Abstract: In particular, an object is to provide a fluid cylinder allowing for accurate stroking while causing rotation with reduced power consumption and a compact configuration. The fluid cylinder of the present invention includes a cylinder body and a shaft member supported within the cylinder body and wherein the shaft member is capable of stroking in an axial direction while rotating by means of a fluid. A rotary driver that rotates the shaft member on the basis of a rotation pressure generated by the fluid and a stroke driver that causes the shaft member to stroke on the basis of a cylinder control pressure generated by the fluid are provided in separate areas within the cylinder body.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for integrating an actuator into turbo-machinery and operating the actuator based on process fluid associated with the turbo-machinery. The integrated actuator mechanism includes an actuator casing; a balance drum, with labyrinth seals, and recovery spring, configured to apply force to the balance drum, in the actuator casing; an actuation bar connected to the balance drum and configured to move linearly in the direction of the balance drum; and a connection mechanism connecting a diverted portion of turbo-machinery process fluid to the actuator casing for applying force, in an opposite direction of the spring force, to the balance drum. The labyrinth seals allow the diverted turbo-machinery process fluid to bleed through and return to the turbo-machinery.

Abstract: A cylinder includes a cylinder body defining a cylinder bore. End caps close opposite ends of the cylinder body. A piston/rod assembly of the cylinder includes a piston portion and a rod portion. The piston portion is located in the cylinder bore and the rod portion extends outwardly of the cylinder body through at least one of the end caps and terminates at an end having a first interlocking member. The cylinder also includes an attachment member having opposite first and second ends. The first end of the attachment member has a second interlocking member for cooperating with the first interlocking member for attaching the attachment member to the end of the rod portion. The second end of the attachment member includes a mating feature for connecting the attachment member and thus, the rod portion to another part.

Abstract: The catheter device comprises a drive shaft connected to a motor, and a rotor mounted on the drive shaft at the distal end section. The rotor has a frame structure which is formed by a screw-like boundary frame and rotor struts extending radially inwards from the boundary frame. The rotor struts are fastened to the drive shaft by their ends opposite the boundary frame. Between the boundary frame and the drive shaft extends an elastic covering. The frame structure is made of an elastic material such that, after forced compression, the rotor unfolds automatically.

Abstract: A negative-emission pressurized air or other compressible gas operated high-efficiency reciprocating or rotary piston engine, as autonomously considered or as part of a complex system, comprises at least a tank, at least a turbo-alternator and one or more optional fluid heaters.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus are provided for constructing and operating a linear actuator, and equipment incorporating a linear actuator, by operatively connecting a pressure biasing pneumatic arrangement between the driving member and the driven member of a mechanical linear actuator for applying a unidirectional biasing force between the driving and driven members, along an axis of motion, regardless of the location or movement of the driving and driven elements with respect to one another along the axis of motion. The pneumatic biasing arrangement is also configured, connected and operated to reduce the force which must be exerted by the driving and driven members in extending and retracting the linear actuator. The pneumatic biasing arrangement may further be configured for preferentially aiding extension or retraction of the actuator.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus are provided for constructing and operating a linear actuator, and equipment incorporating a linear actuator, by operatively connecting a pressure biasing pneumatic arrangement between the driving member and the driven member of a mechanical linear actuator for applying a unidirectional biasing force between the driving and driven members, along an axis of motion, regardless of the location or movement of the driving and driven elements with respect to one another along the axis of motion. The pneumatic biasing arrangement is also configured, connected and operated to reduce the force which must be exerted by the driving and driven members in extending and retracting the linear actuator. The pneumatic biasing arrangement may further be configured for preferentially aiding extension or retraction of the actuator.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus are provided for constructing and operating a linear actuator, and equipment incorporating a linear actuator, by operatively connecting a pressure biasing pneumatic arrangement between the driving member and the driven member of a mechanical linear actuator for applying a unidirectional biasing force between the driving and driven members, along an axis of motion, regardless of the location or movement of the driving and driven elements with respect to one another along the axis of motion. The pneumatic biasing arrangement is also configured, connected and operated to reduce the force which must be exerted by the driving and driven members in extending and retracting the linear actuator. The pneumatic biasing arrangement may further be configured for preferentially aiding extension or retraction of the actuator.

Abstract: A linear vibrator having an internal cylindrical bearing surface forming a chamber therein and a fluid inlet to direct a fluid into the chamber with a one piece piston slideable located therein with the piston simultaneously rotatable and axially displaceable therein with the piston including a static port to bias the piston and thereby induce piston oscillation when fluid is introduced into the vibrator.

Abstract: An apparatus for compensating and/or transmitting forces/torques and rotational movements between two components, particularly for compensating for vehicle movements, in which at least one joint module is situated between the two components, which joint module converts a translational and/or rotational movement of a piston, to which a pressure medium is applied, into a rotational movement of at least one first rotatable shaft or of a first and a second rotatable shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive, especially for rotary, pivotal or linear drive units, comprising a working piston (16), housed in a cylinder (12) of a housing (14), impinged by fluidic pressure media and displaced in the axial direction. The invention is characterized in that mechanical coupling elements (22, 24) are disposed on the working piston and can be coupled with a motor (30) in such a manner that the motor slows down and/or drives the working piston in the axial direction. The invention also relates to rotary, pivotal or linear drive units comprising said drive and to a method for operating a drive or a rotary, pivotal or linear drive unit.

Abstract: A buffering mechanism comprises a block member which is installed detachably in an actuator body, a piston which compresses air in a compressing chamber when a movable element abuts against the piston, and a check valve and a variable throttle valve which are provided in a passage for communication between the compressing chamber and the outside of the actuator body and which adjust a flow rate of the air discharged to the outside.

Abstract: A pivot-chuck actuator has a housing extending along an axis, a piston chamber centered on the axis, and a vane chamber offset and separate from the piston chamber. A piston is axially displaceable in the piston chamber and axially fixed to a shaft extending from the housing on the axis. A vane element on the shaft angularly subdivides the vane chamber into a pair of angularly offset compartments and formations rotationally couple the vane element to the shaft for joint rotation therewith while permitting relatively axial movement of the vane element and shaft. The compartments can be alternately pressurized to rotate the vane element and shaft about the axis. A pair of counterweights angularly fixed on the shaft axially flank the vane element to allow the actuator to operate at very high speeds.

Abstract: A combination drive and method for applying power through a piston rod (A) operated by an air cylinder (B) is controlled by an elongated self-locking threaded drive member (C) rotated by an electric motor (D) for affording positioning and velocity control for the air operated cylinder and the guided piston rod which stops and is positively positioned upon cessation of operation of the electric motor. Control apparatus includes a valve housing (35) positioning a spool (40) fixed on one end to the elongated threaded drive member (C), and an assembly (45) for moving the spool axially in respect to the electric motor (D) through an axially compliant coupling (50) so that by controlling the motor the valve is thereby controlled.

Abstract: Control apparatus and method for applying power to a linear actuator (A) utilizes an air cylinder (B) and a self-locking drive (C) rotated by an electric motor (D) for affording positioning and velocity control for the air operated cylinder and the guided linear actuator which stops and is positively positioned upon cessation of rotation of the drive by the electric motor.

Abstract: In a linear actuator, a cylinder is separated into forward and reverse chambers by a piston. A lead screw is threadedly engaged in the piston and a piston rod connects to the load. A turbine applies torque to the screw to urge the screw toward clockwise or counterclockwise rotation depending on the direction of the piston movement. The tangent of the lead screw helix angle is so substantially equal to the coefficient of friction between the piston and the screw that the torque generated by the turbine does not significantly vary the force exerted on the load and the force on the load does not significantly vary the speed of movement of the load. Variations between the static and dynamic coefficients of friction between the lead screw and the piston can be offset by selection of an appropriate lead angle and friction coefficient in the turbine driven system.

Abstract: In a linear actuator, a cylinder is separated into forward and reverse chambers by a piston. A lead screw is threadedly engaged in the piston and a piston rod connects to the load. A turbine applies torque to the screw to urge the screw toward clockwise or counterclockwise rotation depending on the direction of the piston movement. The tangent of the lead screw helix angle is so substantially equal to the coefficient of friction between the piston and the screw that the torque generated by the turbine does not significantly vary the force exerted on the load and the force on the load does not significantly vary the speed of movement of the load. Variations between the static and dynamic coefficients of friction between the lead screw and the piston can be offset by selection of an appropriate lead angle and friction coefficient in the turbine driven system.

Abstract: The field of the invention is one in which an electric motor drives a helically grooved shaft to displace a hydraulic fluid pumping piston to feed the hydraulic fluid under pressure through a flow directing and control system to energize the motion of a piston on a helically grooved second shaft to drive the second shaft which is able to supply the motion power to drive a vehicle, or to provide power to drive a shaft for other useful purposes, and to apply the mechanical advantage to be developed between pistons having a small and a large area relationship in a closed hydraulic fluid circulating loop where electric drive for one piston results in power output from the other piston.

Abstract: A steering/lifting appliance (10) for a hydraulic or pneumatic axle compensation appliance configured as a two-circuit system, having a first external jacket tube (12), a second jacket tube (15) inserted in a pressure-tight manner in the first jacket tube (12) and supported so as to be longitudinally displaceable, a piston device (16) present in a pressure-tight manner in the second jacket tube (15) and supported so as to be longitudinally displaceable, a first closed chamber system to which admission can occur from the outside for controlling the relative displacement between the second jacket tube (15) and the first jacket tube (12) and a second closed chamber system to which admission can occur from the outside for controlling the relative displacement between the piston device (16) and the second jacket tube (15) features a torsion device (40) supported in an end region of the piston device (16) and longitudinally displaceable relative to the piston device (16), which torsion device (40) is in engagement

Abstract: A rotary-linear unit from whose front end the operative section of a output drive part projects. This output drive part is drivingly connected both with a linear drive and with an oscillating vane motor. The oscillating vane motor is associated with the rear end of the rotary-linear unit, the linear drive being arranged between the oscillating vane motor and the operative section of the output drive rod. This leads to an assembly which is extremely compact both in the axial direction and also in the radial direction.

Abstract: A processor for centrifugal processing of semiconductor wafers and similar units. The processor is specially constructed to provide an automatically extendible and retractable rotor head to allow automated loading and unloading of wafers. The processor includes a novel shaft assembly construction which includes an axially extendible shaft controlled using pressurized fluid. The pressurized fluid is supplied to the shaft assembly by a pressure supply which is controllably extendable and retractable for engagement with the shaft assembly when rotation is stopped. The shaft assembly also preferably incorporates an axial locking mechanism which holds the axially movable components of the shaft assembly in fixed axial position during rotation, while allowing release when rotation is stopped so that movable portions of the shaft assembly can be axially extended.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for providing rotary and linear motions, either simultaneously or separately. The apparatus (10) includes a rotary table assembly (14) that interconnects a rotary actuator assembly (12) and a power cylinder (18) or a comparable device. The rotary table assembly (14) includes a rotatable hub (16) to which the power cylinder (18) is mounted. Rotation of the hub (16) causes rotary motion of the entire power cylinder (18). Because of the interconnection between the rotary actuator assembly (12) and the power cylinder (18) using a rotary table assembly (14), a modular construction is provided whereby the power cylinder (18) can be positioned both vertically and laterally, depending upon the application or intended use of the apparatus (10). In one preferred embodiment, the rotary actuator assembly (12) converts linear movement to rotary motion using hydraulic oil to provide a smooth, adjustable control of the rotary shaft (32) of the rotary actuator assembly (12).

Abstract: A rotary/linear fluid actuator includes a cylinder closed at one end by a rotary actuator and at its other end by a forward housing. A piston is disposed in the cylinder. A hollow piston rod, the forward end of which is closed, extends out of the cylinder through the forward housing. A splined shaft extends into the open end of the piston rod and is coupled to the rotary actuator. The splined shaft includes an axial bore therethrough for delivering pressurized fluid to the piston rod cavity to cause extension of the piston. The piston, cylinder and forward housing define a cavity which is pressurized to cause retraction of the piston. According to the invention, the size of the piston surface can be selected independent of the size of the piston rod cavity actuation surface so that extension and retraction forces, and thereby fluid requirements are independent of one another.

Abstract: A motor suspension apparatus for a hydromotor of the radial-symmetrical type, characterized by an arm which, in operation, is substantially horizontal, and one end of which is adapted for attachment to the hydromotor and the other end of which is pivotally and fixedly supported in a vertical plane, while between the ends of the arm there is provided a supporting device exerting on the arm a vertical force proportional to the working pressure prevailing in the hydromotor.

Abstract: A cylinder (3) is positioned to rotate on a fixed axle (1) in such a way that several leakproof chambers (3B, 3D) are formed: a second, longer cylinder (4) is positioned to slide along the first (3) and to turn on the fixed axle (1) in such a way that several leakproof chambers are formed (4A, 4B). Communicating pressurized fluids into the various chambers makes the cylinders (3, 4) turn a distance proportionate to a value x, and can make the second cylinder move axially along the first cylinder a distance proportionate to another value y; these values x and y being derived from several variables and sensors (10a to 10d) "read" the surface contours of the second cylinder (4), representing, for example, a function f (x,y).

Abstract: A rotary and linear actuating device is disclosed for imparting precision rotary and linear movement to an external member or assembly. In a preferred form of the invention a rotatable assembly is rotated about an axis within a housing by selectively varying the relative pressures of an actuating fluid in at least a pair of fluid pressure chambers defined by the housing, the rotatable assembly and at least a pair of vane members extending therebetween. An elongated shaft member is rotationally fixed relative to the rotatable assembly and is supported by at least a pair of linear bearing assemblies to allow linear movement of the elongated shaft member along said axis. The linear bearing assemblies remain a fixed axial distance from one another in order to adequately support heavy loads on the elongated shaft member and the external member or assembly attached thereto.

Abstract: A device in rock or earth drilling apparatus for rotary drilling including an axially stationary chuck (21) and an axially movable chuck (27) which is rotated by a reversible pressure fluid driven rotary motor (32) having a pressure fluid supply conduit for each direction and which is moved forwards and backwards by a reversible pressure fluid driven feed motor (17) having a pressure fluid supply conduit (18, 19) for each direction, the chucks being actuated to withdraw from or insert in a drill hole a drill string (23) composed by a number of threaded string elements and (are also actuated) to make or break the joints between the string elements.

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 displacement mechanism for effecting both rotary movement of a movable member (for example a fin) with respect to a fixed member (for example a flight vehicle body) from a first, inoperative position to a second, operative position about a longitudinal axis and axial movement of the movable member along that axis to effect subsequent locking in the second position, comprises a fluid operated vane motor to effect rotation and a fluid operated piston/cylinder arrangement to effect the axial movement. Preferably the vane motor and the piston/cylinder arrangement are closely integrated one with another.

Abstract: The specification describes a fluid energy transfer device, comprising: a body means having at least one fluid chamber and fluid inlet and outlet passages for delivering fluid to and from the chamber; means for continuously accelerating the body means; whereby acceleration of the body means causing fluid flow inwardly and outwardly of the chamber and a change in fluid flow rate being effective to change the acceleration of the body means.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for a drilling apparatus where torque is transmitted to drill pipe, a plurality of thrust cylinders move the torque transmitter back and forth along the drill pipe axis, and a hydraulic motor supplies torque to the torque transmitter, includes: a first drive pump for supplying hydraulic fluid to the motor; a first valve between the first drive pump and motor for selectively controlling the direction of fluid flowing to the motor; a second drive pump for selectively supplying fluid either to the thrust cylinders or motor; a second valve between the second drive pump, on one side, and the thrust cylinders and motor, on the other side, for selectively diverting fluid flow from the second pump either to the thrust cylinders or the motor; a third pump for supplying fluid to the thrust cylinders; a third valve connected between the second and third pumps, on one side, and the thrust cylinders, on the other side, for selectively controlling the direction of fluid flowing to the thrust cylinders; a

Abstract: A fluid pressure actuator having a first member, a second member adapted to rotate relative to the first member, and a third member adapted to move on the second member. One of the first member and the second member is formed thereon with two flanges disposed in spaced-apart relationship for closing opposite ends of a first pressure chamber defined between the first and second members. The flanges are each formed in the outer periphery thereof with a groove communicating with passages formed in the first and second members for supplying therethrough power for moving the third member. The actuator is small in volume, dispenses with piping located outside the actuator, and is easy to provide a fluid seal thereto.

Abstract: An apparatus having an alternately expanding and contracting chamber comprises at least one pair of cylindrical rollers each having an exterior surface in continuous rolling engagement with the surface of the other roller of the pair, the rollers being rotatable along parallel axes, and two parallel side walls, with each one of the rollers also being in continuous rolling engagement with one of the side walls. A third wall is opposite the rollers and joins the two side walls wherein the chamber is defined between these walls and the pair of rollers, and is enclosed.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for coupling a threaded connection of a lead screw to apparatus to be linearly reciprocated thereby. The coupling does not allow any relative movement of the apparatus and threaded connection in directions parallel to the direction of reciprocation of the apparatus, nor does it allow any twisting relative movement therebetween. However, the coupling does allow relative movement between the connection and apparatus in planes transverse to the direction of reciprocation of the apparatus, the coupling flexing in response to force components in those directions that would be large enough to cause excessive wear of the threaded connection so that excessive wear is avoided.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fluid control system adapted to be used in a rock or roof drill to control the drill feed rate automatically with respect to the resistance of the strata material to drill penetration. The system comprises a priority flow divider which functions to divide a fluid supply source into two distinct flow paths and to control the volumetric flow rate of one flow path independent of the demand from either flow path, a first manually operated shut off valve controlling the flow of fluid through one of said flow paths to a drill motor and the second control valve controlling the direction of feed of said drill.