A buffered cam assembly, which is particularly well-suited for use to provide a clock input for a mechanical computing system, interposes a buffer element between a cam surface and a follower. The buffer element engages the cam surface and acts to significantly reduce the effect of any irregularities in the cam surface on the resulting motion of the follower, allowing the output waveform of movement of the follower to more closely approximate an intended ideal output waveform.

A compact angular actuator allows for angular displacement between a first section and a second section. The first section comprises a cam that is circular in cross section and has a wedge-shaped face. The second section comprises two or more constraint components that are in contact with the face of the cam. A hinge joins the first section and the second section in proximity with one another. As the cam is rotated about an axis that is perpendicular to and extends through a center of the circular cross section, the position on the face that the constraint components are in contact with changes. As a result, a force is imparted between the first section and the second section, changing the angular displacement between the two. The actuator fits within a compact volume and allows for precise controlled angular displacement, while allowing that displacement to be maintained without power consumption.

A compact angular actuator allows for angular displacement between a first section and a second section. The first section comprises a cam that is circular in cross section and has a wedge-shaped face. The second section comprises two or more constraint components that are in contact with the face of the cam. A hinge joins the first section and the second section in proximity with one another. As the cam is rotated about an axis that is perpendicular to and extends through a center of the circular cross section, the position on the face that the constraint components are in contact with changes. As a result, a force is imparted between the first section and the second section, changing the angular displacement between the two. The actuator fits within a compact volume and allows for precise controlled angular displacement, while allowing that displacement to be maintained without power consumption.

One aspect of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a strain wave gear device. The method includes steps of measuring a between pin diameter of an internal gear, measuring an over pin diameter of an external gear, where the external gear is to be placed radially inside the internal gear, configured to mesh with the internal gear, and flexible, measuring a dimension of a bearing, where the bearing is to be placed radially inside the external gear, and flexible, and machining an elliptical cam, where the elliptical cam is to be placed radially inside the bearing, and configured to flex the external gear in a non-circular manner. The elliptical cam is machined based on the measured dimensions of the internal gear, external gear and bearing such that the internal and external gears mesh with each other at a constant position.

A dishwasher system for cleaning dishes may include at least one rack configured to receive a silverware basket, the basket including at least one silverware compartment, a pair of camshafts including a first camshaft and a second camshaft, each fixed to the rack and operable by a gearbox configured to rotate the camshafts with respect to the rack, the camshafts arranged below the silverware basket, and a cam arranged at each end of each of the camshafts, wherein upon rotation of the camshaft by the gearbox, the cams affect the height of a respective corner of the basket to allow the silverware therein to be lifted or lowered and exposed to spray at various heights or angles from sprayers within the dishwasher.

An axle disconnect apparatus having a cam cylinder including a ramp disposed in a radially outer surface thereof. A first clutch element disposed at least partially inside the cam cylinder and an intermediate shaft disposed at least partially within the first clutch element. The intermediate shaft includes a splined portion in constant mesh with the first clutch element. A half shaft may be disposed coaxially with the intermediate shaft, and a second clutch element may be coupled with the half shaft. The first clutch element selectively engages the second clutch element. The axle disconnect apparatus further comprises a latching mechanism whereby the cam cylinder maintains an axial position. The latching mechanism including a radial depression in the cam cylinder ramp, and a cam follower selectively disposed at least partially in the radial depression.

An axle disconnect apparatus having a cam cylinder including a ramp disposed in a radially outer surface thereof. A first clutch element disposed at least partially inside the cam cylinder and an intermediate shaft disposed at least partially within the first clutch element. The intermediate shaft includes a splined portion in constant mesh with the first clutch element. A half shaft may be disposed coaxially with the intermediate shaft, and a second clutch element may be coupled with the half shaft. The first clutch element selectively engages the second clutch element. The axle disconnect apparatus further comprises a latching mechanism whereby the cam cylinder maintains an axial position. The latching mechanism including a radial depression in the cam cylinder ramp, and a cam follower selectively disposed at least partially in the radial depression.

A wind turbine having a tower having a top end and a bottom end; a first eccentric mechanism connected to a turbine rotor, the turbine rotor at the top end of the tower; a second eccentric mechanism connected to an electric generator, the electric generator being at the bottom end of the tower; and a plurality of tensile links connecting the first and second eccentric mechanisms.

A wind turbine having a tower having a top end and a bottom end; a first eccentric mechanism connected to a turbine rotor, the turbine rotor at the top end of the tower; a second eccentric mechanism connected to an electric generator, the electric generator being at the bottom end of the tower; and a plurality of tensile links connecting the first and second eccentric mechanisms.

A pipe grooving device having a plurality of geared cams uses synchronizing gears, each of which meshes with two of the geared cams, to synchronize the rotation of the cams which engage the pipe element to form the groove. The position of the groove relative to the end of the pipe is controlled by a stop body which incorporates a plate mounted ring which engages and disengages with a pipe stop surface on one or more of the cams to limit or permit cam rotation. The pipe stop body is positioned within a cup which receives the pipe element. The cup limits pipe end flare and limits the tendency of the pipe to go out of round during the grooving process. The device mounts on a powered chuck which turns the pipe element.