Element Actuated Or Retained In Operative Position By Relatively Movable Fluid Responsive Member Patents (Class 92/24)
  • Patent number: 11932213
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling one or more brakes of the vehicle. The system may include a processor and a memory in communication with the processor with a brake control module. The brake control module includes instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to control the one or more brakes of the vehicle when the vehicle is in a first mode using a brake-by-wire system. When the vehicle is in a second mode, control the brake-by-wire system such that the one or more brakes of the vehicle are controlled using a mechanical braking system and the brake-by-wire system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Toyota Research Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: Yan Ming Jonathan Goh, Alexander R. Green, Michael Thompson, Kazunori Nimura
  • Patent number: 11767914
    Abstract: In a device for locking a piston rod of a piston of an actuator, an armature rod of an electromagnet is axially movable counter to a preloading spring and includes two actuating contours. Latching mechanisms are operable to mechanically fix the piston. An axial distance between base points of the actuating contours is such that the piston is mechanically fixable by only one of the latching mechanisms in each case. Interlocking elements of both latching mechanisms are accommodated in an axially fixed manner in a sleeve, are radially displaceable, and are selectively engageable with the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Florian Weinl, Thomas Schwegler, Maik Wiesner, Dirk Leutheuser
  • Patent number: 11760465
    Abstract: A vehicle comprising a morphing wing and a body is disclosed. The aircraft is configured to transform from a first configuration into a second configuration for ascent or descent of the aircraft. The drag force and lift force on the aircraft in the second configuration are less than in the first configuration. Transforming from the first to the second configuration comprises: contracting the wing within a geometric plane defined by the wing, and rotating the outer edge of the wing downwards, out of the geometric plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Stellar Advanced Concepts Ltd
    Inventor: Michael Newsam
  • Patent number: 11746865
    Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a rotary lock assembly that includes an epicyclic gear assembly that includes a sun gear assembly having a sun gear axial aperture defined therein, a ring gear assembly, and a planet gear assembly mechanically engaged to the sun gear assembly and to the ring gear assembly, a lock motor configured to urge rotation of the sun gear assembly, and a screw lead extending axially through the sun gear axial aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Woodward, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Thomas Kopecek
  • Patent number: 11721444
    Abstract: Arrangements and devices for reducing and/or preventing wear of a thermal sleeve in a nuclear reactor are disclosed. Arrangements include a first structure provided on or in one the thermal sleeve and a second structure provided on or in the head penetration adapter. At least a portion of the first structure and at least another portion of the second structure interact to resist, reduce, and/or prevent rotation of the thermal sleeve about its central axis relative to the head penetration adapter. Devices include a base for coupling to a guide tube of the reactor and a plurality of protruding members extending upward from the base. Each member having a portion for engaging a corresponding portion of a guide funnel of the thermal sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Company LLC
    Inventors: Anthony J. Mastopietro, Eric M. Benacquista
  • Patent number: 11400574
    Abstract: A fastener driver including a main housing, a drive blade movable from a retracted position to a driven position for driving a fastener into a workpiece, and a gas spring mechanism for driving the drive blade from the retracted position to the driven position. The gas spring mechanism includes a cylinder housing containing a pressurized gas, and a piston movable relative to the cylinder housing and biased by the pressurized gas from a retracted position toward a driven position. The cylinder housing is displaceable along a longitudinal axis of the piston relative to the main housing and away from the drive blade, while the piston remains stationary relative to the main housing, to reduce the pressure of the pressurized gas within the cylinder housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Techtronic Power Tools Technology Limited
    Inventor: Essam Namouz
  • Patent number: 11293729
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rudder control assembly (2) for a missile (1), the rudder control assembly (2) comprising: a first actuator (20) connectable to a rudder (16), which first actuator (20) is configured to steer the rudder (16) when connected to the rudder (16); a coupling element (22) for connecting the first actuator (20) to the rudder (16); and a second actuator (24) for locking the rudder (16) in a fixed position, wherein the second actuator (24) comprises a locking element (26), which is configured to lock and unlock the rudder (16) and which locking element (26) also is configured to connect the first actuator (20) with the rudder (16) by means of the coupling element (22) when unlocking the rudder (16). The invention also relates to a missile (1), comprising a rudder control assembly (2). The invention also relates to a method, performed by a control device (100), for testing a first actuator (20) of a rudder control assembly (2) for a missile (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: SAAB AB
    Inventor: Anders Swenson
  • Patent number: 10995530
    Abstract: A hold open rod includes an inner member, an outer member configured to have the inner member slide in and out of the outer member, and a locking mechanism configured to selectively lock the inner member and the outer member with respect to each other. The locking mechanism includes a locking plug configured to move axially along an axis of the inner member and the outer member to a locking position and an unlocking position, a locking dog configured to move radially between a locking position and an unlocking position as a result of a camming action with the locking plug as the locking plug moves axially, and a lock transfer bar operatively connected to the locking plug and configured to move the locking plug to the locking position and the unlocking position when the lock transfer bar is moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: MarathonNorco Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin Dyer
  • Patent number: 10787841
    Abstract: A cable release system configured to unlock a hold open rod mechanism or latch mechanism includes an actuator having a handle and a cable attachment. The cable release system also includes a cable connected at one end to the actuator and at another end to an unlocking mechanism associated with the hold open rod mechanism or the latch mechanism. The cable release system also includes the actuator being configured to move the cable and operate the unlocking mechanism associated with the hold open rod mechanism or the latch mechanism. The cable release system also includes the actuator and the handle being configured to be moved by personnel to move the cable and operate the unlocking mechanism associated with the hold open rod mechanism or the latch mechanism. The cable release system also includes the cable attachment including a lower slide and a release slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: MarathonNorco Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Ben Dyer, Neil Christian, Garrett Wise
  • Patent number: 10247210
    Abstract: A hydraulic lock for a thrust vector actuator includes a lock cylinder. The lock cylinder includes at least one slot and at least one bore. The slot is defined through a perimeter of the lock cylinder, and the bore is defined through a portion of the lock cylinder at a second end to extend towards a first end. The hydraulic lock includes at least one biasing member coupled to the bore. The hydraulic lock includes at least one pawl having a first pawl end and a second pawl end. The first pawl end is releasably coupled to the shaft of the thrust vector actuator. The second pawl end is coupled to the slot. The pawl is movable relative to the slot between a first, locked position in which the first pawl end is coupled to inhibit movement of the shaft, and a second, unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Kevin Gardner, Steve Abel, Kellan Geck
  • Patent number: 10100853
    Abstract: A failsafe piston retention assembly, and related components, systems, and methods are disclosed. A failsafe piston retention assembly comprises a head comprising a head body having a first surface. The assembly also includes a piston having second surface, the piston slidably coupled with respect to the head. The piston has a retracted configuration and an unretracted configuration. In the retracted configuration, the second surface is fixed with respect to the first surface by a magnetic force. One advantage of this arrangement is that the piston is retained in its retracted configuration in the event of an operational failure of the piston mechanism. For example, for a hydraulically controlled piston, the magnetic force retains the piston in a retracted configuration even in the event of a loss of hydraulic pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Andrew Broderick, Stephen Firkser
  • Patent number: 9944385
    Abstract: A lockable actuator has lock segments that move into recesses inside a piston to enable the piston to move. The lock segments may also move radially outwardly from the recesses in the piston to engage a bevel edge of a cylinder housing assembly to lock the piston. Lock rams having ramps force the lock segments radially outwardly into engagement with the bevel edge of the cylinder housing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: SPP Canada Aircraft, Inc.
    Inventors: V-Bond Lee, David Colantonio
  • Patent number: 9551364
    Abstract: A hydraulic fluid power cylinder assembly 10 includes a cylinder chamber 14, a piston 15, a piston rod 19 and an end cap 21. End cap 21 includes a drift stop chamber 24 and a drift stop blocking surface 25. Chamber 24 is in open fluid pressure communication with chamber 14 under all conditions. Piston 15 includes a piston body portion 16 and a drift stop body portion 29. Drift stop body portion 29 includes a drift stop blocking member 31 and a positioning surface 34 for preventing the blocking member 31 from contacting the walls of cavity 24 and cylinder chamber 14 when disengaged from blocking surface 25. In one position drift stop body portion 29 is received within drift stop cavity 24, and blocking member 31 engages blocking surface 25 to prevent unintended movement of piston 15.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Garrett Maurer, Romell Alaman
  • Patent number: 9464645
    Abstract: A hold open rod includes an inner tube assembly coupled to an outer tube assembly, the inner tube assembly movable within the outer tube assembly, a lock body coupled to the outer tube assembly, and an inner collar coupled to the lock body, the inner collar having a lock groove and unlock groove. The hold open rod further includes a locking dog configured to engage the unlock groove when the hold open rod is in an unlocked configuration and the locking dog further configured to engage the lock groove when the hold open rod is in a locked configuration, an unlocked indicator on a first region of the lock body, the unlocked indicator exposed when the hold open rod is in the unlocked configuration, and a first rod end coupled to the outer tube assembly and a second rod end coupled to the inner rod assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: MarathonNorco Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Ben Dyer, Brian Star, Del Latham
  • Patent number: 9440826
    Abstract: The invention relates to an extension device, lifting device or jack that can be locked in a raised configuration and used to safely support a raised load. An extension device according to the invention comprises a housing having a closed first end and an open second end, a support member inside the housing projecting from the first end thereof, a piston slideably mounted in the housing around the support member, means for extending the piston out of the second end of the housing, means for retracting the piston into the housing, and a locking mechanism for releasably locking the piston to the support member, wherein the locking mechanism comprises one or more locking members mounted on the support member operable to be selectively moved in and out of locking engagement with the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: ABSOLUTE EQUIPMENT PTY LIMITED
    Inventor: Thomas Prisk
  • Patent number: 9399522
    Abstract: A component for use in a ram air turbine actuator includes a lock bolt extending along a centerline with the lock bolt being axially movable between a stowed position and a deployed position and a plurality of rollers that are radially outward from the centerline and guided by the lock bolt. The component also includes a slider radially between at least a portion of the lock bolt and a piston rod with the slider being axially movable between a stop position and the deployed position and up-lock wedges supported by the piston rod. The actuator becomes locked in the stowed position when the lock bolt and slider move axially within the piston rod and a cylinder to position the rollers to push the up-lock wedges radially outward into an aperture and prevent the lock bolt, slider, and cylinder from axial movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: David G. Bannon
  • Patent number: 9388831
    Abstract: A device includes a pneumatic actuating cylinder and a brake element. The actuating cylinder has at least one pneumatic piston that can be actuated in an arbitrary manner and that is connected to the pneumatic piston or to a component that can be moved by pneumatic piston. Movement of pneumatic piston can be braked or suppressed by an actuation of the brake element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: WABCO GmbH
    Inventors: Armin Brosch, Detlef Schmidt, Jens Willms
  • Patent number: 9228561
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device (10) for capturing energy from ocean waves. The device (10) comprises a base (12) adapted for stationary mounting relative to a fluid flow generated by the ocean waves. A drive member (14) is movably connected relative to the base (12) and adapted to be driven in oscillatory rotational motion relative to the base (12). An array of paddles (14c) extend from the drive member (14), such that forces applied to the paddles by the ocean waves drive the drive member in oscillatory rotational motion relative to the base (12), A plurality of removable modular energy transfer mechanisms (20) are associated with the drive member (14) and adapted to be driven by the oscillation of the drive member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: BioPower Systems Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Timothy Donegal Finnigan, Gerold Kloos, Carlos Andres Gonzalez Toro
  • Patent number: 9163650
    Abstract: The present system provides a mechanism which provides mechanical locking of an apparatus, with fluid pressure-driven unlocking and an actuating force when an intended level of such pressure has been reached. The present system thus mechanically locks an apparatus against premature actuation caused by, for example, shock or vibration, until it is subjected to a level of pressure intended to actuate it. The present system is suitable for incorporation in any apparatus taking advantage of its ability to utilize fluid pressure to remove a mechanical block at an intended level of pressure and impart an actuating force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Inventor: Kenneth Lee Crowder
  • Patent number: 9003953
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a downhole tool having a body defining an outer surface, a plurality of standoffs distributed about the outer surface, and a hydraulic circuit operatively coupled to the standoffs. The hydraulic circuit includes a plurality of hydraulically actuated pistons, each of which is operatively coupled to a respective one of the standoffs to extend and retract the respective standoff. The pistons are hydraulically coupled and sized to extend or retract the respective standoffs at substantially the same rate in response to a hydraulic control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: William E. Brennan, III
  • Patent number: 8826655
    Abstract: A vehicle has an internal combustion engine, an automatic transmission with an electrohydraulic transmission control unit, a transmission oil pump driven by the engine, and an electronic engine start and stop system. The start and stop systems switches off the internal combustion engine in operating phases, in which the vehicle is temporarily stopped, if predefined operating parameters are present, and starts the internal combustion engine if a restart signal is present. A purely mechanical pressure accumulator device provides stored hydraulic pressure to the electrohydraulic transmission control unit in a time period following the starting of the internal combustion engine, in which time period, the transmission oil pump is still building-up pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Josef Neuner
  • Patent number: 8499555
    Abstract: A valve for use with a turbocharger is disclosed. The valve may have a valve element movable to selectively direct a flow of fluid. They valve may also have a control portion connected to move the valve element, and a cooling portion configured to receive a pressurized cooling medium from the turbocharger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew T. Wolk, Thomas A. Bevill, Terry W. Grabb, Mehdi Mahssini, Paul M. Himmell
  • Patent number: 8074778
    Abstract: A clutch including: a first piston displaceable to operate a clutch pack; a second piston; a first fluid chamber partially formed by the pistons, wherein the second piston is displaceable by fluid pressure in the first fluid chamber; and a locking means fixable by the second piston to hold the pack closed. In a preferred embodiment, the locking means includes at least one displaceable ball. In another preferred embodiment, in response to a loss of fluid pressure in the first chamber, the second piston is displaceable to enable displacement of the locking means to open the pack. In a further preferred embodiment, the clutch includes a second chamber, separate from the first chamber and partially formed by the first piston. The first piston is displaceable in response to fluid pressure in the second chamber. The pack remains closed after a loss or reduction of fluid pressure in the second chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Mavinkal Jayaram, Philip George
  • Publication number: 20110132186
    Abstract: A length-adjustable piston cylinder unit comprises a casing which is filled with a fluid and has a central longitudinal axis; a guide and sealing unit which seals off the casing at a first end; a piston rod which is guided through the guide and sealing unit out of the first end of the casing in a sealed manner; a piston which is connected with the piston rod and is guided in the casing in a sealed manner; a first interior portion which is bounded between the piston and the guide and sealing unit; a second interior portion which is bounded by the piston and faces away from the first interior portion; an adjustment valve arranged in the piston for optionally connecting the two interior portions to each other; a guide sleeve which is arranged for displacement on the casing and is concentric to the central longitudinal axis, the guide sleeve being secured to the piston rod at a sleeve end and comprising at least one latch opening which is spaced from the sleeve end along the central longitudinal axis; and a latch
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: SUSPA GMBH
    Inventors: Christian Eiletz, Gerhard Wunderling
  • Publication number: 20100107867
    Abstract: A lifter for the lid of a motor vehicle may include a cylinder in which a fluid is filled, a first rod passing through one end of the cylinder so as to permit reciprocation therethrough, connected with a first piston slidably disposed in the cylinder and having at least an opening for a fluid communication through in the cylinder, and a second rod passing through a second, opposite end of the cylinder so as to permit reciprocation therethrough, connected with a second piston disposed in the cylinder and having at least an opening for a fluid communication in the cylinder so as to be opposite to the first piston, wherein the second rod has a cross section which is less than that of the first rod such that a magnitude of reaction force applied toward an outside of the cylinder is less than that of the first rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Byoung Il Yoo
  • Patent number: 7707924
    Abstract: A groove is provided to the rear of an inner wall of a cylinder. A locking ram capable of freely sliding in a radial direction and a cam rod having a profile changing with a transition from the rear to the front from a small diameter part to a large diameter part that are provided relative to a piston. The inner end of the locking ram makes contact with the profile, and the cam rod is urged to the rear by the spring, so that the cam rod can be pushed to the front by a push rod. The piston can therefore be locked with a simple structure, and it is possible to provide a linear actuator where locking can be released with a straightforward operation even when a pressurized oil source fails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignees: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Sumitomo Precision Products Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Yamanouchi, Katsutoshi Tada, Masaru Oono, Tetsuji Sato
  • Publication number: 20090266228
    Abstract: A locking piston assembly (100) is provided according to the invention. The locking piston assembly (100) includes a piston chamber (107), a piston rod (106) configured to be substantially extended from and substantially retracted into the piston chamber (107), and a piston head (108) coupled to the piston rod (106) and configured to move reciprocally in the piston chamber (107). The locking piston assembly (100) further includes at least one lock (120) configured to mechanically lock the piston head (108) and the piston rod (106) in at least a substantially fully extended position. The lock (120) is configured to unlock the piston head (108) and the piston rod (106) in a presence of a pressurized fluid provided to retract the piston rod ( 106). The pressurized fluid is introduced into the piston chamber (107) and the piston rod (106) is retracted only after the lock (120) is unlocked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventors: Ulrich Teschke, Martin Engels
  • Patent number: 7530613
    Abstract: An apparatus for connecting and disconnecting two objects comprises: a housing formed as a hollow type, and having one closed end to which a first object is connected and another opened end; a coupling portion mounted in the housing so as to be movable in an axial direction of the housing, and to which a second object is connected; a clamping portion coupled to the housing for clamping the coupling portion; a cylinder disposed in the housing for pressurizing the clamping portion so that a clamped state of the coupling portion by the clamping portion can be maintained; and a gas generator integrally coupled to an outer surface of the housing so as to be in communication with inside of the housing for generating gas of a high pressure thereby releasing a clamped state of the coupling portion and separating the coupling portion from the housing. Two objects are easily connected or disconnected to/from each other by the simple construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Agency for Defense Development
    Inventors: Heung-Youl Kim, Yong-Bum Jun
  • Patent number: 7481161
    Abstract: A plunger-cylinder assembly for a press including a plunger which is accommodated at least in part in a cylinder while separating the interior of the cylinder into two partial chambers along the cylinder axis. A relieving device which counteracts an increase in pressure of a fluid accommodated in the first partial chamber is disposed in at least one first partial chamber the increase in pressure being caused by a movement of the plunger along the cylinder axis in the direction of the first partial chamber. A hydraulic press encompassing such a plunger-cylinder assembly is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: LAEIS GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Hahn, Volker Manternach
  • Patent number: 7437872
    Abstract: An object separating apparatus uses gas and has a hollow housing with a closed end connected to a first object, and an opened end. An axially movable cylinder is installed at an inner space of the housing and a piston assembly is coupled to the cylinder and connected to a second object at an outer end. A fixing portion between the housing and the cylinder and the piston assembly fixes the cylinder and the piston assembly into the housing. A gas generator communicates with the inner space, wherein when the gas generator is operated, the gas generator pressurizes the cylinder to release the cylinder from the piston assembly and to separate the cylinder and the piston assembly from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Agency for Defense Development
    Inventors: Heung-Youl Kim, Yong-Bum Jun, Sang-Hwa Kim
  • Publication number: 20080053305
    Abstract: A sealing element seals a pressure piston which is movably arranged in a housing of a brake cylinder. The sealing element may be inserted into a ring-shaped groove which is provided in the housing. The sealing element includes an outer sealing lip for contact with a floor of the ring-shaped groove, an inner sealing lip for contact with the pressure piston, and a sealing element back. At least one non-sealing spacer element is provided on the sealing element back.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventor: Martin Struschka
  • Patent number: 7316177
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided that includes a hand pump having a handle locking mechanism, a counter bored nut, pivoting links, and unloading valve assembly. The unloading valve assembly allows a pump operator to pump a larger volume of hydraulic fluid and/or to pump to higher pressures in first stage operation than a conventional pump which employs a direct-acting relief valve. The unloading valve also decreases the effort required to pump the handle during second stage operation. The handle locking mechanism allows the pump handle from moving during transporting and storing of the hand pump. The counter bored nut allows for more reservoir room than conventional hand pumps. The pivoting link allows for greater leverage of the handle during pumping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventors: Travis Bakker, Michael Landrum, Douglas Miller
  • Patent number: 7299739
    Abstract: A fluid pressure cylinder has a piston rod 18 fixed to a piston 26 and projecting outside a cylinder body 23. A lock surface 43 inclining to a radial direction of the piston rod 18 is formed in an engagement member 31 provided in the piston rod 18. A lock rod 35 reciprocating in an about right-angle direction to the piston rod 18 is built into a lock cylinder 33 provided in the cylinder body 23. The lock rod 35 is provided with: a large-diameter section 35a fitted into a guide hole 36 formed in the lock cylinder 33; and a slide contact section 37 provided in the large-diameter section 35a via a constriction section 35b. The slide contact section 37 contacts with a radial-inner portion of the lock surface 43 when the lock rod 35 comes nearest to the piston rod 18.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Koganei Corporation
    Inventors: Akio Nakata, Masakazu Tetsuka
  • Patent number: 7216581
    Abstract: A locking actuator may be locked in an extended position. A piston with a first and a second end defines a recess that originates proximate to the first end. A strut is adapted to at least partially nest within the recess and the strut is adapted to hold at least one locking mechanism proximate to a tip of the strut. The at least one locking mechanism is held by the strut. The at least one locking mechanism is adapted to move into a first position engaging the piston when the actuator is locked, and is adapted to move to a second position not engaging the piston when the actuator is unlocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Shawn A. McAuley
  • Patent number: 6971351
    Abstract: A region including an engaging hole is given surface treatment such as partial quench hardening by induction hardening for improving surface hardness of the region. The partial quench hardening by induction hardening provides the region with satisfactory mechanical strength or surface hardness enough for resisting deformation of the engaging hole and wear-out of an edge of opening of the engaging hole caused by putting in and out of the lock pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Kinugawa, Makoto Yamauchi
  • Patent number: 6832540
    Abstract: A locking hydraulic actuator has a cylinder and a main piston that is movable from an extend position to a retract position by a hydraulic circuit. The actuator has a locking mechanism that includes a lock piston that slides within a lock piston bore of the main piston. One or more lock segments are held by slots within the main piston and may be radially constrained within a tailstock housing and cylinder. The lock segments maintain the main piston in a locked position. The lock segments have two straight tapers, one on a proximal face and the other on a distal face, which transmit axial loading forces to and from the cylinder and main piston by distributed loading, thereby avoiding point-contact loading and material deformation. The lock piston, lock segments, piston, and cylinder may have different hardnesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Hart
  • Publication number: 20040182235
    Abstract: A locking hydraulic actuator has a cylinder and a main piston that is movable from an extend position to a retract position by a hydraulic circuit. The actuator has a locking mechanism that includes a lock piston that slides within a lock piston bore of the main piston. One or more lock segments are held by slots within the main piston and may be radially constrained within a tailstock housing and cylinder. The lock segments maintain the main piston in a locked position. The lock segments have two straight tapers, one on a proximal face and the other on a distal face, which transmit axial loading forces to and from the cylinder and main piston by distributed loading, thereby avoiding point-contact loading and material deformation. The lock piston, lock segments, piston, and cylinder may have different hardnesses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Hart
  • Patent number: 6782799
    Abstract: A double-acting hydraulic actuator with an axial locking device has a cylinder chamber defined by two coaxial cylindrical walls of different diameters interconnected by a frustoconical wall. A guide piston sliding in the smaller-diameter cylindrical wall is fixed to an end of an actuator rod. The actuator rod has an annular protuberance of diameter equal to the diameter of the cylindrical wall. An annular stepped piston providing sealing between the two cylinder chambers is slidably mounted in a middle portion of the actuator rod to slide between the piston and the annular protuberance. When the actuator is extended, a narrowed end of the annular piston bears against conical surfaces of two half-rings and urges them outwards. When the half-rings are pushed outwards and the narrowed end of the annular piston becomes interposed between them and the middle portion of the actuator rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Hydraulique Production Systems
    Inventor: Pierre Vincent
  • Patent number: 6631670
    Abstract: The locking device comprises a plurality of rolling wedging members consisting of diablo-shaped rollers with two cylindrical end portions and an intermediate portion which is concave according to a generatrix in the form of an arc of circle whose radius corresponds to the half-diameter of a cylindrical rod of the actuator to which the device is associated. The rollers are adapted to be wedged between the rod and convergent surfaces which are formed in a fixed body of the device. The convergent wedging surfaces are convex surfaces having cross-sections in the shape of an arc of circle whose radius of curvature corresponds to the radius of curvature of the arched longitudinal profile of the concave intermediate portions of each of the rollers, as well as to the half-diameter of the rod. Each of the convex surfaces is in engagement with the concave intermediate portion of one of the rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Ready S.R.L.
    Inventor: Danilo Baruffaldi
  • Patent number: 6615703
    Abstract: A pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder (10) having a bore (12) cooperating with a piston (18). Extending from the piston (18) is a piston rod (37). There is further provided a pawl (26) which is engageable with the piston (18) to retain the piston (18) at a desired location. The pawl (26) is moved from engagement with the piston (18) upon fluid under pressure being delivered to one end of the cylinder (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Razorback Vehicles Corporation Limited
    Inventor: Jeffrey Kendall
  • Patent number: 6594993
    Abstract: Hydraulic driving device with a hydraulic motor and a bearing arrangement in which the output shaft of the hydraulic motor is supported. Typically, the bearing arrangement is axially supported on the output shaft between a shoulder of the output shaft and a nut screwed onto the output shaft. To reduce overall length, the invention provides that the shoulder is located on the side of the bearing arrangement opposite from the end of the output side of the output shaft, and a friction-disc pack directly bears on the bearing arrangement. The motor has a braking device, including the friction-disc pack and at least one braking cylinder with a spring chamber and a release chamber. A braking valve in the braking position supplies the spring chamber with the load pressure and the release chamber with the tank pressure, and in the release position supplies the spring chamber with the tank pressure and the release chamber with the load pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Danfoss A/S
    Inventors: Welm Friedrichsen, Uffe Lykke Eriksen
  • Patent number: 6412473
    Abstract: A hydraulically actuated fuel injector includes an injector body that defines an actuation fluid passage, a low pressure area and a nozzle outlet. A piston having a hydraulic surface is positioned in the injector body and moveable a stroke distance between a retracted position and an advance position. At least one of the piston and injector body define a first cavity and a second cavity when the piston is located in an initial portion of its stroke distance. Before a first portion of the hydraulic surface is exposed to fluid pressure in the first cavity, and a second portion of the hydraulic surface is exposed to fluid pressure in the second cavity when the piston is in its initial portion of its stroke distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Xinshuang Nan, Ye Tian
  • Publication number: 20020069752
    Abstract: A hydrostatic axial piston machine has a swashplate, a cylinder block, a cylinder block bearing system, a brake to arrest the cylinder block, and a compensation device to relieve the cylinder block bearing system from axial engine forces. The compensation device is integrated into the brake. The brake has a brake piston loaded in the closing direction by a spring and has a relieving surface which acts in the opening direction and can be pressured by hydraulic pressure and is active opposite to the axial engine forces. The cylinder block bearing system has two helical roller bearings in an O-arrangement and the brake piston is an annular piston located axially between the helical roller bearings. A retaining ring of the spring is supported against the inner ring of a helical roller bearing provided to absorb axial engine forces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventor: Franz Forster
  • Publication number: 20020069680
    Abstract: A cylinder apparatus comprises a cylinder tube which is connected between a first cover member and a second cover member each having a cylindrical configuration, an axially displaceable piston which inscribes the cylinder tube, a piston rod which is connected to the piston, an intermediate member which is connected between the cylinder tube and the second cover member, an axially movable member which inscribes the intermediate member, a first spring member which is connected between the second cover member and the movable member, and a piston pin mechanism which is inserted into a recess of the piston rod in a direction perpendicular to the axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Applicant: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toshiharu Yabe
  • Patent number: 6186047
    Abstract: The locking device comprises resilient repulsion means (58) which react between a fixed body (16) and one or more rolling members (42) and which tend to urge these members in the direction of wedging between two wedging surfaces (34, 36) associated with the body (16) and with the rod (12) of the actuator (10), respectively. A control piston (48) is arranged so as to engage the rolling members (42) in order to urge them in the release direction under the effect of a thrust exerted on the piston in the opposite direction to the force exerted by the resilient means (54).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Ready S.R.L.
    Inventor: Danilo Baruffaldi
  • Patent number: 6164186
    Abstract: A jack (1) has a jack body (2) with a peripheral wall (3) which forms a jack chamber (4). Two pistons (5a, 5b) attached to piston rods (6) are movably mounted in the jack chamber. The jack (1) has an automatic locking section (MV) to lock the two pistons (5a, 5b) and their respective rods (6) in at least one of two extreme positions. The locking is done automatically during the movement of the pistons (5a, 5b) by locking balls (11a, 11b) which move in locking grooves (10a, 10b) in the piston (6). There is also a manual unlocking device (MDV) connected to the pistons (5a, 5b) through unlocking rods (21). The manual unlocking device (MDV) is attached to two unlocking collars (7a, 7b) which rotate to unlock the piston (5a, 5b) and piston rod (6). The rotation, in turn, moves adjustment screws (23) to displace the unlocking rods (21) along their axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Etablissements Contat Freres
    Inventor: Bernard Contat
  • Patent number: 6071096
    Abstract: A pneumatic cylinder for actuating fume extraction valves in fume and heat extraction plants has a piston (2) that may be actuated from both sides with at least one working surface and that can be made to slide by pressurised air in a cylinder (1) with at least one working chamber (4), as well as an energy accumulator with regulating means. The regulating means can be controlled by control means to open or keep open the fume extraction valves. In order to obtain a compact pneumatic cylinder for a fume and heat extraction plant which is easy to install, a storage chamber in which air or pressurised air is stored as compressible pressure medium is provided as energy accumulator. The storage chamber is in communication with a compression surface (7) of the piston (2), at its side opposite to the working surface (7), so that pressure medium may flow between the storage chamber and the compression surface (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Inventor: Andreas Grasl
  • Patent number: 6004092
    Abstract: A side loading refuse collection vehicle has a lift arm extendible and rotatable relative to the vehicle, the lift arm carrying grabber apparatus at an end for grasping a refuse container which may be lifted and dumped into the top of the body of the vehicle. The lift arm which is guided to move in a path so as to grasp the container, raise it, dump it and return it to its initial position, is driven toward and away from the vehicle by a first hydraulic drive cylinder and lifted and lowered by a second hydraulic drive cylinder. The first hydraulic drive cylinder has a drive rod on which a locking bolt is secured and may be captured in a receptacle of a keeper when the rod is in the fully retracted position to lock the arm against inadvertent and undesirable extension outwardly away from the vehicle. The keeper is pivotally mounted and moved by the output rod of a pneumatic cylinder to permit the bolt to be released from the receptacle when the hydraulic drive is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: The Heil Co.
    Inventors: Gary L Johnson, Gary G Flerchinger
  • Patent number: 5810119
    Abstract: A safety brake device (1) for hydraulic elevators acts by arresting the axial movement of the elevator ram (3) with respect to the main hydraulic cylinder (5) of the elevator. The safety brake (1) utilizes two lever acting brake arms (27) lined with an accretable metal (31), for example annealed copper, as the friction material. When actuated, the brake arms (27) contact the ram (3) circumferentially to slow and stop the falling ram. The lining material (31) is machined inside the brake arms (27) to a diameter slightly less than the diameter of the ram (3) and when actuated, the accretable material (31) on the brake arms (27) contacts the ram (3) with sufficient frictional force to stop the downward motion of the ram (3). The safety brake (1) may be actuated by loss of hydraulic pressure, by an electronic signal from a hydraulic pressure detector, by down overspeed or by an uncontrolled down motion detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Inventor: John W. Koshak
  • Patent number: 5791230
    Abstract: A rod clamp device having a clamp sleeve and a cam member spring biased axially in a direction to actuate the clamp sleeve to a clamp condition, and a clamp release piston that is operable through a mechanical force amplifying mechanism to move the cam member in opposition to the spring to release the clamp sleeve. The clamp release piston is operated in response to fluid pressure to produce a force correlative with the fluid pressure and the clamp release piston moves an annular ramp to force a plurality of ball elements between a thrust surface on an end of the cam ring and a stationary thrust surface and move the can ring axially in a direction to recompress the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Advanced Machine & Engineering Co.
    Inventor: Willy J. Goellner