Abstract: A hydraulically-actuated variable camshaft timing (VCT) system comprises a spool valve including a sleeve and a spool, having a plurality of radially-outwardly extending lands, received within a sleeve; a sleeve fluid pathway, extending axially along the sleeve and formed within the sleeve, configured to receive fluid from a fluid supply; an advancing port in the sleeve in fluid communication with an advancing chamber of a hydraulically-actuated camshaft phaser; a retarding port in the sleeve in fluid communication with a retarding chamber of the hydraulically-actuated camshaft phaser; a first fluid supply port formed in the sleeve; a second fluid supply port formed in the sleeve; and an exhaust port axially positioned in the sleeve in between the first fluid supply port and the second fluid supply port or in between the advancing port and the retarding port, wherein the exhaust port is configured to selectively receive fluid from either the advancing chamber or the retarding chamber depending on an axial pos

Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a rotary actuator that includes a housing defining a first arcuate chamber portion and comprising a first cavity, a first open end, a first seal carrier assembly defining a second arcuate chamber portion and comprising a second cavity in fluid communication with the first cavity, a first piston seal, a second open end, and a third open end opposite the second open end, a first face seal in sealing contact with the housing proximal to the first open end and the second open end, a rotary output assembly, and an arcuate-shaped first piston disposed in said housing for reciprocal movement in the first arcuate chamber portion and in the second arcuate chamber portion.

Abstract: An assembly, including a first chamber (1) and at least one second chamber (2) and at least one pivoting drive (3) for pivoting a pivoting object (4) of the assembly, wherein the pivoting object (4) is arranged in the first chamber (1) and at least one intermediate wall (5) is arranged between the first chamber (1) and the second chamber (2). A transmission body (6), which is annular at least in some sections, can be rotated about an axis of rotation (7) by the pivoting drive (3) and is fed through at least one feed-through opening (8), preferably two feed-through openings (8), in the intermediate wall (5).

Abstract: There is disclosed a rotary actuator apparatus for hydraulically or pneumatically rotating a robotic joint. In an embodiment the apparatus comprises: a curved piston rotatably coupled to an axel shaft, and positioned within a curved piston chamber; resilient barrier modules are adapted to separate the curved piston within the curved piston chamber from first and second hydraulic or pneumatic chambers on either side of the curved piston chamber; whereby, in use, the curved piston is configured to rotate about the axel shaft upon hydraulic or pneumatic pressure being applied to at least one of the first and second hydraulic or pneumatic chambers.

Abstract: A method of forming a non-pneumatic tire is provided that includes the steps of providing an outer shear band ring (12) that has an inner diameter. An intermediate section (14) is provided that has a supporting structure. An outer diameter (102) of the intermediate section (14) in the uncompressed state is greater than the inner diameter (70) of the outer shear band ring (12). The intermediate section is compressed from the uncompressed state to a compressed state, and is inserted inside of the outer shear band ring (12). Compression of the intermediate section is released when the intermediate section is inside of the outer shear band ring, and the intermediate section (14) moves from the compressed state to a state of interference fit with the outer shear band ring (12).

Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a rotary actuator that includes a housing defining a first arcuate chamber portion and comprising a first cavity, a first open end, a first seal carrier assembly defining a second arcuate chamber portion and comprising a second cavity in fluid communication with the first cavity, a first piston seal, a second open end, and a third open end opposite the second open end, a first face seal in sealing contact with the housing proximal to the first open end and the second open end, a rotary output assembly, and an arcuate-shaped first piston disposed in said housing for reciprocal movement in the first arcuate chamber portion and in the second arcuate chamber portion.

Abstract: A method of forming a non-pneumatic tire is provided that includes the steps of providing an outer shear band ring (56) and an intermediate section (14) that has a supporting structure (16). The intermediate section (14) is collapsed from an uncollapsed state to a collapsed state. The intermediate section in the collapsed state is inserted inside of the outer shear band ring such that the outer shear band ring is located outward from the intermediate section in a radial direction of the tire. Compression of the intermediate section (14) is released when the intermediate section (14) is inside of the outer shear band ring (56) so that the intermediate section returns to the uncollapsed state from the collapsed state. In one embodiment, the compressing step of the intermediate section (14) is performed by a compression device (68) that has a plurality of gripping members.

Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, an articulated joint includes a first rotary actuator having a first housing defining a first arcuate chamber comprising a first cavity, and an arcuate-shaped first piston having a first radius of curvature and disposed in said first housing for reciprocal movement in the first arcuate chamber, a second rotary actuator having a second housing defining a second arcuate chamber comprising a second cavity, and an arcuate-shaped second piston having a second radius of curvature and disposed in said second housing for reciprocal movement in the second arcuate chamber, wherein a first radial side of the first piston relative to the first radius of curvature is in bearing contact with a first radial side of the second piston relative to the second radius of curvature at a contact point between the first axis and the second axis.

Abstract: A rotary drive device has a fluid-actuated rotary drive which has a drive housing and a drive unit rotatable about a main axis relative to the drive housing. The drive unit contains a pivot piston which divides two drive chambers from one another in the interior of the drive housing, which can be supplied with compressed air fluidic pressure medium controlled by a control fluid channel system, in order to cause a rotational movement of the drive unit. The rotary drive is equipped with a pressure detecting device, which enables pressure detection of the fluid pressure prevailing in the two drive chambers by means of pressure detecting channels formed separately with respect to the control fluid channel system. A robot arm is also proposed, which includes the rotary drive device as an arm joint.

Abstract: A fluid powered rotary actuator having a first member which is pivotally connected to a second member and which is includes at least one toroidal shaped spear or piston which acts within a correspondingly shaped toroidal shaped cylinder to move the first member relative to the second member. The or each toroidal shaped spear or piston and cylinder assembly includes seals mounted within a seal carrier and the configuration allows movement of the seals relative to the or each cylinder. This configuration allows the seals to continue to provide a leak resistant hydraulic seal between each toroidal shaped spear or piston and its associated cylinder even in cases where the toroidal shaped spears or pistons deflect relative to their associated cylinders. The cylinders are also mounted to the first or second members in a manner designed to reduce the chance of tensile cracking due to deflection of the cylinders.

Abstract: A rotary actuator includes a piston housing assembly including a cavity, a fluid port in cavity, and an open end. A rotor assembly is rotatably journaled in the piston housing assembly and includes a rotary output shaft, a rotor arm extending radially outward from the rotary output shaft, an arcuate-shaped piston disposed in said piston housing assembly for reciprocal movement in the piston housing assembly through the open end along a radius of curvature. A seal, the cavity, and the piston define a pressure chamber, and a portion of the piston connects to the rotor arm at an end portion.

Abstract: A rotary actuator includes a first housing defining a first arcuate chamber having a first cavity, a first fluid port in fluid communication with the first cavity, and an open end. A rotor assembly is rotatably journaled in the first housing and having a rotary output shaft and a first rotor arm extending radially outward from the rotary output shaft. An arcuate-shaped first piston is disposed in the first housing for reciprocal movement in the first arcuate chamber through the open end, wherein a first seal, the first cavity, and the first piston define a first pressure chamber, and a first portion of the first piston contacts the first rotor arm.

Abstract: A cylinder is installed within a case. An output shaft is installed in a hollow space within the cylinder. A pair of pistons extend in an arc, and is supported so as to be able to slide and be displaced along a circumferential direction of the cylinder within the cylinder. The pair of pistons is able to urge an arm integrated with the output shaft from two sides of the arm. Pressure chambers into which a pressure medium is introduced are defined between the cylinder and each piston in the pair of pistons. The pressure medium is fed to one of the pressure chambers and drained from the other, and thus the arm is displaced, and the output shaft pivots in a rotational direction.

Abstract: A rotary actuator includes a housing, a first piston housing assembly comprising a first cavity and an open end, a rotor assembly rotatably journaled in said housing and comprising a rotary output shaft and a first rotor arm extending radially outward from the rotary output shaft to a first distal end comprising one or more first retainers, and an arcuate-shaped first piston disposed in said housing for reciprocal movement in the first piston housing assembly through the open end along a radius of curvature. A first portion of the first piston connects to the first rotor arm at a first end portion comprising one or more second retainers. The first retainers and the second retainers are intermeshed along the radius of curvature such that movement of the rotor assembly urges movement of the first piston and movement of the first piston urges movement of the rotor assembly.

Abstract: A hydraulic machine includes oscillating radial cylinders close to an external shell of a crown or star of cylinder-piston groups. The pistons of the groups are made sliding on a crank shaft with throw or on interposed concentric elements, which create an alternative movement in the oscillating radial cylinders. The oscillating cylinders are placed in contact with a spherical oscillation surface made on a body or shell of the hydraulic machine. A passage of the hydraulic liquid to and from the oscillating radial cylinder, to create feeding and discharge of the cylinder, is formed through at least a flat lateral external surface on the side of the oscillating cylinder, parallel to an oscillation plane of the cylinders, to and from a feeding channel on a lateral body or cover of the hydraulic machine.

Abstract: A cylinder is installed within a case, and an output shaft and an arm that is integrated thereto and extends in a radial direction are installed within the cylinder. A piston extending in an arc slides and is displaced in a circumferential direction of the cylinder within the cylinder. One end portion of the piston is rotatably connected to the arm. The cylinder is internally provided with a first pressure chamber in which the arm is housed and a second pressure chamber in which the other end portion of the arm is slidably installed. A pressure medium is fed into one of the first and second pressure chambers and discharged from the other, and the output shaft pivots in a rotational direction.

Abstract: Drive mechanism for the conversion of oscillatory motion into rotating motion or vice versa by means of a non-circular gear train, in a system composed of arcuate pistons solidly fixed to a rotor which is able to oscillate about its axis inside a stator. The mechanism comprises a set of non-circular internal and external toothed gears coupled in a fashion similar to that of two epicyclic gearings joined by their respective planet gears, although there are not any sun gears in the present arrangement. All the gears cooperate so as to produce the sought motion conversion between the pistons and the planet carriers and the drive shaft attached thereon. Its field of application includes therefore any device that uses variable volume chambers as a means to transmit energy to, or obtain energy from, a working gas, such as compressors, pneumatic motors or internal combustion engines.

Abstract: A reciprocating compressor including an oscillation-type piston mechanism is provided with a piston ring which is mounted in a piston ring groove to seal space between a piston and a cylinder. A ring groove other than the piston ring groove is provided at an outer periphery of the piston on a side away from the piston ring groove and closer to a crank shaft. A guide ring, which is inhibited from radial movement and shaped like a skirt opened toward the crank shaft, is mounted in the ring groove. Thus, the oscillation-type reciprocating compressor is adapted to maintain long-term durability even under high-pressure compression condition and to prevent heat propagation to a large end portion.

Abstract: A swivel motor has a plurality of work chambers and a join system between the work chambers that joins the work chambers at least by pairs. The arrangement of the joined work chambers is carried out in such a way that the work chambers which are connected to the first pressure medium connection alternate with those which are connected to the second pressure medium connection. At least two work chambers associated with different pressure medium connections are connected to a pressure compensation element, and the pressure compensation element is formed by a compensation space that is divided by a movable dividing element. A partial compensation space is connected in each instance to at least one work chamber of a pressure medium connection, and the dividing element is held in an initial position by oppositely acting springs. The spring force characteristic is formed by a spring arrangement which comprises a plurality of springs and has at least one coil spring and one elastomer spring.

Abstract: A toroidal ram actuator comprising a part toroidal shaped cylinder mounted to a first member and a part toroidal piston reciprocally movable within the cylinder, a free end of the piston being mounted to a second member, wherein the first and second members are pivotally attached along an axis and the relative movement between the cylinder and piston produces rotary motion of the first or second member about the axis.

Abstract: A pressure-medium actuated swivel motor includes a cylinder with closed ends and an inside surface with a pair of diametrically opposed axially extending ribs, and a motor shaft with a pair of diametrically opposed axially extending vanes, wherein the vanes and the ribs bound first and second pairs of diametrically opposed working chambers between the motor shaft and the cylinder. First and second pressure medium ports are connected to respective first and second pairs of working chambers, each pair being connected by an interconnection channel through the shaft. A movable separating element which divides a compensating space in the piston into a first and second compensating subspaces, wherein the first compensating subspace is connected to the first pair of working chambers, and the second compensating subspace is connected to the second pair of working chambers.

Abstract: A planetary rotation machine including at least one ring channel which is curved along an at least partial arc and that contains a piston that can be moved in a fluid generating a movement. The piston can be coupled to a rotary body coaxially arranged by a lever by the rotational axis thereof. A stable structure able to transmit high torques is obtained by guiding the lever through a gap created in the wall of the ring channel in a direction of displacement of the piston, in a radial direction away from the piston in a sealed manner.

Abstract: A double-acting cylinder and piston mechanism comprising a cylinder (1) substantially closed at both ends by front (5) and rear (7) end walls, a piston (8) axially displaceable within the cylinder (1), a first region (6) defined between the piston (8) and the rear end wall (7) of the cylinder (1) and a second region (4) defined between the piston (8) and the front end wall (5) of the cylinder (1), a piston rod (2) extending from the piston (8) through the front end wall (5) of the cylinder (1), an air inlet port (19) for communication with said first region (6) of the cylinder (1) and at least one exhaust vent (14) which is exposed during axial displacement of the piston (8) for release of air delivered to the cylinder (1) through the air inlet port (19).

Abstract: A phaser (22) includes a housing (44), a rotor (42), a phaser control valve (36) and a regulated pressure control system (RPCS). The phaser control valve (36) directs fluid to shift the relative angular position of the rotor relative to the housing (44). The RPCS has a controller, which provides a set point based on engine parameters. A signal is then produced based on the set point and is sent to the direct control pressure regulator valve. (38) The direct control pressure regulator valve (38) has a supply port (5) and a control port (5), where the supply port (5) receives a supply fluid pressure from a source and regulates the pressure based on a signal, to a control pressure. The control pressure biases an end of the spool of the phase control valve (36) against a spring (66), such that the relative angular position of the housing (44) and the rotor (42) is shifted. A method of controlling a phaser (22) is also disclosed.

Abstract: A valve timing control apparatus includes a driving side rotational member, a driven side rotational member formed with a plurality of recessed portions into which a supporting jig is insertable at a second side thereof in the axial direction, a fluid pressure chamber, a vane, a lock member, and a cover plate formed with a plurality of through holes, through which the supporting jig is insertable, at a position in which each of the plurality of through holes is overlapped with each of the plurality of recessed portions of the driven side rotational member in a condition where the relative rotational phase is restrained at the lock phase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of rotary actuators. Specifically, the present invention relates to rotary actuators comprising a rotatable top piston assembly and a stationary bottom piston assembly wherein rotation of the top piston assembly can be caused by pressurizing one or more cavities between the top and bottom piston assemblies.

Abstract: A valve timing control apparatus for controlling an opening and closing timing of a valve of an internal combustion engine includes a driving side rotational member synchronously rotated with a crankshaft, a driven side rotational member provided coaxially with the driving side rotational member and synchronously rotated with a camshaft, a fluid pressure chamber being separated into an advanced angle chamber and a retarded angle chamber, a phase control apparatus for displacing a relative rotational phase between the driving side rotational member and the driven side rotational member, a locking mechanism having a movable member, a judging device for judging a supply condition of the operation fluid relative to the fluid pressure chamber, and a control device for controlling a rotational speed of the crankshaft.

Abstract: In a hydraulic camshaft adjuster for a camshaft of an internal combustion engine, with an inner body connected for rotation with the camshaft and having at least one vane extending into a chamber formed in an outer body mounted rotatably relative to the camshaft and connected for rotation with a crankshaft for driving the camshaft and with a hydraulic control mechanism for adjusting the relative angular position between the inner and the outer bodies and including a locking structure for selectively locking and releasing the inner body with respect to the outer body, at least one bolt is slidably supported in an opening in the inner body so as to be movable into a guide slot in the outer body by the force of an axially acting spring element, said bolt when released from the guide slot against the axially acting spring force by the pressure force of a hydraulic operating fluid being retainable laterally displaced out of alignment with the guide slot by centrifugal forces against the force of a radially acting

Abstract: A camshaft is formed at a generally middle portion with an enlarged cylindrical portion. An annular vane member is mounted on the enlarged cylindrical portion and secured thereto by means of a nut. An annular housing or sprocket is arranged to receive therein the annular vane member in a manner to permit a rotation of the vane member relative to the annular housing. Each of a circular opening of the vane member and a circular opening of the annular housing is so sized as to permit cam lobes of the camshaft to pass therethrough.

Abstract: A fluid operated brake actuator is provided composed of a common housing, a shaft rotatable within the housing, the shaft being rotatable to engage and disengage a brake, a vane connected to the shaft, the vane being responsive to fluid pressure to rotate the shaft, a torsion power spring for producing torque to bias the shaft in a first rotational direction; and an inlet port through the housing, the inlet port for introducing fluid pressure into the housing in order to exert a force on the vane in order to rotate the shaft against the bias of the spring.

Abstract: An actuating device for hydraulically securing a camshaft of an engine of a motor vehicle in a start position has a solenoid valve controlling the flow of a pressure medium to a camshaft adjuster with a rotary slide valve that is fixedly connected to the camshaft and moves the camshaft into the required start position according to the pressure medium supplied to it by the solenoid valve.

Abstract: A variable camshaft timing phaser for an internal combustion engine having at least one camshaft comprising a plurality of vanes in chambers defined by a housing and a spool valve. The vanes define an advance and retard chamber. At least one of the vanes is cam torque actuated (CTA) and at least one of the other vanes is oil pressure actuated (OPA). The spool valve is coupled to the advance and retard chamber defined by the CTA vane and the advance chamber defined by the OPA vane. When the phaser is in the advance position, fluid is routed from the retard chamber defined by the OPA vane to the retard chamber defined the CTA vane. When the phaser is in the retard position fluid is routed from the retard chamber defined by the CTA vane to the advance chamber defined by the CTA vane.

Abstract: A fluid operated actuator comprising a cylinder, a piston and a linkage rod connected to the piston, in which the cylinder is curved through a number of degrees.

Abstract: An oscillating motor for a camshaft adjusting device has a stator and a rotor mounted so as to be rotatable relative to one another. The stator has an inner wall and radially extending stator vanes connected to the inner wall. The rotor has a base member and radially extending rotor vanes connected to the base member. The rotor vanes have an end face, respectively, resting against the inner wall of the stator. The stator vanes have an end face, respectively, resting against a peripheral wall of the base member. The rotor vanes taper discontinuously from the end face of the rotor vanes, respectively, in a direction toward the base member so that the rotor vanes each have a widened section at the end face, respectively.

Abstract: A rotor assembly (14,14′) for rotating and actuating a working implement (12), comprising a load-bearing shaft (20,20′) adapted to be mounted to a boom member (11). Actuation means (21) are secured to the load-bearing shaft (20,20′). A drive assembly (25) is rotatably mounted about the load-bearing shaft (20,20′) and is coupled to the actuation means (21). And a working implement (12) so as to transmit actuation from the actuation means (21) to the working implement (12) to drive the working implement (12) about the load-bearing shaft (20,20′). A collector assembly (30,30′) is rotatably mounted to the load-bearing shaft (20,20′) and is adapted to receive a pressure supply therefrom. The collector assembly (30,30′) is provided with connector means (32A,62,76) adapted to provide the working implement (12) with the pressure supply.

Abstract: A fluid powered rotary indexer includes a housing with a piston rotatably mounted therein. The housing includes ports providing fluid communication to opposing compartments within the housing so as to rotate the piston clockwise or counterclockwise upon the introduction of fluid into one compartment or the other. The piston is rotatably supported by a bearing which is mounted to a work surface. An adapter is connected to the piston for rotation therewith and supports a tool or work piece. The sealing rings are provided between the piston and the housing to provide a fluid seal for the chamber. A central opening is provided in the assembly through which cables, wires, and tubing can be extended.

Abstract: In a valve timing adjusting apparatus, rotating response speed of a vane rotor and a moving speed of a lock piston are changed according to changes of oil temperature and pressure. It sometimes happens that the lock piston passes the fitting hole before the lock piston is fitted in the fitting hole. Timing of actuating a solenoid valve is retard by a given delay time from timing of actuating a spool valve. The given delay time is decided by a map based on sensor signals representing the oil temperature and pressure input to ECU. The given delay time is shorter as the oil temperature increases and longer as the oil pressure increases.

Abstract: A rotary hydraulic seal assembly for sealing a rotationally eccentric annular gap between a rotating cam phaser element and a stationary cover. The assembly includes a tubular sleeve disposed between the phaser and the cover at the junctures of control oil passages in the phaser element and the cover. Passages through the sleeve allow oil flow across the sleeve at the junctures. Static seals disposed in grooves on the surface of the sleeve prevent leakage between adjacent junctures. Because the sleeve is constrained from rotating with the phaser element, the static seals are not subjected to frictional wear. The radial thickness of the sleeve is selected such that the rotational surface floats on a thin film of oil and the static seals are sealingly compressed against the stationary element.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided for relative angle-of-rotation adjustment of a camshaft of an internal-combustion engine with respect to a driving wheel. An interior part, non-rotatably connected with the camshaft, has at least approximately radially extending webs or vanes. A driven cell wheel has several cells distributed along the circumference and bounded by webs. The camshaft is rotatable by way of the webs or vanes between two end positions relative to the cell wheel, and the interior part is laterally bounded by two cover elements connected with the cell wheel. Recesses forming chambers are provided to reduce friction between the webs or vanes of the interior part and the cover elements in the side walls of the vanes directed to the cover elements. During operation of the internal-combustion engine, the recesses are at least partially acted upon by hydraulic oil.

Abstract: A phaser which includes a housing and a rotor disposed to rotate relative to each other is provided. The housing has at least one cavity disposed to be divided by a vane rigidly attached to the rotor. The vane divides the cavity into a first chamber and a second chamber. The phaser further includes passages connecting the first and the second chamber, thereby facilitating the oscillation of the vane within the cavity. The phaser includes: a) a valve disposed to form at least two openings for fluid flowing between the first chamber and the second chamber and being disposed to keep at least one opening closed; and b) at least one by-pass disposed to stop or slow down the rotation between the housing and the rotor, thereby allowing a locking mechanism to lock the housing and the rotor together independent of fluid flow.

Abstract: A dual end stop is provided for setting precise open and closed positions for the valve to which the pneumatic actuator is attached. In a preferred embodiment, a stop assembly housing contains two stop adjustment bolts as well as a cam that defines first and second stop surfaces. The stop assembly housing is preferably mounted to the actuator housing outside of the pressurized zone contained by the actuator housing. The stop bolts and associated threaded apertures are designed for minimum overhang of the stop bolts to provide more support. The stop assembly housing not only preferably houses the stop assembly components but also preferably serves as an adaptor plate for the various valves to which the actuator may be mounted.

Abstract: A dual end stop is provided for setting precise open and closed positions for the valve to which the pneumatic actuator is attached. In a preferred embodiment, a stop assembly housing contains two stop adjustment bolts as well as a cam that defines first and second stop surfaces. The stop assembly housing is preferably mounted to the actuator housing outside of the pressurized zone contained by the actuator housing. The stop bolts and associated threaded apertures are designed for minimum overhang of the stop bolts to provide more support. The stop assembly housing not only preferably houses the stop assembly components but also preferably serves as an adaptor plate for the various valves to which the actuator may be mounted.

Abstract: A dual end stop is provided for setting precise open and closed positions for the valve to which the pneumatic actuator is attached. In a preferred embodiment, a stop assembly housing contains two stop adjustment bolts as well as a cam that defines first and second stop surfaces. The stop assembly housing is preferably mounted to the actuator housing outside of the pressurized zone contained by the actuator housing. The stop bolts and associated threaded apertures are designed for minimum overhang of the stop bolts to provide more support. The stop assembly housing not only preferably houses the stop assembly components but also preferably serves as an adaptor plate for the various valves to which the actuator may be mounted. The stop bolts preferably have a convex head to provide a defined point contact rather than a random point contact as may be produced with flat heads.

Abstract: A dual end stop is provided for setting precise open and closed positions for the valve to which the pneumatic actuator is attached. In a preferred embodiment, a stop assembly housing contains two stop adjustment bolts as well as a cam that defines first and second stop surfaces. The stop assembly housing is preferably mounted to the actuator housing outside of the pressurized zone contained by the actuator housing. The stop bolts and associated threaded apertures are designed for minimum overhang of the stop bolts to provide more support. The stop assembly housing not only preferably houses the stop assembly components but also preferably serves as an adaptor plate for the various valves to which the actuator may be mounted.

Abstract: A fluid operated actuator comprising a cylinder, a piston and a linkage rod connected to the piston, in which the cylinder is curved through a number of degrees.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a rotary vane actuator device with sealing assembly. The device includes a housing and a sealing assembly. The housing has a center opening defining a chamber. The housing includes opposing end plates for surrounding a stator. The stator having an aligned center opening and a rotor within the chamber. Within the chamber there are two openings, one serving as an inlet, the other serving as an outlet for rotational fluid. The rotor includes a vane assembly fixedly connected thereto. When the fluid enters the chamber, the fluid contacts the vane and moves the rotationally in the same direction. Each of the stator and the vane include seal packs. The end plates include sealing members which contact the stator and vane seal packs whether in the static or dynamic condition of the rotor. The combination of the seal packs and the end plate seal form the sealing assembly.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus and a method for converting circular motion to radial motion. In one embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, a mandrel is provided which includes a generally circular tubular housing. Internally of the tubular housing there are disposed a plurality of partitions which are anchored at spaced apart locations about the toroidal dimension of the housing and which define fixed fluid-tight seals across the cross-sectional area of the housing. Within the chamber defined between adjacent ones of the partitions, there is provided a piston member, each piston member has operatively associated therewith the proximal end of a linkage adapted to convert circular motion of its piston member within the housing into radial movement of the distal end of the linkage.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus and a method for converting circular motion to radial motion. The present invention is particularly useful in variable diameter mandrels (drums and/or transfer rings) employed in the manufacture of vehicle tires. In one embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, a mandrel is provided which includes a generally circular tubular housing. Internally of the tubular housing there are disposed a plurality of partitions which are anchored at spaced apart locations about the toroidal dimension of the housing and which define fixed fluid-tight seals across the cross-sectional area of the housing. Adjacent ones of the partitions define therebetween a fluid-tight chamber whose outer wall is defined by the housing wall.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pneumatic actuator which includes a housing comprised of two halves and having at least two passages defined therethrough, including a “loop” groove defined in an inner peripheral wall of the housing into which a seal member is inserted. A rotary piston is rotatably received in the housing. The piston has a top and a bottom with an intermediate wall connected there between, and an actuating shaft extending through the housing, which is rotated by movement of the rotary piston. The seal member extends into the housing and is in contact with the top and bottom of the rotary piston all the times. The rotary piston moves free of contact with the interior surface of the housing and this one seal member provides a seal for the joint created between the halves of the housing, the chambers of the housing as well as the actuating shaft. Movement of the piston is effected by air pressure and return motion of the piston can be air driven or spring assisted.

Abstract: A positioning apparatus includes a housing having a chamber. The vane is rotatably movable within the chamber. An arm is coupled to the vane.