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.

Abstract: A fluid pressure operated braking device for a piston rod. The braking device includes a clamp sleeve and a cam member spring biased axially in a direction to actuate the clamp sleeve to a clamp condition, and a fluid pressure operator that provides a hydraulically amplified force for moving the cam member in opposition to the spring to release the clamp sleeve. The fluid pressure operator includes a first piston operated in response to fluid pressure applied thereto to produce a force correlative with fluid pressure and the first piston is connected to a second piston that pressurizes a non-compressible fluid in a closed pressure chamber communicating with a third piston, and a third piston actuates the cam ring in opposition to the spring to release the clamp ring.

Abstract: A motor or pump includes a stator and a rotor supported for rotation with respect to the stator by a bearing arrangement. The rotor has a cylinder block thereon having radial cylinder bores equipped with radially reciprocable pistons. Rollers on the pistons abut a cam ring fixed to the stator so that the pistons to reciprocate radially to displace fluid when the rotor turns relative to the stator. The stator includes a control device fixed thereon having a pair of fluid passages therein. One side of the control device constitutes a distribution face with outlets therein connecting the fluid passages to the cylinder bores as the rotor rotates. A counterpart fastens to the rotor adjacent the opposite side of the control device so as to define an annular chamber therebetween. A shuttle valve operatively interposed between the passages and chamber ensures that the chamber remains in connection with the passage having the higher pressure.

Abstract: Disclosed is an air-applied, mechanically-held brake assembly and a vehicle air brake system employing the same. The air brake system typically includes a push-pull or hand-brake valve for park and emergency applications, a treadle valve for service applications, reservoirs of air under pressure, and other valving and plumbing. The brake assembly applies and releases the brake upon the supply and exhaust, respectively, of air from a first pressure chamber. The brake assembly locks and unlocks the brake in an applied position by the exhaust and supply, respectively, of air from a second pressure chamber. The locking mechanism of the brake assembly is designed to compound the force of the fluid pressure in the first pressure chamber with the force of the fluid pressure supplied to the second pressure chamber when unlocking the brake to compensate for back pressure.

Abstract: A method of reducing seal stiction in a hydraulic cylinder is provided comprising the steps of providing a hydraulic cylinder, having a housing, a piston, and a seal, providing apparatus for rotating the seal about the piston, and rotating the seal about the axis of the piston at the same time as the piston begins to axially displace.

Abstract: An actuator lock is provided to prevent movement of an actuator until the actuator lock is released. A first member of the lock is movable in response to fluid pressure within a chamber to move from a locked position to an unlocked position allowing the actuator to move. The first member is held at the unlock position by a latching member so that the lock cannot return to the locked position. During testing of the actuator, a test member is operable to reversibly move the first member from the locked position to an unlocked and unlatched position.

Abstract: Disclosed is an air-applied, mechanically-held brake assembly and a vehicle air brake system employing the same. The brake assembly applies and releases the brake upon the supply and exhaust, respectively, of air from a first pressure chamber. The brake assembly locks and unlocks the brake in an applied position by the exhaust and supply, respectively, of air from a second pressure chamber. The locking mechanism of the brake assembly is designed to compound the force of the fluid pressure in the first pressure chamber with the force of the fluid pressure supplied to the second pressure chamber when unlocking the brake to compensate for back pressure.

Abstract: The rodless cylinder includes at least a cylinder tube and a piston, but it has no piston rod that is indispensable in the conventional cylinders. The article carrier is connected via the piston yoke to the piston and movable with parts and jigs placed thereon as the piston moves along the cylinder. At least one rod is fixed relative to the cylinder tube to extend in parallel with the direction in which the piston and hence the carrier moves. The sensor is provided to be movable along the rod as the piston moves. The sensor has a moving member movable along the rod as the piston moves within the cylinder tube, for detecting a current position of the piston in accordance with relative positional relation between the moving member and the rod. With such arrangements, the rodless cylinder as a whole has a higher rigidity against heavy load, and also the piston can be accurately positioned to stop at a desired position in its stroke.

Abstract: A railway brake actuator which provides both service and parking braking comprises a cylinder having an operating cavity. A piston assembly in the operating cavity has a stepped bore forming second and third cavities and is extended by hydraulic pressure and retracted by a spring to apply and release the service brake. Hydraulic pressure extends a hollow parking brake piston from the second cavity to extend the piston assembly and apply the parking brake. A one-way clutch comprising ramps and rollers locks the piston in parking brake applied position. Hydraulic pressure disables the clutch to enable spring retraction of the parking brake piston and the piston assembly to release the parking brake. A gripper ring on the piston assembly operates between cylinder abutments to limit piston assembly retraction to provide slack, and enables slippage on the piston assembly on extension to adjust for brake wear.

Abstract: A hydraulic jack particularly intended for use in automobile lifts includes a safety stop mechanism including a fixed toothed rod and a piston-supported pawl mechanism which includes one or more stop members. Each of the stop members can be retracted, to allow the jack to collapse, by applying hydraulic pressure to the chamber above the piston.

Abstract: An actuator for raising and lowering aircraft landing gear in accordance with the extended and retracted state of the actuator includes a cylindrical casing, a piston assembly slidable along the axis of the casing, a fluid pressure source, a sealed chamber containing gas, a free piston forced by fluid pressure along the casing axis to compress the gas, latching devices for locking the piston assembly to the casing, a locking mechanism for holding the free piston in position on the pressure tube when the gas is compressed and hydraulic passages interconnecting the chamber containing pressurized gas and the space containing pressurized hydraulic fluid. A mechanism is provided for initiating automatic retraction of the actuator due to the effect of a self-contained perpetual source of compressed gas if hydraulic pressure is lost. A compression spring stores a force while the piston assembly moves between retracted and extended positions.

Abstract: A brake actuator for a railway brake which provides both service and parking braking comprises a cylinder having an operating cavity. A piston assembly extends into the operating cavity and has a stepped bore including second and smaller third cavities. A first hydraulic supply admits pressurized hydraulic fluid into the operating cavity to extend the piston assembly to apply the service brake. A spring applies a retracting force on the piston smaller than the hydraulic force. A hollow parking brake piston carried in the second cavity extends to react against the cylinder and extend the piston assembly in response to the supply of pressurized fluid to the second cavity from a second hydraulic supply to apply the parking brake. A mechanical lock, comprising a one-way clutch utilizing ramps and rollers, locks the piston extended from the piston assembly cylinder to maintain the parking brake applied upon removal of the second hydraulic supply force.

Abstract: A hydraulic cylinder that locks into position has a housing (1) with at least one pressure connection (7) and a piston (3) and rod (6) that travel tight in an out of the housing. The locking mechanism comprises a piston (11) that rests against a spring (35) and a barrier mechanism (23) with a cage of balls (25) that roll radially into a locking position in a locking groove (26) and back into an unlocking position in an unlocking groove (22). The primary piston communicates with a hollow space (18) and acts on a primary participating surface (19) and the locking piston communicates with an unlocking space (13) and acts on an unlocking surface (14) by way of the pressure connection. There is a variable choke (17), which disengages after a while, beween the pressure connection and the primary space (18) in the primary piston (3).

Abstract: A sequential remote control plug release system allows actuation of plug release plungers and manifold valves associated with a cementing plug container only in a predetermined sequence. With regard to a plug container having two plugs, and thus two plug release plungers, and three manifold valves, the middle and upper manifold valves and the upper plug release plunger can be opened and retracted only in a predetermined sequence. This is implemented through interconnected actuation valves and sequencing valves contained in a housing which can be located remotely from the plug container. An improvement in plug release plungers is also disclosed.

Abstract: An interlock device for a pressure-medium actuator, having a locking slide received in a housing and with an adjusting slide arranged transversely relative to the said locking slide and coupled kinematically to the locking slide, and, in an interlock position of a locking element connected to the locking slide, at least one positive engagement member provided on the locking element is in engagement with a corresponding mating engagement member on the actuator.

Abstract: An improved self-locking piston for use in ram blowout preventers has a hollow cylindrical outer piston which slidably contains an inner locking piston. The inner locking piston has a tapered, frusto-conically shaped front section with a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart, sloping flats formed therein. Apertures provided through the outer wall surface of the main outer piston contain radially slidable driver segments each having a sloping surface complementary to the sloping surface of the flats on the inner piston. Forward motion of the inner piston relative to the outer piston forces the driver segments radially outwards in the apertures. A plurality of locking segments, one each positioned in a groove rearward of and communicating with a separate one of each of the apertures is provided. Each locking segment has a sloping lower front surface adapted to sliding engagement by the sloping upper rear surface of a driver segment.

Abstract: In an hydraulic cylinder for vehicle braking elements, a clamping piston (1) moved in a housing (3) by hydraulic pressure acts relative to a brake lining carrier bearing a brake lining, e.g., in the form of a brake shoe which, during braking, is forced against the brake disk. To prevent the clamping piston (1) in rest position from being pushed back into its housing (3) by axial impact forces, the clamping piston (1) can be coupled at its interior to an hydraulic volume, which, in the neutral position of the clamping piston (1), acts as an hydraulic cushion and counteracts the impact forces.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuator comprising a cylinder formed with an axial cylinder chamber, a main piston provided in the cylinder chamber and dividing the chamber into a first chamber and a second chamber and further formed with a locking chamber, an annular locking groove formed in the cylinder, a locking member cooperating with the annular locking groove to lock the main piston in a predetermined position, the locking member movable between an unlocking position and a locking position, a locking-unlocking piston for moving the locking member into the locking and unlocking positions, and a pressure introducing passageway for selecting the first or second chamber that is higher in pressure and introducing the higher pressure in the selected chamber into the locking chamber of the main piston. The locking-unlocking piston is moved by the pressure introduced by the pressure introducing passageway to move the locking member into the locking and unlocking positions.

Abstract: Provided is an improved fluid operated clutch control system having a latch member operable to lock the clutch in a selected condition of engagement or disengagement when the fluid pressure falls below a predetermined minimum value. In one embodiment a system (100) is provided in which a latch member (26) is controlled by fluid pressure in a channel (36) in a stationary wall housing (10). In another embodiment, a system (200) is provided in which a latch member (62) is controlled by the combination of fluid pressure sensed by a sensor (64) and the energization and de-energization of a solenoid (60) and, in yet another embodiment, a system (300) is provided with a latch member (62) that is controlled by the energization and de-energization of a solenoid (60).

Abstract: In a brake cylinder (1) for vehicle brake systems a service and a parking brake are provided within a common housing (25). The parking brake (41) acts on a brake actuating member (37) of the brake cylinder (1) against spring force via a parking brake piston (57) which can be loaded preferably by a pressure medium, and can be locked in the parking brake position by a locking mechanism (43) that acts mechanically, i.e., pressure independently, and that is applied automatically subject to spring force when the parking brake is actuated. The locking mechanism (43) is released preferably by loading a locking piston (59) with a pressure medium in such a manner that the parking brake piston can be returned automatically subject to spring force into its release position and is mechanically maintained in this position.

Abstract: A cylinder locking device comprises a thick cylindrical brake member whose inner diameter is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of a piston rod to be locked. The cylindrical brake member is disposed in a casing and fitted on the piston rod, and has a slit opening formed axially therein. Two receive rollers are disposed oppositely and rotatably on both margins of the slit opening. An actuator having a tapered portion is disposed in the casing. The locking of the piston rod is released when the tapered portion is forced in between the receive rollers to expand the cylindrical brake member. When the actuator is not in actuation, the piston rod is strongly gripped and locked by the elasticity in the diameter-decreasing direction of the cylindrical brake member.

Abstract: The improved blowout preventer ram tail rod locking device of the present invention includes a housing, a body movable in the housing, having a threaded rod and coacting with the outer end of the ram tail rod to lock it in the ram closed position, a nut rotatably mounted within said housing, having ractchet teeth and engaging the threads onthe threaded rod, a braking piston slidably mounted within said housing and having ratchet teeth engaging withthe ratchet teeth of the nut, the ratchet teeth on said nut and piston allowing freedom of rotation of the nut during movement of the body into engagement with the ram tail road and preventing rotation of the nut in the opposite direction, and menas for exerting pressure on said braking piston to disengage the racthet teeth during retracting movement of the wedge.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuator including an actuator cylinder and a ram slidable therein from a retracted position to an extended position. This ram has an axially extending chamber positioned in an end section and a number of ball passageways extend between this chamber and the outer surface of the ram. A locking ball is positioned in each passageway. A ring is slidably mounted on the ram and is positioned at its forwardmost point of travel to hold the balls so that they do not project from the passageways. A spring biases the ring towards its forwardmost position. A ball moving spool is slidably mounted in the chamber and has an annular ball receiving recess. A stop is located in an end section of the cylinder for preventing further forward movement of the ring and this stop causes the ring to slide rearwardly relative to the ram upon further extension of the latter.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a penumatic or hydraulic drive for opening and closing of doors, in which the linear motion of a double-acting piston 5 driven by a pressure medium is converted into a rotary motion of a spindle 2 through a piston rod 6 and a helical gear box 3. Herein a blocking lever 10 supported in a stationary manner is provided, which in the closed position of the door engages under the action of a spring 18 at a part 11 connected with a piston 5, wherein said blocking lever secures the piston in its end position and is held in its open position counter to the force of an additional spring 15 by a power cylinder 14 acted upon by the pressure means.

Abstract: A piston and cylinder assembly for a vehicle hydraulic system has a retaining device comprising an insert acting between a piston and the cylinder bore in which it works, the insert having a releasable frictional engagement in the bore and acting as an abutment to hold the piston in its retracted position to maintain the effective length of the assembly at a predetermined value for installation, until the assembly is operated hydraulically. The assembly may be an actuator for a self-energizing disc brake, or a slave cylinder for a vehicle clutch system.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a cylinder locking device for locking and stopping the piston rod of a hydraulic cylinder in a desired position. There are fitted rotatably in a housing, a pair of thick, semicylindrical halves which are formed by dividing a thick cylinder having eccentric outer and inner circumferential portions axially into two halves at the thickest and thinnest portions. The piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder is inserted slidably into the inner circumferential portions of the two semicylindrical halves. The piston rod is locked in the desired position by turning the two semicylindrical halves in the opposite directions through a pair of leaves which are attached to the two halves.

Abstract: A pneumatic cylinder having an elongated cylinder member, a reciprocally movable piston, transfer means for transferring reciprocal movement of the piston to a work piece and a brake mechanism associated and movable with the transfer means for creating a braking force between the transfer means and a portion of the cylinder member. The brake mechanism includes a first brake surface connected with the transfer means, a second brake surface formed by an exterior surface portion of the cylinder member and a brake actuation mechanism for selectively causing movement of the first and second brake surfaces into braking engagement with one another.

Abstract: The present device is intended to lock a member, such as a tool, substantially without play into a form-locked position which can be released only by a fluid pressure intentionally applied to the device. The construction is such that small clamping strokes or displacements can be performed and so that the form-locking or arresting force is maintained as long as desired and with safety. For this purpose a pull rod having, for example, a ring channel, is insertable into a socket type of receiver equipped with radially movable locking elements which cooperate with their own slanted surfaces with slanted surfaces of the pull rod and with slanted surfaces of a ring piston. Certain cooperating surfaces have a slant angle which is smaller than a self-locking angle. The release is possible only if the ring piston is exposed to a fluid under pressure.

Abstract: The apparatus comprise a generally tubular outer element, a generally cylindrical inner element disposed therewithin and sized relative thereto to provide a generally annular operating space therebetween. An intermediate element is disposed in said operating space and is dimensioned relative thereto to create interference fits with said outer and inner elements and prevent relative movement therebetween. Means are provided to introduce pressurized fluid to the respective element interfaces to expand the outer element within the elastic limit thereof to an extent sufficient to release the interference fits and enable relative outer-inner element movement. Re-locking of the outer and inner elements occurs automatically upon depressurization of the fluid and attendant return of the outer element to its unexpanded configuration. Actuating means to effect relative outer and inner element movement upon apparatus unlocking are also provided, and include means to pressurize the fluid.

Abstract: A pneumatic cylinder device having a decleration mechanism. The pneumatic cylinder device has a pneumatic cylinder including a cylinder accomodating a piston movable in the cylinder in response to supply and discharge of compressed air and having a connected piston rod. The pneumatic cylinder further includes a position detector such as a combination of proximity switches and a magnet carried by the piston designed for producing a deceleration signal and a stopping signal when the piston rod has reached a predetermined deceleration starting position and a designated stopping position, respectively. A brake which is connected to the pneumatic cylinder is adapted for stopping the movement of the piston rod in response to the stopping signal produced by the position detector. The pneumatic cylinder device further comprises a deceleration stage connected to the brake and adapted for decelerating the piston rod in response to the deceleration signal produced by the position detector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluid-operated actuator, constituted by a cylinder and by a double-effect piston, provided with a device suitable to automatically locking the same piston at the end of its working stroke.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuator with reduced interior volume includes a locking mechanism engageable with the main ram of the actuator to hold it in a fully retracted position without backlash. The locking mechanism comprises three locking jaws that move synchronously in a radial direction between lock or unlock position. Each of the jaws engage a groove cut into a rod adjacent the piston head of the main ram; the jaws are cammed into a locking position by a conical sleeve actuated by hydraulic pressure under the control of the main control valve. Jaw deactivation is accomplished by an opposed pressure which disengages the conical sleeve and the jaws are then spring biased into a cammed open position as the main ram begins to extend. Springs located between the individual jaw segments assist the camming action for opening the jaws.

Abstract: A fluid actuator includes an internal lock assembly for locking an actuator piston to a cylinder of the actuator. A circumferential slot is located on the inner surface of the cylindrical wall for receiving locking latches which are radially extendable and retractable on the piston, and ball bearings are located between an inner aspect of each latch and a first abutment member on the piston. A second abutment member has a thickness less than about half the diameter of the ball bearings and is adapted to become wedged between the ball bearings and the first abutment means to force the latches radially outwardly into the slot for locking the piston relative to the cylinder and thereafter to abut only the latches to maintain locking.

Abstract: The servomotor arrangement has a moving system comprising a piston movable in a cylinder. A latching or retaining member movable transversely of the direction of movement of the system is provided to retain or latch the moving system. The latching member is in operative connection with a pressure chamber, and the pressure chamber is in communication by way of a stop member with a pressure medium source and with a pressure medium sink. The latching member is controllable, a feature which has advantages for the operating behavior of the servomotor arrangement.

Abstract: A fail-safe system for use on a hydraulic piloted pressure reducing and regulating valve for holding the valve at the last selected operating pressure in the event of loss of control signals. A pressure regulating valve having a body and a control piston therein is provided with a pilot piston in the body which is adapted to be connected to and responsive to a hydraulic signal pilot pressure. A segmented locking ring surrounds the assembly and coacting concentric V-shaped locking grooves are provided between the locking ring and the assembly for locking the assembly. The segmented ring is biased towards an unlocked position. An annular cam ring engages the exterior of the locking ring. Coacting wedge surfaces between the cam ring and the locking ring are provided for locking and releasing the locking ring. The cam ring is biased for urging the coacting wedge surfaces into engagement.

Abstract: Locking apparatus for a piston and cylinder device includes a locking plunger connected to the piston and disposed between the piston and an end cap of the piston and cylinder device. The locking plunger includes a sleeve which carries a plurality of radially movable ball bearings. As the piston is moved toward an extreme position of the device, the ball bearings contact a spring loaded locking plug disposed in the head of the device, thereby moving the plug away from a first position. The piston and locking plunger continue to move the locking plug away from the first position until the balls are aligned with a circumferential groove or channel in the head. At this point the locking plug is moved to the first position under spring force, in turn moving the ball bearings radially outward into engagement with the channel or groove. The piston and piston rod of the device are thereby locked in position in the absence of fluid pressure.

Abstract: A fluid-pressure-operated, double-acting working cylinder which dampens the final braking of the work piston, includes a cylinder housing with a movable work piston disposed therein, the work piston dividing the cylinder into two work chambers. A piston rod, on which the work piston is mounted, extends through the housing. At least one auxiliary braking member is disposed on at least one side of the work piston in an offset slidable relation to the work piston. A braking arrangement disposed on the auxiliary braking member is controlled by fluid pressure to brake the auxiliary braking member to a desired position within the cylinder. A dampening chamber, a dampening spring configuration is disposed between the auxiliary braking member work piston such that, following braking of the auxiliary braking member, continued movement of the work piston is effectively dampened.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved device for locking reciprocating piston type fluid actuators in a desired position. The device includes a body, a piston having a lost motion connection to the body, a locking piston being movable with respect to the piston, an actuating cone supported on the piston, split locking cone elements surrounding the actuating cone and having a connection to the body, a split locking ring interconnected to the lock piston and surrounding the split locking cone elements, a housing containing the elements, a movable rod extending into the housing for engagement by said body, and means to supply fluid under pressure to the locking assembly, the application of pressure initially moving the locking assembly and when the rod is in its desired position for locking and further movement provides wedging locking of the structure in its housing bore and locks said rod in position.

Abstract: An air brake includes a service brake chamber which actuates a push rod. A collet brake chamber is partially defined by a collet brake diaphragm. A locking collet is mounted to the collet brake diaphragm and includes a bore through which the push rod passes. A collet brake spring biases the collet into a tapered collet hole to clamp the collet onto the push rod to prevent the movement of the push rod toward the brake off position. Application of pressure to the collet brake chamber overcomes the force of the collet brake spring and moves the collet away from the tapered collet hole to allow the push rod to move freely. An air supply system, including a quick release valve, a two way check valve, an emergency and parking air supply tank and a pilot check valve, in conjunction with a conventional quick release valve or another type of exhaust valve, automatically supplies air to the service brake chamber from the tank whenever the spring brake supply line is vented.

Abstract: A piston-controlled locking mechanism including an external cylinder having annular retaining means, a first elongated piston located adjacent the cylinder and having ball lock positioning apertures in the extension, a second coaxially located piston positioned inside of the skirt of the first piston and having indentations capable of mating with the ball positioning portions of the first piston, and positioning elements for first moving the inner piston to release the balls and thereafter moving the outer piston to either release or lock the cylinder.

Abstract: A power chuck assembly has a lathe spindle extending along and rotatable about an axis and having axially opposite front and rear ends. An axially displaceable actuator rod extends at the axis through the spindle and has front and rear rod ends at the respective spindle ends. This rod is rotatable about the axis between two angularly offset end positions. A coupling head secured to the front spindle end has a plurality of bolts displaceable radially between inner and outer positions. A chuck provided with an axially rearwardly projecting annular flange engageable over the head is formed with at least one radially but not axially open recess in which the bolts are engageable in the outer positions thereof. Actuators are connected to the bolts for displacing them from the inner to the outer positions so that, when the chuck is fitted over the coupling head, the bolts engage in the recess and axially lock the chuck on the coupling head.

Abstract: A brake apparatus is provided to retard the relative movement between two members. The apparatus comprises a housing positioned around the perimeter of a portion of one of the members. A collar is fixedly secured to the housing generally around the perimeter of a portion of one of the members. Clamping elements are fixedly secured to the collar and have a first surface positioned generally coaxial with at least one of the members. The clamping elements move radially to frictionally engage one of the members to apply a braking force. Each of the clamping elements have a ball in abutting rolling relationship with a second surface generally radially opposite the first surface. The balls urge each of their respective clamping elements into such frictional engagement upon axial movement of an actuating device having a third surface in rolling engagement with the ball. One of the second and the third surfaces has a preselected incline with respect to a longitudinal axis of one of the members.

Abstract: An axial piston motor is provided having a mechanical friction brake incorporated in the driving flange, thereby maintaining the axial length of the motor the same as motors without a mechanical friction brake.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrostatic steering device having a servomotor connectable to wheels to be steered. The travel limits of the servomotor are sensed with position sensors which function to operate a locking apparatus which mechanically prevents further turning of the steering wheel upon a travel limit being reached in either direction.

Abstract: An accommodating linkage device which operates in three modes to provide, upon command, either: (1) a standard, resetable, rigid linkage between two objects; (2) a flexible linkage which responds to relative motion (forces) between two objects; (3) or an arbitrary, rigid linkage between two objects. The device includes two ball joints which connect to the two objects, a pair of locking pistons, and a pair of alignment pistons. Operation of the device is in response to either control signals or to forces generated by the relative motion of the two objects, depending upon operating mode.

Abstract: A keyboard actuator for actuating the keys of a keyboard-operated apparatus including a plurality of fluid latching actuators supported to controllably and selectively actuate a key. In the preferred embodiment, each fluid actuator includes a latch and a piston. In response to fluid pressure, the latch releases the piston and the piston may be driven to actuate a key of the keyboard-operated apparatus. No return spring is used to cause a piston rod to rise to a position where it can be latched. The upward action of normally operative key effects the return of the piston rod to achieve latching.

Abstract: A braking device for a fluid power actuator, which braking device automatically brakes the movement of a piston rod in response to a failure in the supply of pressurized fluid to the fluid power actuator. Ball elements are urged radially inwardly between a pair of converging surfaces to cause a drive ring member having a ramp surface thereon to move into engagement with a brake ring to effect a contracting thereof into engagement with the piston rod.

Abstract: A brake cylinder comprises a brake actuator device having a fluid operable piston and a coaxial adjoining hand brake operable device for axial actuation of a coaxial tubular push rod, there being a slack adjuster for selectively adjusting the retraction of the push rod. An actuating rod is connected to the piston and the actuating rod is selectively connected and disconnected from the internal periphery of the push rod by locking rollers selectively cooperating with a wedge shaped annulus disposed between the actuator rod and the inner periphery of the push rod. Slack adjustment is permitted by axial travel of the push rod beyond free travel limits as permitted by a friction sleeve connection between the outer periphery of the push rod and the brake cylinder housing. In a modification, the locking device is provided for a fluid spread brake cylinder that is adapted by levers to be connected to a conventional freight brake rigging to be used, for example, for hand brake applications.

Abstract: An air brake includes a service brake chamber which actuates a push rod. A collet brake chamber is partially defined by a collet brake diaphragm. A locking collet is mounted to the collet brake diaphragm and includes a bore through which the push rod passes. A collet brake spring biasas the collet into a tapered collet hole to clamp the collet onto the push rod to prevent the movement of the push rod toward the brake off position. Application of pressure to the collet brake chamber overcomes the force of the collet brake spring and moves the collet away from the tapered collet hole to allow the push rod to move freely. The collet can be moved towards and locked against the collet brake spring to prevent the collet from engaging the push rod. This allows the user to effectively deactuate the collet brake feature when desired, such as to mechanically release the push rod from the collet when the vehicle is stationary.

Abstract: An air brake includes a service brake chamber which actuates a push rod. A collet brake chamber is partially defined by a collet brake diaphragm. A locking collet is mounted to the collet brake diaphragm and includes a bore through which the push rod passes. A collet brake spring biases the collet into a tapered collet hole to clamp the collet onto the push rod to prevent the movement of the push rod toward the brake off position. Application of pressure to the collet brake chamber overcomes the force of the collet brake spring and moves the collet away from the tapered collet hole to allow the push rod to move freely. An air supply system, including a quick release valve, a two way check valve, an emergency and parking air supply tank and a pilot check valve, in conjunction with a conventional quick release valve or another type of exhaust valve, automatically supplies air to the service brake chamber from the tank whenever the spring brake supply line is vented.