Abstract: In one embodiment, a thermal management module is disclosed that includes: a housing defining a plurality of ports and at least one camshaft opening, the housing defining at least one chamber; a camshaft extending through the at least one camshaft opening into the chamber, the camshaft including a plurality of cams; a plurality of seal assemblies each surrounding a respective port of the plurality of ports; and a plurality of stoppers each arranged with a respective port of the plurality of ports. In one aspect, at least one port of the plurality of ports includes a guidance finger adapted to guide a respective stopper of the plurality of stoppers. In another aspect, openings defined by at least two ports of the plurality of ports overlap in an axial direction of the openings.

Abstract: Example methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture to calibrate valve-mounted instruments, such as a position controllers and/or a position transmitter, are described. An example method disclosed herein includes securing a position of a flow control member of a control valve assembly to prevent movement of the flow control member and installing a controller to the control valve assembly.

Abstract: A pressure-driven apparatus sequential controls a multiphase operation, e.g., of a cementing head. A transmission arm including a pawl is supported on a cam shaft connected to a pawl cylinder having a built-in return force, directional control valves with a spring return member and roller, operated by the cam plates of the cam shaft, that are staggered relative to each other in a predetermined angle to a pawl disk supported in bearings. The pawl cylinder will rotate cam shaft to a predetermined angular position in the same rotational direction each time the system is supplied with pressure, and operate the directional valves with rollers, whereby the directional valves will apply pressure to actuators present so that cementing valves or other types of valves will open for a predetermined period of time until a timer control shuts off the pressure supply, the pressure is discharged, and the pawl cylinder returns to the starting position thereof.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an ornament module with a column structure, which comprises a ornament unit provided on the top of the column structure, a mechanical movement unit connecting to the ornament unit and making the ornament unit move, a motivity unit driving the mechanical movement unit, and a motivity control unit connecting to the motivity unit and controlling the operation of the motivity unit. The present invention also discloses an ornament device which comprises two or more ornament modules, a master computer and a distributed control unit. The distributed control unit is connected to the motivity control unit of each ornament module on one end and connected to the master computer on the other end.

Abstract: A pneumatic sequential control valve for successive aeration and deaeration of two consumers, wherein for purposes of aeration compressed air is initially applied to the first consumer and only subsequently to the second consumer, and for deaeration the compressed air is initially let off from the second consumer and only subsequently from the first consumer, comprises a valve body with connections for a compressed air line and a first consumer and second consumer, wherein a cavity is provided in the valve body, bore holes extend from the connections for the consumers and for the compressed air line to this cavity.

Abstract: A high-pressure valve assembly having a valve body that defines a preferably cylindrical valve cavity, a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet and a plurality of valve ports; and a fluid pressure intensifier assembly having a plurality of piston-plunger assemblies and utilizing the high-pressure valve assembly to distribute the working fluid. The valve assemblies have a valve rotor rotatably mounted within the valve cavity. In one embodiment, the valve rotor divides the valve cavity into a high-pressure region in communication with the fluid inlet and a low-pressure region in communication with the fluid outlet. As the valve rotor rotates, at least one and preferably three or more valve ports communicate with the power chamber and at least one and preferably three or more valve ports communicate with the discharge chamber.

Abstract: A rotary valve assembly is disclosed in which a rotary valve member is located within a casing having one or more fluid inlets and a plurality of fluid outlets. The rotary valve member has a fluid conduit which extends in a generally radial direction and which communicates with the fluid inlet. Fluid orifices communicate with the fluid conduit and exit through opposite sides of the rotary valve member to thereby minimize, or eliminate altogether, axial forces acting on the rotary valve member. Fluid outlet passages communicate with the two fluid orifices during at least part of the rotation of the rotary valve member to direct the pressurized fluid to the valve outlets. The rotary valve may include a pair of rotary valve members drivingly connected to each other such that they rotate synchronously. The connection may include gear teeth formed on the adjacent peripheries of the rotary valve members such that rotation of one of the valve members causes rotation of the other.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling a vehicle climate control system having pneumatic passages provided with doors or baffles to regulate the flow of conditioned air to the passenger compartment. The passage or passages are selected by positioning a valve that couples a pneumatic source to one or more of the door or baffle operators. The position of the valve is determined by an electric motor that has applied thereto an energizing voltage from a control bridge circuit which also has applied thereto a feedback voltage which changes in response to operation of the motor. Movement of the valve to a selected position causes the feedback voltage to equal the energizing voltage, whereupon the motor is deenergized and movement of the valve terminates.

Abstract: A contractility actuator includes a longitudinal quadrilateral mesh of relatively inelastic segments with anchor points at either end, an expandable bladder confined within the mesh and means for introducing and inflating the bladder with a liquid for generating a contractile force between the anchor points mechanically analogous to a muscle but of much greater magnitude. Two or more of the contractile actuators are arranged in a system for precisely articulating one or more arms pivotally secured at the distal ends of a structural member.

Abstract: A remotely operated fluid power control system for an automotive vehicle includes a selector for selecting one of several desired operating modes for equipment connected to the fluid power control system and a remotely mounted actuator assembly for receiving electronic signals from the selector and for connecting the fluid power source to one or more fluid power systems. The selector and actuator assembly are connected by a single signal carrying device such as a cable.

Abstract: A pneumatic control system for a reversible stepping actuator has an analog pneumatic control signal and an analog signal indicative of actual position of the actuator. Imbalance in these signals opens one or the other of a pair of comparator valves having inlets connected to a source of pneumatic pressure. Opening of either of the comparator valves enables a pulse timer which converts the pneumatic pressure from either of the comparator valves to pulses of pneumatic pressure applied to one or the other of the operators of the reversible stepping actuator. An oscillating pneumatic timer may be used to produce the pressure pulses, or an electric timer can be used to "chop" one of the pneumatic pressures into periodic pulses.

Abstract: A device for emptying refuse bins, having a tipping frame to engage the bin, a fluid-actuated motor connected to the tipping frame for moving it between a first position wherein it is capable of initial engagement with and holding of the bin, and a second, tilted position, wherein the bin is partially inverted, so as to empty the contents thereof into a larger, collecting container. A switch is provided, responsive to placement of the bin in position on the frame. The device further includes a control circuit having a timing device operated by the switch. The switch initiates operation of the timing device to direct the functioning of the fluid-actuated motor. In a preferred embodiment, the switch is mechanical and is adapted to be engaged by the walls of the refuse bin. Upon the expiration of a predetermined interval established by the timing device, power to the fluid-actuated motor is removed, and the tipping frame carrying the emptied bin is returned to its initial position.

Abstract: A dual automatic leveling system for a blast hole drill during raising and lowering which includes "fine" level sensors to detect an attitude within a fine level range and "coarse" level sensors to detect an attitude outside a coarse level range which is greater than that of the first. A controller is connected to the sensors as well as to appropriate valving with a pressurized fluid source so as to operate hydraulic jacks. The jacks are activated in a first mode in conjunction with the "fine" sensors and in a second mode in conjunction with the "coarse" sensors. In a preferred manner, the "fine" and "coarse" level sensors are positioned as front, rear, and end level sensors mounted on the main frame of the blast hole drill. The "fine" level sensors in conjunction with a programmable logic control will initially level the drilling platform within a .+-.0.5.degree. (both transverse and longitudinally). If during the raising or lowering process the platform becomes out of level by 2.degree.

Abstract: A system and method for pulse-width modulation of multiple solenoid-operated valves in an electrohydraulic servo system employing a microprocessor-based digital controller. Solenoid-energization pulse widths are identified by comparison of operator command input signals to feedback signals responsive to actual motion at the actuators and loads. During each modulation period, all solenoids are initially selectively simultaneously energized as a function of binary information stored in an energization control register, and the shortest energization pulse duration is identified. After a delay corresponding to such shortest duration, during which the microprocessor may perform other control functions, the solenoids associated with such shortest duration are selectively de-energized as a function of binary information stored in a de-energization control register.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pneumatically actuated stepping valve for an automatic control of inlets and outlets for a pneumatic fluid. Each stepping movement is performed in response to a feedback signal indicating that an operation controlled by the valve has been completed. A distributing disc is provided for selecting consecutive pairs of ports consisting of an inlet port and an outlet port each. The stepping valve consists mainly of plastic parts, which contain numerous bores and passages and can be made at low cost. In accordance with the invention the valve disc cooperates with a sealing piston, which in response to pressure applied to said piston establishes connections to through passages of the valve disc, whereas when the piston is pressure-relieved it will be urged by spring means to disengage the valve disc so that the latter will not be restrained by the piston during its stepping movement.

Abstract: A signature stacker providing improved structure for intercepting a stream of signatures of newspapers from a infeed conveyor of a press apparatus and having improved apparatus for controlling timed operation of the various elements of the stacker so as to provide for high speed and continuous operation of the stacker.

Abstract: Three radially extending push rods (26, 28, 30) make contact with an undulating cam surface on the periphery of a cam (10). The push rods (26, 28, 30) are driven inwardly by electrical solenoids (94, 96, 98) or fluid motors (106, 108, 110). At the end of each step, one of the push rods (26, 28, 30) is fully extended and in contact with the bottom of a valley region of the cam surface. The second push rod is in a partially extended position against a sloping surface between a peak and a valley. The third push rod is in a partially extended position against an oppositely sloping surface between a peak and a valley. The push rods (26, 28, 30) are located within the center plane of a relatively thin cam. In other installations, they are spaced axially apart or both circumferentially and axially apart. A cam surface twists (FIG. 7) as it extends axially to, in that manner, provide different cam positions under each of three axially spaced apart push rods. A plurality of cams are connected together.

Abstract: A pneumatic control system for machinery and the like which have a plurality of intermittently operated pneumatic use points or work stations. The system includes a common pneumatic source of sufficient capacity to maintain a predetermined minimum pressure level during the operating sequence of the system, a line connecting each use point to the common source, and a non-pressure responsive, selectively adjustable, throttling valve interposed in each connecting line for establishing a desired pressure at the use point relative to the pressure of the common source. The system is controlled such that the use points draw upon the common source in a predetermined sequence and rate such that the total capacity demand on the common source remains substantially constant, and thus the use point pressures remain constant without the need for relatively expensive pressure regulator valves in the respective use point connecting lines.

Abstract: A control system for a washing machine having an aspirator connected to the discharge side of the inlet valve. The aspirator vacuum port provides a vacuum signal through a one-way valve to a vacuum reservoir which supplies a vacuum signal via a control valve to one or more vacuum responsive diaphragm actuators. The force output of the actuators is employed for auxiliary machine functions such as direct mechanical actuation of the drain valve or operating the recirculation pump motor start switch.

Abstract: In this fluid powered positioning system, a sliding assembly includes a slide plate that moves linearly with respect to a frame. A plurality of "working" linear cylinder actuators are mounted to the frame. Each includes a piston and a rod which extends through an opening in the slide plate and terminates at a stop flange. A set of adjustable stop members are mounted to the frame and each is positioned to limit the travel of a respective actuator rod. Appropriate control means applies to a selectable one of the actuators a pressurized fluid, that causes the piston and rod to be moved in a first direction until it is stopped by the associated stop member. In this movement, the stop flange can pull the slide plate to the new location. A "balance" linear actuator cylinder includes a ram that exerts a continuous force in the opposite direction against the slide plate. This "balance" actuator damps and effectively prevents overshoot of the slide plate as it is positioned to each new location.

Abstract: A wrist mechanism in an industrial robot comprises a wrist, a rotary type actuator which is rotatable in clockwise and counter-clockwise directions, a first positioning board which can define arbitrary angular stopping positions, sensing devices, and a second positioning board which is arranged facing the first positioning board, wherein the sensing devices detect the angular position of the wrist, which is driven by the rotary type actuator, the rotary type actuator is stopped by signals produced by the sensing devices, and the second positioning board with tapered receptacles is pressed to the first positioning board with tapered pins, whereby the positioning of the wrist mechanism is carried out.

Abstract: A multiple-section, multiple-position switching valve and a hydraulic powered valve actuator for controlling subsea well equipment, such as valve operators, connectors and other hydraulically actuated devices, with only two hydraulic pressure source lines from the surface to the subsea location of such well equipment. The switching valve includes a plurality of readily removable and replaceable valve sections, each having a unique combination of valve portings, which sections can be connected end to end to obtain a switching system having a predetermined matrix of switching control. The valve actuator moves the switching valve in a first direction through a sequence of distinct positions, and then reverses and moves the switching valve in the opposite direction through the same distinct positions.

Abstract: A control device is designed for center pivot irrigation units of the type having an elongate water carrying pipe with a plurality of support vehicles spaced therealong, and wherein each of the vehicles includes a double acting hydraulic cylinder mounted thereon for moving the vehicle and the water pipe over the ground. The irrigation unit includes a device for aligning the vehicles, a hydraulic pump with pressure and return lines, and power and retract manifolds respectively interconnecting power and retract sides of the cylinders. The control device includes a hydraulic valve with three positions which communicate the pressure line with the power manifold, the retract manifold, and the pump return line respectively.

Abstract: The specification discloses an automatic programmable valve sequencer employing a rotatable cam cylinder operating adjacent cam valves by means of cam segments mounted thereon to directly operate air cylinders or other air-operated tools.While the cam cylinder is manually advanced between steps where such cylinders or other tools are to be actuated, if a particular program doesn't utilize all the steps available, by virtue of one cam cylinder in combination with several control valves being able to automatically advance the cam cylinder when programmed to do so, the valve programmer will advance past vacant steps to the start of the next programmed cycle immediately on completion of the previous one.

Abstract: Automated control apparatus for an intermittently extended hydraulic cylinder is disclosed which governs cylinder elongation such that the rate of elongation is essentially constant with respect to time. The control apparatus includes a preset continuously variable timer that regulates the timer interval between sequential length increments of the cylinder. The control apparatus also includes a second timer which is responsive to the timer interval interposed by the first timer and which operates a valve controlling communication of hydraulic fluid between a hydraulic cylinder and a pump. The second timer may be discretely variable so that one of a plurality of predetermined length increments can be selected. Alternatively, the second timer may adjust the time period during which the valve is opened such that successive stages of a telescopic hydraulic cylinder have equal length increments.

Abstract: A flowable material dispenser having a bore therethrough. A resilient pinch-off tube is removably fitted within the bore. A flowable material reservoir is connected to one end of the tube. At least one dispensing nozzle or needle is coupled to the other end of the tube. Within the dispenser is a mechanism for selectively squeezing the tube to force selected amounts of the flowable material out the needle, and then to draw any residual amount of the material in the needle back away from the distal end of the needle thereby to eliminate dripping. Connected to the squeezing mechanism is a control system for sequencing the squeezing operation to perform the method of the invention which includes the steps of filling the tube with material, isolating a portion of the material in the tube from the reservoir, dispensing a portion of the isolated material, drawing the remaining portion of the isolated material in the needle back away from the distal end of the needle, and refilling the tube with material.

Abstract: Opposed pivotally mounted tamper arms are oscillated by respective single-acting hyraulic piston assemblies controlled by separate hydraulic duplex rotary distributing valves. Fluid supply and return lines for each piston assembly are connected to a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid via the respective rotary valve. Each valve has a stationary ported shell which receives a rotary cylindrical spool having a pair of axially displaced supply and return throughports which alternately register with supply and return line ports in the shell to open and close the connections between the respective piston assembly and the supply and return lines. While the rotary valves are preferably driven by a common drive unit, the relative phase of the oscillations of the arms can be determined by rotationally offsetting one of the spools with respect to the other by the desired phase angle.

Abstract: Opposed pivotally mounted tamper arms are oscillated by respective single-acting hydraulic piston assemblies controlled by separate hydraulic duplex rotary distributing valves. Fluid supply and return lines for each piston assembly are connected to a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid via the respective rotary valve. Each valve has a stationary ported shell which receives a rotary cylindrical spool having a pair of axially displaced supply and return throughports which alternately register with supply and return line ports in the shell to open and close the connections between the respective piston assembly and the supply and return lines. While the rotary valves are preferably driven by a common drive unit, the relative phase of the oscillations of the arms can be determined by rotationally offsetting one of the spools with respect to the other by the desired phase angle.

Abstract: A hydraulic-powered motor for stepwise operation has a plurality of radial pistons in a rotatable cylinder block, the pistons engaging a cam track having a number of indentations which is different from the number of the pistons. Electrically operated valves are provided and are energizable in sequence to apply pressure pulses to the pistons to cause stepwise rotation of the cylinder block. Detent means may be provided to prevent rotation of the cylinder block in the absence of a pressure pulse to any one of the pistons.

Abstract: A rotary stepper actuator having a rotatable output shaft provided with a cam portion fixedly secured thereto and engaged by a plurality of pairs of oppositely acting fluid pressure responsive pistons wherein each pair of pistons is movable along an axis intersecting the axis of the shaft. Preferably, the pistons are arranged in circumferentially spaced apart formation around the shaft and provided with roller elements adapted to bear against the cam portion the periphery of which takes the general form of an ellipse having opposite depressed mid portions. The applied piston forces acting through the rollers against the peripheral edge of the crank portion produce a force couple tending to rotate the shaft to the extent that the rollers become engaged with the opposite depressed mid portions whereupon the couple becomes reversed preventing further rotation of the shaft.

Abstract: In a mineral mining installation employing a series of shifting rams for advancing a scraper-chain conveyor provided with a guide for a mining machine a control system with a central control station for transmitting control signals. The control signals serve to actuate local control valves, possibly in time dependence, to cause a selected one or group of metering devices to transfer a pre-determined volume of pressure fluid to one or more of the rams to effect said advancement. This volume of pressure fluid is some fraction of the total capacity of the ram or rams in question so that by repeatedly transmitting control signals the device or devices can perform successive cycles of operation to thereby cause the ram or rams associated therewith to extend in defined increments.

Abstract: A programmer includes an intermittently rotating drum, having thereon a series of actuators arranged in a pre-selected manner, for actuating in a predetermined order, a plurality of devices, such as fluid valves, each of which, when actuated, causes an operation to be performed. The drum is indexed by a stepping motor controlled by impulses of energy to a pilot valve in response to rotation of the drum. The actuators are removably mounted on the drum, so that the programming of the series of operations as to the order thereof, and duration of each, can be done quickly and easily, in advance. Individual valves can also be shut off when not needed.

Abstract: A control means, for a mine roof support having hydraulically extensible prop means and some other pressure-fluid-operated component (e.g. a hydraulic ram for advancing the support), comprises a control valve having selectable positions in one of which (the prop extend position) it will select for a supply of hydraulic pressure-fluid to said prop means. The control means also include a valve device having a position in which it will provide for a supply of pressure-fluid to the prop means and having means adapted to cause it to move to that position, when the control valve is operated to the prop extend position, and to keep it in that position even position. the control valve is operated from the prop extend positon. By this arrangement a pressure-fluid supply to the prop means will still be maintained so as to ensure proper setting thereof and to make up any leakage of fluid.

Abstract: A multiple-spindle machine tool or a multi-speed transmission wherein the spindles or shafts carry several fluid-operated aggregates in the form of clutches, brakes and/or work clamping devices which receive pressurized fluid by way of axially movable spools mounted in or surrounding the respective spindles or shafts. The spools are movable axially by a stationary cam (in a machine tool) or by an indexible cam (in a transmission), and receive pressurized fluid which is admitted axially or radially, depending upon whether the spools are received in or surround the respective spindles or shafts.

Abstract: A controller for controlling the operation of an automatic machine which includes a number of pneumatically operated devices, for example a machine for blow moulding hollow glass articles, comprises a closed box containing a number of valves each of which is arranged to control one of the pneumatically operated devices of the machine. A first compressed air supply system is connected to the box for supplying compressed air to some only of the valves in the box, the remaining valves being shut-off from this system, and a second compressed air supply system is provided for supplying these remaining valves which are not supplied by the first system. Pressure relief means is also provided for de-pressurising one of the systems so that the valve supplied by this system and the devices which they control become inoperative while the other valves remain pressurised by the other system and accordingly the devices controlled by these other valves remain operative.

Abstract: The hydraulic controller is for controlling the operation of a plurality of hydraulically controlled devices. Hydraulic fluid may be selectively distributed by the controller to various controlled hydraulic devices in a timed and predetermined sequence. The timing of the distribution of hydraulic fluid by the controller can be quickly and easily varied by various control knobs on the controller to thereby vary the timed operated period of the various machine operations controlled by such devices without affecting the timed operation of other machine operations. The controller is supplied with a source of hydraulic fluid under a generally constant pressure. Cam means are associated with each of a plurality of fluid flow distributing valves for operating such associated valve members in a predetermined sequence of valve positions upon advancement of the cam means relative thereto.