Abstract: In a fluid displacement system having a pressure vessel, an expansion vessel, first and second tubes in fluid communication with the two vessels, and an energy source, fluid contained within the system is transferred from one vessel to the other by activating the energy source, which in turn generates pressure in the pressure vessel. The generated pressure in the pressure vessel, in turn, displaces the fluid in the expansion vessel, and the system advantageously has no moving parts.

Abstract: A recoil and slack adjustment mechanism for tensioning an endless track chain of an undercarriage assembly of a work machine includes a ram assembly and an accumulator assembly. The ram assembly includes a ram housing having a ram chamber defined therein. A recoil ram is movably housed within the ram chamber. The recoil ram has a ram subchamber defined therein. The tensioning ram is movably housed within the ram subchamber and is coupled to a front idler roller of the undercarriage assembly. A check valve is disposed between the ram chamber and the ram subchamber such that fluid pressure from the accumulator assembly is selectively exerted on the tensioning ram thereby urging the front idler roller so as to bias the track chain of the undercarriage assembly. The recoil and slack adjustment assembly provides continuous, constant tensioning of the track chain, and does not require the use of live hydraulics.

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: Description of a system of a thermodynamic steam pump for water propulsion, its heating, disinfection and sterilization, or propulsion of other liquids, characterized by use of water steam pressure as the propelling media of a liquid mass directly, without intermediate equipment to convert the energy, which is composed of a pressure tank, an electric input valve, steam under pressure provided by an external source and means for introduction by gravity of the liquid mass to be impulsed, with electromechanical elements to control level and flow, including a heat exchanger where recycled steam is forced through a tube panel which over heats the liquid thus eliminating the existing microbes and bacteria or just taking advantage of said heat exchanger to pre-heat and fluidify heavy crude oils or other viscous liquids with no expense of additional energy. This same thermo-hydro-dynamic system installed in a surface vessel (ship) can act as propulsor of the same by the action and reaction principle. (Jet propulsion.

Abstract: An intensifier type of fluid actuator includes multiple sensors for sensing various operational characteristics of the intensifier. The intensifier includes a first manifold connected by a first tube to a second manifold to define an intensifier chamber, a third manifold connected by a second tube to the second manifold to define a reservoir chamber, and a fourth manifold connected by a third tube to the third manifold to define a work chamber. An intensifier piston is disposed within the intensifier chamber and has an intensifier rod secured thereto that extends through the second manifold into the reservoir chamber and through the third manifold into the work chamber. A reservoir piston is disposed within the reservoir chamber and includes an opening formed therethrough, through which the intensifier rod extends. The second body includes a fifth manifold connected by a fourth tube to a sixth manifold to define a piston chamber.

Abstract: A hydraulic motor has three interconnected power pistons. The pistons include passageways therebetween that allow a working fluid to be conserved upon reciprocating piston motion. Valves control the pressure state of working fluid within working chambers, which in turn will cause the three piston assembly to oscillate within the working chambers. The hydraulic motor is combined with a pressure source and an energy converter to form a hydraulic-pneumatic power plant. The energy converter converts pressurized working fluid from a single port into pressurized fluid passed through a first port and reduced pressure fluid passed through a second port. The pressure source is preferably pneumatic, which provides the necessary store of energy, or push, to initiate motion within the hydraulic motor.

Abstract: A valve driving apparatus for actuating a shut-off valve provided in a pipeline conveying a fluid includes a gas/oil booster having an oil chamber and a gas chamber. A valve-driving actuator has a cylinder connected to the oil chamber of the booster, and a pressure tank connected to the gas chamber of the booster a compressed gas sealed therein. The compressed gas is used as a power source to cause oil pressure from the booster to drive the valve-driving actuator and consequently actuate the shut-off valve.

Abstract: A hydraulic pump assembly for powering a hydraulic torque wrench is air-powered and has hydro-pneumatic control circuitry which continues operation of an air motor which drives the hydraulic pump for a post-advance period after an advance actuator is deactuated. Operation of the pump is continued for a period sufficient to retract a double-acting torque wrench, to permit subsequent advances of the wrench within the post-advance period without restarting the pump or to permit a single acting wrench to be moved from one fastener to the next within the post-advance period without restarting the pump. Operation of the pump is terminated when the post-advance period expires if the advance actuator is not reactuated, so as to conserve energy and avoid unnecessary heating of the hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: A pneumatic/hydraulic pressure intensifier has a cap secured to open end of housing. A first chamber in open end receives air pressure. A first fluid communication system formed in cap communicates air pressure to first chamber. A wall member is disposed in such housing. A second chamber in communication with first chamber contains hydraulic fluid and unpressurized air. A second cap is secured to other end of housing. A third chamber in intensifier contains hydraulic fluid. A second fluid communication system formed in second cap connects the third chamber to a fluid communication line. An aperture formed in wall of second chamber evacuates air from portion of first and second chambers upon communication of air to a second portion of first chamber and communication of air to the first and second chambers upon evacuation of air pressure. A second aperture, formed in another housing wall, communicates hydraulic fluid to second chamber. A first piston is disposed for reciprocal movement in the first chamber.

Abstract: A gas spring element or gas cylinder element, particularly suitable for presses for non-cutting forming, including a closed non-compressible fluid system which includes the ring space between the piston or as the case may be piston rod and the cylinder or as the case may be cylinder head, wherein manipulation of the flow of fluid, which results from displacement movement of the piston, is used to hold the piston in the extended position and also to initiate release the piston rod, optionally including rate of return of the piston. Therewith there is achieved a complete timewise decoupling of the return stroke movement of a press ram and a piston rod.

Abstract: Pumping under the present invention includes movement of material, in a first embodiment fluid and in a second embodiment a piston assembly, between first and second positions including detection of said material at each position. Control circuitry and supporting mechanical and fluid coupling responsive to material position toggles the pump into alternate modes of operation driving the material toward each point. The pump arrangement has fewer moving parts than traditional pumps and enjoys higher reliability for its simplified design.

Abstract: A tool for use in installing fasteners in workpieces is disclosed. The tool includes a pintail bore which includes a passage extending through the nose assembly, the piston, and the back cap. An air channel connected to a supply of pressurized air is connected to the pintail bore. An air restriction mechanism blocks the flow of air out the nose of the tool and a pintail retaining device prevents detached pintails from exiting out the nose of the tool. Thus, pressurized air flowing through the air channel carries detached pintails out the pintail bore to a pintail collection chamber.

Abstract: A hydropneumatic powertrain includes a fluidic driver connected in parallel with first and second liquid tanks connected, respectively, with first and second gas vessels. The gas within each gas vessel is in fluid communication with the liquid within the corresponding liquid vessel. A prime mover drives a pump to pump liquid alternately into one of the two liquid tanks connected in parallel with the pump. Switch valving directs the discharge of the pump to either the first liquid tank or the second liquid tank, while the liquid tank not receiving liquid from the pump discharge is discharging its liquid, driven by expansion of gas within the corresponding gas vessel, to drive the fluidic driver which, in turn, drives the drive wheels of the vehicle. Each gas tank is equipped with a heater and a cooler whereby the gas vessel, in the compression portion of the cycle, is cooled while the other gas vessel is heated for expansion of the gas contained therein.

Abstract: A hydraulic accumulator system alternately stores energy in the form of gas pressure and converts the stored energy into work by gas expansion. The hydraulic accumulator system, by connection to drive wheels of a vehicle, can serve as a hydropneumatic powertrain for the vehicle. High-pressure and low-pressure fluid drive units are operable either in a motor mode or in a pump mode. A plurality of high-pressure liquid vessels and a plurality of low-pressure liquid vessels are connected in parallel between the fluid drive units and a gas reservoir, with the high-pressure fluid drive unit connecting with the high-pressure liquid vessels and the low-pressure fluid drive unit connecting with the low-pressure liquid vessels. A liquid reservoir supplies liquid to the fluid drive units when operating in the pump mode and receives liquid from the fluid drive units operating in a motor mode. A method of operating the system is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods to facilitate alteration of the torque and speed characteristics of a pneumatic motor to reduce start-up reaction torque and minimize run-on time after disconnection of the motor from a source of pressurized gas. A series connected accumulator and proportional gas flow/control/dump valve are inserted between a pressurized gas supply and a pneumatic motor, after which the accumulator volume is optimized by an iterative method to satisfactorily reduce transient motor start-up reaction torque while maintaining motor run-on time within an acceptable range.

Abstract: A hydraulic system which includes a pump for supplying hydraulic fluid to a load and receiving hydraulic fluid therefrom wherein the pump is acoustically isolated from the surrounding water medium. The pump and a motor which drives the pump is enclosed in a pressure vessel, the interior of which is supplied with a gas at a certain pressure less than the ambient water pressure. The pressure of the hydraulic fluid in the return line is maintained at a pressure less than the ambient by a reservoir arrangement which includes a piston and rod assembly with the rod being subject to the ambient water medium. A certain pressure within an oil filled compartment of the reservoir is maintained at a fraction of the ambient water medium pressure by making the ratio of the cross sectional area of the piston to the rod equal to that predetermined fraction. This reduced pressure compartment is hydraulically connected to the fluid return line as well as to a gas regulator.

Abstract: Apparatus for supplying high pressure hydraulic fluid to a hand tool comprises an intensifier having a first relatively large diameter pneumatic cylinder and a second relatively small diameter hydraulic cylinder containing hydraulic fluid. A first piston is operatively positioned in the pneumatic cylinder and mechanically coupled to a second piston operatively positioned in the hydraulic cylinder. An air switching valve is connected between a source of pressurized air and the pneumatic cylinder and has a first air outlet port connected to a first end of the pneumatic cylinder and operative in a pressurizing mode for supplying air pressure to drive the first piston in a direction to pressurize the hydraulic fluid. The valve also has a second air outlet port connected to a second end of the pneumatic cylinder and operative in a depressurizing mode for supplying air for retracting the first piston and depressurizing the hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: An improved water pressurizer comprises a pair of piston and plunger type intensifiers each driven by pressurized oil on one side of the piston and returned to the starting position by air pressure on the opposite side of the piston. Magnetic sensing switches detect proximity of the piston as it nears the end of a power or return stroke and send enabling signals to electropneumatic relays controlling air actuated ball valves on input and output oil lines. Because of the displacement volume and piston to plunger ratio, the intensifiers reciprocate at unusually low frequencies, reducing down time for maintenance or repair and thereby increasing reliability and capacity factor. Installed on a trailer for transportation, the apparatus can be attached to any available water supply for providing pressurized working fluid to a remote site.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuator includes a pneumatic piston, a hydraulic piston, and an engine valve on a common shaft. The pneumatic piston is urged between first and second stable positions primarily by a double acting pneumatic spring, with high pressure hydraulic fluid connected to a first hydraulic chamber being used to cock the hydraulic piston in a first stable position (engine valve closed). Hydraulic fluid isolated in a second hydraulic chamber is used to latch the hydraulic piston in a second stable position (engine valve open). Transfer of hydraulic fluid between first and second chambers is effected by a carrier for two check valves, which carrier in a first position disables the second check valve to permit fluid to flow from the second chamber to the first chamber, whereupon the first check valve closes (cocking). In a second position the carrier disables the first check valve to permit fluid to flow from the first chamber to the second chamber, whereupon the second check valve closes (latching).

Abstract: Procedure for pumping liquid at high temperature through a pipe, characterized in that the liquid at high temperature is pressed, by means of a fluid at low temperature that is inert in relation to the liquid at high temperature, away out of a first reservoir that is mounted on an extremity of the pipe. The liquid at high temperature which is pressed out is taken up in a second reservoir that is mounted on the other extremity of the pipe, while the aforementioned fluid that is in the second reservoir, is let out, after a time the liquid at high temperature is now pressed out of this second reservoir and is taken up again in the first reservoir, and this by means of the aforementioned fluid that is now let out of the first reservoir and is pumped into the second reservoir. The pumping procedure including means to calculate a flow rate through the pipe via temperature and level indicators, taking into account expansion or contraction of the high temperature liquid.

Abstract: A gas spring actuator which, when attached to a valve, will return the valve to its initial position after the valve has been moved to a second position by application of a pressurized fluid that opposes the gas spring. The gas spring is charged to a predetermined gas pressure. A hydraulic fluid is applied in an opposing manner to drive the piston in one direction to operate the valve and simultaneously pressurize the gas in the gas spring. Upon removal of the hydraulic pressure, the pressurized gas returns the piston, and the valve, to its initial position.

Abstract: In a veneer stacking system, a sensing device for sensing the incoming veneer sheets and computer determining from the information of the sensing device the stack on which the sheets are to be deposited. Knock-off shoes are positioned above the path of incoming veneer sheets. Multiple hydraulic cylinders connected into a hydraulic control system controls movement of the shoes. The multiple cylinders are simultaneously actuated by master cylinders which in turn are simultaneously actuated by a computer controlled mover piston. Air leaked into the hydraulic system is bled off by bleed orifices in the master cylinders communicating with a hydraulic fluid reservoir whereby air rises in the system up through the orifices and into the reservoir.

Abstract: A pressurized fluid reservoir having a variable working volume includes a cylinder body having a fixed storage volume and a first inlet and exhaust structure for allowing a compressible fluid to enter and leave the cylinder. A second inlet and exhaust structure is also provided for allowing a substantially incompressible fluid to enter and leave the cylinder. A first charge mechanism pumps the compressible fluid into the cylinder. A second charge mechanism pumps the substantially incompressible fluid into the cylinder to reduce the cylinder fixed storage volume to a desired working volume into which the compressible fluid can be pumped by the first charge mechanism.

Abstract: A hydraulic-pneumatic cylinder device of the invention comprises a tubular housing closed at both ends, and an actuating piston slidably guided in the housing and connected to a piston rod. A pair of hydraulic units, each of which comprises a pair of volume-variable liquid chambers in communication with each other through a flow control passage, are arranged within the housing on both sides of the piston to act thereon in opposite axial directions. A pair of air chambers, which are selectively connectable to an air supply source, are also provided within the housing to act on the respective hydraulic units. Operation of the cylinder device can be reliably adjusted by a flow regulating valve provided at each flow control passage.

Abstract: An oleopneumatic load intensifier apparatus for creating a rapid advance of a tool carrying piston rod followed by slow advance of the piston rod at an increased load. The apparatus has a master cylinder and an actuating cylinder that can assume different positions with respect to the master cylidner while maintaining fluid communication therewith. An enclosed hydraulic system is shared by the master and actuating cylinders. Pneumatic pressure actuates a piston within the master cylinder that causes a rapid advancement of a hydraulic fed piston within the actuating cylinder, causing a piston rod and a tool associated therewith to contact a workpiece. Pneumatic pressure then causes a piston and associated piston rod, located in the master cylinder, to increase the hydraulic pressure in the line to the hydraulic fed piston located within the actuating cylinder, thus, increasing the load delivered to the workpiece.

Abstract: The present invention provides a truck shipping dock hook system for locking a truck trailer by an ICC bar to a shipping dock. The system includes a hook pivotally mounted to the dock, a pressurized air source, a normally closed first solenoid valve connected with the air source, a tank containing a low temperature fluid connected with the first solenoid valve and a second solenoid valve, a vent connected with the second solenoid valve, and a hydraulic cylinder with a piston rod pivotally connected to the hook for powering the same.

Abstract: The present invention deals with a new hoisting and supporting machine used for supporting and lifting loads from the base level to different levels. The machine is essentially an air and water crane which is a combination of water pressure together with uplifting buoyancy forces acting directly or indirectly on the top platform of the hoisting machine. It consists generally of an outer upright water retaining telescopic column and an inner upright air filled floating telescopic column, which develops the buoyancy forces that lift up and support the top platform of the unit. When used in sub-zero temperature, the unit is provided with means to prevent the water, inside the column, from freezing, while for severe arctic low temperatures the unit is converted into an all ice column with provisions to accommodate the expanding ice inside the columns, resulting in an ice pillar acting like a concrete pillar to support the top platform of the unit with its loads.

Abstract: An abrasive cutting system has an abrasive cutting wheel, a holder for the object to be cut, and means for advancing and retracting the wheel and holder relative to each other. Preferably, the advancing and retracting means is connected to the holder, while the cutting wheel is stationary except for its rotary motion. In accordance with this invention, apparatus for automatically, intermittently advancing the wheel and holder toward each other while the wheel is cutting the object is provided. This automatic, intermittent advancement provides significant improvements over a uniform rate of advancement.

Abstract: An energy recovery system is disclosed for recovering energy of highly pressurized natural gas when it is depressurized prior to distribution. The system includes a processing vessel which defines a bounded volume. The vessel is partially filled with water. A shaft extends through an aperture formed in the processing vessel with the shaft reciprocally moveable through said aperture. A conduit connects the high pressure natural gas to a gas inlet disposed within the processing vessel. The inlet is disposed beneath the level of the water within the vessel. Gas flows from the inlet in a predetermined path toward the water level. An exhaust conduit connects an outlet of the processing vessel to an expansion tank. The outlet is disposed above the water level within the vessel. A lift chamber is connected to the shaft and has an opening disposed to admit gas flowing along the predetermined path. The chamber is sized for gas collected within the chamber to urge the shaft to move toward the water level.

Abstract: An actuation installation for use under extreme environmental conditions, such as freezing, uses a two-fluid system in which one fluid is impervious to the extreme environment, and the other fluid, such as water, is not. A two-chamber accumulator-separator has a water chamber connected to a water source via control valves and a working fluid chamber connected to a hydraulic actuator port. The other actuator port is connected to a working fluid chamber of a two-chamber accumulator having a sealed air-pressure chamber. When water is admitted to the water chamber, the actuator will move in a first direction further compressing the air in the air pressure chamber. When the water is drained from the water chamber, the accumulator air-pressure moves the actuator in the opposite direction. The actuator is positioned in the extreme environment, with the remainder of the system installed in a protected environment such as underground.

Abstract: A closed loop solar collector system includes a fluid receiver for collecting solar heat to vaporize a working fluid therein. A uniflow engine connected to the receiver, is powered by the vaporized fluid to power a water wheel. The engine includes a single piston acting directly upon a pair of normally closed intake valves projecting into the engine cylinder. Under low boiler pressure conditions, a spring loaded connecting rod having depending arms each engaging one of the intake valve rods when in a normally raised position coordinates simultaneous opening or closing of the valves with a detent mechanism, enabling the piston to operate in a nonexpanding state. At high boiler pressures, the connecting rod disengages from the intake valve by means of a transmission rod and follower acted upon by outwardly displaced weights provided on a flywheel powdered by the engine drive shaft so that the piston operates in the expanding state.

Abstract: A reservoir for holding pre-fill hydraulic fluid is connected at its bottom to the power input side of a hydraulic motor. A stand pipe within the reservoir is connected to a hydraulic fluid drain outlet for expulsion of excess volume hydraulic fluid. Compressed air is introduced to the reservoir at a level above the top of the stand pipe. Valving in the compressed air line is operable to three states: opened between the compressed air source and the reservoir; opened between the reservoir and the atmosphere and closed. A valve connected in the drain outlet may be opened or closed. A check valve between the reservoir and the hydraulic motor is held opened by pilot operation during return of the hydraulic fluid to the reservoir and checked closed during high pressure input to the hydraulic motor.

Abstract: A system including a solid propellant gas generator for generating closing pressure for an oilfield closing device is disclosed. The system provides a reliable source of hydraulic power for emergency operation of blowout preventers, diverters and the like. A solid propellant gas generator is actuated by an actuating signal. Resultant high pressure gases are applied either directly to the oilfield closing device, or to a hydraulic reservoir operably forcing hydraulic fluid to the closing device.

Abstract: A device for remote control of actuator of a shut-off member comprises an autonomous source of energy and a distributor connected therewith. The autonomous source of energy is fashioned as two units, each unit containing at least two gas generators with igniter means, a pneumatic OR gate and a selector. The input of each unit is connected to a corresponding control channel while outputs are connected to respective input and control channels of the distributor. The present invention improves the reliability of control of the shut-off member and facilitates the maintenance of the device during operation.

Abstract: An apparatus to generate electricity. There is a first cylinder having an open end and containing a first piston. A second cylinder has an open end and contains a second piston. A pipe communicates the two cylinders at the ends remote from their open ends. A closure can be moved to close and open the open end of each cylinder in sequence. The system receives a liquid between that part of the apparatus defined by the cylinders and the pipe and between the two pistons. An electrical generator is operated by movement of the liquid in the apparatus to generate electricity when fluid pressure acts on the first piston in the first cylinder, with the second cylinder closed by the closure, it moves the first piston inwardly, moving the liquid to the second piston through the pipe. Movement of the piston and thus of the liquid acts to operate the electrical generator. Movement of the closure closes the first cylinder and opens the second cylinder.

Abstract: A hydropneumatic system, especially for operating landing gear of truck trailers, is operable from a source of pressurized air. The system includes separate first and second hydraulic fluid sources. Dual hydraulic cylinders are operated by the fluid. Each has a piston and an extensible member connected to the piston for providing extension and retraction of the gear legs in response to hydraulic pressure in chambers on opposite sides of the pistons. An air valve provides the pressurized air to one of the fluid sources for enabling it to provide hydraulic fluid. An air-operated hydraulic pressure boosting pump is selectively operable to boost the hydraulic fluid pressure thus provided to much greater than air pressure.

Abstract: Actuating equipment for a gate valve or penstock uses both compressed air and hydraulic oil to obtain the advantages of both. A control valve directs air to a hydraulic reservoir so as to drive oil at the air pressure into one chamber of a double acting cylinder and piston connected to the gate. When the gate is not being moved it is locked in position by an air operated valve preventing oil flow. A normally energized solenoid operated control valve opens when electrical power fails so as to direct stored air from a reservoir to move the gate to a fail-safe position.Air pipelines may provide communication over some distance from the control valves to the gate valve or penstock.

Abstract: A device of the type wherein a gas pressure is converted into an oil pressure and the resulting oil pressure is exerted to drive an actuator. A pair of gas-oil reservoirs are coupled with each other via a conduit wherein an automatic oil level control valve is disposed to close the conduit when the actuator is in operation and the gas pressure in the reservoirs are not balanced and open the conduit when the actuator is not in operation.

Abstract: A pilot valve for reversing the flow of fluid in a pair of pipes. The valve is less complex than prior art devices serving the same purpose, comprising in essence four aligned rolling diaphragm devices which are automatically controlled by the presence, or absence, respectively of pilot pressure. If pilot pressure is present, a flow of fluid under pressure is established in one of two pipes and the other is vented. On the other hand, if pilot pressure is removed, the pipe in which a flow of fluid under pressure had been established is vented and a flow of fluid under pressure is established in the pipe which has been previously vented. The output of the pipe in which a flow of pressure is established may be used to operate and to reverse the operation of a cylinder and piston machine, such as, for instance, a pneumatic or fluid motor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a holding-down apparatus for a deep-drawing press. It is known for the deep-drawing of particularly heavy platines that the holding-down of the platine by the holding plate is of very great significance for the quality of the workpiece. The setting of the respective correct holding-down forces is decisive for whether the workpiece is flat and without folds or tears at the drawing flange and at the deformation zone when it comes out of the deep-drawing press. A too high holding force hinders the reduction of the workpiece diameter which is derived from the stroke of the deep-drawing and overloads therefore the vicinity of the border of the deformation zone. A too low holding-down force leads to the formation of folds.

Abstract: A hand pump system which allows normal automatic operation of a fluid motor operator for a pipeline valve by pipeline pressure, and also provides a stand-by hand pump while may be manually connected to a pressure fluid storage in the system for operating the fluid motor operator in either direction. The hand pump is connected into the system in such manner as to prevent accidental actuation of the pump handle by a pressure surge in the pipeline.

Abstract: A self-contained power subsystem having at least one actuator module containing at least one actuator, an expulsion tank module connected to the actuator module and a gas generator module connected to the expulsion tank module. A solid propellant within the gas generator module generates a gas, this gas, under pressure, passes into the expulsion tank module where it expels a hydraulic fluid located within the expulsion tank module to a plurality of passageways within the actuator module. Under control of a servo-valve the fluid within the actuator module operates the actuators.

Abstract: An hydraulic power transmission circuit comprises a high-pressure section and a low-pressure section, which together include (a) an internal or external combustion free-piston engine to each of whose pistons is attached one piston pump, the pump piston and the engine piston being rigidly connected for the purpose of joint axial motion; (b) at least one rotary motor or linear actuator adapted to be driven by the hydraulic fluid pressurized by the said piston pumps; (c) valve means for directing the hydraulic fluid to and from the motors or actuators; (d) a charge pump; (e) accumulator means for balancing the fluctuations of pressure and quantity of the hydraulic fluid; and (f) means for controlling the operation of the free-piston engine, said means comprising a rotary auxiliary hydraulic motor of the positive displacement type in the low-pressure section of the circuit, which motor is provided with transmission means for driving a rotary distributor at a number of revolutions governed by the frequency of the

Abstract: An improved carcass transfer method and device are provided by which a single operator can readily raise, lower, and transport a whole beef carcass or other carcass to facilitate movement of the carcass both off of and onto overhead rail systems conventionally used for carcass transport and storage in meat packing plants. A portable cantilevered device having a lifting mechanism engages a roller-type trolley from which a carcass is suspended. The lifting mechanism preferably includes a hydraulic cylinder, which cylinder is in controlled communication with an oil reservoir. Pressurized air actuates various valves to effect a desired raising or lowering of the mast.

Abstract: The specification discloses a motor activated by a combination of fluid pressure, such as air, and gravity. The motor comprises a rotor, the shaft of which carries a cylindrical shell divided into an even number of sectors or cells. Each cell contains an envelope or bag of elastomeric material which communicates through a transverse passage in the shaft with the bag of a diametrically opposite cell. Each connected pair of bags contains a supply of high density liquid, such as Mercury, sufficient to fill one bag. A rotary valve carried on the shaft outboard of the shaft bearings controls admission and release of fluid pressure to and from the cells in the cylindrical shell via longitudinal passages in the shaft communicating therewith to sequentially supply fluid pressure to the cells to expel the liquid from bags in lower cells to bags in upper cells, thereby producing a torque on the rotor due to gravity acting on the Mercury in the upper cells.