Abstract: In a method for displacing forces, particularly loads (P), either a force (P) acting on a guide surface (23) is reduced by an opposing force and simultaneously displaced, or a pressing force (P) is caused to act on a guide surface (23) in order to produce a displacing force (P2). In order to reduce the frictional resistance of the force (P) on the base (A, B) on which it acts, this force can be reduced by an opposing force and the force then displaced. The opposing force is produced, for example, by a known self-guided membrane cell (20) or a piston. Part of the force is supported displaceably on a wedge surface (23). This method permits advantageous displacement of forces, particularly loads, in opposition to friction forces.

Abstract: A drive device for driving and/or conveying, guiding and positioning an object in a desired direction by a wedge-type propulsion mechanism. The wedge-type propulsion mechanism represents a new design for a step-by-step conveyor system which can move substantially heavier loads than the systems already known and can perform other functions as well. The device includes a support platform for supporting a load, and an inclined ramp connected to the support platform, the inclined ramp facing in the desired conveying direction. A lifting device can be positioned under the ramp and moved upward to lift the ramp, and with it the support platform. A low coefficient of friction exists between the lifting device and the ramp, preferably provided by a roller, so that as soon as the lifting device lifts the ramp, the ramp slides or rolls along the lifting device in the desired conveying direction while the lifting device remains stationary.

Abstract: A drive device for a rotating part, in particular a vehicle axle, has at least one digital mechanical drive having an active wedge and associated drive devices which produce, structurally predetermined or optionally from different forms of energy, pulses which are direct-driving or, via energy buffer storage, proportional to path or angle. Such a drive device is useful in vehicles which are driven by human force or in stationary installations. It includes a mechanical pulse drive which, depending on the design, is driven optionally either by human force and/or pressure fluid. A pumping device (6) diverse a part of the drive energy for filling a ppressure accumulator. A control valve (19) and a working member permit pulse-wise connection of a force amplifier (18). This pulse drive of digital character represents a direct drive with human force in the form of mechanical pulses. It stores surplus energy which has been fed in, and then, as a force amplifier, makes it available as needed.

Abstract: In a drive device operated by pressure fluid a progressive linear or swinging or rotary movement of a driven element is produced by means of at least one lifting element. Between the lifting element and the driven element there is arranged at least one wedge which carries out a stepwise reciprocating movement under the influence of the lifting element. In this way the driven element is pushed forward step by step in the loaded direction via a force locking. This drive device permits a force-locked connection to the object to be moved.

Abstract: A device for detachably coupling the orifice of a branchline to a line carrying a pressure medium and having a plurality of discharge valves spaced apart from each other in the line wall, the coupling being carried out by means of a coupling device which is movable over the length of the line and contains the orifice and opens one of the discharge valves. The discharge valves are mounted in the line with magnetically actuating opening members and the coupling device is provided with a coupling element guided thereon and is provided with an automatically sealing coupling member in the coupling position with the discharge valve at the pressure side for an automatic alignment with the orifice, and an actuator which magnetically cooperates with the opening member and the coupling member.

Abstract: A system is described for indicating the appropriate time to perform preventive maintenance operations upon a machine tool. The system includes a signal generator which is to be connected to the machine tool to generate signals whenever the tool is in operation. These signals are integrated and a threshold sensitive detector responsive to the output of the integrator produces a control signal. The control signal is then applied to a audio/visual indicating means to notify operators of the advent of a particular preventive maintenance operation to be performed upon the machine tool.

Abstract: A device for detachably coupling the orifice of a branchline to a conduit carrying a pressure medium having a plurality of discharge valves disposed spaced apart from each other along said conduit. Each of the valves has a discharge opening, and a closing element for each of said openings. A coupling device has the orifice disposed therein and is longitudinally displaceable along the conduit and connectable with the conduit by opening one of the discharge valves. The coupling device has a coupling element which is guided on the conduit and an automatically sealing coupling in the coupling position with the discharge valve at the pressure side for an automatic alignment with the orifice, and an actuator effective to actuate a respective one of the discharge valves in the coupling position of the coupling element.

Abstract: A device for detachably coupling the orifice of a branchline to a conduit carrying a pressure medium having a plurality of discharge valves disposed spaced apart from each other along said conduit. Each of the valves has a discharge opening, and a closing element for each of said openings. A coupling device has the orifice disposed therein and is longitudinally displaceable along the conduit and connectable with the conduit by opening one of the discharge valves. The coupling device has a coupling element which is guided on the conduit and an automatically sealing coupling in the coupling position with the discharge valve at the pressure side for an automatic alignment with the orifice, and an actuator effective to actuate a respective one of the discharge valves in the coupling position of the coupling element.

Abstract: A device for detachably coupling the orifice of a branchline to a line carrying a pressure medium and having a plurality of discharge valves spaced apart from each other in the line wall, the coupling being carried out by means of a coupling device which is movable over the length of the line and contains the orifice and opens one of the discharge valves. The discharge valves are mounted in the line with magnetically actuating opening members and the coupling device is provided with a coupling element guided thereon and is provided with an automatically sealing coupling member in the coupling position with the discharge valve at the pressure side for an automatic alignment with the orifice, and an actuator which magnetically cooperates with the opening member and the coupling member.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus for incrementally measuring the wheel inclination angles of vehicle wheels with the arrangement employing data emitters for converting the inclination angles into pulses proportional to such distances or angles. Each of the data emitters includes a movable scanning pin operatively connected with a photo-electric system cooperating with light rasters to generate pulses indicative of the measured angle of inclination. The generated pulses are fed to a pulse store device and/or an indicator device to provide an automatic visual indication of the camber, toe-in, caster and lock angle of the vehicle wheels.

Abstract: A system for detecting changes in load on terrain and actuating an alarm in response thereto including a fluid system, a pressure-sensitive device in the fluid system having a first pressure signal output responsive to a load on a terrain, a second pressure signal output generating device responsive to said first pressure signal output, an alarm and a pressure-sensitive switch connected to said alarm, said switch being responsive to the second pressure signal output to actuate the alarm.

Abstract: A tool includes a force-producting device having at least one inflatable thrust producing member displaceable so as to apply a given force, and a pivotally displaceable member engageable by said inflatable thrust producing member and pivotally displaceable thereby. The tool may be used as clippers, pinchers, pliers, tongs, and the like.

Abstract: A power cell for lifting masses by inflation of the cell by a gaseous or liquid medium, the cell being hollow and, in the pressure-free state, substantially a single plane. The cell includes two parallel polygonal surfaces, preferably squares, invariant in shape, interconnected by wall segments which vary in shape as the cell is inflated, the side wall segments forming partial cylindrical surfaces. The side wall segments and the polygonal surfaces are joined by transition wall surfaces to form a closed body. Various embodiments of the transition wall surfaces forming corner segments, are disclosed, wherein, in the pressure-free state of the cell, the extensions of the peripheries of adjoining side wall segments may intersect substantially rectilinearly, in a convex arc, in a concave arc, or in an obtuse angle.

Abstract: An improved inflatable bladder for use in force transmission apparatus comprises a pair of flexible sheets peripherally joined together, one of such sheets having therein an opening for admission to and discharge from between the sheets of an inflating fluid, the periphery of the sheets having a contour which is at least in part concave toward the bladder center.

Abstract: Fluid motor means having a sectional housing containing a fluid flow passage therebetween is provided. The passage has a cross section which varies in response to load changes, along with means in the passage for varying the flow of pressure fluid to the motor in response to said load changes. Expansion or fluid chambers are preferably used to couple input and output members in a manner responsive to torque changes.

Abstract: A propulsion and control system for watercraft, surface craft and the like wherein at least one thrust generator capable of continuously producing thrusts of variable magnitudes is pivotally mounted to the vehicle in a manner such that it is capable of simultaneous swing movement about at least two axes angularly oriented with respect to each other. The invention includes steering control apparatus operative during normal maneuvering of the watercraft to selectively position the thrust generator in a plurality of orientations with respect to the axes such that selective combinations of thrust magnitudes and directions facilitates selective propulsion and control of the vehicle. The steering control apparatus being positionable during normal maneuvering of the watercraft such that the thrust generator is positionable from forward to reverse and back again for facilitating selective propulsion and control of the craft between corresponding forward and reverse directions.

Abstract: Pressure responsive force transmission apparatus such as may be used in automatic controls and for hydraulic and pneumatic lift or force mechanisms comprises a pair of substantially rigid lift elements each having a base plate, at least two guide arms projecting from the base plate, and at least two guide surfaces at the sides of the base plate. The pair of lift elements is mated together each with its guide arms engaging the guide surfaces of the other. A flexible inflatable bladder is disposed between the base plates of the mated lift elements. One of the lift elements is formed with a fluid transmission passage communicating with the interior of the bladder. By delivering fluid under pressure through said passage, the bladder is inflated and causes the lift elements to move apart.

Abstract: Hydraulic and pneumatic motors having expansion chambers arranged between two supporting means, at least one of which is rotatable, said chambers formed at least in part of material that is elastically deformable by the pressure medium used, are provided. The invention also provides a control system for introducing the pressure medium into the chambers sequentially and expelling it sequentially after each chamber has attained maximum volume.

Abstract: A fluid pressure motor having a plurality of independent, freely distortable pressure chambers connected together in the form of a multi-lobed rosette shaped structure arranged between two rotatable supporting plates inclined at an angle to each other. The chambers are elastically deformable by the fluid pressure and there are at least two rosette shaped structures superimposed between the rotating support plates with adjacent chambers in each of the rosettes being in fluid communication with each other and with a control system for introducing a fluid pressure medium into the chambers sequentially and expelling it after the chambers have attained maximum volume.

Abstract: A drive arrangement for producing a rotary motion by means of a fluid or eous pressure medium in which a working shaft and an eccentric part within a housing are acted upon by at least one freely deformable expansion cell mounted between the housing and the eccentric part in such a manner that expansion of the collapsible cell exerts a rotational moment on the eccentric part, a force that is directed along the central axis and therefore along the working shaft. The expansion cells are connected with the working medium by suitable control means.