Abstract: A variable displacement reciprocating pump with pumping rate that is adjustable from zero to maximum stroke while the pump is running. Stroke is varied by changing relative position of pairs of eccentric inner and outer cams that drive the pump's plungers. The pump's input drive shaft drives two gear trains: a first gear train that turns the inner cams and a second gear train that turns the outer cams. These cams normally revolve together with no relative motion occurring between them. A rotary actuator is positioned in the first gear train to rotate the inner cams relative to the outer cams and thereby changes the pump's stroke. A computerized system of sensors and control valves allows the pump to be automatically controlled or limited to any one or combination of desired output flow, pressure and horsepower.

Abstract: An adjustable width guideway assembly for use in a conveyor for conveying articles having different widths. The assembly comprises a first moveable guide and a second fixed guide parallel to the first guide, the first and second guides defining the guideway therebetween. The first guide is moveable towards or away from the second guide between a first position, a second position and at least one intermediate position The disclosure is particularly directed towards an adjustable width guideway assembly for use in an air conveyor conveying light plastic bottles suspended in the guideway by a flange located on the bottle neck.

Abstract: A retractable assembly, comprising: an assembly housing; a linear drive in the assembly housing; and a tubular holder), movably guided between a measuring position and a service position by means of the linear drive, for fluid-sealed reception of a sensor, with which a physical and/or chemical process variable is determinable. The linear drive includes a piston seated movably in a cylinder and loadable with a pressure-bearing medium on one or both ends and the tubular holder is fixed in the piston. The piston has on its working end active for the measuring position a breach in the direction of the interior of the tubular holder.

Abstract: The invention concerns an adjustable stop assembly, for limiting a stroke, designed for a piston-cylinder unit comprising a cylinder and a piston having a rod, said stop assembly serving to limit the stroke of a lifting device on a forklift truck. Said assembly has a clamping ring (2) axially slidable and lockable on the piston rod, comprising, in one region of its external periphery, a threaded portion. Said assembly also comprises a threaded ring (3) which can be screwed on the threaded portion of the clamping ring and whereof the side facing the cylinder serves as stop thereon.

Abstract: An adjustment device for a variable compression ratio engine. An engine block (100) is equipped internally with a transmission device (1) including, for at least one piston (2), a transmission member (3) which co-operates with (i) a rolling guide device (4) and (ii) a sprocket wheel (5), the sprocket wheel (5) co-operating with a control rack (7), on the opposite side from the transmission member (3). Moreover, the vertical position of the control rack in relation to the engine block (100) is adjusted by a control device (12). In addition, the adjustment device includes: elements for adjusting the position of the transmission device (1), which are disposed at the rolling guide device (4); and elements for adjusting the working clearance of the transmission device (1), which are disposed at the control rack (7).

Abstract: A stroke adjustment mechanism having fewer parts that are easier to manufacture. In order to translate stroke adjustment into an eccentric offset of a rotating shaft to act as a rotating cam surface, the present invention utilizes two separate and identical plungers. The plungers are easier to manufacture as they do not require complex machining in mating parts. The present invention is also easier to assemble than prior designs. The present invention allows the drive gear to be produced with a simple round ID bore and also uses a one-piece, easy to machine round shaft. This provides for a simple and strong design.

Abstract: A variable stroke assembly enables the piston stroke length of a positive displacement pump to be varied while maintaining a substantially constant unswept volume in the piston cylinder. Alternatively, a variable stroke assembly enables the piston stroke length of a pump or an engine to be varied while maintaining a substantially constant compression ratio. In an embodiment, the variable stroke assembly comprises an automated system that varies the stroke length of the pump or engine piston via an actuator that may be actuated remotely. The automated system may further comprise a linkage assembly that is positioned by the actuator. In an embodiment, the linkage assembly comprises a crankshaft throw, a connecting rod connected to the crankshaft throw, a variable stroke component connected to the connecting rod, and a slider that traverses the variable stroke component to vary the stroke length of the piston.

Abstract: This invention provides a modular, efficient and self-feedback/balance, fluid-powered actuation system. This system comprises two basic modules; actuation module and positioning module, which are directly connected to each other. The actuation modules can be constructed as a triple acting actuator having a novel balanced linear-rotary mechanism converter or a double acting actuator with two novel balance guide bars. The positioning module is constructed as a two-staged, self-feedback/balance positioner with position as a variable for controlling positions of an output shaft of the actuation modules. An input shaft in the positioning module is operated by three types input signals. This system also provides a rotary force to actuate and control different rotary valves with lighter weight, superior seal and high accuracy and can be used for quick cycle, high vibration applications or other critical services.

Abstract: A displacement amount-adjusting mechanism for adjusting the displacement amount of a slide table includes a stopper which faces a cutout formed at a bottom surface of the slide table and which is fixed to an upper surface of a main cylinder body, a first adjuster bolt which is provided movably back and forth on the slide table and which is screwed into a screw hole communicating with the cutout, an adjuster plate which is fixed to an end surface of the main cylinder body, and a second adjuster bolt which is screwed into a hole of the adjuster plate.

Abstract: A rotary actuator assembly is provided. The assembly has a flexible member that is attached to a piston for linear movement. The flexible member is also attached to a pinion for pivotable movement.

Abstract: A cruise control assembly for use in connection with a hydraulic pump and a control arm linked to a swash plate that is moveable to provide the swash plate with a plurality of non-discrete angular orientations to affect fluid displacement of the hydraulic pump. The cruise control assembly generally includes a rod connected to and moveable with the control arm and a clamp for selectively engaging the rod to inhibit movement of the control arm so as to maintain the swash plate in one of the plurality of non-discrete angular orientations.

Abstract: Apparatus, and an accompanying method for use therein, that utilizes working and stopping servo-controlled hydraulic pistons wherein the stopping piston acts as a controlled mechanical stop for the working piston. Both pistons are spaced apart along and coaxially arranged around a common shaft, with each piston moving in a separate cylinder. The working piston is securely attached to the shaft, while the shaft moves through a central, longitudinal bore of the stopping piston. The stopping piston effectively “floats” in its cylinder and produces a greater force than the working piston. A radially extending stop element, situated on the shaft, has a surface configured to abuttingly engage with a complementary surface on the stopping piston such that the stopping piston, once appropriately positioned, controllably stops continued movement of the working piston in a very short time and over a very short distance with little strain induced in the apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for controlling an unswept volume in a piston system. The method includes rotating a shaft around a rotation point to drive a piston within a cylindrical volume in a periodic manner, modifying the stroke length of the piston, and moving the center of the shaft relative to the cylindrical volume such that a change in an unswept volume or compression ratio is controlled.

Abstract: A rotational power input is converted into a linearly oscillating power output through the use of counter-rotating nested eccentrics. The outer eccentric is connected to an input end of a connecting rod, which is in turn connected at an output end thereof to a piston of a piston pump. The piston is constrained to translational movement along an axis D. Drive gears are rotationally fixed to each of the eccentrics and geared to each other through an intermediate pinion having a rotational axis B. An angular position &bgr; of the pinion axis B relative to the axis D determines the output oscillation stroke length and flow rate of the pump. An actuator is geared to a pinion bracket that holds the pinion. The actuator can be actuated on-the-fly to alter the angle &bgr; and pumping rate of the pump.