Abstract: Flexible welded metal bellows comprising a plurality of diaphragms comprising flexible metal annuli free plates or rings having similar inner and outer diameters, alternate pairs of said plates having their outer and inner peripheries, respectively, welded to each other to form a fluid-tight connection therebetween. The invention comprises interposing and welding a metal annuli spacer plate or ring between at least one adjacent pair of said flexible free plates to space the free plates from each other and to prevent or reduce the pressure contact between the adjacent welds when the bellows is retracted.

Abstract: A master cylinder includes a housing (22) with a bore (24) for receiving a pair of pistons (36, 38). The housing defines a reservoir (28) with an outer wall (26). The housing also defines at least one outlet passage (62, 66) communicating fluid from the bore (24) to a brake assembly (16). The outlet passage (62, 66) is partially defined by a boss (60) formed integrally with the housing (22) and the boss (60) cooperates substantially with the outer wall (26) to separate the reservoir (28) into a pair of cavities (84, 86).

Abstract: A master cylinder includes a sleeve (31) which defines fixed positions for a pair of seals (30, 32). A pair of pistons (36, 38) cooperate with the seals (30, 32) to form pressure chambers (40, 42) which communicate fluid pressure to brake circuits during braking. A bearing member (44) cooperates with one (36) of the pistons to define an auxiliary pressure chamber (50) and the bearing member (44) is provided with an additional passage (140) for communicating fluid into and out of the auxiliary pressure chamber as well as an end (46) directing movement of the one piston (36).

Abstract: A differential master cylinder adapted for use as fluid pressure generating source in a brake system comprises a cylinder body having a stepped cylinder formed therein; a stepped piston arranged to be slidable within the stepped cylinder; a first chamber defined by the end of a portion of smaller diameter of the stepped piston and a portion of smaller diameter of the stepped cylinder; a second chamber defined by the stepped piston and a portion of larger diameter of the stepped cylinder; a first fluid passage provided at the stepped piston and arranged to have the first and second chambers intercommunicate; a check valve arranged in the first fluid passage to close when fluid pressure within the second chamber reaches a first setting value; and a relief valve arranged to open to return the fluid from the second chamber to a reservoir when the fluid pressure within the second chamber reaches a second setting value which is higher than the first value.

Abstract: A hdydrostatic load sense vehicle steering system which directs fluid from a source to a hydrostatic steering circuit that includes a steering controller, and to an auxiliary circuit. Fluid control means responds to fluid pressures in a pilot circuit to direct priority flow to the steering circuit and excess flow to the auxiliary circuit. The pilot circuit includes a first pilot conduit that communicates with a load sense port of the steering controller. The steering controller controls fluid pressures in the pilot circuit in accordance with the condition of the steering circuit. A second pilot conduit communicates a pressure signal in accordance with the condition of the auxiliary circuit to the fluid control means. The second pilot conduit also communicates through a bleed orifice with the load sense port of the steering controller. When the controller is in neutral, it directs the pilot fluid from its load sense port to a reservoir.

Abstract: In a mud pump liner and piston cleaner a split ring-type tubular reservoir, supplied with fluid under pressure, substantially surrounds the end portion of a liner projecting out of a mud pump cylinder. A plurality of small diameter tubing sections, each communicating at one end with the reservoir, direct streams of fluid, from their other ends, in a washing action toward the inner periphery of the liner.

Abstract: According to the invention, the communication between the supply orifice (40,41) and the corresponding pressure chambers (38,39) of the master-cylinder (11) is tested while the stop (25) defining the rest position of the piston (15) of the servo is being displaced, and this stop (25) is finally immobilized by crimping when the correct position of the stop has thus been found.

Abstract: A pneumatic drive has at least one working cylinder composed of a pair of parallel stationary walls and a pair of walls which extend at right angles to the first pair and are movable relative thereto, towards and away from each other. This varies the volumetric content of the cylinder and changes one transverse dimension thereof. A piston is reciprocable in the cylinder and constructed of a plurality of sections which together define the piston surface that is exposed to the pressurized working medium of the drive. During the working stroke these sections move apart from one another so as to together define a piston surface of maximum area; during the idle (return) stroke the sections are moved together by an arrangement provided for this purpose, so that some of them are concealed behind or within others, thus reducing the piston surface to an area which may only amount to about 20% of the former area.

Abstract: A brake booster is provided with a housing (30) having a bore (32) therein receiving a piston (52) carrying a valve assembly (68). An end plug (50) cooperates with the piston (52) to form a work chamber (66) and an input member (84) extends through the end plug to cooperate with the valve assembly (68). In the rest position, the work chamber (66) communicates with a reservoir (38) via passage 112, auxiliary chamber 104, passage 116, bore 32 and passage (40) independently of the piston (52).

Abstract: An improved control valve for double-acting piston and cylinder asemblies is disclosed in which pressure for actuating a regeneration valve to direct hydraulic fluid from the contracting side of the piston to the expanding side, is controlled by a cylindrical check valve apparatus (86-112) which surrounds the valve plunger and controls the pressure of fluid flowing from the contracting side to the reservoir.