Abstract: A linear thruster is disclosed in which a load beam is linearly moved by fluid power relative to a guide beam and a piston. The beams are multisided in cross-section to substantially increase the linear bearing area between the bodies and, thereby, substantially increase the strength of the linear thruster against side forces as well as moments to which the linear thruster might subjected. Internal positioning of the components and energy transmission are maximized and the stroke may be variably adjusted.

Abstract: A cushioning system for a fluid power cylinder includes a first passage for the flow of fluid to and from the space between the piston and end cap closure of the cylinder, and a second passage including a throttling valve for throttling the flow of fluid from the space as the piston approaches the end cap closure to cushion the piston. An O-ring seal is centered in the first passage and relative to a seal actuating sleeve on the piston by a plurality of spaced projections extending outwardly from the O-ring. An improved method of forming the valve seat of the throttling valve is also disclosed, wherein the second passage is deformed to substantially conform to the width and shape of the throttling valve and provide substantially zero clearance between the valve and its valve seat.

Abstract: A cushioning system for a fluid power cylinder includes a first passage for the flow of fluid to and from the space between the piston and end cap closure of the cylinder, and a second passage including a throttling valve for throttling the flow of fluid from the space as the piston approaches the end cap closure to cushion the piston. An O-ring seal is centered in the first passage and relative to a seal actuating sleeve on the piston by a plurality of spaced projections extending outwardly from the O-ring. An improved method of forming the valve seat of the throttling valve is also disclosed, wherein the second passage is deformed to substantially conform to the width and shape of the throttling valve and provide substantially zero clearance between the valve and its valve seat.

Abstract: Gripping apparatus includes a supporting body having a pair of spaced generally parallel levers independently mounted thereon for pivotal movement toward and away from each other, the respective pivot axes being spaced and parallel. Two elongated cam bars are slidably mounted on the body in parallel juxtaposition with the levers, respectively. The bars are disposed between the pivot axes, respectively, and the body with the axes being opposite the midportions of the bars. Opposed cam devices are provided between the opposite ends of the bars and the respective levers for pivoting the latter oppositely toward and away from each other in response to reciprocal movement of the bars. Means are provided for reciprocating the bars in unison. The body is in the form of a cylinder and the reciprocating means a piston reciprocably received therein. The levers and bars extend longitudinally of the cylinder on diametrically opposite sides thereof.

Abstract: A rotary actuator for converting reciprocating motion to rotary motion including a housing having spaced-apart end plates connected by guide rods. A bellows is provided having opposite sides one of which is connected to one of the end plates, the bellows being adapted to be connected to a source of fluid under pressure so that the bellows expands from a collapsed to an expanded position. A guide plate is provided movably mounted on the guide rods with the other bellows side being connected thereto. A rack and pinion assembly is provided mounted on the other end plate, the rack being connected to the guide plate so that expansion and contraction of the bellows causes linear movement of the rack thereby imparting rotary movement to the pinion. A spring acts between the guide plate and the other end plate thus resisting expansion of the bellows and returning it to the collapsed position upon the release of fluid pressure.

Abstract: A fluid power system including a fluid power cylinder having a piston and fluid ports at its opposite ends, a directional valve for selecting the direction of piston actuation, and a metering control valve coupled between the directional valve and the cylinder. The control valve includes a cylinder section having a control piston therein and a valve body connected to the cylinder section and having a valve spool-receiving cavity therein. The valve body has first and second fluid ports therein communicating with the cavity, one of the valve body ports being coupled to one of the power cylinder ports and the other being coupled to the directional valve. A valve spool is disposed in the valve body cavity operatively connected to the control piston and movable therewith, the spool having a passage therein.

Abstract: A fluid power cylinder comprising a cylinder barrel, a guide rod received within the cylinder barrel and a piston slidably received within the cylinder barrel over the guide rod for rectilinear movement, means for slidably keying the piston to the guide rod whereby the piston is locked against rotation with respect to the guide rod about the longitudinal axis thereof, a guide rod holder rotatably received in the end cap for rotation coaxially with the piston and the guide rod, a pin connecting the guide rod and guide rod holder so that the guide rod is locked against rotation with respect to the holder about its longitudinal axis yet is permitted a limited degree of tilting about the end received in the guide rod holder, and a cam lock associated with the end cap for releasably clamping the guide rod holder against rotation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a non-rotatable fluid powered nozzle and valve combination which includes a cylinder having a piston reciprocally received therein for movement between two reciprocated positions and which defines two separated fluid chambers therewith. A piston rod secured to the piston is slidably received through one end of the cylinder, the cylinder being provided with two ports communicating with said two chambers, respectively. The piston and piston rod conjointly having a longitudinally extending passage therethrough. A hexagonal pin is disposed in one of said chambers and is slidably received in sealing relation by a hexagonal portion of the aforesaid passage. The pin is secured in the other end of the cylinder for limited radial but against longitudinal movement with respect to the cylinder.