Plural Flexible Wall Working Members Patents (Class 92/48)
  • Patent number: 5040450
    Abstract: In order to reduce the number of component parts required for the simultaneous ventilation of two power chambers of a tandem brake power booster and to avoid sealing problems. A booster, according to the invention, provides for the transmission of the boosting power of the master cylinder-side movable wall of the booster to be directly to the control housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Assignee: Alfred Teves GmbH
    Inventor: Ralf Jakobi
  • Patent number: 5027692
    Abstract: A brake booster such as a tandem brake booster including a center plate disposed within a shell is disclosed. The center plate is connected to a valve body disposed within the shell by seal means in the form of a diaphragm, thus allowing the entire length of the valve body and hence of the brake booster to be reduced as compared with the prior art arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1991
    Assignee: Jidosha Kiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoru Satoh, Haruo Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5025709
    Abstract: In a tandem type vacuum booster, the booster comprises a first and a second flange, and the second flange is formed with a first stop projection and a second stop projection, the first stop projection being adapted to abut against a predetermined one of the locking claw to stop the flanges at the assembled position before the locking claws interfere with a positioning means during rotation of the flanges to the assembled position, and the second stop projection permitting passing thereover of a locking claw other than the predetermined locking claw during rotation of the flanges toward the assembled position, but coming into abutment against such other locking claw to resist the rotation of the flanges back to the disassembled position when the flanges have reached the assembled position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1991
    Assignee: Nissin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshihisa Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 5019121
    Abstract: A hydraulically or pneumatically actuated fluid-dynamic motor has an elongated elastomeric bladder, a braid disposed over the bladder, and a flexible but substantially incompressible spine disposed between the braid and the bladder. The muscle or motor is configured in a helix with the spine arranged on the inside of the helix. Application of fluid under pressure to the bladder causes one end of the helical motor to untwist or rotate relative to the other end. Upon deflation of the bladder, the spine causes the bladder to deflate and rotate the other end in the opposite direction. This fluid dynamic motor provides an azimuthal motion that can be employed for the steering section of an elongated flexible probe, such as a borescope or endoscope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1991
    Assignee: Welch Allyn, Inc.
    Inventor: Allan I. Krauter
  • Patent number: 5018435
    Abstract: Fluid cell arrangement for compressed air radial motors, comprising a plurality of fluid cells arranged rosette-shaped to one another in a pressureless state and approximately plane for the alternate inflation of fluid cells, which are provided with air connector means and which are formed by welding two leaves of film or foil made of synthetic resin along the peripheries of the cells. In this connection, an endless elastic rubber cord or ring inserted between the two film leaves extends along the peripheries of the cells and is disposed in radial arrangement near the center of rotation, the two film leaves made of synthetic resin being disposed on both sides of the ring and completely enclosing the latter are welded together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1991
    Assignees: Riwisa AG Kunststoffwerke, Bruno P. Wernli, Gerold Richner, Peter Richner
    Inventor: Rene Kagi
  • Patent number: 5000002
    Abstract: A brake pressure generator for brake systems exhibiting an anti-locking control comprises a vacuum brake force booster (1), and a master brake cylinder (2) coupled upstream thereto, a vacuum counter-force generator (6 or 6') and a hydraulic force converter (27). The pressure and the pressure difference, respectively, in chambers (15 or 15'; 16 or 16') of the counter-force generator (6 or 6') are controlled with the aid of electrically reswitchable multi-way valves (17 to 17') in communication with the atmosphere (Atm) and the vacuum (Vac) source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1991
    Assignee: Alfred Teves GmbH
    Inventor: Juan Belart
  • Patent number: 4996904
    Abstract: In the negative pressure booster equipment 1 according to the present invention, a groove 27 is provided on the inner peripheral beads 14a and 16a of the diaphragms 14 and 16, fixed on the valve body 8 and forming the power pistons in order to communicate the variable pressure chambers 5b and 7b divided by the diaphragms 14 and 16 with the passages 26 and 28 corresponding to the variable pressure chambers 5b and 7b. Accordingly, the air passages are opened to the variable pressure chambers 5b and 7b through the groove 27 formed on the beads 14a and 16a of the diaphragms 14 and 16. According to this invention, therefore, there is no need to provide wide gap between the fixed portion of the beads and the center plate in order to open the air passages to the variable pressure chambers. This makes it possible to shorten overall length of the negative pressure booster equipment 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1991
    Assignee: Jidosha Kiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junichi Ohki, Atushi Satoh
  • Patent number: 4995302
    Abstract: The negative pressure booster equipment according to the present invention is provided with a variable orifice, by which the area of the air passage in the pathways other than one pathway, of two or more pathways communicating two or more variable pressure chambers with atmospheric air, is gradually decreased as the valve plunger moves forward, and it is gradually increased as the valve plunger moves backward in relation to the valve body. Consequently, the pathways other than one pathway are throttled by the variable orifice as the valve plunger moves forward. As the result, most of the air flowing through the control valve is intensively introduced into the variable pressure chamber communicating with the pathway, which is not throttled by the variable orifice, and the pressure in this variable pressure chamber is rapidly increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1991
    Assignee: Jidosha Kiki Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Haruo Suzuki, Atushi Satoh
  • Patent number: 4987824
    Abstract: A tandem-type vacuum booster comprises a partition plate fixedly mounted in a booster shell for partitioning the interior of the booster shell into a front shell chamber and a rear shell chamber; a front booster piston dividing said front shell chamber into a front-side fore vacuum chamber connected to a vacuum pressure source and a rear-side fore operating chamber; a rear booster piston dividing the rear shell chamber into a front-side hind vaccum chamber and a rear-side hind operating chamber, the both booster pistons being interconnected through a piston boss slidably carried on the partition plate and connected to an output rod; a valve tube integrally connected to the piston boss to project from a rear end of the piston boss and slidably supported on a rear wall of the booster shell; a first port permitting the interior of the valve tube to communicate with both the vaccum chambers; a second port permitting the interior of the valve tube to communicate with both the operating chambers, the first port bei
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1991
    Assignee: Nissin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takayoshi Shinohara, Kiyotaka Kobayashi, Yoshiharu Nagafuji
  • Patent number: 4979426
    Abstract: A vacuum brake power booster for a slip-controlled hydraulic brake unit in which a major reduction of the costs of manufacture and of mounting and simultaneously an increase of its reliability in operation is provided. A first movable wall (7) within the booster housing is movable independently of the brake pedal input member (11) and a second movable wall (15) is provided at the first control housing part (52).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1990
    Assignee: Alfred Teves GmbH
    Inventors: Lothar Schiel, Vincenzo Cappucci
  • Patent number: 4976191
    Abstract: An actuator for use in an arm or hand of an industrial robot comprises a tubular elastic body of which interior is separated into a plurality of pressure chambers by an axially extending partition, and means for adjusting respective pressures of the pressure chambers to render the tubular elastic body to take a motion at a multi-degree freedom. At least the outer peripheral part of the tubular elastic body has an anisotropic characteristic with respect to modulus of elasticity. The axial direction of the tubular elastic body is a direction small in modulus of longitudinal elasticity, while the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the tubular elastic body is a direction large in modulus of longitudinal elasticity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1990
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Koichi Suzumori, Takafumi Matsumaru, Shoichi Iikura
  • Patent number: 4976188
    Abstract: A brake booster includes at least two pairs of constant pressure chambers and variable pressure chambers defined within a shell. A clearance is defined between a stepped end face of a valve body which is disposed within the shell and a power piston which is mounted on the valve body at a location rearward of the stepped end face. The clearance is utilized to provide a communication between the constant pressure chambers, thereby allowing a reduction in the axial size of the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1990
    Assignee: Jidosha Kiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Haruo Suzuki, Hiroya Gotoh
  • Patent number: 4960036
    Abstract: The present invention provides a tamper-resistant fluid-operated brake actuator having a power spring housed within a head or cap which is attached to a flange case having one or more diaphragms or pistons responsive to changes of fluid pressure within the brake actuator chambers. In one embodiment, the head is attached to the flange case by a substantially continuous curvilinear annular metal retaining member which must be inelastically deformed or destroyed in order to remove the head from the flange case, thus rendering tampering more difficult. In another embodiment, the annular metal retaining member of the present invention is integral with the actuator head and which is metal-spun or the like onto the flange case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 2, 1990
    Assignee: Indian Head Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen L. Gummer, Graydon J. Choinski, David W. Brooks
  • Patent number: 4939982
    Abstract: An axially contractable actuator which includes an elongated hollow enclosure (14) formed by a fluid impermeable substantially non-elastic material and having a plurality of protrusions each with respective bases having more than three sides. Each base side (48) of a protrusion is attached to a base side (48) of an adjacent protrusion by a flexible seam of continuous fold (55). Each protrusion is foldable about a plane dividing the protrusion into two parts from an axially-extended condition in which the base sides are substantially parallel, to an axially-contracted condition in which the protrusion encloses a volume larger than that enclosed in the axially-extended condition. A pair of axially-aligned end terminations (18) are formed at each end of the enclosure with one of the end terminations being hollow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1990
    Inventors: Guy Immega, Mirko Kukolj
  • Patent number: 4905573
    Abstract: A tandem-type vacuum booster having a partition plate providing front and rear chambers with a booster piston and diaphragm in each chamber. A piston boss is slidably supported on the partition plate and a connecting cylinder is formed on the front chamber booster piston. A press plate is provided on the piston boss and the rear booster piston and an end plate of the connecting cylinder are coupled to the piston boss by the press plate and a plurality of bolts disposed around the piston boss with the rear booster piston and diaphragm clamped between the press plate and piston boss. The front ends of the bolts are disposed to come closer to the piston boss axis than the rear ends. The bolt heads are also received in recesses provided in the press plate to prevent relative rotation between the bolts and press plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1990
    Assignees: Nissin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshihisa Miyazaki, Tsuyoshi Hatada, Kazuo Miyazaki, Takahiro Hachigo
  • Patent number: 4890822
    Abstract: A suspension system according to the present invention comprises a cylinder assembly, which includes a cylinder and a rod fitted therein for axial reciprocation. An oil chamber containing oil and a gas chamber containing gas are defined inside the cylinder assembly. A damping-force generating mechanism is provided in the oil chamber, whereby a damping force is applied to the reciprocation of the rod. A bellows is contained in the cylinder assembly. The bellows includes an oil-resistant body made of an elastomer, and a gas-barrier film made of a material impermeable to gas and formed on the surface of the body. The oil and gas chambers are isolated completely from each other by the bellows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1990
    Assignee: NHK Spring Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuya Ezure, Ichiro Takadera, Kohei Taguchi
  • Patent number: 4882980
    Abstract: An interconnecting structure between a hub and a nut of a tandem brake booster is disclosed. The nut is formed with a plurality of recesses while the hub is formed with anti-rotation locks extending radially outward for engagement with the recesses to prevent a rotation of the nut relative to the hub, and also formed with stops extending radially inward for abutment against an end of a push rod which is received within the hub to prevent such end from being withdrawn from the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1989
    Assignee: Jidosha Kiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masao Arino, Jinki Takase
  • Patent number: 4881452
    Abstract: A tandem diaphragm vacuum booster in which both diaphragm and the bead seals are made of a single rubber-like molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1989
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Delbert W. Newhouse
  • Patent number: 4881451
    Abstract: A tandem diaphragm vacuum booster in which both diaphragm and the bead seals are made of a single rubber-like molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1989
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Delvert W. Newhouse
  • Patent number: 4880213
    Abstract: In a gas spring apparatus according to the present invention, a cylinder assembly comprises a cylinder housing and a rod fitted therein for axial reciprocation. An oil chamber and a gas chamber are defined inside the cylinder assembly, and the capacity of the gas chamber changes as the cylinder housing and rod reciprocate relatively to each other. A damping force generating mechanism is provided in the cylinder assembly. A flexible bladder includes a body made of elastomer and a gas-barrier film. The film is formed on the surface of the elastomer body. The bladder divides the oil and gas chambers completely. Thus, when the rod reciprocates in the axial direction, relatively to the cylinder, the bladder inflates and deflates. The gas spring apparatus is used for a suspension system of an automobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1989
    Assignee: NHK Spring Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeyoshi Shinbori, Ichiro Takadera, Kohei Taguchi
  • Patent number: 4876946
    Abstract: A pump comprising a casing (1) having interior space in which there is provided a flexible hose (2) mounted for reciprocations having one end (5) thereof which is turned inside out and secured along the perimeter to the inner wall of the casing (1), and the other end thereof which is closed so as to sealingly divide the interior space of the casing (1) into two chambers (6,7) of which one chamber (7) communicates with a source (12) of fluid being pumped and with a delivery line. In order to move the flexible hose (2) in one direction, its closed end is secured to a drum (3) operatively connected to a motor and installed in one of the chambers (6,7), and movement in the opposite direction is effected under the action of working fluid pressure built-up in one of the chambers (6,7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1989
    Inventors: Viktor V. Shishkin, Nikolai F. Kryazhevskikh, Jury P. Shapovalov
  • Patent number: 4850263
    Abstract: An improved spring brake construction is formed by a pair of concave metal housng portions having peripheral lips. Once the internal components of the spring brake are assembled within the housing portions, the lip of one housing portion is spun over the lip of the other housing portion to capture and grip it, thereby permanently sealing the housing portions together. The push rod and coil spring within the spring brake are maintained in axial alignment by a central indentation in one of the housing portions that extends coaxially within the coil spring, and by the construction of the spring diaphragm with a central axial protrusion which extends into a central opening in a spring plate on the side of the diaphragm facing the coil spring. On the opposite side of the diaphragm a push rod seat is laterally restrained from movement relative to the diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1989
    Assignee: Overland Brakes, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Rumsey, John McGraw
  • Patent number: 4841843
    Abstract: A device for converting energy of a fluid medium into mechanical work comprises a hermetically sealed chamber (1) communicated through valves with systems for supply and discharge of a fluid medium. The chamber has an opening (4) in which a sleeve (5) of flexible material is secured through one end along the perimeter, the sleeve being mounted in the chamber (1) with a possibility of reciprocation relative to the secured end so that during the motion from the initial position to the extreme position a part of the sleeve (5) is turned inside out forming a space (9) communicating with the chamber (1). The sleeve (5) through its other end is connected to a drum (7) disposed in the chamber (1) and mounted on a shaft (6) coupled to a reverser (11) through an overrunning clutch (8). In the initial position the sleeve (5) is wound on the drum (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1989
    Inventors: Viktor V. Shishkin, Nikolai F. Kryazhevskikh, Jury P. Shapovalov
  • Patent number: 4836092
    Abstract: A combined pneumatic and hydraulic pressure transducer is comprised of a pressure capsule with an open interior divided into first and second sections by a partition wall, and a respective axially displaceable diaphragm extends across each of the sections defining third and fourth pressure chambers which change in volume due to axial displacement of the respective diaphragms. A rigid piston intermediate member extends through the partition wall and joins the diaphragms to move together. Connections communicating between the third pressure chambers and between the fourth pressure chambers pass through the intermediate member. A respective hydraulic cylinder at each end of the pressure capsule receives and operates upon a respective end of the intermediate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1989
    Assignee: FAG Kugelfischer Georg Schafer (KGaA)
    Inventors: Wilhelm Heubner, Wolfgang Reeb
  • Patent number: 4821626
    Abstract: A pressostat comprises an operating pressure chamber (4) which is limited by its housing (1) and by an operating membrane (5) or the like including a pressure surface for an output adjustment member (3), at least one spring counteracting the pressure (P) in the operating pressure chamber (4), a switch member (2) which responds when a limit pressure value is exceeded in said working pressure chamber (4), and an enclosed protective chamber (6) arranged concentrically to the working pressure chamber (4) limited by the housing (1), the operating membrane (5) and a protective membrane (7) or the like including pressure surface for the output adjustment member (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1989
    Assignee: Ranco Incorporated of Delaware
    Inventors: Guglielmo Rossi, Mario Gemma, Hans Bosing
  • Patent number: 4813337
    Abstract: A tandem pneumatic pressure booster in a braking apparatus for a motor vehicle, comprising a housing; front and rear movable walls; a center plate; the housing being hermetically closed by front and rear shells; front and rear variable pressure chambers; front and rear referential pressure chambers; a valve body having a control valve therein; a reaction disc containing case; a cylindrical passage member adapted to fit over the barrel of said case; the front movable wall being fixed to the case-passage member assembly, said passage member being provided with a referential pressure chamber communicating passage; and a variable pressure chamber communicating passage, whereby these parts may be formed into a configuration suitable for die casting and for improving mass productivity without deteriorating the differential pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1989
    Assignee: Tokico Ltd.
    Inventor: Mitsuhiro Endo
  • Patent number: 4811652
    Abstract: An overpressure device for applying pressure from a first hydraulic fluid to a second hydraulic fluid comprises:(a) a housing in which is located a piston(b) an opening in the housing for the entry of the first hydraulic fluid to one side of the piston(c) a second opening in the housing for the entry of the second hydraulic fluid to a chamber on the other side of the piston whereby the pressure of the first hydraulic fluid is exerted on the second hydraulic fluid, and(d) an additional means of exerting pressure on the piston so that pressure exerted on the second hydraulic fluid is greater than that of the first hydraulic fluid alone.The overpressure device is particularly suitable for use in applying pressure to the sealing system of the ball valve described in European patent application No. 82302173 when used to control the flow of fluid, e.g. crude oil in a pipeline. The overpressure device enables the pressure in the pipeline to provide a portion of the pressure required to pressurize the sealing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1989
    Assignee: The British Petroleum Company p.l.c.
    Inventor: John W. Ells
  • Patent number: 4801249
    Abstract: A small-sized pump comprising a common valve chamber, a plural number of pump chambers respectively arranged round the common valve chamber and each having a diaphragm, a drive member provided in the inclined state and serving to move the diaphragms upward and downward, and a tubular supporting member extending obliquely downward from the central portion of the drive member, the small-sized pump being arranged to make the end of the tubular supporting member perform circular motion and to thereby drive the drive member so as to move the diaphragms upward and downward so that respective pump chambers perform pumping actions with a predetermined time lag, the small-sized pump being thereby arranged to have high pumping efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1989
    Assignee: Ohken Seiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Goro Kakizawa
  • Patent number: 4787292
    Abstract: The invention relates to a locking arrangement for a key member used in a brake booster. A key member includes an arcuate portion which surrounds substantially one-half the perimeter of a valve body, and engaging recesses are formed at the opposite ends of the arcuate portion on the inner side. A retainer surrounds substantially one-half the perimeter of the valve body at a location opposite to the arcuate portion of the key member. The opposite ends of the retainer are formed with engaging pawls on the outer side for engaging with the engaging recesses under the resilience of the retainer. Accordingly, by merely assembling the key member and the retainer with the valve body, the engaging pawls of the retainer can be automatically engaged with the engaging recesses in the key member, thereby preventing the withdrawal of the retainer and the key member from the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1988
    Assignee: Jidosha Kiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuo Tsuyuki, Haruo Suzuki, Hidefumi Inoue, Junichi Ohki
  • Patent number: 4784042
    Abstract: The method and system employ strings of tension actuators in opposed relationship for controlling motions or deflections of jointed members: for example, for controlling the motions of arms, legs and elephant trunks or flexible antennae in robots and for controlling the deflections of beams and columns in frames and structures. These opposed tension actuators are inflated with controlled air pressures which are oppositely varied from a predetermined common-mode pressure P.sub.o (initial fluid pressure level P.sub.o). In other words, as one tension actuator is being inflated with pressure increasing above P.sub.o, the opposed tension actuator is being inflated with pressure decreasing below P.sub.o for producing motion or deflection of the jointed member in one direction, and conversely for producing motion or deflection in the other direction. The opposed tension actuators have their ends anchored to rigid movable plates or struts containing sockets for the respective joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1988
    Assignees: Nathaniel A. Hardin, Henry M. Paynter
    Inventor: Henry M. Paynter
  • Patent number: 4771963
    Abstract: An expansible mandrel with a plurality of fluid pressure actuated expansion devices, the devices including an expandable pressing shoe member, an inflatable tubular bladder member cooperating with said shoe member for actuating the expansion movement thereof and duct and valve means connectable with pressure fluid ducts for conducting and controlling the pressure fluid flow in and out of said bladder member. A channel section shaped housing member contains therein the shoe member and the bladder member and a connector member. The housing with therein the bladder member and the shoe member and the connector member constitutes a self-contained replaceable expansion device unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1988
    Inventor: Giovanni Gattrugeri
  • Patent number: 4756237
    Abstract: According to the invention, the device comprises a housing (1), two chambers (2, 3) interconnected through a pipeline (4) and disposed in the housing opposite to each other. Each chamber (2 or 3) has a piston made in the form of an elastic sleeve (10 and 11), whose one end is turned inside out and secured to the inner surface of the pipeline (4) at the point of its connection to the chamber (2 to 3). Each piston is kinematically connected to the working member (7) via a shaft (5 or 6) mounted in the chamber (2 to 3), one end of which is kinematically connected to the working member (7), and a drum (8 or 9) connected to the other end of the shaft (5 or 6) and provided with a reverser. Secured on the drums (8 and 9) are the other ends of the sleeves (10 and 11). The pressure space formed by the spaces of the chambers (2, 3) and the space of the pipeline (4) is communicated with a fluid medium supply system (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1988
    Assignee: Trest "Juzhvodoprovod"
    Inventors: Viktor V. Shishkin, Nikolai F. Kryazhevskikh, Jury P. Shapovalov
  • Patent number: 4751868
    Abstract: The method and system employing double-acting, fluid-driven, twistor-pairs as combined flexural supports, joints, torque motors and linear-response angular deflectors in arms and legs of robots. Thus, the twistor-pairs at each joint advantageously serves as hinge or flexural support for the limb supported by the joint and simultaneously serves as double-acting turning motor for moving the portions of the arm or leg supported by the twistor pair. Various jointed-arm or jointed-leg robots, called "arthrobots" are shown embodying the invention. Controllably varying fluid pressure P.sub.1 and R.sub.2 (usually pressurized air) fed into elastic shells forming respective fluid chambers of a double-acting, twistor-pair at each joint, deflects a limb into predetermined predictable angular positions, depending upon these pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1988
    Inventor: Henry M. Paynter
  • Patent number: 4741252
    Abstract: A diaphragm particularly for rolling-diaphragm type fluid pressure motors. The invention provides greatly improved service life of the motor, particularly under adverse condition in which conventional diaphragms fail quickly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1988
    Assignee: Allied-Signal Inc.
    Inventors: James B. Harter, Donald J. Novkov
  • Patent number: 4739692
    Abstract: A contractility actuator includes a longitudinal quadrilateral mesh of relatively inelastic segments with anchor points at either end, an expandable bladder confined within the mesh and means for introducing and inflating the bladder with a liquid for generating a contractile force between the anchor points mechanically analogous to a muscle but of much greater magnitude. Two or more of the contractile actuators are arranged in a system for precisely articulating one or more arms pivotally secured at the distal ends of a structural member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1988
    Assignee: Fluidic Motion Corporation
    Inventors: Richard L. Wassam, Lonner O. Ralston, Andrew L. Solow
  • Patent number: 4729289
    Abstract: In a power brake booster for an automotive vehicle, with a housing (1, 2) subdivided into two compartments by a partition wall (41), the compartment close to the brake pedal contains a working chamber (25) and a vacuum chamber (33), while the compartment close to the master cylinder contains a working chamber (24) and a vacuum chamber (32), with a longitudinally slidable control housing (4) with valve device (8, 37, 38) being sealably held and guided in a central opening of the partition wall (41), the said control housing incorporating a longitudinal channel, for instance on annular gap (21) which, on the one hand, is via an opening or bore (26) in communication with the one working chamber (24), while, on the other hand, it terminates into a chamber, for example an annular chamber (20), which is connected to the valve chamber (42) behind the valve device (8, 37, 38) and which is connected to the other working chamber (25) via a cross bore (39).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1988
    Assignee: ITT Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Boehm
  • Patent number: 4718328
    Abstract: A brake booster of tandem type comprises a pair of power pistons, a valve body internally housing a valve mechanism and a center body formed with a passage which communicates with a passage formed in the vlave body, all of which are integrally connected together, by holding them between a hub which is disposed through these members in alignment with their axes and a nut which is threadably engaged with the hub. An ear is formed on one of the outer peripheral surface of the hub and in an opening formed in the front power piston through which the hub extends while a recess is formed in the other for receiving the ear, thus allowing the hub and the front power piston to be positioned relative to each other by the engagement between the ear and the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1988
    Assignee: Jidosha Kiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kohei Mori, Haruo Suzuki
  • Patent number: 4718326
    Abstract: A tandem brake booster which includes a housing, front and rear movable walls positioned in the housing, a partition wall interposed between the front and rear movable walls and a valve mechanism provided in the rear movable wall for generating pressure difference between first and second constant pressure chambers and first and second variable pressure chambers. A key is inserted within a case member of the housing and serves to prevent excess movement of the case in an axial direction by blocking rotation of such case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1988
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yuzuru Sugiura, Akihiko Miwa
  • Patent number: 4705065
    Abstract: A safety relief system for a valve in a vent or a main flowline. The safety relief system utilizes a main actuator (24) utilized primarily for a positive pressure condition and a vacuum actuator (96) in axial alignment with the main actuator (24) utilized exclusively for a negative pressure condition. The main valve member (18) has a stem (22) which extends within both actuators (24, 96) and diaphragms (26, 100) are connected to the stem (22) for movement of the valve member (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1987
    Assignee: Anderson, Greenwood & Company
    Inventors: Michael D. McNeely, Walter W. Powell
  • Patent number: 4703684
    Abstract: A vacuum control device comprises a casing in which are disposed at least two substantially parallel movable cups, the first cup being connected to the element to be displaced. Springs are interposed respectively between the two cups and between the second cup and a bottom end-wall of the casing. Two pipes or nipples connected to a vacuum source and to atmospheric pressure open into the casing respectively within the space located between the two cups and within the space located between the second cup and the casing end-wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1987
    Assignee: Valeo
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Bouvot, Jose LeBorgne
  • Patent number: 4679466
    Abstract: In a line pressure control device for a hydraulic control system of an automatic transmission, a vacuum diaphram unit is constructed to apply upon a valve spool of a throttle valve or a regulator valve such a force that reduces with increasing intake manifold vacuum when the intake manifold vacuum is lower than a first predetermined value and such a force that increases with increasing intake manifold vacuum when the intake manifold vacuum is higher than a second predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1987
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Haruyoshi Kumura, Keiju Abo, Hiroyuki Hirano, Sigeaki Yamamuro, Masaki Nakano
  • Patent number: 4671743
    Abstract: In the case of piston-machines and in particular those having an elastically deformable sealing tube between the piston and the cylinder, which causes a relatively large structural length of the cylinder-piston arrangement and is provided if necessary with a forced feed for the lubricant, a reduction in the space requirement, in particular the structural length of the cylinder-piston arrangement is achieved by a driving member (30) associated with each piston (20) and embracing the associated cylinder (25) externally and extending over at least part of the length of the cylinder, and frictionally connected, e.g., to a rotating driving mechanism (10). The pulsating secondary space (35) formed by the driving member (30) at the outside of the cylinder (25) is connected for the avoidance of shock pressures because of filling with lubricant liquid flowing away, through a balancing channel (40) of large cross-sectional area to a pressure-balancing chamber (110).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1987
    Assignee: Hydrowatt Systems Limted
    Inventor: Bernhard Frey
  • Patent number: 4667573
    Abstract: A fluid actuator comprises a rigid housing having a reciprocating member, a tubular hose section having a straight length bearing against one face of the reciprocating member and connectible to a first port for introducing pressurized fluid to cause it to inflate and thereby to drive the reciprocating member rectilinearly in one direction, and a return member, e.g., a second tubular hose section, having a straight length bearing against the opposite face of the reciprocating member and connectible to a second port for introducing pressurized fluid to cause it to inflate and thereby to drive the reciprocating member rectilinearly in the opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1987
    Assignee: Lantas Development and Industries (1984) Ltd.
    Inventors: Leonid Shenker, Shimon Lemelman
  • Patent number: 4667904
    Abstract: In the operation of modern tactical aircraft, crew members are subjected to periodic high acceleration loads that cause fatigue and a decrease in operating capacity. Restraining the torso of a crew member and pulling the crew member back against the ejection seat (2) of the aircraft would help prevent such fatigue. Known restraint and haul back apparatus for use during ejection are not adapted for repeated in flight use. The invention provides a single mechanism that retracts torso restraint straps (6) any number of times during in flight maneuvering and also retracts straps (6) for ejection. A loop (7) of each strap (6) extends around an inflatable member (28). When in flight acceleration loads exceed a preset limit, engine bleed air inflates member (28) to expand loops (7). This retracts straps (6) and positions the crew member. Member (28) is allowed to deflate when the acceleration subsides. When the ejection procedure is initiated, a gas generator (44) inflates member (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1987
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Gerald F. Herndon
  • Patent number: 4667471
    Abstract: A brake booster (10, 210, 310) connected to a control circuit (120) provides for continued braking of a vehicle when the vehicle is situated on an incline and the brake pedal (92) is released by the operator. Continued brake application is accomplished by utilizing a control circuit (120) responsive to vehicular attitude, clutch pedal position, ignition status, vehicular speed, and vehicular direction. The control circuit (120) is connected to a combination check valve and three-way solenoid valve (100, 200, 300) connected to a movable wall brake booster (10, 210, 310). The combination valve (100) is connected to a flexible hose (110) disposed interiorily of the booster (10), the other end of the flexible hose (110) connected to the input opening (32) of a three-way poppet valve (70) located at the central hub (30) of the booster (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1987
    Assignee: Allied Corporation
    Inventors: Keith H. Fulmer, Arthur K. Peebles
  • Patent number: 4646624
    Abstract: Sensed pressures are applied to a differential pressure sensor such that one-half the sensed pressure drop is applied to each of a pair of redundant pistons. Failure of one of a pair of bellows which seal opposite faces of the pistons from one another effects application of the entire pressure drop across the piston associated with the remaining, operable bellows for fail-safe operation of the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1987
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Charles F. Stearns
  • Patent number: 4638723
    Abstract: A housing (10, 12, 14) has first and second flexible membranes (32, 42) dividing it into two sealed chambers plus a third chamber from which the movable member (38) projects. Each membrane co-operates with a respective cup (40, 50) and return springs (54, 56) tend to urge both cups away from an end wall (26). The two cups are interconnected by a single piece member (58) which is inextensible but which can readily be bent in two to enable the cups to come into contact with one another. Each sealed chamber can individually be selectively connected to a source of reduced pressure via a respective orifice or pipe fitting (30, 28). The position of the movable member (38) can thus be changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1987
    Assignee: Valeo
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Bouvot, Jose Leborgne
  • Patent number: 4638981
    Abstract: A hydraulically damped engine mount comprising a working space bounded by a mounting bracket, a supporting spring and a partition wall, and an equalizing space bounded by the partition wall and by a resilient buffer wall, which are interconnected through a throttle opening and are filled with a liquid, as well as a gas-filled chamber which is disposed within the partition wall and is closed relative to the working space by means of a circular disk suspended from an elastic annular diaphragm thereof, the disk being a chain vibrator which comprises at least two successive, radially interposed neutralizing masses that are elastically secured to each other and to the partition wall by means of annular diaphragms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1987
    Assignee: Firma Carl Freudenberg
    Inventor: Giacomo Sciortino
  • Patent number: 4632014
    Abstract: A pneumatic booster of the type including a power piston partitioning the interior of a casing into a front chamber and a rear chamber, a reinforcing rod connected to the casing and extending through the front chamber, the power piston and the rear chamber, and a poppet valve for introducing atmospheric air into the rear chamber and actuated by an input shaft which is slidably mounted on the power piston and extends rearwards out of the casing. A passage is formed in the reinforcing rod with one end communicating permanently with a space into which atmospheric air is introduced through the poppet valve when it is actuated, a cut-off valve is provided for communicating or cutting off the passage in the reinforcing rod, and an air introducing device for introducing atmospheric air into the rear chamber is provided independently of the poppet valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1986
    Assignee: Tokico Ltd.
    Inventor: Mitsuhiro Endo
  • Patent number: 4621564
    Abstract: A tandem type brake force multiplying device including a pair of diaphragms and a partition wall defining a pair of constant suction chambers and a pair of actuating or pressure variable chambers. The device has a shell comprised of a front, intermediate and rear housings which are formed with a plurality of sets of axially aligned sleeves through which force transmitting rods are passed. The reaction force from the brake master cylinder is therefore transmitted through these rods to the vehicle body. The sleeves define therein a pair of chambers, at least one of which is in communication with both the actuating chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1986
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Michiharu Nishii