Abstract: An oscillated fitness bicycle structure includes a first driving apparatus and a second driving apparatus installed on a base, an eccentric portion on the first driving apparatus, a driving rod integrated to a handle support rod and disposed on a saddle support rod, a back-and-forth oscillation rod connected to the handle support rod and saddle support rod, and a resilient element for providing upward bounces anytime. When an exerciser sits on the saddle, the body weight of the exerciser pushes the saddle support rod downward and two driving rods drive a driving wheel of the first driving apparatus and a weight wheel of the second driving apparatus to rotate, such that the handle support rod and saddle support rod can perform leaping back-and-forth, up-and-down and sideway oscillations to provide an exercise similar to a horse riding exercise.

Abstract: A rotary drive mechanism for use with a timer/sequence switch in an appliance is presented. The mechanism converts linear motion from a cam tracker following a programmed cam track to rotary motion to drive a vent damper in an appliance. The rotary motion output is derived as a multiple of the input linear motion through a gear set. This input linear motion is translated to rotary motion imparted to a tracking rod, which is coupled through the gear set to an output actuating rod. Tracking by a tracking lobe is accommodated by a spring bias force applied though a bias lobe that counteracts the force applied by the cam track. Alternatively, tracking by a tracker is accommodated by a spring bias force applied through a torque arm of the tracking rod that also counteracts the force applied by the cam track.

Abstract: The nonlinear mechanical modulator of the present invention comprises first and second masses, a first spring connecting the first and second masses, and a second spring connecting the second mass and a fixed end. A motion input is applied to any one of the first and second masses and a resultant motion output is generated from the other one of the masses. Further, at least one of the springs has a nonlinear behavior characteristic that its stiffness varies according to a magnitude of the motion input. At this time, a nonlinear characteristic of the spring is categorized into a nonlinearly increasing characteristic that its stiffness is increased as its deflection becomes greater, and a nonlinearly decreasing characteristic that its stiffness is decreased as its deflection becomes greater. One or both of the two nonlinear characteristics can be applied to and employed in the mechanical modulator of the present invention.

Abstract: A high frequency mechanical scanning assembly which is capable of one or two dimensional scanning comprises an actuator assembly, a base assembly, a coil assembly and a sensor assembly. The actuator assembly includes an upper resonant system and a lower flexure. The upper resonant system has an upper mass, a reaction mass, and an upper flexure. The top surface of the upper mass is a mirrored surface which can be used to reflect a light beam. The actuator assembly is connected to the base assembly via the lower flexure. The lower flexure connects to the reaction mass at a point close to the center of mass of the reaction mass. Movement of the upper resonant system is caused by an excitation system which includes magnets securely mounted to at least the lower mass and the coil assembly which provides driving torques to the magnets. The lower flexure is less stiff than the upper flexure.

Abstract: A hydraulic power assist rack and pinion steering system (12) for a vehicle includes a housing (14) in which a rack (10) is movable along an axis (16) to effect turning movement of steerable wheels of the vehicle. The rack (10) comprises a first rack part (50) having an elongate body portion (56) and an end portion formed as a first piston portion (58), and a second rack (80) part having an elongate body portion (86) and an end portion formed as a second piston portion (88). The first piston portion (58) of the first rack part (50) is joined to the second piston portion (88) of the second rack part (80) to form a piston (22). The body portion (56) of the first rack part (50) extends axially away from the piston (22) in a first direction (110). The body portion (86) of the second rack part (80) extends axially away from the piston (22) in a second direction (112) opposite the first direction (110).

Abstract: The transmission mechanism comprises a lever (12) which can rotate around an eccentric shaft (11) of a rotating disk-crank (10). The lever (12) is guided in its movement by cam means (15a) and acts upon an arm (19) which is attached for joint rotation to an output shaft (3). Advantageously the disk-crank (10) is driven through a connecting rod (8) from another disk-crank (1) which can rotate around a shaft which is different from that of the first disk-crank (10). It doesn't require adjustment or setting up and it has a low cost. The transport device has on the output shaft the wheels for drawing chains with transporting bars provided with clamps for the sheets.

Abstract: A wiper drive (10, 12, 14) with a reversible geared motor (16) is fastened to a motor mounting plate (18). The driven shaft (22) of the wiper drive supports a crank (28, 30, 32), which is connected by means of at least one joint (34, 36, 38, 40) to a leaver (68, 70) of a lever mechanism. The crank is a crank plate (28, 30, 32) on which at least two adjacent joints (34, 36) for two levers (68, 70) are disposed adjacent to each other in a plane.

Abstract: A high frequency mechanical scanning assembly which is capable of one or two dimensional scanning comprises an actuator assembly, a base assembly, a coil assembly and a sensor assembly. The actuator assembly includes an upper resonant system and a lower flexure. The upper resonant system has an upper mass, a reaction mass, and an upper flexure. The top surface of the upper mass is a mirrored surface which can be used to reflect a light beam. The actuator assembly is connected to the base assembly via the lower flexure. The lower flexure connects to the reaction mass at a point close to the center of mass of the reaction mass. Movement of the upper resonant system is caused by an excitation system which includes magnets securely mounted to at least the lower mass and the coil assembly which provides driving torques to the magnets. The lower flexure is less stiff than the upper flexure.

Abstract: A shift switch control device for selection lever units of automatic transmissions is disclosed. The shift switch control device has a selection lever for selecting a desired range within a transmission pattern during the automatic transmission mode and performing an up- or down-shifting operation during the manual transmission mode. A rotary plate is provided at the selection lever, and has up- and down-shift switches at its top end, with a projection provided at the central portion of the rotary plate. A manipulation lever is installed at the top of the selection lever at a position between the up- and down-shift switches, and turns on or off the up- or down-shift switch. A projection guide plate, having an inclined surface at one end thereof, is provided on the selection lever. The control device also has a rotary plate return means for giving an elastic returning force to the rotary plate.

Abstract: A connector for a vehicle steering system for attachment between a steering link such as a track rod and a steering arm on a wheel to accommodate vertical movement and swivelling of the wheel in use. Such connectors are usually provided by ball joint connectors. In the present invention these ball joints are essentially replaced by a connector in which opposite ends of the connector are rotatable relative to each other using only single axis pivots.

Abstract: A linear drive mechanism comprising a moveably guided output member (12). The output member (12) is guided on a supporting device (15) in a supporting area (13) of the housing (1). A position determining device (54) protrudes laterally from the output member (12). The position determining device moves along a position determining area (55) during the axial movement of the output member (12). The support device (15) extends only over part of the perimeter of the output member (12), wherein the output member (12) is exposed along a section of the perimeter so that an open space (67) is provided, thereby forming part of a position determining area (55) which can be traversed by the position determining element (54). This makes it possible to combine effective guidance with a compact linear drive design.

Abstract: A windshield wiper assembly for use in a motor vehicle. An electric motor is operatively connected to and powered by an on-board electrical supply provided by the vehicle. The motor forms a part of a housing mounted within an engine compartment of the vehicle at a location remote from the vehicles windshield. A driving wheel and linkage member convert a rotary output of the motor into a translating and reciprocating driving force. A drive mechanism is mounted proximate a lower edge of the windshield with a first wiper arm pivotally securing to the drive mechanism at a first location and a second wiper arm likewise pivotally securing to the drive mechanism at a second location. The drive mechanism provides a gear and belt arrangement for actuating the first and second wiper arms in a synchronous manner. One or more elongated and internally hollowed sleeves extend between the housing and the drive mechanism.

Abstract: A linkage couples a pair of rotatable shafts so that the rotation of one the shafts causes rotation of the other said shaft about the some axis. The linkage includes a pair of thin flexure strips disposed in parallel between the pair of parallel rotatable shafts One end of the pair of flexure strips is coupled to one of the rotatable shafts and the other end of the pair of flexure strips is coupled to the other rotatable shaft. The pair of thin flexure strips is coupled to the shafts so that the rotation of one of the shafts will cause the flexure strips to rotate the other of the shafts. The rotatable shafts rotate around parallel axes. The flexure strips flex and bend together as the rotatable shafts rotate. The rotational motion transmitted by the flexure strips has the same axis as the rotation axis of the shafts.

Abstract: A folding table includes a folding table top and a framework typically mounted on casters or rollers. A linkage provides for folding of the table top between a use position wherein the table top is substantially horizontal and a storage position wherein the tabletop is substantially vertical. The linkage includes a table top frame member having a slot and c-channel formed therein slidably mounted on a pivot at a top of the framework. A linkage arm extends between one end of the table top frame member and the frame. A latch pivotally mounts to the table top frame member and moves between an engaged and disengaged position wherein the frame pivot is retained. A latch holder also slidably mounts on the table top frame member and is selectively engageable with a lift surface of the latch member to lift the latch out of engagement with the pivot.

Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating a cover or lid between horizontal and upright positions. A foot-actuated device is connected by a first cable to a lift mechanism positioned about the lid's pivot. The first cable lies over the profile of an oblong cam in the lift mechanism. Pulling the first cable rotates the cam for rotating the lid. The cam's profile initially produces a large turning moment which compensates for the initially difficult lift and then smoothly decreases the turning moment to compensate for the decreasing force needed as the lid approaches the upright position. In the context of a toilet seat lid, it is convenient to incorporate an automatic lowering device. In upright position, a latch in the cam engages a trigger. The seat is spring-urged to close, restrained only by the latch and trigger. A second cable is float-actuated to disengage the trigger from the latch when the tank begins to refill after being flushed.

Abstract: A motor-vehicle door has a latch assembly having a door latch having a release lever displaceable to unlatch the door and a horizontally displaceable outside door handle. A transmission member rotatable about an axis is connected to the handle such that horizontal displacement of the handle rotates the transmission member about the axis. An actuating head is rotationally fixed to the transmission member and a shaft generally coaxial with the transmission member carries a formation axially fittable with the actuating head for rotationally coupling the transmission member to the shaft. A crank extending from the shaft is movable angularly about the axis on rotation of the shaft and a link is connected between the crank and the release lever so that when the handle is displaced horizontally the shaft is rotated about the axis, the crank and link are displaced and in turn displace the release lever, and the latch is operated.

Abstract: In a harmonic drive arrangement for the displacement of one component relative to another, a ball cage with cavities and balls movably disposed in the cavities is associated with one of the components and a transfer structure with conical recesses is associated with the other of the components adjacent the ball cage. The cavities are arranged in spaced rows and the conical recesses are arranged in rows spaced differently than the cavity rows. A pressure element with ascending and descending cam structures is movably disposed adjacent the ball cage to engage and move the balls into, and permit them to move out of, the recesses as the pressure element is moved along the ball cage to thereby provide for relative movement of the two components.

Abstract: A linkage arrangement supports an implement such that the implement is movable relative to a support member which is also movable relative to a structure. Movement of the implement and support member is limited by mechanical and/or mechanically operated limits. The linkage mechanism enables an increase in the ability to move and orientate the implement within a limit envelope. In a preferred form, a first linkage arm is pivotably mounted to a prime mover. At a distal end of the first linkage arm an orientation member is pivotably attached, the orientation member pivotably attached to a first limit actuating arm. The rotation of the first linkage arm causes rotation of the orientation member. The orientation member provides a base for the attachment of a further arm or implement. The first arm or implement is prevented from contacting the prime mover by the limits provided by the orientation member.

Abstract: A steering system in an all-terrain four-wheeled vehicle with independent suspension wherein necessary forces for steering control are supplied by cable and pulley actuators with the cable running parallel to the suspension arm between vehicle frame and wheel, steering control by the driver being by manipulation of right and/or left steering levers eliminating the need of steering wheel and steering column in front of the driver. The steering actuators are independent and there is no linkage for coordinating their turning angles; rather, close coordination of the wheel turning angles for achieving the turning angle relation between the wheels is by a non-linear linkage whereby the actuators are provided with separate displacement motions with the non-linear relation to achieve the desired relation between the steering angles of the wheels.

Abstract: A cable control system is constructed to isolate a controlled member from uncontrolled motion upon sudden breakage or disconnection of cables in the system. The control system has an input mechanism connected to the controlled member by a control circuit which includes an input pulley and an output pulley system. The output pulley system has first and second quadrants which are rotatable about a common axis of rotation. The quadrants have a pivot connection to permit relative pivoting motion between the quadrants. A spring connected between the quadrants urges them to rotate toward each other. The cables are connected to respective quadrants and to the input mechanism to cause conjoint rotation of the quadrants about the common axis in response to corresponding rotation of the input pulley. Tension in the cables holds the spring in an extended position. An output lever is pivotally mounted for free pivoting motion relative to the quadrants.

Abstract: A device for returning a reciprocating mechanism to a predetermined intermediate position of reciprocating motion, comprises a reciprocating link movable in accordance with a predetermined reciprocating motion, a pair of positioning members provided at both sides of the predetermined intermediate position of reciprocating motion, a pair of movable blocks, and a single resilient member interconnecting the movable blocks. The positioning members is adapted to position the movable blocks by abutting the movable blocks against the respective positioning members via a biasing force created by the single resilient member. The movable blocks is adapted to return the reciprocating link to its predetermined intermediate position by abutment of the reciprocating link on both the movable blocks, for restricting a reciprocating motion of the reciprocating link via the biasing force created by the single resilient member.

Abstract: A motor vehicle screen wiper apparatus comprises a screen wiper mounted on the upper end of a drive spindle, the apparatus including means for varying the inclination between the spindle axis and a reference axis which is substantially at right angles to the plane of the glass to be swept. The drive spindle is mounted for pivoting movement about at least one pivot axis, and the apparatus includes a cam mechanism which controls this pivoting movement of the drive spindle, so as to vary the inclination between the drive spindle axis and the reference axis as a function of the rotational position of the drive spindle about its own axis of rotation.

Abstract: An improved bicycle driving apparatus structured to generate driving power including a driving assembly to generate driving power, a tracking assembly to transmit the driving power to the rear wheel, a speed-shifting assembly structured to permit changing of the gears. The driving assembly includes a right pedal assembly and a left pedal assembly, each structured for movement in an alternating direction and along a generally arcuate path of less than 360 degrees. The driving assembly also includes a variable speed transmission assembly structured to vary the amount of power required for movement of the right and left pedal assemblies. The right pedal assembly includes a right pedal cylindrical hub secured to a drive shaft. Furthermore, it includes a first and second pulling rod, a first and second auxiliary pulling rod, and a right pedal arm extending from the right pedal cylindrical shaft. The left pedal assembly includes a left pedal arm, a first roller, and a second roller disposed upon the drive shaft.

Abstract: A cup holder for holding receptacles such as cans, bottles and the like includes a housing and a pair of receptacle holding rings rotatably mounted on the housing for movement in different planes between a retracted position in which the holding rings are located in the interior of the housing and an extended position in which the holding rings extend out of the housing. A closure element is also provided for closing the open front of the housing when the receptacle holding rings are in the retracted position. The receptacle holding rings are provided with engaging elements that engage one another when the receptacle holding rings are in the extended position. The engaging elements define a predefined stop position for the two rings in the extended position. Additionally, tabs are provided on one of the rings to prevent the rings from crossing over one another.

Abstract: A system for controlling a control surface articulated to a structure of a vehicle about a first axis includes a tab articulated to the trailing edge of the control surface about a second axis parallel to the first axis, an elastic link provided between the control surface and the tab, a pilot input control mechanism to which the elastic link is connected and which acts on the tab, and an actuating member provided between the control surface and the link for keeping the tab/control surface assembly in any position whatever. The elastic link and the actuating member are arranged to be at least substantially parallel to the first axis of articulation of the control surface. The first axis is disposed near, and upstream from, the elastic link and the actuating member.

Abstract: A motor vehicle window wiper device with a wiper arm at the top end of a drive shaft rotatably mounted in a fixed bearing by means of two ball joints of which at least one is off-center relative to the axis of the drive shaft so that the angle of the drive shaft axis to the plane of the window varies when said shaft is rotated about said axis.

Abstract: A clothes washing machine includes a washing basket and an oscillating agitator disposed at a bottom of the washing basket. The agitator includes a plate having radial blades, and an upward guide fixed at a center of the plate. A reciprocable member is mounted on the guide for upward and downward movement relative thereto for preventing the clothes from becoming entwined. The guide includes a first screw thread which engages a second screw thread on the reciprocable member so that upward and downward forces are alternatively applied to the reciprocable member in response to relative rotation between the first and second screw threads, causing the reciprocable member to reciprocate up and down. The upward force terminates in response to a lower end of the second screw thread reaching an upper end of the first screw thread. The downward force terminates in response to an upper end of the second screw thread reaching a lower end of the first screw thread.

Abstract: A robot having a joint mechanism including a first arm member; a second arm member supported to the first arm member so as to be rotatable about a first axis; a swinging member supported to the second arm member so as to be rotatable about a second axis intersecting the first axis at a bending point, the swinging member having a first connecting portion at a position spaced from the second axis; a power transmitting member supported to the first arm member so as to be rotatable about a third axis orthogonally intersecting the first axis at the bending point, the power transmitting member having a second connecting portion at a position spaced from the third axis, the power transmitting member being connected at the second connecting portion to the first connecting portion of the swinging member so as to be rotatable about a fourth axis intersecting the second axis at the bending point and obliquely intersecting the third axis at the bending point; and a driving motor mounted on the first arm member, for rotat

Abstract: A portable apparatus comprises a housing including a pack receptacle having an insertion port. The pack receptacle has a first connector facing to the insertion port. A circuit board is contained in the housing. The circuit board is positioned between the pack receptacle and a bottom wall of the housing. The pack receptacle contains a pack device to be detachable through the insertion port. The pack device has a second connector to be detachably connected to the first connector. The pack receptacle has an ejector for ejecting the pack device. The ejector has a pressing member for pressing the pack device in a direction away from the first connector and an operation member, positioned at the upper portion of the circuit board to be linked with the pressing member. The operation member has a lever section along the peripheral wall of the housing.

Abstract: A short take off and landing (STOL) aircraft is optimized for STOL performance and flight at minimum airspeed. The aircraft includes leading edge wing slats that are extended and retracted under the direct manual control of the pilot. The aircraft further includes an aileron/flap mixing mechanism that automatically droops the ailerons when the flaps are lowered. A flap bellcrank, which pivots to lower the flaps, carries a pair of pulleys. Aileron control cables, that actuate an aileron bellcrank to raise and lower an aileron, are threaded around and between the two pulleys. When the flap bellcrank pivots to lower the flap, the pulleys vary the positions of the aileron control cables relative to each other to pivot the aileron bellcrank and thereby lower the aileron. The aileron control cables remain independently movable to maintain pilot control over the bank and roll of the aircraft.

Abstract: A slewing mechanism which is particularly suitable for use with a car seat for the physically disabled which permits a combined translational and rotational movement of a plate (6) or the like to which, say, a seat assembly (100) may be connected and which includes a primary arm (1) rotatable about a pivot (2) adjacent one end, a secondary arm (4) pivotally connected to the primary arm (1) by a pivot (5) adjacent the other end, the secondary arm (4) being pivotally connected to the plate (6) and a first link (8) to link the secondary arm (4) to the surface to which the primary arm (1) is pivoted and a second link (9) which connects the upper plate (6) to the primary arm (1).

Abstract: A wiper arrangement for windscreen wipers in motor vehicles in which the wiper blade is rotated, depending on the pivoting angle of the wiper arm thus conforming to the curvature of the windscreen. The entire wiper arm rotates to a certain degree as the wiper spindle pivots depending on the pivoting angle. The crank control which is fitted in a control sleeve embracing a spherical cap on the wiper spindle and being rotatable in relation thereto. The control sleeve is controlled by a circumferential control edge on the bearing sleeve of the wiper shaft.

Abstract: A clutch for an interior latch handle of a plug-type airplane door is described which decouples the handle from the latch-operating linkage so the handle will not be backdriven into the passenger space when the exterior latch handle is operated to open the door from outside the airplane. The clutch includes a probe mounted on the base of a handle mechanism assembly in line with the handle, and a pawl pivotally mounted in the handle and disposed to engage a lug splined to the handle shaft and torsionally coupled to the latch. When the handle is in its "home" or "closed" position, the probe engages a roller on the end of an arm connected to the pawl and rotates the pawl away from the lug so that the handle shaft will not backdrive the handle into the passenger space when the exterior latch handle is operated to unlatch the door. When the handle is moved away from the probe, the pawl engages the lug to establish two-way torsional coupling between the handle and the latch.

Abstract: The movable actuating lever is connected to a transmission lever, at one hand, and is guided by means of a pin within a guideway in the housing of the apparatus, on the other hand. The transmission lever serves at the same time for transmitting the actuating motion via further levers to the apparatus part to be actuated. Due to the position and the shape of the guiding groove and the lever, the course of motion of the actuating lever with respect to the fixed handle portion may be optimally adapted to technical and ergonomic requirements in order to achieve an effective force transmission having minimal frictional losses. Furthermore, no levers are in the way, and injuries are avoided.

Abstract: A camless lap nipping mechanism for use in a comber is disclosed. A nipper frame (3) is provided above a combing cylinder (1). A cushion plate (4) is mounted on a distal end of the nipper frame (3). The cushion plate (4) nips a lap (Lp) in cooperation with a nipper member (7). Two stationary pivots (14,15) are provided, one above and one below the nipper frame (3). A four-node link mechanism, having two movable pivots (20,21) with a following lever (19) located therebetween, is provided between the stationary pivots (14,15). The front portion of the nipper frame (3) is pivotably linked to the following lever (19). A nipper shaft (11), and the four-node link mechanism (17,18,19) cooperate in rocking the nipper frame (3).

Abstract: A servo-wheel for use in a control system for model craft having a servo-motor and movable control members. The servo-wheel is a rigid disc having opposed planar surfaces. A hub is at the geometric center of the disc and includes a bore extending through the disc. A raised portion protrudes from one of the planar surfaces and forms a first part of the hub. The raised portion also defines a first part of the bore having an inner circumferential surface of a first diameter. A keyed receiver is formed in the inner circumferential surface of the raised portion. An insert is mounted in the disc to form a second part of the hub. The insert defines a second portion of the bore and has an inner circumferential surface of a second diameter, less than the first diameter. A keyed driver is received by the keyed receiver. The keyed driver is rotatably connected to the servo-motor at one end and attached to the servo-wheel hub at the other end, so that the servo-wheel is rotated by the servo-motor.

Abstract: A motor-vehicle door latch has a drive having a housing formed with an inner surface formed relative to a main axis traversing the housing with two angularly offset and radially inwardly open notches, a shaft rotatable in the housing about the main axis and having a radially outwardly projecting bump, and a wheel rotatable in the housing about the main axis, surrounding the shaft in the housing, and connected to the input member of the latch to rotate jointly with the input member between locked and unlocked positions of the latch. A lobe on the wheel projects radially outward into one of the notches. A radially outwardly deflectable abutment on the wheel is angularly engageable with the bump of the shaft and is urged by a spring radially inward on the wheel so that the bump can angularly engage the abutment and angularly displace the wheel.

Abstract: A bottle making machine includes a gob distributing apparatus in which a plurality of molds are arranged in a plurality of rows with equal spaces with each other and a plurality of chutes are arranged at entrance portions of respective molds. The apparatus comprises a plurality of rotation shafts of the numbers corresponding to the numbers of the rows of the molds, a plurality of scoops secured to the respective rotation shafts for distributing gobs to the chutes, respectively, a plurality of servo-motors having output shafts of the numbers corresponding to the numbers of the rotation shafts and a plurality of link mechanisms connecting the output shafts of the servo-motors to the rotation shafts, respectively, to independently drive the rotation shafts by the corresponding servo-motors.

Abstract: A rotary controlled motion transmission assembly is mounted behind the dashboard of a vehicle and has a knob that extends through the dashboard for rotary actuation by an occupant of the vehicle to move a bulkhead door for controlling the environment within the vehicle. The knob is connected to a cam plate having first and second ramps which rotate upon rotation of the knob. A pair of spring biased plungers, each having a camming surface, operatively engage respective ramps. A pair of cables are connected to the plungers and extend along a circuitous path within flexible conduits to a receiver assembly, such that axial translation of the plungers upon rotation of the control knob, results in axial translation of the cables. The cables are connected to a pulley mounted on a shaft which is connected to the bulkhead door for opening and closing of the door.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a pivoted member (1), such as a beam of a traffic barrier, comprises a rotary element (6) coupled to the pivoted member (1). A friction roller (7) for driving the rotary element (6) is supported on a mounting (8) that is pivoted on an axis (9) and biased about the axis (9) to hold the friction roller (7) in pressure contact with the rotary element (6). When the friction roller (7) is driven to rotate the element (6) to raise the pivoted member (1), the frictional force between the roller (7) and the driven element (6) is increased, whereas the frictional driving force is reduced when the roller (7) is rotated in the reverse direction.

Abstract: A constant force mechanism includes a base (410), a load arm (414) pivotally connected to the base at one end, a spring arm (412) pivotally connected to the base at one end with a torsion spring (416), and a pinch roller (420) for rotationally and translationally connecting the load arm to the spring arm, wherein a load is applied to the load arm end (424) opposite the end connected to the base.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a locking mechanism consisting of a guide lever arm (1) and a sliding lever arm (5), in which one end of each of the lever arm pivots about a bearing (10, 11) at a certain distance from the other lever arm, in which the other end of the sliding lever arm (5).is slidingly coupled with a slot (4) in the other end of the guide lever arm (1) by a pin (7) connected with the sliding lever arm (5), and in which the lever arms can be swiveled into two end positions. A force (2) exerted on the guide lever arm (1) in one of the end positions for the purpose of swiveling the guide lever arm (1) into the other end position is compensated in a selflocking way in the slot (4) by a recess in the area of the other end of the guide lever arm (1), and this locking effect can be removed only by a force (6) exerted on the sliding lever arm (5) in the direction of the other end position.

Abstract: An article (30) is controllably and precisely positioned at one of three discrete locations defined by a linkage. The positioning apparatus includes two independently driven cranks (34, 42), with a link (50) pivotably connected between the two cranks (34, 42). Another connector (44) is pivotably connected between one of the cranks (34 or 42) and the article (30) to be positioned. The cranks (34, 42) are rotationally adjusted so that the pivot points (52, 54) of the link (50) are collinear with the axes of rotation of the cranks (40, 48), thereby defining one of the three discrete locations. Additional cranks and links can be provided to define additional discrete locations.

Abstract: A transfer apparatus for transferring a semiconductor wafer has a base provided with a rotary driving source, and four arms having the same length. A first inner arm has an end fixed to the rotary driving shaft, and the other end fixed to a first coupling shaft. A second inner arm has an end supported by the base such that it can rotate about a pivotal point, and the other end is rotatably connected to a second coupling shaft. A transmission mechanism is provided between the first and second coupling shafts. A first outer arm has an end rotatably connected to the first coupling shaft, and a second outer arm has an end fixed to the second coupling shaft. The other ends of the first and second outer arms are rotatably connected to a supporting plate having a wafer-holding portion. The four arms are arranged so as to have a link structure in the form of a parallelogram, which enables linear transfer of a wafer.

Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker having an operating mechanism including a collapsible toggle linkage, an operating handle and a movable frame. The collapsible toggle linkage includes a rectangular cross section knee pin non-rotatably held within an open rectangular slot in an upper link of the linkage. The operating handle pivots about a first pivot point when moving between ON, OFF and TRIPPED positions. The operating handle pivots about a second pivot point when moving to a RESET position thereby reducing the lateral force component of the operating springs of the operating mechanism for reliable return of the handle to the OFF position. Also, bifurcated movable contact fingers are provided for pivotal movement about a fixed pin to break contact welds and a trapezoidal cross section shaft interconnects the movable contact fingers.

Abstract: An actuator means for an electrical switch concealed in a housing and operated by a handle externally mounted to the cover thereof, whereby, upon closing the cover, the actuator automatically moves in a rectilinear direction to locate the toggle operating lever of the switch and rotatably moves the externally viewed handle to preposition it to indicate the energization state of the switch. Alternatively, the actuator permits operation of the switch by rotating the externally accessible handle. This invention is especially suited to circuit breaker switches contained in explosion-proof or hazardous location-rated enclosures.

Abstract: Pivotal platform apparatus (10) includes a frame member (12), a platform member (14) being pivotally attached to the frame member and having a first rotational inertia, and a reaction member (20) being pivotally attached to the frame member and having a second rotational inertia. A pair of crossed taut elements (40a and 40b) provide means for transmitting reverse rotation pivotal movement between the platform member and the reaction member so that the inertia of the reaction member balances the reaction of the platform member to provide a reactionless scan mechanism. A pair of motors (26a and 26b), each having pole pieces (30a and 30b) attached to the reaction member, and each having motor coils (28a and 28b) attached to the frame member, provide means for rotationally positioning the reaction member.

Abstract: In connecting brackets using a frame member for a wiper device, the frame member being of linear structure providing sufficient mechanical intensity, the brackets are formed of die cast employing a general purpose die referenced to the axes of sleeves for pivotal shafts. An axis A of the frame member is so arranged that it is contained in the third imaginary plane which is parallel with first and second imaginary planes, wherein the first and second imaginary planes are selected respectively from imaginary planes which contain an axis B of a first pivotal shaft and from imaginary planes which contain an axis C of a second pivotal shaft 6, so that the first and second imaginary planes are parallel with each other.

Abstract: Link system for movement transmission between a gear lever and a gearbox in a vehicle, whereby the link system is coupled between a shift rod (2) and a gearchange shaft (4) which extends into the gearbox and whose bearing therein is arranged to absorb bending moments. The end of the shift rod (2) adjacent to the link system is supported by a journal bearing (32) mounted on the gearbox, and the link system includes a rigid planar link element (8), which at its opposing ends has parallel rotary articulations (14,30; 16,24) whereby the link element is coupled at one end to a crank (6) connected to the shift rod, and at the other end to a crank (10) fixed to the gearchange shaft (4).

Abstract: A neutral centering spring mechanism (71) is provided for a variable displacement hydrostatic pump (25) of the type of which control of the displacement occurs in response to rotation of a control shaft (101;101'). Disposed about the control shaft is a pair of preferably identical actuator members (111,113), each of which is in engagement with a pin (115) such that clockwise rotation of the control shaft rotates one actuator member (111) while counter-clockwise rotation of the control shaft rotates the other actuator member (113). Each actuator member defines a movable stop surface (131,137), which are in engagement with fixed stop surfaces (133,139). A single torsion spring member (121) surrounds the actuator members, biasing both actuator members toward the neutral position.