Abstract: A servo valve for controlling an actuator comprising a housing, a first slide movable in the housing for controlling the flow of fluid to and from the actuator and a second slide mounted for movement in the housing. Both of the slides are movable in the housing during normal operation of the servo valve. Each of the slides is movable in the housing when the other of the slides jams. A jam sensor responds to either of the slides jamming for providing a corrective function for the servo valve.

Abstract: An optical position transducer comprising a coupler responsive to an input light pulse for providing a plurality of light pulses and a movable element movable along a path and having light transmitting regions and light obstructing regions. A first set of light pulse conductors conducts the light pulses, respectively, to a first set of locations closely adjacent the movable element with each of the light pulses being transmitted by the associated light pulse conductor to a different one of such locations. The light pulses are transmitted or obstructed by the movable element to provide a signal representative of the position of the movable element. A second set of light pulse conductors is positioned to conduct the light pulses transmitted by the movable element to a second location. At least some of the light pulses are delayed different lengths of time so that the light pulses from the second set of light pulse conductors can be transmitted as a light pulse train on a single light conductor.

Abstract: An actuator comprising a housing, a piston movable in the housing, a rod coupled to the piston and movable therewith, and a tubular member mounted in the housing and having a rod extending therethrough. A frangible section retains the tubular member against axial inward movement from a first position in the housing. When an axial inward force of at least a predetermined magnitude is applied to the tubular member, the frangible section ruptures to allow at least a portion of the tubular member to move axially inwardly. Armor is provided for protecting at least a portion of the housing.

Abstract: A fluid control unit comprising a drive piston having first and second faces and a drive rod. The drive piston has first and second fluid responsive faces exposable to fluid under pressure. The fluid under pressure acting on the first face urges the drive piston in a first direction and the fluid under pressure acting on the second face urges the drive piston in a second direction. First and second overridable detents drivingly couple the drive piston and the drive rod for movement in first and second directions, respectively. The coupling force provided by the first detent varies with the pressure of the fluid to which the first face of the drive piston is exposed, and the coupling force provided by the second detent varies with the pressure of the fluid to which the second face of the drive piston is exposed.

Abstract: A control system for generating a control signal at a first station, transmitting the control signal to a second station, and processing the control signal at the second station to provide a controlled output. At least some of the processing equipment at the second station draws electrical power, and power for such purposes is generated by a generator located at the second station.

Abstract: A ratio select mechanism including a supporting structure, first and second rotary input members mounted on the supporting structure, and a connecting lever extending between the rotary input members. An output member is coupled to the connecting lever. The opposite ends of the connecting lever are mounted for movement on the rotary input members, respectively, along radially extending paths. By adjusting the relative radial positions of the end portions of the connecting lever, the authority which each of the rotary input members has over the output member can be adjusted.

Abstract: A bearing comprising a housing including an outer bearing member having an insert receiving surface and at least one insert sized to be received within the insert receiving surface. A ball and a bearing liner are provided within the housing. Adhesive extruded from the bearing liner during assembly of the bearing is provided between the insert and the insert receiving surface to at least assist in retaining the insert within the insert receiving surface.

Abstract: A pressure plug comprising a radially expandable sleeve and an inner member within the sleeve. The sleeve has a tapered passage extending in a generally axial direction through the sleeve. The inner member includes a plug, an installation pin, and a breakable section joining the installation pin to the plug. The plug has a tapered outer peripheral surface. To install the plug in a passage of a body, a tension force is applied to the installation pin to tightly wedge the plug within the sleeve and to radially expand the sleeve into sealing tight engagement with the wall of the passage in the body. When the tension force reaches a predetermined magnitude, the breakable section breaks to prevent the application of excessive force to the pressure plug and the body in which it is installed.

Abstract: A control system comprising an actuator having a fluid responsive member movable in at least first and second directions and two sources for controlling the fluid responsive member. A first of these sources includes a servo pump which pumps fluid from one side of the fluid responsive member to the other to thereby control the position of the fluid responsive member. A second of these sources includes a valve which controls the supply of fluid under pressure to the fluid responsive member and the return of fluid from the fluid responsive member. The servo pump and valve are arranged in parallel with their flows being summed at the actuator.

Abstract: A valve comprising a valve body having a chamber therein, a knife-edged valve seat in the chamber, and a knife edge in the chamber substantially circumscribing the valve seat. First and second passages are provided in the valve body leading to the chamber with the first passage terminating in a port substantially at the valve seat. A valve member is adapted to engage the valve seat in a first position to block flow through the port and electromagnetic means is energizable to move the valve member off of the valve seat. The valve is constructed and arranged so that the movement of the valve member off of the valve seat is carried out with mechanical advantage.