Abstract: A driven sprocket configured for rotational use in a linear actuator is provided. The driven sprocket includes an outer circumferential surface extending radially from a main body. The outer circumferential surface has a plurality of spaced apart gear teeth configured to engage corresponding structures of a drive belt. An upper rim and a lower rim bound the outer circumferential surface and are configured to maintain a drive belt in an engaged position with the gear teeth. A plurality of internal apertures extend therethrough and are configured to receive portions of a lead screw and portions of a torque limiter. A plurality of spaced apart apertures are configured to receive fasteners configured to secure the torque limiter to the driven sprocket in a manner such that rotation of the driven sprocket results in rotation of the torque limiter.

Abstract: A snap ring insertion apparatus is provided and configured to install a snap ring on a structural member. The snap ring insertion apparatus includes a pneumatic cylinder assembly configured to receive compressed gas and transfer a power of an expansion of the compressed gas to linear movement of a rod. An insertion assembly is coupled to the rod. The insertion assembly has an expander pin and a plurality of fingers pivotably coupled to a finger support member. The finger support member is coupled to the rod in a manner such that linear movement of the rod provides linear movement of the expander pin and pivoting movement of the fingers. Pivoting movement of the fingers results in engagement of the fingers with a snap ring and further pivoting of the fingers results in an expansion of the snap ring in a radial direction.

Abstract: A snap ring insertion apparatus is provided and configured to install a snap ring on a structural member. The snap ring insertion apparatus includes a pneumatic cylinder assembly configured to receive compressed gas and transfer a power of an expansion of the compressed gas to linear movement of a rod. An insertion assembly is coupled to the rod. The insertion assembly has an expander pin and a plurality of fingers pivotably coupled to a finger support member. The finger support member is coupled to the rod in a manner such that linear movement of the rod provides linear movement of the expander pin and pivoting movement of the fingers. Pivoting movement of the fingers results in engagement of the fingers with a snap ring and further pivoting of the fingers results in an expansion of the snap ring in a radial direction.

Abstract: A driven sprocket configured for rotational use in a linear actuator is provided. The driven sprocket includes an outer circumferential surface extending radially from a main body. The outer circumferential surface has a plurality of spaced apart gear teeth configured to engage corresponding structures of a drive belt. An upper rim and a lower rim bound the outer circumferential surface and are configured to maintain a drive belt in an engaged position with the gear teeth. A plurality of internal apertures extend therethrough and are configured to receive portions of a lead screw and portions of a torque limiter. A plurality of spaced apart apertures are configured to receive fasteners configured to secure the torque limiter to the driven sprocket in a manner such that rotation of the driven sprocket results in rotation of the torque limiter.

Abstract: A linear actuator is provided that includes a housing having an input member supported for rotation therein. An output member travels linearly along the input member when the input member is rotated relative to the output member. A guide rail extends along an inner surface of the housing. The output member engages the guide rail to prevent rotation of the output member.

Abstract: A tube partial thread forming apparatus and method is disclosed. A tube is placed on the apparatus around internal die sections, which are separated by a mandrel to cause the internal die sections to engage the tube. stripper pieces are moved into engagement around the outer surface of the tube to secure and support the tube. External die sections extend through the stripper pieces and engage the tube and form partial threads thereon.

Abstract: An intensifier type of fluid actuator using air and water as working fluids therein includes first and second bodies that can be separate components or incorporated into a single structure. The first body includes a first manifold connected by a first tube to a second manifold to define an intensifier chamber, a third manifold connected by a second tube to the second manifold to define a reservoir chamber, and a fourth manifold connected by a third tube to the third manifold to define a work chamber. An intensifier piston is disposed within the intensifier chamber and has an outer surface in sealing and sliding engagement with the first tube. The intensifier rod is secured to the intensifier piston and extends through the second manifold into the reservoir chamber. The intensifier rod is movable through the third manifold into the work chamber. A reservoir piston is disposed within the reservoir chamber and has an outer surface in sealing and sliding engagement with the second tube.

Abstract: An intensifier type of fluid actuator includes multiple sensors for sensing various operational characteristics of the intensifier. The intensifier includes a first manifold connected by a first tube to a second manifold to define an intensifier chamber, a third manifold connected by a second tube to the second manifold to define a reservoir chamber, and a fourth manifold connected by a third tube to the third manifold to define a work chamber. An intensifier piston is disposed within the intensifier chamber and has an intensifier rod secured thereto that extends through the second manifold into the reservoir chamber and through the third manifold into the work chamber. A reservoir piston is disposed within the reservoir chamber and includes an opening formed therethrough, through which the intensifier rod extends. The second body includes a fifth manifold connected by a fourth tube to a sixth manifold to define a piston chamber.

Abstract: An intensifier type of fluid actuator includes a body including a first manifold connected by a first tube to a second manifold to define an intensifier chamber, a third manifold connected by a second tube to the second manifold to define a reservoir chamber, and a fourth manifold connected by a third tube to the third manifold to define a work chamber. A reservoir piston is disposed within the reservoir chamber and has an outer surface in sealing and sliding engagement with the second tube. The reservoir piston includes an inner surface defined by a central opening formed therethrough which extends from a first end of the reservoir piston adjacent to the second manifold to a second end of the reservoir piston adjacent to the third manifold. A passageway is formed in the reservoir piston which extends from the inner surface to the outer surface, thereof.