Abstract: A medical device includes a hollow tubular connector having a first open end and a second open end, the first open end configured to be connected to a suction port of a surgical cutting device, and the second open end configured to be connected to a source of pressurized air, the hollow tubular connector including a first seal located proximate the first open end and having a first diameter, the first seal being configured to sealingly accommodate a tubular shank, of a first diameter, of a blade of the surgical cutting device.

Abstract: A device for changing operative portions for tobacco industry machines including a receiving portion made in a structural part of a tobacco industry machine; a plug member attached to an operative portion of the tobacco industry machine, a locking member, housed in the structural part of the machine and configured to adopt a locked position, where it locks the plug member in the receiving portion, and a released position, where it releases the plug member from the receiving portion and actuating means acting on the locking member at least to move the locking member from the locked position to the released position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a quick-change device (IO) having at least one locking bolt (26) and a motor drive which moves the locking bolt (26) into a locking position and an unlocking position, wherein the drive (16) has an energy connection (28a, 28b) and output means (34) interacting with the locking bolt (26), wherein the drive (16) comprises a rotary drive (30) having a motor and an output shaft (34), wherein the output shaft (34) is mechanically connected to the locking bolt (26), with the result that the locking bolt (26) is movable along an actuation axis. The invention is distinguished by the fact that the drive (16) has an attachment (20) for a shaft-hub connection, on which attachment a tool for manual actuation can be mounted, with the result that a manual actuation acts directly on the output shaft (34) and here the attachment (20) is arranged coaxially to a rotary connection (32a, 32b) of a gear shaft (32c, 32d).

Abstract: A robot that includes two or more skeletal or rigid links interconnected by a joint. The joint is pneumatically actuated and includes a pneumatic joint actuator that allows the robot's skeletal links to be moved in an expressive manner. The pneumatic actuator includes a pair of opposing air bladders encased within a housing or body of the joint. Each air bladder is positioned on an opposite side of an actuating lever arm, which is rigidly attached to one of the skeletal links and is pivotally mounted on the joint body or housing. Movement of the actuating lever arm causes the attached skeletal link to pivot. To obtain this selective movement, one of the two air bladders is filled with a gas, such as air, while the other is left un-inflated or less inflated, and this forces the lever arm and attached skeletal link to pivot about their mounting point.

Abstract: According to the invention, the component to be ruptured comprises an alternation of oblong pre-cut zones and of non-pre-cut zones and the pyrotechnique rupture device (1) with detonating cord (2) comprises an alternation of sections (1.1) for rupturing said non-pre-cut zones and of inflatable sections (1.2) for parting the broken parts of said component.

Abstract: A device for connecting a tool to an arm of a robot, comprising: -a body (2; 32) having an annular wall provided with openings (6; 36), received within which are one or more balls (8; 38), which are mobile within said openings between an inoperative position and an operative position, in said operative position said balls projecting from said wall to engage corresponding portions of said tool and clamping the latter on said arm; and -a piston (4; 34), configured for co-operating with said balls and governed fluid-dynamically between a first position and a second position, wherein, in said second position,- -said piston forces said-balls into said operative position, and, in said first position, said piston releases said balls so that they can move into said inoperative position.

Abstract: A torque limiter includes a shaft member, and a cylindrical member which is fitted rotatably on the shaft member. When the cylindrical member is rotated relative to the shaft member in such a state that the cap member is not screwed in the threaded hole and in such a state that the oil release passage is not opened to the outside, the other end portion of the oil release passage circumferentially moves within the circumferentially extended groove while being spaced apart from the circumferentially extended groove.

Abstract: Hydraulically assisted fastener (10) comprises a body (11) with a central bore (12) to engage a connector element (20) and with an annular recess (14) opening outwards to an end surface (15). Annular thrust member (17) fits into and seals the recess (14). Charging medium (50) is injected under pressure into annular chamber (30) defined by recess (14) and member (17) and moves body (11) relative to member (17) to tension element (20). Medium (50) sets in chamber (30) to maintain the tension in element (20). Element (20) may be a bolt or stud, body (11) can be a nut and member (17) can be a plan washer. Medium (50) can be a curable viscous paste, a suspended solid in a self-setting compound or a particulate solid which behaves as a fluid. Suitable materials include graphite, and lead, copper or steel balls.

Abstract: A mounting adapter is disclosed for use with a gear pump. The mounting adapter may have a generally plate-like base member, and inlet and outlet ports both formed in the base member. The mounting adapter may also have a first bearing bore formed in the base member between the inlet port and the outlet port and configured to receive a first gear shaft, and a first bleed groove formed in the base member adjacent the outlet port. The first bleed groove may be generally concentric with the first bearing bore. The mounting adapter may further have a second bearing bore formed in the base member between the inlet port and the outlet port and configured to receive a second gear shaft, and a second bleed groove formed in the base member adjacent the outlet port. The second bleed groove may be generally concentric with the second bearing bore.

Abstract: A clamping assembly which includes a first member that has a housing and a plunger that reciprocates within the housing. The first member further includes a first biasing member that biases the plunger in a first direction and a second biasing member that biases the plunger in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction. The first member further includes a bearing positioned within a cavity in the housing such that the bearing reciprocates within the cavity in a third direction that is partially orthogonal to the first and second directions. The plunger includes a first surface that applies a first force to the bearing that is at least partially in the third direction. The clamping assembly further includes a second member that includes a second surface that engages the bearing. The bearing applies a second force to the second surface of the second member that is at least partially in the second direction.

Abstract: An integrated locking device that includes both a linear locking mechanism and a rotary locking mechanism. The locking device includes a housing where the linear locking mechanism and the rotary locking mechanism are mounted to different sides of the housing so as to reduce the height of the device.

Abstract: A quick coupler for coupling a tool like for example a scoop, shell grab or demolition tongs to a tool guide such as an excavator arm or the like, including a coupling receptacle for receiving a first locking part and a locking receptacle for receiving a second locking part, wherein to the coupling receptacle a self-locking securing element is associated for catching and/or securing the first locking part in the coupling receptacle, and to the locking receptacle a pressure-medium-actuatable locking element is associated for locking the second locking part in the locking receptacle. The self-locking securing element of the coupling receptacle likewise is actuatable by the pressure circuit.

Abstract: An articulation and/or bearing device (1) with a pivot pin (2) whose head area (3), in the assembled condition, is held in a receiving joint cup (4) and, together with the latter, can move axially relative to an accommodating space that acts as a housing (5), is designed such that in relation to the axial movement of the joint cup (4) within the housing (5), the articulation or bearing device (1) acts as a gas pressure spring and/or damper.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing a heat sink/filter positioned between a pressure vessel and a diffuser in an air bag inflator. The pressure vessel is constructed so that upon activation of the inflator of the area of gas exiting the pressure vessel is smaller than the area of gas exiting the diffuser to create pressures in the pressure vessel that are higher than the pressures in the diffuser. This results in deformation of the pressure vessel that is equal to or greater than the deformation of the diffuser to maintain compression of the heat sink/filter between the pressure vessel and the diffuser during activation of the inflator.

Abstract: A vent for an axle housing includes a first body portion and a second body portion. The first body portion has a plurality of pores defined therethrough. The first body portion defines a first cavity. The second body portion has a conical portion that extends between a throat and a neck portion that defines an opening. The second body portion defines a second cavity that fluidly connects with the first cavity. The vent permits air to pass from the axle housing, through the plurality of pores in the first body portion, through the first and second cavities, and out the opening of the neck portion while concurrently inhibiting egress of lubricant from the axle housing.

Abstract: A connection device for the adjustable connection of a medical device, preferably a head-restraint, to an attachment of a stationary fixture, preferably an operating table, with the medical device being connectable to one end and the stationary device to the other end of the connection device, and the connection device having at least two holding arms (10a, 10b, 10c) connected via a ball-and-socket joint, in which the first holding arm (10a) has a ball joint socket (110a), the second holding arm (10b) a matching ball joint (12b), and the ball-and-socket joint can be fixed in a desired angular position by an unlockable clamping device having a pre-stressing element, which presses a joint socket (21) against the ball joint (12b) of the second holding arm (10b). The pre-stressing element is a gas pressure spring (17).

Abstract: A ball lock clamp includes a cylinder housing. A first piston is movable in the cylinder housing in response to a first fluid pressure. A second piston is movable in the first piston. A rod extends from the first piston. A biasing member is positioned in the cylinder housing to provide a biasing force between the first piston and the housing. A plunger is at a terminal end of the rod. The plunger includes at least one ball moving radially in and out of the plunger. A receiver receives the plunger. The receiver retains the plunger in a locked position in the receiver. A mechanism releases the plunger from the receiver. The mechanism includes a member in the rod to move the at least one ball radially in and out of the rod.

Abstract: A torque limiter includes a cylindrical member, and a shaft member which is fitted rotatably in the cylindrical member. The cylindrical member has a main body portion having in an interior thereof an oil pressure expansion chamber for pressing an inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical member against an outer circumferential surface of the shaft member and an oil release passage which is opened to the oil pressure expansion chamber at one end portion while being closed tightly at the other end portion and which is positioned further radially outwards than an outer circumferential surface of the main body portion. When the cylindrical member stays still relative to the shaft member, the other end portion of the oil release passage is accommodated within a cap member which is screwed to be fixed in a threaded hole.

Abstract: A connector assembly for connecting two members that allows manual lockdown to prevent accidental disengagement. The connector assembly can be used to connect a tension ring to a housing on a riser by using a lower set of hydraulically actuated dogs. A set of upper hydraulically actuated dogs on the connector assembly can be used to connect the tension ring to a diverter housing mounted on a rig. The connector assembly also has position indicators that ride along with the dogs to indicate whether the dogs are in the engaged or disengaged position.

Abstract: A clamping assembly which includes a first member that has a housing and a plunger that reciprocates within the housing. The first member further includes a first biasing member that biases the plunger in a first direction and a second biasing member that biases the plunger in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction. The first member further includes a bearing positioned within a cavity in the housing such that the bearing reciprocates within the cavity in a third direction that is partially orthogonal to the first and second directions. The plunger includes a first surface that applies a first force to the bearing that is at least partially in the third direction. The clamping assembly further includes a second member that includes a second surface that engages the bearing. The bearing applies a second force to the second surface of the second member that is at least partially in the second direction.

Abstract: A coupler for an excavator, the coupler comprising first and second recesses for receiving the pins of an attachment, a latching hook movable into and out of a latching state in which it closes the second pin-receiving recess, and a blocking bar movable into and out of a blocking state in which a portion of the blocking bar closes the first recess. The arrangement is such that, when the blocking bar is engaged in use by an attachment pin contained within the first recess, the action of the pin on the blocking bar urges the blocking bar into its blocking state. The blocking bar is further arranged so that, in the blocking state, it lies in the path of the latching hook and that, upon movement of the latching hook out of the latching state, the latching hook engages with the blocking bar to retain it in the blocking state.

Abstract: A compact quick coupling apparatus has a wedge movable between closed and open positions. A wedge spring extends in the opening direction from the wedge and urges the wedge in the closing direction. A latch spring urges a safety latch to a latched position to prevent the wedge from moving. A single acting hydraulic cylinder extends through the wedge and extends in the opening direction from the wedge. As the hydraulic cylinder extends it first moves the safety latch to the unlatched position, and then moves the wedge in the opening direction. When pressurized fluid is released from the hydraulic cylinder, it retracts and the wedge moves in the closing in response to the wedge spring until the wedge reaches the closed position, and then the hydraulic cylinder further retracts in response to the latch spring and the safety latch moves to the latched position.

Abstract: A piston rod assembly for coupling between a power end and a fluid end of a high pressure reciprocating pump. Part cylindrical members are clamped together via pistons arranged orthogonally to the rod axis. The members grip the power and fluid end components in a knuckle joint or ball and socket. By providing orthogonal loading, a large contact area is obtained between the members and the components, which gives a mechanical advantage in keeping the parts together even when a maximum reciprocating force is applied by the pump.

Abstract: A connector assembly comprising a housing and a tensile member disposed within the housing. The tensile member comprises first and second end portions. Each end portion sealingly engages the housing to form a hydraulic chamber therebetween. A first connector pivotally coupled to the first end portion. The axial position of the first connector relative to the housing is controlled by pressure within the hydraulic chamber.

Abstract: An implement attachment for a working machine. The implement attachment comprises lock plungers having a hydraulic actuator. The lock plungers are arranged for locking co-operation with an implement. Hydraulic medium supply means is arranged for supply of hydraulic medium to the actuator. The hydraulic supply means is provided with a measuring device arranged to measure the volume of hydraulic medium that is supplied to the actuator. A working machine provided with the implement attachment and use of the implement attachment are included.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and to a method for monitoring access to vessels during extracorporeal blood treatment. The invention forms a loop in the arterial and/or venous line and provides device for fixing a section of the line in a loop. When the line is stressed under tension, the loop contracts and the line finally kinks. The modification of the diameter of the line and the formation of a kink in the line leads to a rise of pressure in the line, which is monitored by a pressure monitoring device. If the pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the aspirating cannula is in danger of slipping out of the vessel access or has partially or completely slipped out, thus allowing the threshold value to be determined for alarms.

Abstract: An attachment coupler for heavy machinery, which detachably installs an attachment to an arm of the heavy machinery, includes a coupler body coupled to the arm of the heavy machinery, a fixed hook formed on the coupler body and coupled to the attachment via a first coupling pin, a movable hook rotatably coupled to the coupler body via a hinge axis and coupled to the attachment via a second coupling pin, a hydraulic cylinder that rotates the movable hook to be coupled to or disengaged from the second coupling pin, and a locking device that includes a locking hook and an engagement device. The locking hook is rotatably coupled to the coupler body via a hinge axis and closes an open end of the fixed hook while being coupled to the first coupling pin. The engagement device rotates in association with the rotation of the movable hook.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided, for clamping a fiber placement tool to a fiber placement machine, along a rotational axis of the fiber placement machine, through use of a clamping apparatus having a plurality of drive lugs extending axially from the machine, and having three intersecting faying surfaces thereof which mate simultaneously in substantially intimate contact with three corresponding intersecting faying surfaces of a plurality of drive lug receptacles extending axially from the tool. Pairs of movable tines, disposed on opposite sides of each drive lug, pull the drive lugs into intimate contact with the drive lug receptacles. Master fixtures are used for setting the drive lugs and lug receptacles with respect to corresponding ones of the other, to achieve a desired intimate fit between faying surfaces thereof.

Abstract: A manifold actuator assembly is provided with a manifold comprising a block, and a hydraulic actuator connected to a solenoid valve within the block. The solenoid valve controls hydraulic, linear movement of a rod of the hydraulic actuator. The manifold actuator assembly may be used in a metering system to open and close movable gates disposed downstream from a meter roller before product enters a distribution system. The manifold actuator assembly may also be used as a locking apparatus to lock and unlock members in a wide variety of applications.

Abstract: An underwater clamping arrangement (100, 100?) is provided for fixing at least a first and a second member (1, 2) together, to prevent relative movement between the members along at least a longitudinal axis (2L). The clamping arrangement comprises at least a fixed portion (102, 102?) attached to the first member and a reaction portion (104, 104?) attachable to the fixed portion, and a forcing portion (106, 106?). The forcing portion is arranged to apply a clamping force (4F, 4G) in a direction along a forcing axis (2F) substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis between the reaction portion and the second member so to fix the two members together. The reaction portion and forcing portion are removable from the fixed portion when the clamping arrangement is clamped.

Abstract: An integrated locking assembly that includes a linear locking mechanism and a rotary locking mechanism. The linear locking mechanism employs opposing locking plates having aligned bores that can lock onto a rod extending through the bores. The rotary locking mechanism includes rollers positioned between a housing and a cam where the rollers are wedged between the housing and the cam to lock the rotary locking mechanism and are positioned in an open position between the housing and the cam to unlock the rotary locking mechanism.

Abstract: A quick coupling device for work vehicles has two locking pins operated by a link system that is actuated by an actuation means so as to define at least two positions of said locking pins: a released position, in which said pins are retracted, and a locking position, in which said pins are extended and interfere with the equipment or tool to be locked.

Abstract: A coupling arrangement for coupling a work tool to a machine is disclosed. The coupling arrangement has a locking arrangement for locking the work tool to the machine. The coupling arrangement further has at least two fluid couplers arranged to be connected to each other for establishing a fluid passage between a main pressurized fluid circuit channel of a work tool and a main pressurized fluid circuit channel of a machine. The coupling arrangement further has a driving arrangement for driving at least one of the fluid couplers for connection to the other fluid coupler, the driving arrangement being separate from the main pressurized fluid circuit.

Abstract: A modular system for connecting attachments to the extension aim of a construction machine, wherein each module has a standardized coupling arrangement. As a result, each module is compatible with another module to provide great versatility in configuring the machine. Additionally, the system includes a variety of different modules and a mechanism for remotely activating the coupling between modules. An automatically actuated coupling system may be utilized for securing together adjacent modules.

Abstract: A coupler device for releasably connecting a boom arm to a tool such as a bucket including a coupling frame adapted for connection to the boom and having wedge members on opposite sides thereof, these members being provided to engage in channels formed by connecting members on the tool. A fluid actuated holding mechanism is provided to secure the wedge members in the channels, this mechanism including a holder pivotably mounted on the frame and a fluid actuator connected to the holder at one end and to the frame at an opposite end. The coupler device includes a locking pin mechanism for locking the wedge members in the channels, this mechanism including at least one locking pin movably mounted in the frame for movement between a locked position and an unlocked position and, optionally, a linear fluid actuator mounted on the frame and having a hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: A robotic tool changer having a master unit and a tool unit adapted to be coupled together. Movably mounted in the master unit of the robotic tool changer is a piston that is movable between locked and unlocked positions. The piston includes a contact area having an unlocking surface, a failsafe surface and a locking surface. Also provided is a series of rolling members contained within a retention area that are actuated by the piston to lock the master unit to the tool unit. For example, the piston engages the rolling members and urges them into a locked relationship with a bearing race that forms a part of the tool unit. To prevent the inadvertent or accidental movement of the piston from the locked position to the unlocked position, the piston is provided with a retarding surface generally disposed between the locking surface and the unlocking surface on the piston for retarding the movement of the piston as the piston moves from the locked position to the unlocked position.

Abstract: A friction coupling for locking a shaft relative to a hub is disclosed. The friction coupling includes a radially deformable inner sleeve, a radially deformable outer sleeve, an annular piston which is axially movable relative to the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve, the annular piston having a conical surface, which cooperates with the inner sleeve and/or the outer sleeve and which is arranged to deform the inner sleeve and/or the outer sleeve when the annular piston is moved relative to the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve so as to provide the locking. In at least one embodiment, the friction coupling further includes at least one actuating device to produce a movement of the annular piston for locking the friction coupling, and at least one deactuating device to produce a movement of the annular piston for unlocking the friction coupling. The at least one actuating and deactuating devices are located, seen in the axial direction, on the same side of the annular piston.

Abstract: A safety coupling apparatus which includes first and second annular coupling parts for attachment to first and second coaxial rotatable shafts. The second coupling part defines an axial chamber which has an open end facing the first coupling part, and a radially-extending recess between a collar and a flange, both extending and located radially outwardly of the axial chamber, wherein the flange is spaced from the collar. An expandable hollow body of the first coupling part axially extends through the open end and into the axial chamber. A cavity subdivides the hollow body into inner and outer cylindrical sections and can (1) be filled with, or (2) emptied of pressurized fluid to expand or contract the inner and outer sections relative to one another and cause or prevent external surfaces thereof to contact adjacent surfaces of the axial chamber and thereby prevent or enable relative rotation of the first and second coupling parts.

Abstract: Assembly of a pin guide member for retaining a pair of connecting pins is facilitated for improvement in an assembling property and cost reduction. On the premise that inner brackets are overlapped with outer brackets, and pins are inserted into pin holes thereof so as to connect the brackets to each other, inner collar portions of pin guide members for retaining the pins are combined and integrated with each other by bolts and nuts through a supporting plate serving as a connection member. Meanwhile, outer collar portions of both the pin guide members are supported in the pin radial direction with respect to the inner brackets and rotation thereof is prevented.

Abstract: A first tooling component is positively secured to a second tooling component by one or more quick change locking couplers each including a cylinder secured to the first tooling component and having peripherally spaced holes supporting balls for radial movement. A stud is secured to the second tooling component and has an enlarged head portion projecting into the cylinder. A cup-shaped piston surrounds the cylinder and has a recess for receiving the balls in a released position, and a housing supports the piston for axial movement between the released position and a locked position forcing the balls to engage the stud. A compression spring moves the piston to the locked position, and air pressure moves the piston to the released position. A proximity sensor is supported by the housing and detects the piston in the locked position to provide an electrical signal to a remote visual and/or audio indicator.

Abstract: A coupler for an excavator or other apparatus, the coupler comprising a body for receiving an excavator attachment; a first latch member movable into and out of a latching state in which it is capable of retaining the attachment on said body; said first latch member being movable into and out of said latching state by means of a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator, wherein a gravity operated valve, for example a non-return valve, is associated with the actuator, said valve having a first state, wherein fluid can flow through the valve as the latch member is moved out of its latching state, and a second state, wherein fluid is prevented from flowing through the valve thus preventing operation of the actuator to move the latch member out of its latching state, said valve being adapted to adopt said first state when the coupler is in a non-working orientation and said second state when the coupling is in a working orientation.

Abstract: An affixation and release arrangement includes a first component having a fluid pressure chamber. A piston is mounted in the first component and exposed to the fluid pressure chamber. A second component is affixed to the first component through the piston, the piston being responsive to fluid pressure increase within the chamber to unaffix the second component from the first component.

Abstract: A vehicle framing system for framing an automotive vehicle body from a plurality of separate body components wherein the body components each include a reference surface. The system includes an assembly station having spaced-apart frame members positioned so that, when a vehicle carrier supporting the vehicle body components is positioned at the assembly station, the frame members extend along opposite sides of the vehicle carrier. At least two docking stations are secured to each frame member at predetermined locations. A robot mounts its associated tool arm with a docking station. At least one set of reference block and framing clamp is secured to each tool arm and these framing clamps maintain the reference surfaces of the vehicle body components against the reference blocks to hold the vehicle components at a predetermined position relative to each other.

Abstract: A quick coupling assembly for fastening a working device to a working machine, wherein the working device comprises at least one pair of counter sleeves placed in the same axle line and at an adjusted distance from each other for pushing to the working machine coupled movable coupling pins (1a, 1b) into said sleeves wherein said coupling pins (1a, 1b) are placed in the working machine into a tube-like body (4), in which body said pins can be pushed in opposite directions at least partly out from said body (4) and pulled respectively back inside the body (4).

Abstract: A shrink disc unit including a rotating body with a peripheral outer surface and a hub surrounding the rotating body with a peripheral inner surface. The peripheral inner surface and the peripheral outer surface form a separating line between the rotating body and the hub at an angle to a rotational axis of the rotating body. A fluid channel leads through the rotating body or the hub for pressurization of the separating line with a pressure fluid. A fixing device, formed from one of the rotating body or the hub, alone or in combination with the other, may be used to fix a tool for the assembly or disassembly of the hub at a given angular position on the rotating body and/or the hub.

Abstract: A connector device for connecting an attachment part, in particular a plough guide part, to a lateral element of a trough pan of a mining device, comprising first fittings arranged on the lateral element, comprising counter fittings arranged on the attachment part and detachably connectable to the fittings, and comprising at least one retaining piece, which in the closing position prevents detachment of the fitting and counter fitting and in the opening position permits detachment. In order to facilitate assembly and disassembly, to the retaining piece there is assigned, according to the invention, a hydraulic cylinder for moving the retaining piece between the closing and opening position.

Abstract: In a frictional rotary connector having a tapered ring arrangement (3) to be placed onto a shaft and having at least one tapered ring section (e.g. 4a) with an inner surface for abutting the shaft, and with an oblique outer surface (e.g. 5a), at least one tensioning ring element (e.g. 6a) with an oblique inner surface, which element slides between a starting position and a clamping position on the oblique outer surface (e.g. 5a) of the tapered ring section (e.g. 4a), and a tensioning ring for moving the tensioning ring element (e.g. 6a) in order to lock the tensioning ring element (e.g. 6a) in the clamping position at least one retaining element (8) is provided which is arranged to be guided in a radial direction from a free position to a clamping position, wherein the retaining element (8) axially locks the tensioning ring element (e.g. 6a) in the clamping position.

Abstract: A coupler device for releasably connecting a boom arm to a tool such as a bucket including a coupling frame adapted for connection to the boom and having wedge members on opposite sides thereof, these members being provided to engage in channels formed by connecting members on the tool. A fluid actuated holding mechanism is provided to secure the wedge members in the channels, this mechanism including a holder pivotably mounted on the frame and a fluid actuator connected to the holder at one end and to the frame at an opposite end. The coupler device includes a locking pin mechanism for locking the wedge members in the channels, this mechanism including at least one locking pin movably mounted in the frame for movement between a locked position and an unlocked position and, optionally, a linear fluid actuator mounted on the frame and having a hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: A ball joint, in particular for the wheel suspension systems of motor vehicles, an external, essentially cylindrical housing, an internal joint piece with a pin supporting a ball section and a bearing race surrounding the ball section, is retained in the cylindrical housing and has annular seals on both sides of the pin ends. In order to achieve a hydraulic damping function, annular gaps are provided about the pin adjacent to the ball section, filled directly or indirectly with a damping fluid.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus, for use with an actuator, has a housing with a guide track mounted on or formed in the housing. A roller or cam operably engages with the guide track such that the cam can be moved and positioned along the guide track by way of the actuator. At least one pivoting arm is pivotally mounted on the housing adjacent to and spaced from the guide track. Each pivoting arm has an elongate slot adjacent to the shoulder. The elongate slot has two arcuate surfaces positioned parallel to each other and has two end surfaces joining the arcuate surfaces to define a closed loop surface. The cam is positioned within the elongate slot of each pivoting arm to pivot each pivoting arm between a clamped position and a released position as the cam is moved along the guide track and driven against the arcuate surfaces of each pivoting arm.