Abstract: A hydraulic pressure transformer for the conversion of an input hydraulic power to an output hydraulic power includes a housing with a generally planar face surface and a plurality of ports opening at the face surface. A barrel which is rotatable about an axis includes a generally spherical end face and a plurality of cylinders opening at the end face. A port block interposed between the barrel and the housing is rotatable about the axis. The port block has a first face surface, a second face surface and a plurality of ports extending between the first face surface and the second face surface. The ports selectively fluidly interconnect the plurality of cylinders in the barrel with the plurality of ports in the housing. The first face surface is generally spherical and abuts the end face of the barrel. The second face surface is generally planar and abuts the face surface of the housing.

Abstract: A roller bush for a fuel injection pump is interposed between a metal roller and a pin. The roller is forced to contact with a cam reciprocating a plunger, and the pin supports the roller rotatably about a rotational axis at either axial side of the bush. Either axial end portions of the bush entirely consist of ceramic, each portions having the axial length from the corresponding axial end surface of L. The ratio of the axial length L to the entire axial length L0 of the bush is set to be equal to or larger than {(11-d)/16}, where d represents the inner diameter of the bush.

Abstract: An improved rotational displacement apparatus is provided for measuring accurately the twist induced in an extension-twist coupled specimen in response to application of an axial load. The apparatus has an internal cylinder within which a piston rides. A piston rod extends from the piston through a pair of radial ball bearings in the base of the cylinder block to a free end outside the cylinder block. The piston is sized to be slightly smaller in diameter than the cylinder to provide a small space between the piston and the cylinder walls. A part for supplying compressed air to the region of the cylinder below the piston and a part for venting air from the region of the cylinder above the piston are provided. An optical encoder is coupled to measure rotational motion of the piston within the cylinder. In use, the apparatus is mounted in a testing machine and a specimen to be tested is secured at one end to the free end of the piston rod and at its other end to the mounting block of the testing machine.

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

Abstract: A hydraulic torque motor comprising a cylindrical housing (1), a piston (30) which can only be moved axially in the housing (1) and a rotor (20) which can only be rotated and which extends through the piston (39). The rotor (20) has a spiral groove (21) and the piston (30) has an engagement element (39) which extends radially inward in the groove (21). The piston (30) has a cylindrical section (31), each end of which has a circular end flange (34, 35), which abuts sealingly and slidingly against the housing's (1) boring. The housing (1) has a center flange (5) which projects radially inwards between the end flanges (34, 35) and is arranged to abut slidingly against the cylindrical piston section (31). The end flanges (34, 35) and the center flange (5) and those sections of the housing's (1) boring which are located between the flanged (5, 34, 35) define two cylinder spaces (37, 38).

Abstract: A rotary/linear converter comprising a reciprocator having a main axis (A) and being adapted for reciprocating movement in the direction of the main axis (A) and a rotator adapted for rotating movement about the main axis (A), the converter further including converter means which operatively interconnects the reciprocator and the rotator. The converter means includes a control link having one end portion thereof pivotally connected to another part of the converter means and the other end portion pivotally connected to a mounting, the link being adapted to pivotally oscillate about the mounting in response to movement of one of said either the rotator or the reciprocator thereby causing movement of the other.

Abstract: A compact syringe pump having a high quantitative accuracy and a high durability is provided. The syringe pump comprises a motor, a rotating cylinder, a moving element, a guide means for introducing the moving element in an axial direction of the rotating cylinder, a piston rod disposed on the moving element and a cylinder within which the piston rod moves, wherein the guide means comprises a guide pin extending through the moving element in the axial direction of the rotating cylinder and a pair of upper supporting member and lower supporting member for supporting both ends of the guide pin so that the guide pin becomes in parallel to the axial direction of the rotating cylinder, the upper supporting member rotatably supports the rotating cylinder at an upper end portion of the rotating cylinder and the lower supporting member rotatably supports the rotating cylinder at an upper surface portion of the bottom portion of the rotating cylinder, thereby preventing the rotating cylinder from swinging.

Abstract: A variable-speed rotating drive is provided. A drive shaft terminates in a hreaded piston that is received in an internally threaded cylinder. A plurality of linear actuators are distributed evenly about the circumferential periphery of the internally threaded cylinder. The drive shaft is mechanically coupled with each shaft of the linear actuators so that axial movement of the linear actuators' pistons causes the threaded piston to move axially in the internally threaded cylinder. This brings about axial rotation of the internally threaded cylinder. An actuating source is coupled to the linear actuators to cause the axial movement of selected ones of the pistons based upon the desired speed of rotation of the internally threaded cylinder.

Abstract: A driving mechanism transforms continuous longitudinal reciprocation of a piston in a chamber into unidirectional rotation. The mechanism utilizes a closed wave-shaped groove defined in either the cylinder or the chamber and adapted to receive guiding members projecting from the other of the piston and the chamber. When the piston is forced to move longitudinally in either direction, the groove slides over the guiding members to force rotation. The apices of the wave-shaped groove are either contoured or provided with a gating structure to assure that the guide members do not backtrack but instead move in one direction through the groove.

Abstract: A linear actuator cylinder reduces the stiction otherwise present during initiation of rod extension or retraction. The actuator cylinder includes a cylinder assembly having a piston that slides longitudinally through a cylinder barrel. A rod is connected to the piston and extends from the cylinder barrel. A rotator mechanism is connected to the rod to rotate the piston and rod with respect to the cylinder barrel. The rotator mechanism typically includes a hydraulic or electric motor connected to the rod by, for example, a chain engaged with a pair of sprockets.

Abstract: A mechanism for precise translational positioning of a rotatable rod includes a reciprocating piston. A rotary motor is mounted on the piston for establishing rotation about a first axis, and a flexible coupling connects the rotary motor with a rod for precise rotation of the rod about an axis substantially parallel to the first axis. Further, the mechanism includes a pair of roller bearings. These roller bearings are distanced from each other, and each interconnect the rotatable rod with the reciprocating piston to permit rotation of the rod relative to the piston while preventing translation relative thereto. Additionally, a sleeve with a pair of O-rings is mounted to the rod between the pair of roller bearings to create a fluid chamber between the O-rings, the rod, and the piston. A fluid passageway in the rod then allows a vacuum pump to draw a vacuum from the chamber to the distal end of the rod.

Abstract: A fluid powered rotary actuator having a body with first and second ends. The body has a generally cylindrical interior sidewall with a grooved, inwardly facing circumferential portion. The body is adapted for coupling to a first external member. A drive member extends generally coaxially within the body and is supported for rotation relative thereto. The drive member has an end flange positioned toward the body first end adapted for coupling to a second external member, and a shaft rigidly attached to the end flange. The shaft has a grooved, outwardly facing circumferential sidewall portion positioned within the body toward the body second end and a smooth, outwardly facing circumferential sidewall portion positioned within the body between the end flange and the shaft groove sidewall portion.

Abstract: A driving mechanism transforms continuous longitudinal reciprocation of a piston in a chamber into unidirectional rotation. The mechanism utilizes a closed wave-shaped groove defined in either the cylinder or the chamber and adapted to receive guiding members projecting from the other of the piston and the chamber. When the piston is forced to move longitudinally in either direction, the groove slides over the guiding members to force rotation. The apices of the wave-shaped groove are either contoured or provided with a gating structure to assure that the guide members do not backtrack but instead move in one direction through the groove.

Abstract: A driving mechanism transforms continuous longitudinal reciprocation of a piston in a chamber into unidirectional rotation. The mechanism utilizes a closed wave-shaped groove defined in either the cylinder or the chamber and adapted to receive guiding members projecting from the other of the piston and the chamber. When the piston is forced to move longitudinally in either direction, the groove slides over the guiding members to force rotation. The apices of the wave-shaped groove are either contoured or provided with a gating structure to assure that the guide members do not backtrack but instead move in one direction through the groove.

Abstract: For transmission of an axial movement of an activation piston (10), as a rotary movement of an output shaft (22) is used an intermediate tube sleeve (16) which is picked up non-turnably, yet displaceably, inside a fixed tube section (4) of an actuator housing (2,6). The tube sleeve (16) has opposed axial tracks (20) to catch a cross-pin (18) on the fixed tube section and also a helical track (26) to catch a projecting tap (24) on the output shaft (22). All pertinent wear and tear will appear on the tube sleeve and the applied taps, and these parts will be easy to replace in addition to which they may be produced in a wear resistant embodiment.

Abstract: A rotary motion/constant velocity linear reciprocating motion conversion device capable of converting rotary motion into a constant velocity linear motion or vice versa, and a hydraulic system which can minimize a ripple by using the above-mentioned conversion device, comprises a rotary motion part having a pair of first power transmission elements rotating at the same speed mounted to a common shaft, each element having alternatively positioned teeth capable of transmitting power. A linear motion conversion part comprises a second pair of power transmission elements each positioned adjacent to and engaging the teeth of the first elements. The second elements are each slidably mounted to a helical spline and comprise projections that engage helix grooves arranged in opposite directions along the shaft. The interaction of first and second power elements causes the linear motion of the helix shaft. The helical spline comprises a piston at each end that reciprocates within a respective cylinder.

Abstract: A safety device for an air balancing hoist includes one or more piston and cylinder shock absorbers engaged by one end of the drum ball nut, which creates a substantial retarding force at high speed but does not generate significant impeding forces at low speeds.

Abstract: A fluid-powered actuator having a body with a shaft adapted for coupling to an external device to provide rotational drive thereto. A piston sleeve is mounted for reciprocal longitudinal movement within the body to provide rotational drive to the shaft. A plurality of seals are positioned within the body to provide a fluid-tight seal between the body and the shaft, and between the piston and both the shaft and the body. A pair of support members are positioned out of the body and fixedly attached to the body at spaced-apart locations. Each support member has an attachment portion extending circumferentially fully about the body, and a mounting portion. A pair of boom attachment plates are weldable to the mounting portions while the shaft, piston, torque-transmitting member, and seals remain assembled within the body. To avoid damage to the seals, a fluid channel is formed at least partially within each of the attachment portions and fully encircles the body.

Abstract: A pressure cylinder in which the piston is hollow and the pressurized fluid is introduced into the hollow of the piston. The cylinder housing includes a core member with supply and exhaust ports. An area between the rear wall of the housing and a rear wall of the piston is exposed to atmospheric pressure at all times, elliminating a need for seals on the outside surface of the piston, and allowing for the piston to be exposed to large transverse forces. Proximity switches are provided in a slot in the upper wall of the cylinder housing to detect the arrival of the piston at its limit positions and a pin secured to the cylinder housing engages a slot in the outer periphery of the piston to guide the forward and rearward movement of the piston within the cylinder. A slot may be provided in the upper wall of the cylinder housing for receipt of a work positioning member secured to the outer periphery of the piston.

Abstract: A fluid-powered rotary actuator attachable to a boom and usable with a work implement having two hydraulic actuators. The rotary actuator has a body with a drive shaft extending longitudinally therewithin. The shaft has one end located outward of the body and fixed to an attachment flange which can be connected to a vehicle boom. An annular fluid coupling is rotatably mounted on the shaft between the flange and the body. Fluid passageways in the shaft conduct fluid to the coupling, which has three circumferential fluid distribution channels. The coupler provides the fluid to flexible hoses which extend to the hydraulic actuators. The coupling is freely rotatable relative to the shaft but has a connection finger attached thereto which is received in a hole in a connection flange which is attached to the body.

Abstract: Mechanism for moving an operative member such as a blowhead funnel or baffle in a glassware forming machine comprises a piston rod on which the operative member may be mounted and two piston heads on the rod which may be operated independently of each other, one to cause axial movement of the rod and the other to cause rotation of the rod.

Abstract: An electrothermal actuator for converting electrical energy to rotational mechanical motion includes a housing, a flexible diaphragm disposed in the housing and defining a boiler chamber within the housing, a working fluid disposed within the boiler chamber and changing phase in response to heating, thereby displacing the diaphragm, a heater disposed within the boiler chamber for heating the working fluid in response to an electrical current flowing through the heater, and a rotatable shaft assembly partially disposed within the housing and including a rotating shaft extending outside the housing, rotating between a return position and a rotated position, and a driver for rotating the shaft from the return position toward a rotated position in response to heating of the working fluid, displacing the diaphragm.

Abstract: An air-powered actuator having a body with first and second ends, an axially transverse annular bulkhead positioned therebetween, and an output shaft with a splined exterior portion. The body includes first and second end walls with each end wall having a sleeve mounted coaxially within the body about the shaft and projecting axially inward within the body. A piston sleeve is disposed for axial reciprocating movement within the body. The piston sleeve has a pair of piston heads, an outer sleeve, and an inner sleeve. The outer sleeve is mounted coaxially within the body inward of the bulkhead and about the first and second sleeves to define therewith a fluid-tight outer chamber containing the piston heads, each positioned to an opposite side of the bulkhead to define four fluid-tight chambers and to which pressurized air is applied. Also defined is a fluid-tight inner chamber containing lubricating oil. The outer sleeve is attached to the piston heads for reciprocating travel therewith.

Abstract: An electrothermal actuator for converting electrical energy to rotational mechanical motion includes a housing, a flexible diaphragm disposed in the housing and defining a boiler chamber within the housing, a working fluid disposed within the boiler chamber and changing phase in response to heating, thereby displacing the diaphragm, a heater disposed within the boiler chamber for heating the working fluid in response to an electrical current flowing through the heater, and a rotatable shaft assembly partially disposed within the housing and including a rotating shaft extending outside the housing, rotating between a return position and a rotated position, and a driver for rotating the shaft from the return position toward a rotated position in response to heating of the working fluid, displacing the diaphragm.

Abstract: A rotary ball actuator has a piston mounted within a body consisting of a first portion and a second portion. The piston has helical ramps which cooperate by means of first balls with helical ramps formed within the first portion, and rectilinear ramps which cooperate by means of second balls with rectilinear ramps formed within the second portion. The first balls and second balls are held respectively within first and second ball cages interposed between the piston and the body and controlled in dependence on the movement of the piston by means of a device comprising a stud and helical ramp. The two cages can be combined into one.

Abstract: A rotary actuator includes a cup-shaped piston which is movable back and forth and rotatable on its axis. A driving shaft has on its circumferential face a threaded area engaging with a threaded internal face of the cup-shaped piston. The driving shaft can be rotated on its axis during rectilinear motion of the cup-shaped piston. A rotary member has an area engaging with an outer portion of the cup-shaped piston. A casing accommodates the cup-shaped piston, the driving shaft, and the rotary member. The casing has a slit which can be tightened for securing the rotary member to the casing. A regulating member limits the length of strokes of the cup-shaped piston.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a pneumatic or hydraulic rotational power drive particularly suited for a ball stopcock type valve, the power drive consisting of a power cylinder being located coaxially to the rotation axis of the cock plug, the piston rod stroke of which is convertible, via a spindal drive, to the rotary movement of a driving member being positively engaged with the cock plug. In such arrangement, the power cylinder may be designed comprising a piston or diaphragm, and for double action, i.e., working in either direction or working solely unidirectional while being reset by means of spring action.

Abstract: A reciprocating positive displacement pump is disclosed for pumping oenological liquids such as wines, musts, distillates, vinegars and the like, alimentary oils and other alimentary liquids and/or beverages such as fruit juices and pulpy and sugary juices. The pump is of the kind which has a reciprocating piston and distributing ball valves utilizing rubber-covered balls, and comprises a double-action hydraulic cylinder for actuating the piston, the hydraulic cylinder being fed by a central distribution unit which is in turn fed by a source of presurized fluid. The piston has a cam member mounted to its stem. The cam member is movable between contact with two limit switches upon reciprocation of the piston so as to cause direction reversal of the piston. Further, a rotating member can be provided in contact with the cam member, so as to rotate the cam member and thus, the piston stem and piston.

Abstract: The device serves to convert rotary motion to hydraulic pressure and vice versa. A piston assembly is entirely located within a cylinder, including a piston head and a piston stem fixed to the piston head. The piston assembly divides the cylinder into two distinct variable volume chambers to be filled with a fluid. The piston assembly is prevented from rotating relative to the cylinder. A rotary shaft extends through one closed end of the cylinder and has an inner portion in telescopic and threaded engagement with the piston stem. Two fluid ports communicate with the respective chambers for allowing a fluid to alternatively exit from and enter into the chambers. Rotation of the shaft causes longitudinal displacement of the piston assembly relative to the cylinder or vice versa. The device can have different applications: for instance, if a throttle valve is connected across the two ports, controlled braking of the shaft rotated by an external torque, is obtained.

Abstract: An actuator, which directly converts fluid pressure to rotary movement, has generally cylindrical and helically fluted circumferential wall, an end wall bearing an output member, and a fixed opposite end wall. The actuator may be a one-shot device providing substantial torque and driving the output member through a relatively wide angle by having a pyrotechnic gas generating charge mounted inwardly of the fixed end wall and by exceeding the elastic limit of the circumferential wall which is metallic to so as to withstand pyrotechnically generated gas.

Abstract: An actuator having a body with interior helical grooves, an output shaft with exterior helical grooves, a set of rollers in rolling engagement with the body and output shaft grooves, and a piston sleeve axially movable within the body and retaining the rollers in a fixed axial and circumferential position relative to the piston sleeve during operation of the actuator. A spring is positioned within the body to one axial side of the piston sleeve to apply a linear force thereto. The actuator converts a linear force on the piston sleeve into a rotational force on the output shaft, and vice versa.

Abstract: The swing clamping device consists of a cylinder (2) provided with fluid medium connections with a piston (5) that can be advanced and retracted and a piston rod (1) to whose free end a clamping arm (17) is attached. The piston rod swing guide is designed in the form of a swing guide sleeve (3) with a swing guide slot that runs along its entire length and is axially fixed in the cylinder interior on the piston rod side leaving an admission area of the piston (1) free on the piston rod end, and there is a swing transmission element between the guide sleeve and the piston rod (1).

Abstract: A fluid-powered actuator for selectively rotating and linearly moving an external device with two fluid ports to communicate pressurized fluid thereto for its operation. The actuator includes a body having a rotatable shaft extending therewithin. The shaft has a chamber with a forward opening and a rearward wall. A first piston is mounted for reciprocal axial movement within said body and means are provided for transmitting torque between the body and shaft to produce rotational movement of the shaft in response to axial movement of the first piston. A second piston having bores extend fully therethrough extends within said shaft chamber and is supported for axial movement relative to said shaft. The external device is attached to the second piston at its forward end.

Abstract: A displacement apparatus for allowing relative displacement between two reciprocating members such that a predetermined output motion profile of one of the members may be obtained relative to the motion of the other of the reciprocating members.

Abstract: A fluid-powered actuator having a body with an interior helical groove, a drive member supported for rotary movement relative to the body, and a carrier reciprocally mounted within the body. In a first embodiment, the carrier rotatably retains first and second rollers in a fixed axial and circumferential position relative to the carrier, with the one roller engaging the body groove and the other roller engaging a helical groove formed on the drive member. The carrier includes a piston portion. In an alternative embodiment, only a single roller is used for engaging the body groove and the carrier has a key member which projects into a keyway recess of the drive member to permit substantially uninhibited axial movement of the carrier relative to the drive member as the carrier reciprocates within the body while coupling the rotational drive of the carrier to the drive member.

Abstract: A linear to rotary ball screw actuator which includes both helical grooves and straight grooves longitudinally spaced apart on the outer surface of the shaft. Matching helical grooves and straight grooves are formed on opposed inner surfaces of first and second portions of relatively moveable housing to provide passageways filled with balls. A return passageway is provided through the housing by way of a straight bore parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft.Also disclosed is a ball screw rotary actuator of the type above described but having an additional section including either straight or helical grooves thereby to define an actuator having either a central helically grooved portion sandwiched between straight grooved portions or alternatively a central straight grooved portion with helical grooved portions on either side thereof.

Abstract: A fluid-powered helical actuator including a cylindrical body; a rotatable output member supported for rotation relative to the body and connectable to an external device; first and second independently rotatable sleeves reciprocally mounted within the body; a piston reciprocally mounted within the body for application of fluid pressure to one or the other opposing sides thereof to produce axial movement, the piston operatively engages at least one or the other of the sleeves to axially move the sleeves in response to axial movement of the piston; and torque-transmitting elements for transmitting torque between the first sleeve and the body, between the first sleeve and the output member, between the second sleeve and the output member, and between the second sleeve and the body.

Abstract: An invert/neckring mechanism for an individual section (I.S.) glass forming machine including a rectangular shaft and a pair of neckring arm holders having a central passage which mates with the rectangular cross-sectional shaft to limit the movement between the shaft and the arm holders to axial movement all rotated through the invert arc by a hydraulic actuator in juxtaposition therewith. A plurality of springs bias the arm holders together to a closed position and a hydraulic double piston cylinder assembly is mounted adjacent to the shaft between the arm holders to open and close the arm holders.

Abstract: Helical spline actuator includes a pair of cylinder housings connected together in end-to-end spaced apart aligned relationship by means of a center mount. A shaft is mounted for rotation within the two housings, and has a rotatable drive member extending outwardly therefrom between the spaced apart inboard ends of the housings and out through a circumferential slot in the center mount. Pistons are axially movable within each of the housings toward and away from opposite ends of the shaft. Inboard of the pistons are helical drive members for converting axial movement of the pistons into relative rotational movement of the shaft and drive member connected thereto.

Abstract: A rotating drive mechanism for swinging doors, especially on vehicles, with a helical transmission consisting of a stator that is rigidly connected to the housing of the rotating drive mechanism, a rotor that can rotate but cannot move axially and that is rigidly connected to the driveshaft, a coupling component that moves axially to rotate the rotor in relation to the stator, and a pneumatic or hydraulic drive cylinder with a piston rod that is connected to the coupling component. The drive cylinder is an annular cylinder that has an outer and an inner jacket as well as an annular piston between the inner and the outer jacket. The coupling component is a nut that extends into the inner cylinder jacket and surrounds a rotor in the form of a threaded spindle. The rotor extends coaxially through the inside of the inner jacket and is, where it emerges from the housing, in one piece with the stub of the takeoff shaft.

Abstract: In a rotational working cylinder comprising a shaft arranged concentrically within the working cylinder and driven out of the working cylinder with at least one end of it, a piston being divided into two piston portions perpendicularly to the shaft and the piston portions being held in tensed position in respect to each other, forced trajectories between the working cylinder and the piston portions as well as between the piston portions and the shaft, respectively, at least one of the forced trajectories is formed as a longitudinal spiral path, and the piston portions are locked in relation to each other for maintaining the tensed position of the piston portions in all operational positions and loads of the working cylinder.

Abstract: A spring brake cylinder assembly in which a pushrod connectable to a brake assembly is extendable from an end of such cylinder housing the piston member. The spring brake cylinder further includes a clutch release mechanism for manually releasing the brake force being applied.

Abstract: A brake actuation unit comprises a fluid pressure cylinder with a piston movable in the cylinder which has a central projection portion with a recess having axially spaced opposed coupling surfaces. The spindle is centrally arranged in respect to the piston and a nut is threadable on the spindle and has a tubular portion terminating in a flange which has a flange projecting portion extending into the recess of the piston projection portion and it has opposed coupling surfaces engageable with respective opposed coupling surfaces of the piston projecting portion so as to form respective axially opposite direction of movement coupling pairs. The guide sleeve is positioned over in spaced relationship to the nut tubular portion and has a radially extending collar on an end thereof adjacent the piston. An output head is movable in an axial direction to apply a braking force and has a tubular portion telescopically engaged over the guide sleeve.

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: A probe (10) for longitudinally traversing and circumferentially inspecting the interior of a tube. A rotating sensor containing head (44) is driven by a rotor (40) extending from the end (38) of a cylindrical housing (12) in which it is mounted. The axially fixed rotor (40) surrounds and is driven by a helix drive connection (70) to a piston extension (32). The piston (20) reciprocates in a cylindrical chamber (14) within the housing (12) in response to selectively applied fluid pressure acting against a spring bias (60). A strain gage (62) on the spring (60) controls the fluid pressure by means of valve (2) whereby reciprocation of the piston (20) and its extension (32) rotates the rotor (40) by means of the helical groove (70) and balls (72). The various parts are hollow to accommodate the necessary wire conductors (51 and 64) and H.sub.2 O.

Abstract: Helical splined rotary actuator includes a pair of cylinder housings having inboard ends rotatably mounted in coaxial alignment on opposite ends of a center sleeve member. Contained within the housings are pistons having relatively large diameter helical spline connections with the inner diameters of the housings and smaller diameter straight spline connections with opposite ends of the sleeve member, whereby simultaneous axial movement of the pistons toward and away from each other causes relative rotation between the sleeve member and cylinder housings. The sleeve member may be connected to a first support intermediate the ends of the actuator. In like manner, the cylinder housings may be connected to a second support rotatable relative to the first support adjacent opposite ends of the sleeve member.

Abstract: A fluid-powered rotary actuator particularly well suited for use in operating an aircraft flight control surface. The body has a stationary body portion and a rotatable body portion with an elongated annular sleeve reciprocally and coaxially mounted within the body. A tie-rod coaxially projects through the sleeve from end-to-end between the stationary and rotatable body portions to maintain their relative longitudinal position against axial separation during actuator operation. To each axially outward side of the sleeve is an annular ball deflector. The axially outward portions of the sleeve and the corresponding portions of the stationary and rotatable body portions have helical ball races formed therein to transmit torque between the body portions and the sleeve to cause the rotatable body portion to rotate in response to fluid-powered linear reciprocation of the sleeve.

Abstract: A linear to rotary actuator is disclosed having a fluid pressure operated diaphragm whose linear movement is translated into rotary movement of an output member by a helical coupling therebetween. The coupling comprises a coupling member that is insert molded in the diaphram so as to extend therethrough and interlock therewith while preventing fluid from passing from one diaphragm side to the other. The coupling member has a combined guide and anti-rotation portion extending from one side of the diaphragm that slidably engages a stationary guide so as to guide linear movement while preventing rotational movement of the coupling member and further has a helix extending from the other side of the diaphragm that slidably engages in a slot in a section that meshes with a gear connected to the output member whereby linear movement of the diaphragm forces linear non-rotational movement of the coupling memmer and thereby rotary movement of the output member.

Abstract: A linear to rotary actuator is disclosed having a fluid pressure operated diaphragm whose linear movement is translated into rotary movement of an output member by a helical coupling therebetween. The coupling comprises a coupling member that is insert molded in the diaphragm so as to extend therethrough and interlock therewith while preventing fluid from passing from one diaphragm side to the other. The coupling member has a combined guide and anti-rotation portion extending from one side of the diaphragm that slidably engages a stationary guide so as to guide linear movement while preventing rotational movement of the coupling member and further has a helix extending from the other side of the diaphragm which in one embodiment slidably engages in a slot directly in the output member whereby linear movement of the diaphragm forces linear non-rotational movement of the coupling member and thereby rotary movement of the output member.

Abstract: A fluid-powered helical actuator including a cylindrical body; a rotatable output member supported for rotation relative to the body and connectable to an external device; first and second independently rotatable sleeves reciprocally mounted within the body; a piston reciprocally mounted within the body for application of fluid pressure to one or the other opposing sides thereof to produce axial movement, the piston operatively engages at least one or the other of the sleeves to axially move the sleeves in response to axial movement of the piston; and torque-transmitting elements for transmitting torque between the first sleeve and the body, between the first sleeve and the output member, between the second sleeve and the output member, and between the second sleeve and the body.