Abstract: Illustrative embodiments of ratchet tools are disclosed. In one embodiment, a ratchet tool may comprise a handle extending along a handle axis and housing a motor, a head coupled to the handle at a first end of the handle, the head supporting an output shaft configured to be driven by the motor to rotate about an output axis, the output axis being substantially perpendicular to the handle axis, a ratchet mechanism coupled between the handle and the output shaft, the ratchet mechanism configured to restrict rotation of the output shaft in a first direction and to allow rotation of the output shaft in a second direction opposite the first direction, and a direction control configured to switch the first direction associated with the ratchet mechanism between a clockwise and a counterclockwise direction, the direction control being coupled to the handle and spaced apart from the head along the handle axis.

Abstract: A centrifugal pump that includes an inlet chamber having a distal end portion and an opposing proximal end portion with a longitudinal axis spanning therebetween. Further included in the centrifugal pump is a plenum chamber having an inlet end portion and an outlet end portion, the inlet end portion is in fluid communication with the inlet chamber proximal end portion, the outlet end portion having an aperture that is about a radial axis that extends radially a distance outward from the longitudinal axis. Wherein operationally for the centrifugal pump the inlet chamber and the inlet and plenum chambers are rotated about the longitudinal axis wherein a fluid is drawn through the distal end portion toward the proximal end portion and ultimately discharged therethrough the aperture.

Abstract: A pressure-balancing device for balancing pressure in at least one bearing enclosure of a turbojet, the enclosure including a mechanism feeding the bearing with lubricating liquid, an air intake, at least one sealing system placed between the stator and the rotor in front of and/or behind the bearing, a recovery mechanism recovering the lubricating liquid, and a removal mechanism removing the mixture of air and of traces of lubricating liquid towards a venting circuit. Downstream from the bearing enclosure and in the venting circuit, the balancing device includes a regulator system regulating the air removal flow rate, thereby enabling the flow rate to be variable as a function of the speed of the engine, to remain non-zero, and, at high speeds, to be lower than when the regulator system is not included.

Abstract: An air regulator comprises a housing, a shaft, a first air regulation member and an elastic ring. The shaft is rotationally fixed within the housing. The first air regulation member is coaxially coupled to the shaft and has a plurality of first air flow apertures positioned radially about the shaft. The elastic ring is configured and positioned to centrifugally deform and increasingly block the first air flow apertures.

Abstract: An over-speed safety device for a pneumatic rotation motor having a cylinder (10), a forward end wall (11), a rear end wall (12) with a pressure air inlet opening (21), a rotor (13), and an actuator (15) co-rotative with the rotor (13) and responsive to centrifugal action, and a valve lid (20) tiltable relative to a pivot axis (C) and shiftable between an open position and a closed position for controlling the airflow though the inlet opening (21), wherein the pivot axis (C) extends along a chord in relation to the rotor centre, and the actuator (18) comprises a cam surface (25) for camming engagement with the valve lid (20) for moving the latter in a radial direction toward the closed position. The valve lid (20) is supported by ridge positions (33, 34) on a seat surface (2) disposed around the inlet opening (21), and a wire spring (26) is arranged to retain and bias the valve lid (20) against the seat surface (32).

Abstract: An air driven tool for use in a machining center, the air driven tool including an adjustable speed regulator and a turbine. The turbine is driven by pressurized air directed thereto. The turbine is rotatable about an axis. A flow of the air is regulated by the adjustable speed regulator. The adjustable speed regulator includes a biasing member, an inclined annular surface, a regulator plate and a plurality of moveable bearings. The inclined annular surface has an angle relative to the axis. The plurality of movable bearings are positioned between the inclined annular surface and the regulator plate. The biasing member biases the inclined annular surface and/or the regulator plate toward each other.

Abstract: An air regulator comprises a housing, a shaft, a first air regulation member and an ellastic ring. The shaft is rotationally fixed within the housing. The first air regulation member is coaxially coupled to the shaft and has a plurality of first air flow apertures positioned radially about the shaft. The ellastic ring is configured and positioned to centrifugally deform and increasingly block the first air flow apertures.

Abstract: A pneumatic high speed motor includes a stator housing, a rotor journalled in the stator housing, and a pressure air inlet passage. A speed governor for the motor includes a valve element that is shiftable between an open position and a closed position for controlling pressure air flow through the pressure air inlet passage, and a spring which continuously biases the valve element toward open position. An air compressor is driven by the rotor to deliver an output pressure, which is responsive to a speed of the rotor, to an activating surface of the valve element. The activating surface of the valve element is acted upon by the output pressure of the air compressor to shift the valve element toward the closed position against the bias force of the spring at rotor speed levels exceeding a desired operating speed level.

Abstract: An efficient axial fan has a housing enclosure with a square inlet opening and a round outlet opening, a fan assembly with a drive motor and a propeller secured to a shaft and coupled thereto. The entrance of the fan housing is provided with a shutter assembly which is disposed horizontally or vertically across the square inlet opening and comprises a plurality of vanes including a central vane operated by a centrifugal shutter mechanism secured to one end of the propeller shaft, opposite to the propeller and adjacent to the central vane of the shutter assembly. The centrifugal shutter mechanism is normally provided with a hermetic housing comprising a pair of radial masses operatively connected via a pair of pivoting arms to an axial sliding reciprocating actuator which is disposed adjacent to the shutter central vane.

Abstract: An overspeed safety device for a pneumatic rotation motor having a stator (10) with an air inlet passage (16), a rotor (12), and a speed governor for determining a maximum speed level, and comprising a speed responsive actuator (34) connected to the rotor (12) and a valve (33) shiftable by the actuator (34) from a normally open position to a closed position so as to block or substantially restrict the air flow through the inlet passage (16) at the attainment of motor speed levels exceeding a predetermined maximum level should the speed governor malfunction, wherein the actuator (34) comprises a spring biassed contact element (48) connected to the rotor (12) and responsive to centrifugal action, and the valve (33) comprises a disc-shaped valve element (36) pivotally supported in the inlet passage (16) and maintained in its open position by one magnet (42) and in its closed position by another magnet (43).

Abstract: An overspeed safety device for a pneumatic rotation motor having a stator (10) with an air inlet passage (16), a rotor (12), and a speed governor for determining a maximum speed level, and comprising a speed responsive actuator (34) connected to the rotor (12) and a valve (33) shiftable by the actuator (34) from a normally open position to a closed position so as to block or substantially restrict the air flow through the inlet passage (16) at the attainment of motor speed levels exceeding a predetermined maximum level should the speed governor malfunction, wherein the actuator (34) comprises a spring biassed contact element (48) connected to the rotor (12) and responsive to centrifugal action, and the valve (33) comprises a disc-shaped valve element (36) pivotally supported in the inlet passage (16) and maintained in its open position by one magnet (42) and in its closed position by another magnet (43).

Abstract: A turbine tool design with a number of innovative aspects which may be incorporated into the tool individually or as a group. One aspect relates to improved speed control, based on an elastically deformable governor member disposed within the rotating impeller assembly and having a substantially uniform cross-section. Another aspect relates to a overspeed safety configuration that employs secondary, or “retro”, nozzles that are enabled when the elastically deformable governor member is removed from the impeller assembly. Another aspect relates to routing the motive fluid exhaust through the operator-adjustable throttle assembly. Still another aspect relates to an approach to axially preloading the bearings supporting the rotating shaft of the impeller assembly.

Abstract: Blower designs for vented enclosures include an impeller having a plurality of blades. A plurality of one way valves are interleaved between the blades to permit substantial airflow only in one direction. One valve design incorporates flaps coupled to either the blades or the impeller body with spring loaded hinges. Another valve design incorporates a flexible flaps coupled to either the blades or the impeller body. In one embodiment, the one-way valves reside on an insertable hub disposed within an inner periphery of the impeller such that the valves and blades are interleaved. The valves close to restrict air flow when the impeller rotational speed is below a threshold range. The valves open to permit air flow when the rotational speed exceeds the threshold range.

Abstract: A fan has an associated centrifugal mechanism and a shutter, comprising a plurality of pivoted vanes and a central vane pivotally interconnected with a pair of heavy tie rods. The centrifugal mechanism is driven by the fan propeller and comprises a hermetic housing wherein are located, symmetrical spaced apart in rapport to the fan axis, at least a pair of radial sliding masses operatively connected with flexible cables to an axial sliding reciprocating actuator which is disposed at proximity of the shutter central vane. When the fan starts to operate in either direction by an electric motor, the radial masses slide radially by centrifugal action and pull the axial reciprocating actuator away from the central vane, allowing the shutter heavy tie rods, to open the shutter. When the fan stops, an internal spring housed within the axial sliding reciprocating actuator pushes it against the central vane causing the closing of the shutter.

Abstract: A governor mechanism is mounted for rotation with a drive shaft about an axis, has one or more reaction nozzles for imparting rotational movement to the drive shaft, and one or more valve portions supported for radially directed sliding movement between first and second radially spaced positions for purposes of controlling flow of pressurized fluid to the nozzles and thus the rotational speed of the drive shaft. The valve portions are formed integrally with a ring-shaped mounting portion fabricated from resiliently deformable material. In alternative constructions, similar governor mechanisms are co-axially mounted with vane motors by a common drive shaft and the mechanisms employed to control flow of pressurized fluid to the vane motor.

Abstract: A speed control unit for a pneumatic rotation motor having a stator (10) with an air inlet passage (14), a rotor (11) journalled in the stator (10). The speed control unit includes a speed governor (26) operated by two or more fly-weight members (28), and an overspeed safety device (27). The rotor (11) is formed with a coaxial blind bore (22) in which is secured a mounting structure (23) for supporting the fly-weight members (28), the valve element (29) and the bias spring (35) of the speed governor (26) inside the rotor (11). The overspeed safety device (27) includes a flow restricting element (39) displaceably guided in the air inlet passage (14) and locked in an inactive rest position by a trip element (43), and a speed responsive actuator (45) that is co-rotative with the rotor (11).

Abstract: A centrifugal regulator device for opening and closing the pivoted-vane shutter associated with an electric fan unit, has a base element connected for rotation with the fan and an actuator member guided for movement towards and away from the base element by apertured appendages slidingly coupled with corresponding guide rods fixed to the base element and extending parallel to and spaced from the axis of rotation of the fan, the actuator member being connected to the base element by means of at least two pivoted arms each including a centrifugal mass and cooperating, in the fully open position of the vanes with mechanical end stop members.

Abstract: A centrifugal suction pump includes a vertically disposed support tube having upper and lower ends, a liquid check valve on the lower end of the support tube, and a hollow rotatable hub mounted on the upper end of the support tube. A number of horizontally expeller tubes are connected to the hub and extend radially therefrom. A check valve is associated with the hub for venting the hub to ambient atmosphere and a priming conduit is connected to the support tube for filing the latter and the expeller tubes with liquid. A stopper is associated with each expeller tube and has an operative position that seals the expeller tube. Rotation of the expeller tubes causes radial displacement of liquid therein which effects movement of the stoppers to an inoperative position at which the tubes are unsealed and liquid is pumped up the support tube.

Abstract: A governor device for controlling the speed of rotary devices is disclosed. The governor device is a valve operated by centrifugal force to control a pressurized fluid through the nozzles of a turbine rotor. The valve comprises a rotary chamber having an opening outwardly of a resilient valve member therein, the resilient valve member being movable by centrifugal force to control flow through said annular chamber, said annular chamber being part of the passageway of the pressurized fluid flow through said turbine rotor nozzles.

Abstract: A rotary pneumatic tool includes an over-speed shut-off mechanism including a shiftable spring washer and flyweights for imparting a shifting force to the spring washer dependent on the speed of the tool. In the preferred embodiment, the spring washer is shifted by spherical balls restrained by cylindrical walls within a body affixed to the rotor in combination with the spring washer and spring members attached to the body. The spring rates of the spring washer and spring members predetermine the speed at which the over-speed mechanism becomes activated.

Abstract: A liquid spray apparatus comprises a pneumatic drive and automatic speed regulating device. To this end, a vane wheel which can be acted upon by an air stream is mounted axially displaceably on a shaft. The vane wheel is in contact with regulating elements which are moved radially outwardly at increasing speed by the influence of centrifugal forces. In doing so the regulating elements act upon the vane wheel in a manner such that it is displaced at least partially out of the range of the air stream.

Abstract: A cup shaped disc (13) consisting of a central portion (20) having radially extending blades (18) is attached with its central portion to the protruding hub portion (12) of a radial flow turbine wheel (2) consisting of a backing plate (10) extending transversely to its rotational axis (7) and having axially protruding turbine blades (11) in addition to the protruding hub. At high rotational speeds this disc (13) will tend to straighten out, whereby the effective portion of the turbine blades will be reduced and the increase in the rotational speed restricted. This is of importance in ram air turbines for missiles.

Abstract: Apparatus associated with a component part of the drive system of a turbine assembly reduces the power applied to its drive rotor in a direct and substantially instantaneous response to the speed of its rotation rising to a predetermined level. A turbine starter for an engine embodying this apparatus comprises a housing for its rotor and the drive system of which it forms a part, a flow path for a gaseous fluid, delivered from a source, to power the rotor and a control device in connection with the drive system a component part of which moves radially thereof and, when its speed of rotation rises to a predetermined level, triggers a substantially simultaneous restriction of the flow path through which fluid can be applied to power the turbine rotor, thereby to produce a resulting reduction of the speed of rotation of the turbine drive system. If under such conditions the starter is engaged with a related engine, it will automatically disengage.

Abstract: An improved automatic inlet damper is disclosed which is particularly suited for use in oil burners. A flexible coupling (16-44) is connected between rotating shafts (10, 12) and supports an automatically actuated closure (64) which is moved into and out of engagement with an aperture (14) by a centrifugally actuated linkage (46-62, 78-110). See FIG. 1.

Abstract: In a pneumatically powered portable tool there is provided a speed governor and an overspeed safety device the purpose of which are to ensure a predetermined maximum speed by controlling the air inlet flow to the motor. A cup-shaped shell insert (28) is detachably mounted in the housing (10) to form with the latter an air supply passage (58) and to support the valve means (51,53) of the overspeed safety device. The top surface of the shell insert (28) is exposed through an aperture (57) in the housing (10) and carries the maximum speed marking of the tool.

Abstract: A centrifugal governor comprises a bar member pivotally mounted on a rotatable bearing member. The bar member is provided with an inclined ramp against which a follower bears which is connected to a device which is to be regulated. First and second resilient forces, which may be overcome by the centrifugal force generated by rotation of the bar member, urge the bar member into its rest position and the follower member into contact with the bar member. The governor is generally applicable, one of the preferred fields of application being the control of the flow through a channel associated with a ventilator.

Abstract: A portable pneumatic tool includes a valve closure member interposed in the tool motor exhaust passage and engaged with a speed responsive mechanism comprising a plurality of flyweights operable to move the closure member to an open position on starting of the tool motor. On decreasing motor speed a coil spring assisted by a fluid pressure drop across the closure member forces the closure member to move against the decreasing centrifugal force exerted by the flyweights to shut off motor exhaust fluid flow to stop the motor. The closure member is normally held in a partially open position by a second spring to enable the motor to be started. An alternate embodiment includes a limited motion coupling between the valve closure member and the motor drive shaft which provides assistance in opening and closing the valve closure member.

Abstract: The improved shut-off apparatus for pneumatically driven tools includes an auxiliary shut-off valve located in the flow passageway. The valve is controlled by a control rod which extends through the air motor into engagement with a latching device. The latching device is held in the latched position with the valve open by a movable weighted control member. The movable weighted control member is responsive to inertia so that as the speed of the air motor decreases due to a torque load imposed thereon, the shaft slows causing the inertial movement of the weighted member to release the latching device permitting the auxiliary shut-off valve to close.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling air intake through the air intake aperture of the oil burner in a heating boiler includes a rotary coupling member adapted to be connected to the shaft of the oil pump and/or air blower so that it extends substantially along the axis of the intake aperture, a first sleeve member detachably mounted on the coupling member, a second sleeve member slidably mounted on the first sleeve member and to which a closure member is affixed for axial movement away from and towards to open and close, respectively, the intake aperture. At least one spring member is provided whose ends are connected to respective ones of the first and second sleeve members thereby interconnecting the same.

Abstract: A shutoff mechanism for a pneumatic tool such as a nut runner senses both the instantaneous speed and the instantaneous rate of change of speed of the drive components of the tool. The mechanism controls the flow of air to the motor and terminates such flow as the drive speed decreases while approaching a stall condition. The mechanism comprises a main air valve operated by a centrifugal governor having a plurality of pivoted weights with their pivot axes oriented at acute angles to radial lines intersecting the centers of the weights rather than oriented at right angles to such radial lines as in conventional governor assemblies. So oriented, the weights sense both instantaneous speed and instantaneous rate of change of speed of the drive components.

Abstract: A hand held pneumatic nut running tool including an air vane rotary motor, manipulative valving for initially starting air flow to the motor and then terminating such flow, and an air flow shut-off control valve responsive to acceleration of the motor after start-up and before said termination of air flow to continue air flow to the motor, the control valve being further responsive to a predetermined level of deceleration of the motor to discontinue air flow to the motor.

Abstract: A rotary device with a speed governor as a part of a centrifugally radially expandable rotor and having radially adjustable prestress means for preselecting the maximum speed at which the governor operates to limit the speed to this maximum. The rotor which contains both torque imparting means and governing means as integral parts is a hollow flexible rotor that expands radially under centrifugal forces to move the sides of the rotor toward each other during increasing centrifugal expansion with increasing speeds of rotation. The rotor also has a fluid valve that is moved toward closed position by the centrifugal expansion to govern the speed of the rotor to a preselected maximum.

Abstract: A pressure gas engine such as a compressed air turbine having a variable speed device for controlling the speed of a rotor and also having an overspeed safety device to prevent damage to the engine in the case of excess speed through malfunction. The overspeed safety device includes speed responsive elements that force the rotor against braking elements that are successively operated to brake the rotor to a complete stop in successive gentle braking actions and with the speed responsive elements including means for preventing resumed rotation of the rotor until the engine has been partially dismantled and the cause of the malfunction corrected.

Abstract: A pressure gas engine such as compressed air turbine in which gas flow to a pressure responsive rotor is controlled by a movable valve that is operated by a bellows with means connecting each side of the bellows to the gas in the turbine for substantially equal gas pressure on both the inside and the outside of the bellows. There is also provided a speed control member that closes the gas inlet but that can be opened to any desired degree to achieve a desired speed. A bleed line leads from one side of the bellows so as to regulate the pressure on that side and a speed responsive throttle valve is provided to meter the amount of flow through the bleed line thereby maintaining the desired speed dependent upon the setting of the main supply valve.

Abstract: A pressure gas engine such as a compressed air turbine in which gas flow to a pressure responsive rotor is controlled by a movable valve that is operated by a bellows with means connecting each side of the bellows to the gas in the turbine for supplying substantially equal gas pressure to both the inside and the outside of the bellows, a gas control member that closes a gas inlet independently of the bellows operated valve, a bleed line leading from one side of the bellows so as to regulate the pressure on that side and a speed responsive throttle valve in the bleed line to meter the amount of flow through the bleed line thereby maintaining the desired speed, all regulated and dependent upon the setting of an adjustable throttle valve.

Abstract: A speed responsive shutoff for a pneumatic tool such as a nut runner is disclosed. The shutoff, effective to terminate air supply to the air motor under load, employs a centrifugally operated air valve having a flat valve head which is biased against a valve seat through which pressurized air travels en route to the motor. A small orifice in the valve head leads to an expansible chamber behind the head. In operation of the tool, when the throttle valve is open, initial air is supplied to the motor by a slight opening of the air valve due to a higher pressure in front of the valve head than behind it. The motor quickly reaches a predetermined speed level at which time the air valve is fully opened by centrifugal weights. Under loading approaching stall, the motor slows to a speed low enough to allow the air valve to move toward closure under the influence of a spring.

Abstract: A pressure gas engine in which pressurized gas such as air is supplied to a series of arcuately arranged nozzles for exhausting into a series of arcuately arranged impulse buckets thereby causing rotation of a rotor in which the buckets are located, each nozzle having an exit adjacent the buckets and each bucket having a curved surface with an entering boundary edge and a leaving boundary edge for the gas blast leaving the bucket so that the blast sweeps across the curved surface of each bucket. The exit diameter of each nozzle is less than the radius of the curved surface of each bucket to achieve a full sweep of each bucket's curved surface from the entering edge to the leaving edge.