Fluid Spring Patents (Class 92/85B)
  • Patent number: 6014924
    Abstract: A slide drive device has a principal housing, in which at least one actuating element able to be driven linearly is arranged. Externally on the principal housing there is a slide kinetically coupled with the actuating element. Two stroke limiting means render possible a variable preset of the two end positions of the slide and each comprise an adjustable arranged on the one part and a counter-abutment arranged opposite to same on the other part. The one adjustable abutment is arranged on the slide and the other adjustable abutment is located on the principal housing. Both abutments are provided in end regions facing in the same axial direction, on the slide and, respectively, on the principal housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Festo AG & Co.
    Inventors: Kurt Stoll, Uwe Modinger, Dieter Waldmann
  • Patent number: 5983778
    Abstract: A telescoping hydraulic hoist formed from a non-corrosive material provides bearings and hydraulic seals about the bottom portion of each intermediate moving stage. The bearings and hydraulic seals are thus always maintained within the hoist and are not exposed to dust or particulate matter from outside the hoist. Air flows into and out of the air spaces between adjacent stages through air breathers. The hoist may also include variable length stroke limiters, and a cushion member which partially closes off the hydraulic inlet as the innermost stage is fully retracted to slow the hoist motion in the final stages of retraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Dawson Hydraulics, Inc.
    Inventor: Steve Dawson
  • Patent number: 5960696
    Abstract: It is intended to dispense with the pipe welding work, thereby improve the pipe mounting performance and prevent contamination which results from welding, and elimination the waste of oil.A spigot portion 34 is mounted upright integrally in the center of the upper end portion of a piston 17, the base end of a piston rod 18 is fitted on the outer periphery of the spigot portion 34, and the outer periphery of the base end of a pipe 41 is press-fitted into an upper hollow part of the spigot portion 34.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Kayaba Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Susumu Niwa, Mineo Tanahashi
  • Patent number: 5943939
    Abstract: A fluid pressure cylinder wherein the configuration of a gasket groove for dividing a flow path is changed such that a first communicating passage (and a piping port), a cushion valve inserting hole (and a cushion valve control hole), etc. can be disposed to be close to or coincident with each other in the axial direction. The first communicating passage and the cushion valve inserting hole for a cushion valve are disposed to be close to or coincident with each other in the axial direction and displaced relative to each other at a predetermined angle with respect to the center line of the cylinder. The outer peripheral surface of an end cover is provided with a gasket groove having a predetermined width in the axial direction to divide the first communicating passage and the cushion valve inserting hole from each other. The gasket groove is fitted with a gasket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventor: Shun Orihara
  • Patent number: 5850776
    Abstract: A fluid pressure cylinder includes a cylinder body, a piston accommodated in the cylinder body to define first and second pressure chambers therein, means for supplying fluid to each chamber to reciprocate the piston between a first stroke end and a second stroke end, first and second bumper surfaces, an annular cushion retainer connected to the first bumper surface, and an elastomeric cushion for deforming and cushioning an impact produced when the piston reaches the first stroke end. The bumper surfaces approach each other when the piston reaches the first stroke end and separate from one another when the piston moves toward the second stroke end. The cushion has a shape corresponding generally to a hollow conical section. The cushion includes a base section retained by the cushion retainer and a buffer section joined to the base section. The buffer section has an outer surface for contacting the second bumper surface and an inner surface that faces the first bumper surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: CKD Corporation
    Inventors: Terumasa Takeuchi, Junji Mutsuura
  • Patent number: 5826485
    Abstract: A lifter automatically adapts to pick up different style residential refuse collection carts. An upper movable clamp bar cooperates with a finger support bar to grab a smooth-sided cart with a single upper lifting lip. A hinged saddle and hinged sliding hook lifts carts having a pair of opposing engagement surfaces (e.g., bars). Hinged members are automatically pivoted into retracted positions during presentation of smooth sided carts, but are otherwise maintained in place for engaging other type carts. The lifter has a relatively short face plate for size and weight advantages, obtained by alternate extension/retraction of the hinged sliding hook during a lift cycle. Rollers on the extending face plate prevent cart scarring. Adjustment for different height carts is provided by a vertical lift assembly which uses a hydraulic sequencing valve to first raise the lifter for engaging the cart and then to cycle through a dumping process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Bayne Machine Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Jimmy O. Bayne, Michael J. Susil
  • Patent number: 5784947
    Abstract: A lifter automatically adapts to pick up different style residential refuse collection carts. An upper movable clamp bar cooperates with a finger support bar to grab a smooth-sided cart with a single upper lifting lip. A hinged saddle and hinged sliding hook lifts carts having a pair of opposing engagement surfaces (e.g., bars). Hinged members are automatically pivoted into retracted positions during presentation of smooth sided carts, but are otherwise maintained in place for engaging other type carts. The lifter has a relatively short face plate for size and weight advantages, obtained by alternate extension/retraction of the hinged sliding hook during a lift cycle. Rollers on the extending face plate prevent cart scarring. Adjustment for different height carts is provided by a vertical lift assembly which uses a hydraulic sequencing valve to first raise the lifter for engaging the cart and then to cycle through a dumping process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Bayne Machine Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Jimmy O. Bayne, Michael J. Susil
  • Patent number: 5737998
    Abstract: A heavy-load hydraulic or air cylinder comprises a main body provided therein with an action rod having an driven end. The driven end is exerted on by the liquid or air pressure to actuate the action rod. The driven end is provided respectively on both sides thereof with a pressure bearing piece. The driven end and the pressure bearing piece are provided therebetween with a leakproof ring. The main body is further provided at the exit end thereof with at least one pressure bearing piece. The pressure bearing piece and an exit cap are provided therebetween with a leakproof ring. When the action rod is at work to bring about the pressure, the pressure bearing piece is acted on by the pressure, which is the transferred to act on the leakproof ring, which in turn generates the reaction force to act against the inner wall surface of the main body so as to enable the cylinder to withstand a heavy burden or weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Inventor: Chiu Nan Wang
  • Patent number: 5718316
    Abstract: An electronically controlled clutch pedal dashpot driveline torque limiter utilizes a solenoid to regulate the apply rate of a vehicle master clutch based on current vehicle operating conditions such as engine speed, transmission input speed, and clutch pedal release rate. The present invention allows greater control authority of master clutch apply rates to reduce or eliminate the incidence of engine stall and excessive slipping of the master clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas A. Gee
  • Patent number: 5694827
    Abstract: An apparatus for cushioning a body of a dump vehicle when the body is lowered, including structure defining a fluid passageway between first and second end portions of the structure. The structure is adapted to be disposed in a fluid pressure operated actuator used to raise and lower a body of a dump vehicle. When the structure is disposed in such actuator the passageway extends in a longitudinal direction of such actuator and the second end portion communicates with an interior of such actuator. A cushioning spool is adapted to be connected to such actuator for moving in the longitudinal direction into the passageway. A poppet includes an orifice that receives the spool for enabling the poppet to be slidably movable on the spool in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Euclid-Hitachi Heavy Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald K. Schantz
  • Patent number: 5692428
    Abstract: A rodless pneumatic cylinder includes main exhaust ports defined by the open ends of a pair of fixed tubular members that extend, respectively, into the cylinder body from its opposed ends. The main piston of the rodless cylinder has an axial bore formed in it in which is slidably mounted a small piston that serves mutually to isolate the working chambers of the cylinder. The bore carries seals adjacent to its opposed ends whereby, during motion of the piston, the bore sealingly receives one or other of the tubular members at a predetermined stage during the motion thereby effectively closing the main exhaust port. During further motion of the piston, air can, therefore, exhaust only through a throttled auxiliary exhaust port and such further motion of the piston is thus cushioned. The arrangement provides for a greater extent of cushioning relative to known arrangements in which the working chambers are mutually isolated by a barrier fixedly secured in the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Imi Norgren GmbH
    Inventor: Udo Sonntag
  • Patent number: 5692429
    Abstract: A double-acting pneumatic cylinder is characterised by the provision of a pair of sealing elements respectively located on either side of the piston by means of rods slidably mounted in longitudinal bores formed in the piston. At the commencement of the cylinder's in-stroke, the rod and its associated sealing element is in an extended position and serves to seal off the main exhaust port while the piston is still relatively distantly located from the end of its in-stroke. During further in-stroking the piston, air can therefore exhaust only through the auxiliary exhaust port and the motion is thus cushioned. The out-stroke of the cylinder is similarly cushioned over a relatively large distance by virtue of the sealing element adopting an extended position and closing off the main exhaust port, the air exhausting through the auxiliary exhaust port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: IMI Norgren GmbH
    Inventor: Udo Sonntag
  • Patent number: 5680913
    Abstract: Snubbers are useful in dampening inertia loads at the end of stroke movement of a hydraulic motor. Known snubbers usually have a spear type annular orifice with an associated plunger which usually restrict fluid flow in the non-snubbing mode thereby slowing response in the opposite direction. The subject snubber includes a snubber stem which is moved to contact the end of a tubular hydraulic cylinder so that all fluid from an actuating chamber must pass through a circular orifice which will build up pressure in the actuating chamber to provide a dampening effect on a piston rod assembly. When fluid is directed into the actuating chamber the snubber stem will move away from the end of the tubular hydraulic cylinder to allow free flow into the actuating chamber to provide quick response for extension of the piston rod assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Trevor J. Wood
  • Patent number: 5615598
    Abstract: A jack consists of a body of the jack (2) sliding on a fixed piston (9) mounted on a support (6) by means of a piston rod (4), and at least one element for guiding the body on the support. The body of the jack is an extruded section (2) containing at least one longitudinal bore (3) used as the piston chamber for the jack, and equipped with at least two guide rods (5) mounted on the section (2) in the longitudinal direction. Bearings (15) adapted to the shape of the guide rods (5) are mourned on the fixed support (6). At least one of the bearings is adjustable. Advantageously, the extruded section (2) is equipped with two hydraulic shock absorbers intended to contact limit stops (21). Limit stops (21) have adjustable positions, and can be retracted and fixed on an L-shaped groove (20) of the fixed support (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: Parker Hannifin RAK SA
    Inventors: Jean-Marie Noroy, Franck Roussillon
  • Patent number: 5595148
    Abstract: The invention relates to a freely activatable hydraulic valve control device for a stroke valve, which valve control device is arranged particularly in an internal-combustion engine. The stroke valve includes a valve stem and a first spring acting on the valve stem in the valve-closing direction as well as a second spring acting at least periodically on the valve stem in the valve-opening direction. The valve stem is connected at least to a control piston arranged in a working space and capable of being loaded on two sides with a working fluid. The pressure of the working fluid in the working space can be regulated via a pressure source together with a switching valve and a supply conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignee: Mercedes-Benz AG
    Inventors: Ulrich Letsche, Andreas Rehberger, Frank Iberle
  • Patent number: 5517898
    Abstract: A pneumatic cylinder includes a cushioning device having a first cushioning sleeve gradually decreasingly communicating a first cushioning chamber with a first passage formed on a first cap and connected to a first fluid flowing ports as the first cushioning sleeve is gradually inserted into the first passage; a second cushioning sleeve gradually decreasingly communicating a second cushioning chamber with a second passage formed on the second caps and connected to the second fluid flowing ports as the second cushioning sleeve is gradually inserted into the second passage; a first quick fluid exhaust valve which is mounted on the first cap and is selectively opened by pushing force of the piston to communicate the first cushioning chamber with the first passage; a second quick fluid exhaust valve which is mounted on the second cap and is selectively opened by pushing force of the piston to communicate the second cushioning chamber with the second passages; a first quick fluid supply valve which is mounted on t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: Korea Institute Of Machinery & Materials
    Inventors: Hyoung-Eui Kim, Dong-Soo Kim
  • Patent number: 5507218
    Abstract: A linear-drive cylinder actuated by a pull means or by a pressure medium has a cylinder tube, in which a piston is guided axially displaceably. The movement of the piston is guided outward via force-transmission means. The cylinder tube is closed on the end face by means of a closing plug. Both the cylinder tube and the closing plug each have a transverse bore. A fastening means, such as, for example, a holding tube or a bolt, passes through the mutually aligned transverse bores, so that the closing plug is secured axially in the cylinder tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: Invest Tech AG
    Inventor: Reinhard Lipinski
  • Patent number: 5429035
    Abstract: A rodless cylinder with a speed control mechanism comprising a cylinder tube, a hollow cushion ring located at an end of the cylinder tube and adapted to be inserted in a hollow portion of a piston, and a sine function groove formed in the outer surface of the cushion ring, wherein the axial position of said cushion ring is capable of being regulated from the outside of the rodless cylinder, so that the time and magnitude of acceleration and deceleration of the piston can be regulated, as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Kunihisa Kaneko, Yoshisuke Yamashita, Masaharu Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 5425305
    Abstract: A relief valve for a hydraulic piston consists of a tubular mid-section with closed ends and circular stops at each end. The tubular center section has cross ports at each end that run perpendicularly to the axis of the valve. The cross parts are situated as close to the end stops as possible. The cross ports intersect the hollow center of the spool and allow hydraulic oil to flow through the piston via the passageway in the center of the valve when the valve is in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Inventor: Forrest Mauritz
  • Patent number: 5413030
    Abstract: Snubbers are useful in dampening inertia loads at the end of stroke movement of a hydraulic motor. The known snubbers usually restrict fluid flow therethrough in the non-snubbing mode thereby slowing the response of the motor in the opposite direction. The subject self-energizing snubber includes a snubber piston which is moved from a first operative position to an intermediate operative position by contact with an end surface and then hydraulically moved to a second position by differential pressure established between an actuating chamber and a fluid passage. The snubber piston defines a variable rate flow path continuously communicating the actuating chamber with the passage. A maximum flow rate is established through the flow path at the first operative position while a minimum flow rate is established through the flow path at the second operative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Warner G. Richardson, Steven R. Wells
  • Patent number: 5405407
    Abstract: In an artificial leg for a person having an upper thigh cut and a knee joint lost, a cylinder disposed between upper and lower leg members, which are coupled through a pivotable joint, for controlling bending and straightening of the joint by an air cushion for convenience of walking. The cylinder includes a cylindrical sleeve closed at both ends and a piston having a piston rod and sliding in the sleeve, and has its structure improved by using as a cushion one of two inner cavities separated by the piston, which encloses the piston rod, thereby buffering butting between the upper and lower leg members to remove unpleasant shock resulting at the end of straightening the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Assignee: Nabco Limited
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Kodama, Yasukazu Furuichi
  • Patent number: 5404982
    Abstract: A clutch pedal dashpot for controlling the rate torque is applied to a vehicular driveline during the coupling of an engine to a transmission by controlling the rate at which the clutch engages via damping clutch pedal travel. The dashpot is for use in a vehicle, such as a heavy-duty truck, which includes a clutch pedal displaced between a resting position and a depressed position. The clutch pedal dashpot includes a damper piston, coupled to the clutch pedal, for controlling the rate at which the clutch pedal returns to the first position from the second position during coupling so as to control the rate of clutch engagement, thereby controlling the rate of torque applied to the driveline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas A. Gee
  • Patent number: 5385218
    Abstract: A pneumatic, rotary, rack and pinion actuator with counter-pressure actuated damping device. The actuator comprises first and second rack and piston assemblies reciprocable inside corresponding pneumatic cylinders, which engage on the opposite sides of a pinion and output shaft. Each rack and piston assembly is provided with an axially extending duct opening at opposite ends into a drive chamber and a counter-pressure control chamber, respectively; counter-pressure control and damping means are provided in the piston-assemblies and cylinders, comprising a throttling valve opening into the control chamber and a check valve in said ducts; a thrust pin member protrudes in the control chamber and into the duct end to open the check valve and feed in a controlled manner pressurised air from the drive chamber into the control chamber, before each rack and piston assembly reaches the end of its stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Assignee: Univer S.p.A.
    Inventor: Luciano Migliori
  • Patent number: 5373777
    Abstract: A linear hydraulic motor including a first piston rod (12) and piston head (16), a second piston rod (18) and piston head (26), and a cylinder housing (30), having a divider wall (46), adapted to reciprocate longitudinally on the piston heads (16, 26). The cylinder housing (30) has end members (34, 36) through which piston rods (12, 18) extend. Four fluid chambers (52, 54, 56, 58) are formed within the linear hydraulic motor. Fluid chambers (52, 56) communicate with each other through conduits (62), and fluid chambers (54, 58) communicate with each other through conduit (64). Piston rods (12, 18) include conduits (68, 70) for fluid communication with chambers (54, 56). A snubber (74) is provided in the divider wall (46) of the cylinder housing (30). The snubber (74) reciprocates within the divider wall (46) and is adapted to abut the inner ends of the piston rods (12, 18) as the divider wall (46) approaches piston heads (16, 26) during the reciprocating process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1994
    Inventor: Raymond K. Foster
  • Patent number: 5370367
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Inventor: James Zaguroli, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5333984
    Abstract: A lifter automatically adapts to pick up different style residential refuse collection carts. An upper movable clamp bar cooperates with a finger support bar to grab a smooth-sided cart with a single upper lifting lip. A hinged saddle and hinged sliding hook lifts carts having a pair of opposing engagement surfaces (e.g., bars). Hinged members are automatically pivoted into retracted positions during presentation of smooth sided carts, but are otherwise maintained in place for engaging other type carts. The lifter has a relatively short face plate for size and weight advantages, obtained by alternate extension/retraction of the hinged sliding hook during a lift cycle. Rollers on the extending face plate prevent cart scarring. Adjustment for different height carts is provided by a vertical lift assembly which uses a hydraulic sequencing valve to first raise the lifter for engaging the cart and then to cycle through a dumping process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Assignee: Bayne Machine Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Jimmy O. Bayne, Michael J. Susil
  • Patent number: 5323690
    Abstract: A linear movable apparatus for imparting rotational movement to a turntable is provided. The turntable is secured to a rotatably mounted shaft having a ring gear thereon for meshed engagement with gear teeth provided on a piston rod which extends between a pair of pistons. Each piston is reciprocally carried in aligned cylinder housings mounted in a support structure. An adjustable mechanism is provided for retaining the piston rod in snug-fitting relation with the ring gear, and a bracket assembly is secured around the ring gear to support the adjustable mechanism against the ring gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Inventor: James O. Sims
  • Patent number: 5313872
    Abstract: An end of stroke cushion for a linear hydraulic motor. A piston-cylinder unit includes a cylinder body (42) reciprocally slidable on a piston rod (40) having a piston head (64) which defines working chambers (82, 84) within the cylinder body (42). The piston rod (62) is tubular and includes a plurality of sidewall ports (P1-P7). A radially-expandable annular valve ring (106) normally snugly surrounds the piston rod (62) and during axial movement of the cylinder body (42) relative to the piston rod (62), the valve ring (106) will move axially relative to the sidewall ports (P1-P7) in the piston rod (62). Pressure introduction to the working chamber (84) through the sidewall ports (P1-P7) of the piston rod (62) and against the valve ring (106) radially expands the valve ring (106).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Inventor: Raymond K. Foster
  • Patent number: 5309817
    Abstract: A linear braking mechanism for fluid actuators defined by a cylinder enclosing a cavity having a piston/piston rod assembly reciprocally mounted therein. The braking mechanism includes a spring biased body which is disposed for engaging and retarding the movement of the piston as it nears the end of its travel. A pressure equalizing metering port is provided in the body of the braking mechanism to equalize pressure on opposite sides of the spring biased body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Inventor: James O. Sims
  • Patent number: 5305683
    Abstract: A pressure medium linear unit for handling devices for industrial manufacture includes a housing block, at least one operating cylinder for at least one piston, at least one piston rod, at least one guide rod, and guide elements for at least one piston rod and at least one guide rod. The housing block accommodates the at least one operating cylinder for the at least one piston and the guide elements for the at least one piston rod and the at least one guide rod. The housing block is a modular unit and includes a guide unit and a drive unit releasably connected with the guide unit, one behind the other, to form a compact unit in the direction of linear movement. The guide rod and the piston rod are arranged in an axially parallel manner. The end of the guide rod at the end of the drive can be moved within the drive unit. If the guide rod is moved into the drive unit, the drive unit extends at least over the moved-in length of the guide rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Gerhard Gosdowski, Josef Neuwirth
  • Patent number: 5273405
    Abstract: A cushioning means for an intensifier for delivering ultra high pressure water to the cutting head of a water jet cutting apparatus. The intensifier has a power piston and cylinder assembly connected to secondary fluid pumping piston members which extend into pumping chambers located at opposite ends of the hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly, and in a common housing. Inlet poppet valves located in the pumping chambers control the flow of water from inlet passage into the pumping chambers while outlet poppet valves allow ultra high pressure water to be pumped out of the pumping chamber into an accumulator fluidly connected to the cutting head. Hydraulic fluid under pressure is sequentially directed to opposite ends of the piston and cylinder assembly, with the piston and cylinder assembly being provided with cushioning means to assist in smooth deceleration of the piston during each stroke or cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Assignee: Jet Edge, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric J. Chalmers, David P. LaFavor
  • Patent number: 5255591
    Abstract: An indexing apparatus (10) having a pair of concentric cylinders (12, 14) with the outer concentric cylinder (12) being fixed against longitudinal movement and the inner cylinder (14) mounted for reciprocal movement relative to the fixed outer cylinder (12). A single ram piston (16) is mounted within the inner cylinder (14) and has a piston rod (18) connected to a member (29) for positioning at four predetermined positions. A shock absorber (24) is carried by the outer fixed cylinder (12) and engages stop plates or abutments (20, 28) carried by the inner cylinder (14) for activation of the shock absorber (24). A pair of guide rods (42) prevent rotational movement of inner cylinder (14) relative to the inner cylinder (12) and maintain the shock absorber (24) in axial alignment with the end abutments (20, 28). In one embodiment (FIGS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Assignee: Nathan Gottlieb
    Inventor: Theodore Gottlieb
  • Patent number: 5252042
    Abstract: A first cylinder bore (7) for accommodating a first piston (8), a plunger bore (20) for accommodating a plunger (21), and a second cylinder bore (57) for accommodating a second piston (58) are provided in this order from above. The plunger (21) is fixed to the first piston (8). A cushion chamber (61), provided below the second piston (58), and an outlet (25b) of a second check valve (25) for gas discharge are connected to each other via a communicating passage (62). The second piston (58) is prevented from moving upward in excess of a set extent by a stopper (64) provided in the peripheral wall of the second cylinder bore (57).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kosmek
    Inventor: Keitaro Yonezawa
  • Patent number: 5228380
    Abstract: A linear drive comprising a drive member adapted to be reciprocated axially in a housing between two end positions. Opposite to the former there is a wall on at least one axial side. There are means to reduce the impact in the end position, such means having an annular lip. The lip is arranged on the drive member or on the wall and respectively faces the wall or the housing. The lip defines a damping space which is open on an impact side. If the drive member approaches one end position thereof, the damping space is occluded and reduced in volume so that some trapped fluid will escape via a relief opening so that there is a braked part of the stroke. Using simple means it is therefore possible to provide an extremely efficient fluid damping at the end position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Assignee: Festo KG
    Inventors: Kurt Stoll, Eugen Schlotzer, Herbert Kongeter
  • Patent number: 5207145
    Abstract: This invention relates to a work cylinder having damping stops for limiting movement of the piston within the cylinder, the cylinder having cylinder covers for closing the ends of the cylinder, whereby the damping stops are positioned and retained substantially between the cylinder covers and the cylinder walls when the cylinder covers are fastened to the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Assignee: Mannesmann Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Axel Kemner
  • Patent number: 5193431
    Abstract: A device for operation of a sliding door member, the device being movable between an open position in which the door member is open and a closed position in which the door member is closed. The device includes a pneumatic cylinder having an actuating piston and a rod assembly. A slidable cage sealingly sleeved between the cylinder and the piston reduces the force applied to the piston rod when approaching the open position. When moving towards the first position force is provided initially by conjoined movement of the piston and said cage, and finally by the piston only. A latch for locking the device in the closed position is provided by a spear secured to the piston and rod assembly and a pin to lock the spear disposed in the cylinder. A manual delatching can be achieved by a cable operated spool which moves the pin to unlock the spear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: John R. Propsting, George D. Higgins
  • Patent number: 5193433
    Abstract: Piston sealing and dampening device in a pressurized-fluid cylinder, where a piston (3) has a central recess (3a) facing towards a cylinder end cap (1a) and disposed such that when the piston is in the vicinity of its end position, said recess accommodates a sleeve portion (5) provided with an internal pressurized-fluid connection (6) and projecting from the cylinder end cap. An integrated sealing ring (10) seals against the outside of the sleeve portion (5) with an inner sealing ring lip (10e) and against the inside of the cylinder tube (2) with an outer sealing ring lip (10c).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Assignee: AB Mecman
    Inventor: Jens Reimer
  • Patent number: 5188018
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a linear unit, especially an apparatus for the machining, transportation and manipulation of workpieces, with a housing and with a carriage which is movable out of the housing and to which a handling appliance or the like for the workpiece can be fixed, wherein the carriage is designed as a box section and is mounted slidably in the housing on an adjustably positioned ball bearing assembly, and a groove fixing a stop member of the carriage with a shock absorber being removable from a path of the stop for cushioning of the carriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1993
    Assignee: Montech AG
    Inventor: Albrecht Trenner
  • Patent number: 5188016
    Abstract: An improved cylinder structure for a pneumatically operated tool, which is characterized in the two air tight chambers defined at the front and rear ends of the cylinder so that the air confined therein can produce reaction pressure respectively to reduce the operation speed of the piston when it approaches the dead ends of the cylinder and further to bounce back the same in a rapid manner whereby the impact of the moving piston can be effectively reduced at the dead ends and the noise and vibration generated as a result of high speed impact on the ends of the cylinder can also be minimized; moreover, the piston can be protected from being deformed and damaged due to constant direct impacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1993
    Inventor: Fung-Eng Tung
  • Patent number: 5159814
    Abstract: An impulse motor for a hand held hammer machine comprises a housing (10) with a cylinder (11) therein, in which a reciprocating drive piston (40) via a gas cushion in a working chamber (44) of said cylinder (11) repeatedly drives a hammer piston (15) to impact on and to return from a tool (20) carried by the machine housing (10). The drive piston (40) has an axially protruding reduced diameter damping piston (50) thereon adapted to prevent piston encounter collision by arresting the return movement of said hammer piston (15) towards the drive piston (40) in a cooperating damping cylinder (51) provided on the hammer piston (15). The damping piston (50) has two diameterical steps (64,65) formed thereon, of which an outer step (64) is long and has a clearance relative to said damping cylinder (51) enabling during arresting a braking action therebetween by gas friction in said clearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Assignee: Berema Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Gunnar S. Jakobsson
  • Patent number: 5125325
    Abstract: Cylinders of the type used in fluid power systems are cushioned by a floating spear. The reciprocating piston is centrally bored to receive the spear. Accordingly, the spear and piston are movable independent of each other. A blind axial bore is formed in opposite ends of the spear and one or more diametrically extending bores are also formed in the spear in open fluid communication with those axial bores. Thus, when the spear enters the cushion cavity, the piston continues its motion and progressively blocks off the diametrically extending bores. Air in the cylinder cavity escapes into the atmosphere through the cushion cavity, but is constrained to enter the spear through one or more of the diametrically extending bores and hence through an axially extending blind bore. The length of the spear is variable, as is the length and diameter of the blind bore and the number, diameter, and spacing of the diametrically extending bores. Thus, the deceleration of the piston is programmable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1992
    Assignee: John Crossno
    Inventor: John S. Czukkermann
  • Patent number: 5099748
    Abstract: A telescopic pneumatic hoist has a flexible stationary hollow probe on its base arranged to unseat a check ball in the piston of the lowest intermediate stage when the piston is near the base. When such a condition exists, the probe closely interfits with the piston and has a radial port communicating with the underside of the piston. The probe connects at the bottom with a supply and exhaust passage which also communicates with the underside of the piston via a check valve controlled secondary passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1992
    Assignee: Genie Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Willibald Neubauer
  • Patent number: 5070972
    Abstract: A vortex valving assembly for a hydraulic damper is adaptable for use in both a piston and a cylinder end. A generator plate includes a plurality of upstanding, arcuate vanes for imparting a vortex to passing fluid and directing the fluid to a central opening. A control plate having a plurality of openings is stacked adjacent the generator plate to control the entry and exit of fluid from the control plate during reciprocation of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1991
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen E. Dourson, Gary L. Johnston
  • Patent number: 5063828
    Abstract: An actuator including a cylinder having a longitudinal bore, a piston slidably and sealingly inserted into the cylinder, and a lock mechanism for temporarily locking the piston, the cylinder including a cylinder body having the longitudinal bore, a cylinder formed at a front end of the cylinder body and accommodating the lock mechanism, and a front wall connected to the cylinder head at a position opposite to the front end of the cylinder body and having a hole formed therein, the piston including a piston head slidably and sealingly inserted into the cylinder bore, the piston rod projecting from the piston head and slidably insertable into the hole of the front wall, a key groove formed on the piston rod at a position near the piston head, and a longitudinal hole formed within the piston head and the piston rod, wherein the diameter of the piston rod decreases from a backward position adjacent to the key groove to a forward position spaced from the piston head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1991
    Assignee: Teijin Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshio Kamimura
  • Patent number: 5018934
    Abstract: A backhoe pivotally supported from a prime mover is disclosed wherein the hydraulic boom cylinder operably interconnecting the frame of the prime mover and the boom member for operably moving the boom assembly generally vertically relative to the prime mover is provided with a decelerator to slow the flow of hydraulic fluid from the cylinder as the cylinder becomes completely collapsed, corresponding to a placement of a boom assembly into a transport position. The decelerator is formed as a piston extension detachably connected to the piston of the hydraulic cylinder and having an orifice therethrough to permit passage of hydraulic fluid at a slower rate once the piston extension seal has passed the corresponding port. An annular gap between the piston extension and the wall of the boom cylinder permits the flow of hydraulic fluid through the decelerator to reach the exhaust port irrespective of the radial location of the orifice through the piston extension relative to the exhaust port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1991
    Assignee: Ford New Holland, Inc.
    Inventors: John O. Steinkamp, William S. Morrison
  • Patent number: 5010963
    Abstract: A hydraulic drilling machine comprises a drill tool (1) connected to a hydraulic motor (3), a hydraulic percussive mechanism (4) connected via a hydraulic distributor (15) to a hydraulic pressure line (11) and to a hydraulic discharge line (21), and a means (16) for sucking the liquid from the working chamber of the hydraulic percussive mechanism (4) during its idle stroke. The means (16) includes a mixing chamber (17) connected to the discharge line of the hydraulic percussive mechanism, an ejector (18) connected to the discharge line of the hydraulic motor (3), and a diffuser (19) connected to the hydraulic discharge line (21) and accommodating a nozzle of the ejector (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1991
    Inventors: Jury I. Neroznikov, Ivan P. Rudakov, Valentin N. Fanshtein, Vladimir A. Medyanik, Valentina V. Gavrilova
  • Patent number: 5011111
    Abstract: A damping control device which can be used to control the rate of movement or prevent the movement of a handle or other control means, such as a handle which is used to operate valves. This invention relates to control devices such as handles generally, and is more specifically directed to a damping means which can be used in conjunction with control devices, particularly those used to operate valves, to control the rate of actuation of said control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1991
    Inventors: Marvin I. Nelson, John S. Reedy
  • Patent number: 4991548
    Abstract: A pneumatically powered valve actuator is disclosed including a valve actuator housing, a main piston reciprocable within the housing along an axis and a pair of auxiliary pistons fixed to and movable with the main piston. The main piston has a pair of oppositely facing primary working surfaces. A pair of air control valves reciprocable along said axis relative to both the housing and the main piston between open and closed positions control air flow from a pressurized source causing the main piston and the pair of auxiliary pistons to move. Each auxiliary piston forms, in conjunction with a surface of the corresponding air control valve, a variable volume annular chamber. The variable volume chamber function during the early portion of piston movement to apply a reclosing force to the air control valve and during a latter portion of the piston movement to vent air compressed by the piston during damping. This venting of the residual air is in an axial rather than a radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1991
    Assignee: Magnavox Government and Industrial Electronics Company
    Inventors: William E. Richeson, Frederick L. ERickson
  • Patent number: 4986728
    Abstract: A fuel injection pump has a housing (3) with a flange (5) and a bore (40) in which are arranged a sleeve (2) and a pump piston (1). A valve body (4) with a hollow core space (20) is located in an axial end portion of the sleeve (2). The valve body (4) has at both axial end portions (11, 12) hydraulic dampening means. In the zone of the top dead center of the pump piston (1), its head (13) cooperates directly with the axial end portion (11) of the valve body (4), actuating a valve seat (27). This valve seat (27) located between the valve body (4) and the sleeve (2) acts as a fuel intake and relief valve for the fuel delivery system. A fluid spring including a cylinder chamber (42) and an additional piston (44), as well as an actuating element (19), are located adjacent an axial end of the pump piston (1 ). The actuating element (19) is linked with a drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1991
    Assignee: Nova-Werke AG
    Inventor: Peter Fuchs
  • Patent number: 4982652
    Abstract: A fluid operated actuator includes a housing having a longitudinally extending aperture with open ends. First and second end caps are attached to opposite ends of the housing forming a chamber within the housing. A longitudinally reciprocal piston and attached rod are disposed within the chamber with the rod extending externally of the chamber through one of the end caps. The piston is adapted for reciprocal movement from one end limit of travel adjacent the first end cap to a second end limit of travel adjacent the second end cap. At least one of the first and second end caps includes a longitudinal aperture in communication with the chamber and a transverse aperture communicating between the longitudinal aperture and an exterior of the end cap. A sleeve is connected to the rod adjacent the piston and is engageable within the longitudinal aperture of the end cap when the piston is in the end limit of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Inventor: John A. Blatt