Abstract: An method and apparatus for programming the parameters of an adjustable or programmable device such as a valve amplifier, wherein the adapter disconnects an input on the amplifier from a valve controller and reconnects the input to a programming apparatus, such as a microcontroller or a computer for example, to modify the amplifier parameters. Accordingly, the valve amplifier need not include a separate connection for connecting to a programming apparatus, thereby decreasing its cost and the risk of contamination. A first connector on the adapter is adapted to mate with a connector to a controller, a power supply, and a controlled mechanism, such as a valve. A second connector on the adapter is adapted to mate with a connector on the amplifier. A third connector on the adapter can mate with a serial computer connector, and a computer can program the parameters. Alternatively, the adapter can include a microcontroller to conduct the programming of the amplifier parameters.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for compensating for the effects of compliant elements in a positioning system is provided. The amount of compensation to be applied can be determined by measuring the lost motion errors which are prevalent during continuous motion of the movable member of the system. The compensation value determined can be used to adjust servo control commands, such as position commands for example. Preferably, the compensation is applied when the movable member is in motion and removed when the movable member comes to a stop. Even more preferably, the compensation is applied and removed gradually. The compensation can be used in additional to friction compensation and backlash compensation, and can be implemented in a machine tool system.

Abstract: A hydraulic demonstration apparatus is disclosed having a hydraulic system including a reservoir, an inlet line and an outlet line. A valve at the inlet line is included for introducing air so as to create aeration in the hydraulic system. A restricting valve is provided at the inlet line for creating cavitation in the hydraulic system. A hydraulic pump is provided having a clear cover for observing the effects of aeration and cavitation inside the pump. A flow meter having a clear housing is provided for observing the air in the system and the reduction of pump efficiency caused by aeration. The demonstration apparatus can be mounted on a movable cart.

Abstract: A pulling device for use with a pipe having an inside wall. The device includes a center slide. The device further includes at least one gripper plate that is adapted to cooperatively engage the center slide to cause the gripper plate to expand outwardly with respect to the center slide. The gripper plate includes a plurality of rings for engaging the inside wall of the pipe. The device further includes a pulling eye attached to the center slide to which a swivel or a cable can be attached to pull the device.

Abstract: A shut-off valve for pressurized fluids in particular for air cooling/heating apparatus includes at least one condenser and at least one fluid evaporator communicating with each other by a pipe at least one duct which has inside a nozzle coaxially formed with a capillary duct designed to cause rapid expansion of the fluid when it emerges from the nozzle, and a retainer securing the pipe to the valve.

Abstract: A fixed displacement vane-type hydraulic machine that includes a cartridge assembly having a rotor, a plurality of vanes carried by the rotor, side plates on opposed sides of the rotor, and a cam ring carried between the side plates surrounding the vanes and rotor to define fluid chambers between the vanes. A housing surrounds and encloses the cartridge assembly, and provides inlet and outlet passages for feeding fluid to and from the chambers. A shaft is coupled to the rotor and extends from the housing. A cam pin extends radially between the cam ring and the housing surrounding the cam ring for preventing rotation of the cam ring with respect to the housing so as to absorb reaction torque on the cam ring with respect to the housing due to pressure applied to the machine. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the cam pin is affixed to the cam ring, and is slidably received within an axial pocket in the surrounding housing during assembly of the cartridge to the housing.

Abstract: A drive control apparatus for controlling a plurality of control variables of at least one electrically powered axle of a processing machine, such as an injection molding machine. Multivariable control means including internal signal processing and date storage means for an open and closed-loop control of phase angle, current input and velocity are dominating process computer means for a lag-free control of the control variables.

Abstract: A two stage brake valve communicates fluid pressure to a brake mechanism. The brake valve has an inlet for receiving pressurized brake fluid from a pump, a reservoir port, a stepped bore and a stepped piston member comprising a larger diameter prefill piston and a smaller diameter high pressure piston. The stepped bore and the stepped piston form a high volume prefill chamber and a high pressure chamber. The high pressure piston has a metering groove which controls communication between the inlet and the brake mechanism. A bleed orifice is formed in the high pressure piston and communicates the high pressure chamber to an outer surface of the high pressure piston. The bleed orifice includes an annular bleed groove formed in an outer surface of the high pressure piston and a radial passage extending from the bleed groove to an interior of the high pressure piston.

Abstract: An electrohydraulic control system that includes a bidirectional electric motor responsive to application of electrical power for rotation in either of two directions, and a hydraulic pump coupled to the motor and having ports for supplying hydraulic fluid in either of two flow directions as a function of direction of rotation of the electric motor. A hydraulic actuator is coupled to the pump for receiving fluid in either of two flow directions and performing work as a function thereof. An electronic controller applies electrical power to the electric motor so as to obtain a desired level of work at the actuator. The electronic controller includes one or more sensors operatively coupled to the actuator for applying electrical power to the motor as a function of motion at the actuator.

Abstract: A sight glass for a fluid vessel that includes a housing with facility for mounting to a fluid vessel wall, and a transparent window mounted within the housing for viewing fluid within the vessel from outside of the vessel wall. A valve mounted within the housing has a normally open position for permitting passage of fluid from within the vessel to adjacent the window, and a closed position for blocking such fluid passage. The valve includes structure responsive to one or more predetermined conditions at the sight glass for moving the valve to the closed position so as to block passage of fluid to the window, and thereby provide a visual indication of occurrence of the predetermined conditions from outside of the vessel.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring particles in fluid systems in which a detector has electrical contacts that are bridged by particles captured from suspension in the fluid. Upon detection of a particle, a control microprocessor stores a predetermined quantity of electrical energy on a capacitor, which is then discharged through an inductor to burn off the particle at the detector. The burn-off charge and return lines from the charge storage capacitor are un-grounded, and are connected by respective electronic switches through relay contacts to the conductors connected to the chip detector. The relay contacts are also connected to the inputs of a differential amplifier for detecting presence of a chip bridging the detector contacts and monitoring continuity of the conductors to and from the detector. The relay is powered by system voltage, and in the event of system power failure connects the chip detectors directly to warning lamps on an operator panel.

Abstract: A system and method for loading cargo as cargo units in an aircraft cargo handling system having a cargo loading bay that opens laterally of the aircraft and at least one cargo stowing bay adjacent to the cargo loading bay longitudinally of the aircraft. Two self-erecting power drive units are disposed in the cargo loading bay such that the associated rollers are oriented to propel cargo units in orthogonal directions. The two power drive units in the loading bay are also disposed adjacent to each other such that, when both are in the erected position, the rollers of each unit simultaneously engage a single overlying cargo unit. The power drive units may be simultaneously placed in the erected position with the motors de-energized, such that orthogonal orientation of the de-energized drive rollers effectively prevents movement of an overlying cargo unit engaged by both rollers, whereby the cargo unit so engaged is prevented from inadvertent movement out of the loading bay.

Abstract: An integrated electric motor-driven in-line hydraulic pump that includes a housing with an internal shaft, and a cylinder block mounted for rotation on the shaft. The rotor of an electric motor has an internally affixed bearing sleeve that is rotatably supported with respect to the shaft surrounding the cylinder block within the housing. Teeth on the sleeve engage splines on the cylinder block for rotatably coupling the rotor to the cylinder block. The stator of the electric motor is affixed within the housing surrounding the rotor. Pistons are operatively coupled to the cylinder block and engage a yoke plate for obtaining positive displacement pumping action upon energization of the motor. Fluid inlet and outlet ports feed hydraulic fluid through the housing to the cylinder block and pistons, and from the cylinder block to the outlet port.

Abstract: A power drive unit for aircraft cargo handling systems that includes a motor and a drive roller carried for engagement with cargo to be driven by the unit. Planetary gears rotatably couple the output shaft of the motor to an output gear coaxial with the motor output shaft. Idler gears extend laterally from the planetary output gear and rotatably couple the planetary output gear to the roller drive shaft. A pair of angularly spaced reaction gears are coupled to the planetary output gear in opposition to the idler gears for supporting the output gear against reaction forces imparted thereto by the drive roller through the idler gears.

Abstract: A filter assembly has a housing for supporting a filter element, a first quick connect sealing valve operatively connected to an inlet passageway in the housing, and a second quick connect sealing valve operatively connected to an outlet passageway in the housing.