Abstract: The telescoping system includes a first and second fluid motor. The first fluid motor includes a first cylinder and a second cylinder nested in the first cylinder. The second fluid motor includes the second cylinder and a piston disposed in the second cylinder. The second cylinder has a double barrel outer wall forming a hydraulic fluid passageway. A hydraulic control system in the telescoping system includes a single control valve, solenoid valves, and holding valves, and controls extension and retraction of the telescoping system.

Abstract: The telescoping system includes a first fluid motor and a second fluid motor. The first fluid motor includes a first extension chamber and a first retraction chamber, and the second fluid motor includes a second extension chamber and a second retraction chamber. A hydraulic control system in the telescoping system controls the supply of hydraulic fluid to the first fluid motor and between the first fluid motor and the second fluid motor such that the first and second fluid motors operate independently.

Abstract: A fluid-operated cylinder-piston unit has a cylinder forming an inner space, a piston unit movable in the inner space and including a first piston and a second piston movable relative to one another and each having a displacement area at one end and a force applying area at another opposite end. The pistons are arranged so as to form a smaller displacement area associated with one of the pistons and a larger displacement area associated with both of the pistons. A fluid supply to the piston unit is performed so that first only one of the pistons moves and another of the pistons remains stationary during an advance stroke, and during a return stroke fluid has to be applied only to the displacement area of the one piston, while thereafter another of the pistons is moved as well under the action of fluid and both pistons move to apply a larger force due the larger total displacement area and during a return stroke fluid is applied to the larger displacement area.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuator for a hydraulically driven device has a hydraulic cylinder, a first piston slidably received for reciprocation within the cylinder and defining a hydraulic fluid chamber with the cylinder, a second piston slidably received for reciprocation within a cavity in an actuator rod connected to the first piston and defining a gas chamber on one side of the second piston and an accumulator chamber on the other side of the second piston. A passage formed in the first piston communicates the hydraulic chamber with the accumulator chamber and a pressure relief valve selectively permits hydraulic fluid flow through the passage from the hydraulic chamber to the accumulator chamber to limit the maximum pressure of the hydraulic fluid within the hydraulic chamber and the hydraulically driven device. Preferably, during normal operation of the actuator and the hydraulically driven device the pressure of the hydraulic fluid is less than that required to open the pressure relief valve.

Abstract: A valve spring compressor apparatus for removing and installing valve springs on automotive racing engines includes a valve seat and a compressor pump assembly. The valve seat is placed between the valve spring and the engine housing. The compressor engages the valve spring seat with a support arm and extends a piston toward the valve spring seat, thus compressing the valve spring and allowing for the removal of the retainer ring and keeper lock. The compressor uses a source of compressed air to drive a power piston into a compression chamber multiplying the supply air pressure several times. This multiplied air pressure is retained in the extension piston chamber by a one-way valve. As the extension piston extends, the multiplied air pressure in the extension piston is maintained by repeated cycling of the compressor.

Abstract: A multiple-stage hydraulic cylinder for shifting loads by exerting different forces over different distances, in which a hollow-piston cylinder is provided with a hollow piston rod. The hollow piston rod accommodates at least one additional long-stroke cylinder. The hollow piston rod, moreover, comprising a cylinder tube surrounding the long-stroke cylinder. Connections are provided for hydraulic fluid to move the cylinders. These connections are provided on the hollow piston rod and the long-stroke cylinder for admitting fluid to move the hollow-piston cylinder and the long-stroke cylinder.

Abstract: Actuator (1) adapted to be actuated by pressurized fluid as shown for example in FIG. 3, having a plurality of piston-cylinder units (A, B, C, D, E, F) arranged one behind the other and displaceable in the direction of a longitudinal axis (9), in which adjacent parts such as a piston of one unit and a cylinder of the adjacent unit are combined to form a connecting part. The individual piston-cylinder units (A, B, C, D, E, F) are so dimensioned in their lengths that the piston-cylinder units can be provided with different respective stroke lengths (ha, hb, hc, hd, he, hf). The stroke lengths can be varied by devices such as screws with hexagonal sockets (26, 110, 111, 113), and adjusted by a screw-turning tool (34). The actuator (1) has a small number of inexpensive individual parts and is easy to manufacture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rotary-cutting a timber to peel off a veneer by a cutting knife from the outer periphery of a timber while rotating the timber around its longitudinal axis. The timber is gripped at its two end faces by means of chucking pawls which are driven in rotation. The chucking pawls comprise a plurality of chucks which are different in radial position. The chucks grip the timber at the end faces thereof adjacent to the outer peripheral surface of the timber, and as the timber is cut by the knife and reduced in diameter so that the knife comes close to a presently outermost chuck, the outermost chuck is retracted axially away from the end face of the timber, and the next outermost chuck continues to grip the timber adjacent to the presently outer peripheral surface of the timber. For this reason, the gripping force by the chuck pawls, resisting the cutting force moment, can be made small, and the timber gripping is made reliable.

Abstract: A self-bleeding multi-stage or single-stage hydraulic cylinder system is disclosed which automatically bleeds entrapped air from within the cylinder each time the cylinder is cycled. The self-bleeding structure preferably includes a fixed elongated tube mounted to the base plate of the cylinder, and an axially moveable elongated tube telescopically mounted on the fixed tube. A biasing compression spring forces the moveable tube upward to a predetermined extent when the cylinder is extended. Upon contraction of the cylinder, air trapped therein is purged or bled from the cylinder through the top end of the axially moveable elongated tube into a fluid reservoir. In the final stage of contraction of the cylinder, hydraulic fluid is forced through the fixed and moveable elongated tubes thereby forcing the remaining air trapped therein out of the cylinder and into the hydraulic fluid reservoir.

Abstract: A telescoping fluid actuator assembly including a housing having a plurality of concentrically disposed fluid actuators disposed therein. Each fluid actuator includes a cylindrical housing enclosing a piston and piston rod. Fluid passage means is provided for alternately directing fluid pressure to the front and back piston faces of each piston to effect forward and rearward movement of the pistons and the associated piston rod. The innermost concentric fluid actuator has a piston rod extending from the housing for engaging a workpiece for movement thereof. All of the concentrically mounted fluid actuators, except the innermost fluid actuator, is provided with a hollow piston rod which forms the cylinder housing for adjacent concentric fluid actuators.

Abstract: An hydraulic piston and cylinder unit with a piston rod and first and second cylinders. The piston rod extends into the first cylinder, and the first cylinder extends into the second cylinder. The piston rod is connected to a first piston which divides the first cylinder into first and second chambers. A second piston, connected to the first cylinder, divides the second cylinder into first and second chambers. The second chambers of the first cylinder, and the first chamber of the second cylinder are in fluid communication such that an extension of the first cylinder causes a proportional extension of the second cylinder. A similar effect occurs during retraction of the cylinders.

Abstract: This invention relates to a displacing apparatus comprising a plurality of concentric tubular members concentrically disposed about a central axial member. These concentric members define a plurality of substantially closed chambers between adjacent concentric members. A piston member is disposed within each chamber and extends generally radially between two adjacent concentric members thereby dividing each chamber into first and second portions. Each of these piston members is rigidly affixed to one, and sealingly engaged with the other, of the two adjacent concentric members forming a chamber. An actuating means actuates each of the concentric members which has a piston member rigidly affixed thereto. The actuating means selectively provides pressure or vacuum to the first and second portions of each of the chambers creating pressure differentials across the piston members.

Abstract: A multi-stage hydraulic actuator including a cylinder body having an outer cylinder and an inner cylinder provided in the outer cylinder, first and second pistons inserted in the outer cylinder to independently move and provided with first and second working members, and third and fourth pistons inserted in the inner cylinder to independently move and provided with third and fourth working members.

Abstract: This invention relates to a multiple jack incorporating at least three elements, viz. two pistons and two cylinders which define large and small chambers of a first cylinder, and large and small chambers of a second cylinder.According to the invention: a) a first inner conduit connects the large chamber of the first cylinder to a first outer conduit; b) a second inner conduit connects the small chamber of the first cylinder to a second outer conduit; c) a third inner conduit connects the large chamber of the second cylinder to a third outer conduit; and d) a fourth inner conduit connects the small chamber of the second cylinder to a fourth outer conduit.One application is the production of a telescopic jib presenting a satisfactory flexibility of use.

Abstract: An electrohydraulic system for control of a variable output pump includes a microprocessor-based controller receiving inputs from condition sensors coupled to the pump and command inputs from a remote master controller. The controller supplies outputs to an electrohydraulic valve for metering hydraulic fluid to a pump control port and thereby controlling pump operation in any one of a number of preselected and prestored pump control modes. A hydromechanical valve is connected in parallel with the electrohydraulic valve for controlling pump operation in the event of electrical malfunction or failure. Circuitry connected between the pump condition sensors and the control computer prevents aliasing errors due to mismatch between the computer sampling frequency and pump speed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a protective device for a working member, such as the piston rod of a piston and cylinder actuator, which is arranged at least partly in a receiving member and is able to be moved and more especially slid, along a curved or straight path so that it projects to a greater or lesser extent out of the receiving member. The device is provided with a plurality of sleeve-like guard sections which surround the working member projecting out of the receiving member along the full length of the working member so that whatever the position of the latter any two adjacent guard sections overlap each other and are able to be slid in relation to each other, one of said guard sections being stationarily arranged on the receiving member and another guard section being arranged on the working member so as to move therewith so that in accordance with the actual axial extent of the part of the member to be protected the sections are telescoped into each other to a greater or lesser extent.

Abstract: A hydraulic cylinder-piston unit comprises primary cylinder-piston unit with an integrated position regulation and with a primary cylinder and a primary piston movable in the primary cylinder, two displacement chambers in the primary cylinder and including two displacement pistons, a displacement piston rod connecting the displacement pistons with one another, and a separating wall, and differential cylinder-piston unit formed by the primary piston and having a differential cylinder provided with working chambers.

Abstract: A hydraulically-operated support device for semitrailers is disclosed comprising a hydraulic cylinder semitrailer support and a pump subassembly having three independently operable pumps for generating and controlling the hydraulic operating pressure. The hydraulic cylinder semitrailer support has an extending piston in an extending cylinder, in the bottom end of which is formed a load-raising cylinder for a load raising-piston. A first annular space is formed between the extending piston and the extending cylinder and a second annular space is formed between the load-raising piston and the load-raising cylinder. The annular spaces allow application of pressure in the retraction direction. The pump subassembly comprises an extending pump acting on the extending piston, a load-raising pump acting on the load-raising piston and a retracting pump acting on the annular spaces.

Abstract: A multiple frequency range hydraulic actuator includes a low frequency cylinder with a low frequency actuator piston within. The low frequency piston operates as a high frequency cylinder having a high frequency piston within. The low frequency piston, and high frequency piston operate in conjunction to generate low frequency movement. The high frequency piston operates independently to generate high frequency movement.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding a liquid from a reservoir is provided. A distribution duct that defines a channel extending from the reservoir is provided that is in fluid communication with a feeding duct that defines a channel. A valve seat is located between the distribution duct and the feeding duct. The channels defined by the distribution and feeding duct extend in the same plane at the valve seat. The valve seat is located at an acute angle with respect to that plane. A closing device, for regulating fluid flow from the distribution duct to the feeding duct is provided. The closing device includes a movable valve, movable in a direction that is at an acute angle to the flow if the fluid from the distribution duct to the feeding duct, for mating with the valve seat. A member is coupled to the valve for urging the valve toward the valve seat. Members are provided for adjusting the member for causing the closing device to move.

Abstract: To allow a telescoping cylinder that is ordinarily operated in a fixed sequence to also be operated in a simultaneous mode, the first stage (12) of the cylinder is provided with an end plate (126), the cylindrical gap (114) in the first stage communicates directly with the space (133) inside the second stage (13) that is sealed off by the end plate, and a third cylindrical gap (124 & 124'), which is created in the second stage out of the sections (124 & 124') that are sealed off (1331) and derive from the end plate in the first stage, is provided with a pressure-medium line (23) that communicates through a telescoping passage (1131 & 1232) between the floor (111) of the cylinder (110 and the end plate (126) in the first stage, specifically satisfying the demand that the cylindrical gap (114) in the first stage (12) and the space (133) inside the first stage are equal in volume.

Abstract: A digital linear actuator includes a plurality of digital actuator cells each connected to the next in sequential fashion. Each of the digital actuator cells contracts or expands a predetermined amount along an expansion/contraction axis when it is actuated by a corresponding digital signal. Each digital actuator cell includes an inner portion containing a medium which expands or contracts in response to a digital signal. The inner portion is disposed within an outer portion that contracts in the direction of the axis in response to expansion of the inner portion, and expands in the direction of the axis in response to contraction of the inner portion. The device is useful in simulating the behavior of a muscle in a prosthetic device. Several embodiments of the invention are disclosed in which an arm can be extended to and retracted from a snake-like configuration. Another embodiment of the invention is disclosed which effectively simulates a shoulder and arm mechanism.

Abstract: A multiple stage telescoping cylinder assembly, which provides full stage selection capability without the need for external hoses or reels, comprises a base; an inner cylinder attached at its rearward end to the base and first and second stage cylinders of successively greater diameter mounted on the inner cylinder in telescoping relationship for extension during their forward strokes and retraction during their rearward strokes, the first and second stage cylinders each having an extend facing surface relatively adjacent its forward end for fluid pressure to contact to effect extension thereof and a retract facing surface relatively adjacent its rearward end for fluid pressure to contact to effect retraction thereof; and plural fluid passages for directing fluid under pressure from the rearward end of the inner cylinder forwardly through the interior of the inner cylinder and then into contact with respective ones of the facing surfaces for selective extension and retraction of the first and second stage cy

Abstract: A telescopic device for use in a crane jib, forklift truck, lighting tower, access platform or the like, having at least two extandable sections extending from a base section, in which each said extendable section is extended by a piston and cylinder assembly and in which, to extend the device, a similar hydraulic pressure is applied in the extension mode to all the assemblies and different hydraulic pressures are caused to exist in all the assemblies in the retraction mode, so that a selective extension sequence of the sections is effected.

Abstract: A supercharged power tongs for making up or breaking apart drill tools used in oil or geologic drilling engineering is designed to take the place of B-type tongs. Supercharger and assist fluid cylinders are adopted in the gripping and torqueing devices respectively which are completely new provisions. An automatic make-up torque limitator is built in the control system. A pull-in locating device is used for moving the power tongs. This invention is particularly adequate for make-up and break apart operations on drill pipes, drill collars, kellys and lifting subs when the sizes of these drill tools vary from time to time, with no necessity for replacements of any components.

Abstract: A multistage cylinder having a partial force mode, a full force extended mode, and a full force retracted mode, and having an outer cylinder closed at one end and open at the other, one or more intermediate cylinders located within the outer cylinder, and extendable and retractable with respect thereto, an inner drive member within the intermediate cylinder, and extendable and retractable with respect thereto, intermediate hydraulic fluid conduits in the drive member for flow of hydraulic fluid and from the intermediate cylinder, and an intermediate valve for controlling flow of fluid thereto, outer cylindrical hydraulic fluid supply and return conduits connecting directly with an outer cylinder, separate from the intermediate conduits, and an outer cylinder valve for controlling flow of fluid independent of the intermediate cylinder and a fluid flow barrier between the intermediate cylinder and the outer cylinder so that fluid from the intermediate cylinder is maintained out of contact with the outer cylinde

Abstract: A hydraulic adjustment apparatus for use in adjusting and positioning microwave radiating antenna or any other treatment monitoring device is disclosed. The hydraulic adjustment apparatus, generally comprises an upper portion having a box-like member suitable for accommodating therein a mounting member; a plurality of upper adjustable leg member means; a plurality of upper switch valve means with associated plurality of upper tubular means attached thereto; as well as a plate member for joining said upper portion to a lower portion of said hydraulic adjustment apparatus. Said lower portion, generally comprises a plurality of lower tubular members; and lower adjustable leg member means operably coupled to a base member having a preferable microwave radiating antenna or any other treatment monitoring device integrally coupled thereto.

Abstract: A triple action, multi-segment, telescoping hydraulic ram comprising a plurality of coaxially nested, extensible cylinders adapted to be selectively extended or retracted, and a pair of lower diameter, sweep cycle cylinders adapted to be operated independently of the larger cylinders. The ram is ideal for the garbage reception area defined within the cargo area of conventional garbage trucks, for operating the compression platen for moving and compacting garbage. A terminal pin eye associated with the smaller sweep cycle cylinder may be coupled to a stationary support to rigidly brace the ram. Full extension and "sweep cycle" operation is effectuated through various input passageways defined in the pin eye through which high pressure hydraulic fluid is inputted to the ram in conjunction with various annular transmittal passageways to effectuate cylinder operation.

Abstract: A material dispensing valve finding particular application in the robotic dispensing of sealants, adhesives, etc. in a desired pattern on a workpiece. The dispensing valve comprises a unique actuating arrangement wherein back to back pancake cylinders are moveably arranged within a housing and, depending upon how the cylinders are actuated, three or four dispense rate positions can be provided. The dispense rate positions of the valve are preferably coordinated with the rate of movement of the robotic system so that the dispense rate is appropriate for the rate of movement.

Abstract: An arrangement for applying an adhesive medium, particularly for leather and shoe articles, has an adhesive medium applying nozzle and a nozzle needle member arranged to close and to open the nozzle. A driver connects one end of the nozzle needle member with a driving unit which includes at least two selectively actuatable driving devices formed with individually adjustable displacement elements so that they move the nozzle needle member selectively over different adjustable strokes.

Abstract: An extension and retraction system for a multiple section, telescoping boom apparatus of the type utilized for raising and lowering a work platform or basket. The innermost longitudinally movable section is carried by a longitudinally inextensible or base section, and is extensible and retractable relative to the base section by a dual cylinder assembly. Extension chains trained about sprockets carried by certain of the sections automatically extend the other extensible sections upon extension by the cylinder assembly of the innermost longitudinally movable section. Automatic and positive retraction of such sections is accomplished by retraction chains operating in response to retraction of the innermost section. The cylinders of the dual cylinder assembly are pivotally coupled at a pivot mount longitudinally slidable along a guideway carried by the base section to thereby accommodate deflections of the boom sections located between the opposite extremities of the dual cylinder assembly.

Abstract: A positioning device capable of positioning a rod with a first piston fixed thereto into one of four positions selectively by means of a second piston disposed within a chamber A formed in a large-diameter cylinder portion and first, third and fourth pistons disposed within chambers B and C formed in a small-diameter cylinder portion. It is convenient to apply this positioning device to a select mechanism of a transmission or the like having four select positions.

Abstract: A fluid control system 10 and selector valve 24 for use therein, for controlling a plurality of fluid actuated elements 12, such as valve operators. The fluid actuated elements are controlled from an operating station 52, which is located remotely from the fluid actuated elements 12. Instructions regarding which of the fluid actuated elements 12 it is desired to operate are transmitted by coded signal from the operating station 52 to the selector valve 24, which is positioned proximate the fluid actuated elements 12. The coded signal is transmitted in binary form through a plurality of code input lines 30, each code input line carrying one binary digit of the code. Each of the fluid actuated elements 12 is represented by a corresponding binary code.

Abstract: A two-stage actuator comprises a pair of axially aligned bellows molded from a thermoplastic material and connected at their adjacent ends by a molded link section integral with the bellows. The other end of one of the bellows is designed to be connected to a stationary machine part while the other end of the other bellows is designed to be connected to a movable machine part. Each bellows has an accordion-type convolution section pneumatically connected through a conduit and a valve to a vacuum source so that the convolution section is axially collapsed by vacuum when applied. A link member axially extends over the convolution section of the other bellows and has an end fixed relative to the one bellows. The other end of the other bellows is in the form of an axially elongated protrusion slidably extending through an opening formed in the other end of the link member.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling discharge from a silo, comprising a device mounted internally of a discharge opening for flowable material and forming with that opening a flow path for material through the opening. A bellows actuator associated with the device moves the device relative to the discharge opening to close the opening or to open it to a desired extent. A vibrator carried by the device vibrates the device to assist flow of material through the discharge opening when it is open.

Abstract: A shot cylinder controller for injection molding machines comprises a valve connected with one side of the shot cylinder and including a valve head which is movable with respect to a seat. The valve head is connected with at least two, lineally extensible actuators, interconnected in an end-to-end relationship. The actuators are independently extended and retracted, whereby selective manipulation of the actuators varies the position of the valve head, and thereby controls the extension of the shot cylinder and regulates the speed of die injection.

Abstract: A tensioning device, especially for endless chains of a tracklaying vehicle, is provided which is formed as a working cylinder which is connected to a pressure-regulated hydraulic source and whose cylinder chamber, which guides a tensioning piston pressing against the guide wheel, is provided with an outlet comprising a pressure relief valve and an inlet, connected to the hydraulic source, with an incorporated nonreturn valve.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hydraulic pumping unit, which is capable of pumping oil and other fluids from the downhole of a well. The pumping unit includes a frame and multi-cylinder system which is attached to the frame in such a manner that it is gravity centered. The bottom of the multi-cylinder system can be attached to the rod system of a well, and when the multi-cylinder system is expanded and contracted, the rod system and moving portion of the downhole pump of the well will be reciprocated back and forth, to bring (pump) oil or other fluid to the surface of the earth.Many other features and facets of the pumping unit are also disclosed.

Abstract: An actuator particularly adapted to control a plurality of bleed air valves of a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The actuator comprises n solenoid pilot valves where 2.sup.n is the number of actuation positions and 2.sup.n -1 is the number of bleed air valves to be actuated. The actuator receives as n bit digital signal corresponding to the number of bleed air valves to be actuated for a particular operating condition of the engine and the actuator converts this number into a correct mechanical position. The conversion is accomplished by a series of telescoping cylinder and piston assemblies each having an expandable chamber. Each chamber is independently contracted or expanded by an associated pilot valve controlling a pressure source in response to the presence or absence of a particular bit in the digital word. The size of the expandable chamber of each assembly is related to the others by ascending powerts of two and correspond to a bit position in the digital input signal.

Abstract: A control element is provided for a gearbox ratio selector in a heavy vehicle of the type in which the gearbox ratio selector is operated by means of a pair of pneumatic cylinders having opposite rods and chambers controlled from the handle of the gearshift lever. The pneumatic cylinders are controlled through an intermediate device between the cylinders and the distributor valve included in the handle of the gearshift lever, so that the activating fluid of the cylinders is independent of the fluid in the handle of the gearshift lever. The distributor valves are connected to control valves advantageously incorporated in the intermediate body provided between the parts opposite to the outlet of the rods in the operating cylinders of the selector.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system including two or more fluid pressure piston-and-cylinder assemblies. The cylinders are linked in pairs so that retraction of both piston rods reduces the length of the pair of assemblies to the length of a single assembly. Operation of both pistons in a pair provides an effective stroke twice the length of a single assembly stroke. In a particular embodiment, a double cylinder system is used as a pickup system for elevating equipment along a mast in a well workover rig.

Abstract: A remote control system for an automotive transmission in an earth-moving vehicle which includes a fluidic variable frequency oscillator having a variable feedback loop controlled by a quadrant lever which acts as a gear shift control. When the lever is moved between spaced transmission control positions, the frequency of the signal at the output is swept through the frequencies corresponding to intermediate control positions. The waveform of the output signal is non-symmetrical having a fixed "off" time and an "on" time which varies in length as an inverse function of the frequency. The output signal is fed to a fluidic transmitter, then through a pair of conduits to a fluidic receiver. The "on" output port of the receiver feeds into a manifold developing pressure therein which varies with the degree of dissymmetry of the wave, that is, inversely with frequency.

Abstract: A blanking machine for blanking holes in a sheet of metal in a zigzag fashion comprising a bolster, a pair of rails, fixedly secured to the bolster extending in a direction right angles to the feeding direction of the sheet of metal to be blanked, a lower die set slidably mounted on the rails, a die fixedly secured to the lower die set, an upper die set having a punch mounted thereon opposite the die, the upper and the lower die sets being coupled together, a hydraulic cylinder having a plurality of pressure chambers formed therein, a transmission mechanism connected to a piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder, and a connecting rod for connecting the transmission mechanism to the upper or lower die set.

Abstract: A hydraulic jack suitable for powering a large load such as an elevator or a drawbridge. In a first embodiment the hydraulic jack telescopes at a uniform rate over its entire distance of extension and includes a plunger member telescopingly enclosed within a sleeve member which, in turn, is telescopingly enclosed within a cylinder member, with the cylinder member encircled by an oil jacket within which the cylinder member is capable of limited angular movement. Means are provided for angularly aligning the various members within one another. Means are also provided to restrict the flow of hydraulic fluid as the hydraulic jack reaches a limit of its travel. Hydraulic jacks in accordance with the present invention can be coupled together in systems to lift large loads.

Abstract: A vehicle brake booster and master cylinder assembly has a vacuum suspended booster section which is controlled by movement of the vehicle brake pedal. A hydraulic booster section is in series with the vacuum suspended booster section, and a master cyclinder unit is in series with the hydraulic booster section. The assembly is so arranged that in normal operation the vehicle operator obtains boosted brake actuating pressures by operation of the vacuum suspended booster which acts through the hydraulic booster mechanism without operating the hydraulic booster. When greater brake actuating pressures are required, as indicated by increased brake pedal force exerted by the operator, the vacuum booster reaches its limit or runout condition and the hydraulic booster is operated so as to continue the increase in master cylinder output pressure.

Abstract: A two stage vacuum break or fluid motor device of the type used to control choke valves of internal combustion engine carburetors. The motor uses a single diaphragm in which the fluid motor plunger operates in a first stage in response to movement of a portion of the diaphragm and in a second stage in response to movement of the entire diaphragm. The stages of movement are under the control of separate sources of manifold pressure which may be made available to the device independently of each other. The two stages of operation may be used to control one or more choke valves through a single output plunger or to control a pair of output plungers movable independently of each other.

Abstract: A multiple input, single output, mechanical actuator including a housing, an actuator rod reciprocably mounted in the housing and having one end projecting therefrom, a plurality of aligned, signal responsive elements in the housing, each independently mounted for reciprocation therein towards and away from the rod, a plurality of signal input structures in the housing, one for each of the elements, for applying a force to reciprocably move the associated element toward or away from the rod, and a plurality of aligned, interengaging links reciprocably mounted within the housing, one for each of the elements, and operatively associated with the rod, each of the links being relatively movable with respect to its element and slidable with respect thereto for one direction of movement of the element and movable therewith in the other direction of movement of its element.

Abstract: A binary controlled tube bending machine wherein a binary punched card system is used to programmably control (1) the longitudinal position of a plurality of spaced bends along the length of a tubular workpiece; (2) the radial orientation of the bends with respect to one another; and (3) the depth of each of the bends. An elongated work support having a bending station positioned at one end thereof slidably mounts a carriage for reciprocal motion toward and away from the bending station. An arbor assembly is mounted on the carriage for releasably retaining the tubular workpiece.

Abstract: A stacker crane storage arrangement wherein a tray is supported for reversible extension transversely of a tower which is movable on a track, so as to deposit cargo laden pallets in cells or cubicles of open sides storage grids on both sides of the track. The tray of the tower is movable by a compact mechanism, utilizing telescopically and reversibly extending drive members carried by pairs of cantilever beams and driven by sprocket chains and hydraulic cylinders in a dual system which effects reversible motion of a tray to either side of the tower. The telescopic tray mechanism provides for moving a cargo laden tray to either a part distance or a full distance transversely of the tower, so that pallets can be stored in or retrieved from double depth storage grids. The specific racks or cells can hold two pallets in tandem, there being a first pallet position and a second pallet position in each cell. The arrangement and construction has features whereby very tall towers are usable.

Abstract: A rigid, multiple-passage, quick-disconnect coupling in which valves of a supply section of the assembly are moved to mechanically open valves in a receiver section for enabling pressurization of telescopic cylinder sections. Energization of the innermost cylinder section automatically actuates the valves for enabling pressurization of the remaining cylinder sections. The coupling sections have opposed valve surfaces substantially flush with the surrounding surfaces of the coupling sections.