Abstract: A fluid-powered rotary actuator having a body with a shaft disposed therein and having a linear-to-rotary force-converting member mounted for longitudinal movement within said body in response to the selective application of pressurized fluid thereto. The actuator uses a torque member having a flange portion attached to the body or an external structure and a grooved central portion. A piston sleeve has outward grooves meshing with inward grooves on the shaft and inward grooves for meshing with outward grooves on the torque member central portion. The body sidewall is not used as a torque transmission surface during fluid-powered operation of the actuator.

Abstract: A fluid-powered tool actuator usable with a vehicle having an arm and a rotation link for rotation of the tool actuator in a first plane and being laterally tiltable in a second transverse plane. In some embodiments pressurized fluid is communicated using distribution channels and passageways internal to the actuator to limit use of external hydraulic lines. In some embodiments the tool actuator has certain components in a compressive pre-loaded state to reduce their fatigure failure during operation of the tool actuator under load.

Abstract: A fluid-powered tool actuator usable with a vehicle having an arm and a rotation link for rotation of the tool actuator in a first plane and being laterally tiltable in a second transverse plane. In some embodiments pressurized fluid is communicated using distribution channels and passageways internal to the actuator to limit use of external hydraulic lines. In some embodiments the tool actuator has certain components in a compressive pre-loaded state to reduce their fatigure failure during operation of the tool actuator under load.

Abstract: A fluid-powered tool assembly having first and second tool members, a body, and first and second rotatable shafts. The first shaft is attached to the first tool member for rotation therewith about a first axis, and the second shaft is attached to the second tool member for rotation therewith about a second axis. A linear-to-rotary force transmitting member is mounted for reciprocal longitudinal movement in response to selective application of pressurized fluid thereto.

Abstract: A fluid-powered tool assembly having first and second tool members, a body, and first and second rotatable shafts. The first shaft is attached to the first tool member for rotation therewith about a first axis, and the second shaft is attached to the second tool member for rotation therewith about a second axis. A linear-to-rotary force transmitting member is mounted for reciprocal longitudinal movement in response to selective application of pressurized fluid thereto.

Abstract: A tool assembly using a fluid-powered actuator and including first and second tool members. The first tool member is pivotably connectable to a boom arm of a vehicle or stationary support platform for rotation about a first axis. The first tool member is also attached to a body of the actuator and the second tool members is attached to a shaft of the actuator so that operation of the actuator rotates the second tool member relative to the first tool member about a second axis spaced apart from the first axis and independent of rotation of the first tool member about the first axis. The second tool member is positioned to cooperatively engage the first tool member to assist in collection operations. The actuator has a generally cylindrical body with an output shaft rotatably disposed therein for rotation about the second axis.

Abstract: A fluid-powered rotatable work platform assembly for use with a vehicle such as a vehicle having an arm for positioning the assembly. The assembly includes a work platform or support configured to support a load, a body having a cavity extending along a longitudinal axis, and an output shaft rotatably disposed within the body generally coaxial with the longitudinal axis. A linear-to-rotary force transmitting member is positioned within the cavity of the body and engaged with the body and the output shaft to translate linear motion of the force transmitting member to rotational motion of one of the output shaft and the body relative to the other.

Abstract: A tool assembly using a fluid-powered actuator and including first and second tool members. The first tool member is pivotably connectable to a boom arm of a vehicle or stationary support platform for rotation about a first axis. The first tool member is also attached to a body of the actuator and the second tool members is attached to a shaft of the actuator so that operation of the actuator rotates the second tool member relative to the first tool member about a second axis spaced apart from the first axis and independent of rotation of the first tool member about the first axis. The second tool member is positioned to cooperatively engage the first tool member to assist in collection operations. The actuator has a generally cylindrical body with an output shaft rotatably disposed therein for rotation about the second axis.

Abstract: A tool assembly using a fluid-powered actuator and including first and second tool members. The first tool member is pivotably connectable to a boom arm of a vehicle or stationary support platform for rotation about a first axis. The first tool member is also attached to a body of the actuator and the second tool members is attached to a shaft of the actuator so that operation of the actuator rotates the second tool member relative to the first tool member about a second axis spaced apart from the first axis and independent of rotation of the first tool member about the first axis. The second tool member is positioned to cooperatively engage the first tool member to assist in collection operations. The actuator has a generally cylindrical body with an output shaft rotatably disposed therein for rotation about the second axis.

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 fluid-powered rotary actuator for providing rotary movement between first and second external members. The actuator includes a cylindrical body with first and second ends. The body is adapted for coupling to the first external member, and a shaft extending generally coaxially within the body and supported for rotation relative thereto. The shaft having an adjustable end limit of rotation relative to the body. The shaft has an end portion adapted for coupling to the second external member to provide rotational movement between the first and second external members. An annular body insert is positioned coaxial with the body and at least partially within the body at the body first end. The body insert is formed as a separate part from the body and is adjustably rotatable relative to the body to permit adjustment of the end limit of rotation of the shaft relative to the body. The body insert is restrained by the body against axial movement relative to the body during powered operation of the actuator.