Abstract: Apparatus for electrically controlling actuation and deactuation of a hydraulic fluid directional control valve between centered, forwardly-moved and reversely-moved positions thereof includes a reversible electric motor whose drive train is connected to the valve control member for forward and reverse rotation thereof and an arrangement of two forward and two reverse electric circuits between an electrical source and the motor, two manual switches each in associated forward and reverse circuits, four limit switches positioned each in one circuit, and cams mounted on the motor drive train to open and close the limit switches in relation to the rotational disposition of the drive train to provide for manual actuation by the manual switches of selected forward and reverse rotation of the motor drive train and valve control member, for automatic deactuation of the electric motor by the limit switches at each of the two predetermined rotated dispositions of the valve member, for selective holding of the valve mem

Abstract: A rotating joint for establishing supply and return fluid flow connections between stationary piping and a rotating drum and syphon pipe and in which separate bearings and seals are provided for a drum shaft and a syphon pipe.

Abstract: A manually disengagable coupling for joining together fluid conduit portions for flow therethrough and a dishwasher incorporating such a coupling in a fluid conduit which has portions extending within a housing for enclosing dishes to be washed. By means of the manually disengagable coupling, portions of the fluid conduit may be removed from within the housing of the dishwasher for purposes of cleaning the dishwasher interior, while rotational and angular displacement between the joined conduit portions is resisted by characteristics of the coupling described more fully hereinafter.

Abstract: A mechanical actuator having a housing in which a gear-nut assembly is rotatably mounted on bearings to be driven by a drive shaft extending into the housing through a sealed aperture. The gear-nut assembly includes a gear component engaging the drive shaft, a ball nut component carrying a plurality of ball members arranged in driving engagement with a screw member extending through the interior of the gear-nut assembly, and a tubular shield member mounted in covering relation about the ball nut component and sealed at the ends thereof to cover ball return tubes on the surface of the ball nut component.

Abstract: A self-contained mechanical actuator, such as a jackscrew, which includes a housing in which a drive shaft assembly connects a power source to the input side of a speed reduction gear train, the output of which is associated with load-bearing means for manipulation of a load. A brake is provided in association with the drive shaft assembly where a minimum braking force can be used to maximum advantage. The brake includes a carrier member mounted about the drive shaft assembly solely by a plurality of ball elements carried by the carrier member and biased against the drive shaft assembly to apply a braking force against the shaft.