Abstract: Locking apparatus for a piston and cylinder device includes a locking plunger connected to the piston and disposed between the piston and an end cap of the piston and cylinder device. The locking plunger includes a sleeve which carries a plurality of radially movable ball bearings. As the piston is moved toward an extreme position of the device, the ball bearings contact a spring loaded locking plug disposed in the head of the device, thereby moving the plug away from a first position. The piston and locking plunger continue to move the locking plug away from the first position until the balls are aligned with a circumferential groove or channel in the head. At this point the locking plug is moved to the first position under spring force, in turn moving the ball bearings radially outward into engagement with the channel or groove. The piston and piston rod of the device are thereby locked in position in the absence of fluid pressure.

Abstract: A retaining ring locking device for preventing longitudinal relative movement of a shaft within a bore utilizes a flat or wire retaining ring. A groove is machined on the shaft as well as the bore and an access window is provided on either the shaft or the device containing the bore. The access window extends longitudinally from and beside the ring receiving groove formed by the alignment of the shaft and bore grooves to the exterior of the device and serves as the access point for threadable insertion of the retaining ring. The encapsulated design provides greater strength and eliminates the need for two separate retaining rings to prevent relative movement in two directions.

Abstract: An expandable cushion plunger for use with a fluid pressure driven piston and cylinder device includes a cushion sleeve mounted on a piston rod in floating relation thereto, and having a skirt, the interior of which is exposed to the cushioning fluid within the cylinder. As the piston nears the end of its stroke, the sleeve begins to enter a fluid exit port, trapping fluid between the piston and the cylinder head, which will slow and cushion the piston travel as it approaches the cylinder head. As the sleeve continues to enter the fluid exit port, the pressure of the trapped fluid increases due to the smaller size of the annular orifice between the sleeve and the port as compared with the port size. The cushion sleeve may expand under influence of increased pressure, further restricting the flow of pressurized fluid through the annular orifice to provide smooth deceleration of the piston as it reaches the end of its stroke and comes to rest against the cylinder head without undesirable impact.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus for drying gases, more particularly compressed air. In the gas drying apparatus there is presented a single vessel partitioned into various flow passages so as to direct the incoming water vapor bearing compressed gases through a heat exchanger, a refrigeration section, a demister, and then through a second heat exchanger for exit from the apparatus. The arrangement of parts is such as to permit all of these functions in a very small vessel.

Abstract: Disclosed are control modules for use in systems utilizing flexible, optical fiber bundles, which control modules include an optical switch and an optical receiver. Each is provided with quick-disconnect fittings for receipt of optical fiber bundles. Also disclosed is a control system for an apparatus including a machine having mechanical parts which perform a series of operations wherein the control inputs to the machine are generated by the control modules operated in response to mechanical movements of the machine.

Abstract: A hydraulic snubber device arranged for facilitated servicing of a secondary seal thereof. A bushing removably mounted to the head of the device cooperates therewith to retain a split annular seal element in sealed association with a piston rod extending outwardly therethrough. A bushing is movable on the rod sufficiently to expose the seal for selective removal and installation when desired. The snubber is adapted for use in a radioactive environment wherein the split seal may suffer degradation such as from radiation and permits the replacement of the seal without disconnecting elements connected to the end of the piston rod so as to provide minimum downtime in servicing the installation.

Abstract: A stop tube for use in cylinder assemblies. The stop tube is defined by a base having a tube secured thereto and the base is adapted to be slidably received on the rod of a cylinder to float thereon.