Abstract: A process for forming a metallic article such as a fluid actuated ram assembly and particularly a hydraulically actuated ram assembly which includes as an initial step production of a raw casting from a mold. Subsequently one or more transverse parting operations are effected to the casting so as to form components of the article which may subsequently be attached to form the article. Suitably the raw casting is mounted on a lathe for various machining operations to be effected prior to carrying out the parting operations.

Abstract: This invention relates to a valve suitable for location within a passage or bore of a piston or piston rod of a hydraulic ram assembly. The valve includes a valve body mountable in the bore or passage and a chamber provided in the valve body having a pair of fluid access ports preferably having a relatively narrow outer passage and an enlarged inner space which may function as a valve seat. There is also provided a pair of valve members wherein each valve member may co-operate with a respective valve seat to close or open same to fluid flow through the valve chamber.

Abstract: A raw casting for a metallic article such as a hydraulically actuated ram assembly, which has a rear portion having a bifurcated end as well as front portion having a bifurcated end. The raw casting may also include a barrel portion having an internal bore. The rear portion may serve as a precursor for a rear end cap and associated clevis of the hydraulically actuated ram assembly and the front portion may serve as a precursor for the rod clevis of the hydraulically actuated ram assembly which may be screw threadedly attached to a piston rod or piston of the hydraulically actuated ram assembly.

Abstract: A fluid actuated ram assembly includes a cylindrical barrel and a rear end cap attached to a rear end of the cylindrical barrel. A piston is located within the cylindrical barrel and both the piston and the cylindrical barrel are adapted for relative movement with respect to each other. There is also provided a piston rod having a piston attached to one end portion thereof. There is also provided a bearing member or guide bush located adjacent to the piston which has a central aperture for the piston rod and also one or more longitudinal passages communicating with the piston. There is also provided a front end cap releasably attached to the cylindrical barrel which has a fluid port communicating with the one or more longitudinal passages of the bearing member or guide bush.

Abstract: This invention relates to a keel roller for a boat trailer which includes an elongate body rotatably mountable on the trailer. The body is characterized by having a centrally located peripheral groove and opposed side portions each of which are located adjacent the groove. Each side portion comprises oppositely handed helical threads thereby providing a plurality of hills and valleys. The height of each hill decreases progressively toward the centrally located groove so that the periphery of each side portion converges or tapers inwardly towards the centrally located groove.

Abstract: A drilling bit has cutting edges radiating from its axis, each being a segmental part of a circular cutter the axis of which is substantially tangential to a circle centered on the bit axis, the cutters being at different distances from the bit axis. The cutters may be rotated to enable worn cutting edges to be replaced and the extremities of all cutting edges are substantially in a plane normal to the bit axis.