Abstract: A fluid-driven motor has a manifold with an arcuate seal including first and second valve openings and a sealing surface. A cylinder pivotally mounted on the manifold has a facing surface cooperating with the arcuate seal. The arcuate seal and the facing surface define a position-responsive valve configuration such that, when the cylinder assumes a neutral position, an aperture of the facing surface faces the sealing surface, and when the cylinder is angularly displaced in either direction, the aperture overlaps one or other of the valve openings, thereby connecting to the correspond fluid flow channel in the manifold. A pressure compensation volume underlies the sealing surface and receives fluid pressure from the fluid flow channels through valves, or from the internal volume of the cylinder, so that a pressure within the pressure compensation volume approaches a value no less than a current pressure within the internal volume.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is an engine that is actuated by a fluid under pressure, preferably water, and comprises one or more oscillating, connecting-rod assemblies (13), including a cylinder (14) and a piston (15), and at least one or more cranks (16) driven by the connecting-rod assemblies (13). For each connecting-rod assembly (13), a preferably stationary valve (20) controls the feed and the discharge of the pressure fluid to and from it, synchronically with the angular position of the corresponding crank (10), and acts as the pivot about which connecting-rod assembly (13) oscillates. The engine can be applied for producing mechanical work in any apparatus, for example in sprinklers, concrete mixers, apparatus for winding cables or garden hose reels, and so on, or for the production of electrical energy. The actuating fluid can be used, after its discharge from the engine, for purposes for which high pressure is not required.

Abstract: A conveyorized transport apparatus has an overhead rail system for transporting articles on a suspended trolley from one location to another. A moveable rail section in the system has a pivotal connection with an adjacent rail section to pivot the moveable section from a conveying position and a diverted position in which articles are delivered closer to a work station disposed laterally of the rail system.

Abstract: Piston rods (60, 62) of three linear hydraulic motors (36, 38, 40) are connected at their outer ends (64, 68) to two spaced apart transverse frame members (10, 12). A cylinder housing (72) is driven back and forth along each pair of piston rods (60, 62). Three transverse drive beams (48, 50, 52) are provided. Each drive beam (48, 50, 52) is directly connected to an associated one of the cylinder housings (72). Three sets of floor slat members (1, 2, 3) are provided. Each set (1, 2, 3) is connected to an associated one of the transverse drive beams (48, 50, 52). The linear hydraulic motors (36, 38, 40) are operated for moving the floor slat members (1, 2, 3) in one direction, for advancing a load, and for retracting them in the opposite direction. Each cylinder housing (72) has four fluid chambers (82, 84, 86, 88). The first and third chambers (82, 86) are interconnected and the second and fourth chambers (84, 88) are interconnected.

Abstract: An improved hydraulic swing mechanism is disclosed for operation of the boom assembly of a backhoe or similar implement. The swing mechanism includes a pair of double-acting hydraulic motors pivotally interconnected between the backhoe frame and the backhoe boom assembly. A novel multi-position sequencing spool valve is disposed in fluid communication between the head ends of the hydraulic motors and a manually operated directional control valve which directs swinging movement of the boom assembly. A straight-forward valve control linkage operatively connects the sequencing spool valve with the boom assembly so that the spool valve is selectively operated as the boom assembly is pivoted through its arc of travel. An improved hydraulic cushioning circuit is provided in association with the sequencing spool valve, with the entire system providing improved operation of the boom assembly, with significant improvement in the hydraulic cushioning and torque characteristics of the system.