture of a side wall of a vehicle from a retracted position to an extended position in a drive direction. The apparatus includes a drive assembly supported by the side wall of the vehicle within the aperture, and the drive assembly includes a prime mover having a brake engagable to inhibit unintentional movement of the slide-out room. A driven assembly is driven by the drive assembly. The driven assembly is connected to a wall of the slide-out room such that the slide-out room moves with the driven assembly from the retracted position to the extended position in the drive direction.

Abstract: A mechanical reducer case for converting a motor torque into a drive torque for an opening is provided, the case forming a guide rail guiding the opening into a closed position or into an open position. Also disclosed is a motorized system for driving an opening including the preceding case and a method for manufacturing the preceding case including a half-shell.

Abstract: A three-dimensional cam mechanism capable of selecting a cam guide surface shape freely to improve the degree of freedom for selecting a target locus on the follower side, transmitting power between orthogonal axes and performing a reversible operation. A three-dimensional cam guide surface (2 (3)) is formed in a cam (1), and the cam guide surface (2) is caused to guide a cam follower (6 (7)) formed at a predetermined angle at one end of a follower side link (4), so that the rotational movement of the cam (1) is translated into the swinging movement at the other end of the follower side link (4). Thus, smooth operations of the cam are obtained by the selection of the shape of a supporting member and by the free design of the cam guide surface shape, without being limited to the power transmission between the orthogonal axes or followed by backlash.

Abstract: A vehicle door driving apparatus includes a driving mechanism fixed to a vehicle door and including a motor and a drum rotationally driven by the motor. A rope member is wound around the drum and linked to the vehicle body, and rotation of the drum is transmitted to the vehicle body by the rope member to open and close the vehicle door. The driving mechanism includes: a first small-diameter gear linked to the rotary axis of the motor to rotate together with the rotary shaft of the motor; a transmission gear rotatable around the axis extending in the vehicle width direction; a sun gear rotatable around such axis; a ring gear disposed on the same axis as the sun gear; and a carrier having a planet gear engaging the sun gear and the ring gear, and linked to the drum so that the carrier rotates together with the drum.

Abstract: A transport device includes a first segment fixedly coupled to a wall. The transport device also includes at least one second segment coupled to the first segment. The at least one second segment includes at least one of a fluid-driven device, a rack and pinion drive device, and a carriage. The transport device further includes an automated position control system. The control system includes at least one axial positioning device coupled to the at least one second segment. The control system also includes at least one axial position feedback device coupled to at least one of the first segment and the at least one second segment.

Abstract: A method for making an actuator device includes forming a substantially planar structure, including an outer frame with a latch foot, a fixed frame coupled to the outer frame, a latch mass coupled to the fixed frame, a latch block coupled to the latch mass by a latch block flexure, a moveable frame coupled to the outer frame, and an actuator incorporating a plurality of interdigitated teeth alternately attached to the fixed and moving frames. For operation, the latch mass is rotated downward until an upper surface of the latch block is disposed below and held in latching contact with a lower surface of the latch foot by the latch block flexure.

Abstract: A precision feeding device that drives a table supported by a base in a predetermined moving direction includes: a rod connected to the table; a drive mechanism that drives to move the rod forward and backward in the moving direction; and a laser interferometer that detects a displacement of the rod relative to the base. The drive mechanism includes a linear motor that symmetrically applies a drive force on the rod relative to an axis in the moving direction. A laser path of the laser interferometer passes through the rod and extends in the moving direction, so that a moving axis of the rod, a thrust axis of the drive mechanism and a detection axis of the laser interferometer are aligned.