Abstract: A guided cylinder is illustrated wherein a yoke for bridging diagonally opposed guide rods has connection thereto by means of enlarged aligned abutments adjacent upper ends of the guide rods to provide a mounting as well as flats for securely holding guide rods while affixing the yoke and thereafter providing a stable mounting for the yoke.

Abstract: A fluid operated apparatus having a cylinder assembly, a piston and a rod is illustrated wherein cap members are provided with a first circumferential groove and a reduced end portion while a second circumferential groove is carried opposite the first circumferential groove within the cylinder assembly forming a seat for a deformable ring. A method of assembling the fluid operated apparatus contemplates inserting an end cap into the cylinder and then mounting a deformable ring in an adjacent groove in the cylinder and then forcing the cap out so that the ring passes over a reduced conical end portion of the cap and is positioned in the seat formed between the opposed grooves for deforming the ring. Improved cushioning against shock and noise is provided by an air distribution system within end caps having enhanced stability.

Abstract: Apparatus is illustrated for positioning longitudinally spaced switches upon a base member which member may be the cylinder of a robotic control apparatus and which apparatus achieves a clamping action through the use of a fulcrum exerting a clamping intermediate the ends of a locking bracket.

Abstract: A parallel robotic gripper is illustrated having a vertically moveable member for opening and closing parallel gripping members which are carried on master jaws having lateral longitudinally extending slots therein for minimizing machining necessary to provide effective mounting for the slideable master jaws on longitudinally aligned horizontally spaced rails.

Abstract: A robotic apparatus is provided with a separate ring of rubberized magnetic material with means for positioning the magnetic ring upon the piston which is of integral construction for actuating external signaling means.

Abstract: A robotic gripper is described having opposed fingers which are positively opened and closed through the use of a bushing, powered for a limited stroke up and down by fluid pressure, wherein the bushing is carried within a recess closely conforming thereto in the fingers, and an overlapping or over-gripping action of the fingers is provided by reason of slightly tapering opposed engaging surfaces carried by the grippers.

Abstract: A robotic gripper is illustrated having improved operator mechanism facilitating the use of multiple fingers or jaws for picking up objects of various shapes including round objects. The operator mechanism includes a fluid-operated plunger having transverse grooves each forming, together with an opposite groove in each of the respective fingers, a seat for the bearings.

Abstract: A compact, double-acting piston-type fluid activated device having an axially reciprocable piston for controlled, predetermined deceleration of the piston as it approaches the limit at each end of its travel within a cylindrical bore. The cylindrical bore is sealed at each end by end walls removably retained in the bore. Each end wall is provided with a central counterbore in its inner surface which in cooperation with the piston provides a cushioning chamber. The area of the counterbore central surface is critically related to the circular cross-sectional area of the cylindrical bore in which the end wall is to be secured, being in the range from about 60% to about 85% thereof. A vent passage places the cushioning chamber in preselectedly restricted flow communication with porting means in the wall of the device, each port being located intermediate the end walls. A method is provided for removably circumferentially locking each end wall in the operating cylinder with a wire snap ring having a hooked end.

Abstract: A robotic gripper is described having opposed fingers which are positively opened and closed through the use of a bushing, powered for a limited stroke up and down by fluid pressure, wherein the bushing is carried within a recess closely conforming thereto in the fingers, and an overlapping or over-gripping action of the fingers is provided by reason of slightly tapering opposed engaging surfaces carried by the grippers.