Abstract: The presence of particulate debris flowing in a hydraulic fluid flow system includes a source of infra-red light passing through a window of the fluid flow line while fluid is flowing therethrough. A portion of the light is directed to a monitoring photodiode prior to reaching the fluid flow line. A detector photodiode is positioned to receive light passing through the flow line, the hydraulic fluid flowing therethrough and out of a second window. A trap is positioned between the hydraulic fluid flow line and the detector photodiode to prevent the direct rays of light from reaching the detector photodiode while permitting scattered light to reach the detector photodiode. A reduction in the amount of light reaching the detector photodiode results in an alarm being activated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying and entering information associated with structures in a machining system, wherein each structure is associated with at least one setup in the machining system, and can be, for example, a pallet, fixture, or workface. A user interface receives the structure information from the user and displays at least a portion of the information, along with a structure icon, within a window on a display device. Preferably, the location of the tool in the machining system is also displayed within the window along with a machine configuration image which represents the configuration of the machining system. The structure information preferably includes the offset coordinates for the structure. Upon request from the user, setup icons and setup information for the setups associated with the structure can be displayed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic fluid reservoir comprising a substantially cylindrical wall (1), an upper wall (2) and a lower wall, and two tubular connection pieces (4, 5) for entering and discharging hydraulic fluid into and out from the interior of the reservoir. The two tubular connection pieces, an inlet connection piece (4) and an outlet connection piece (5) are substantially tangentially connected to the cylindrical wall (1) to preserve the momentum of a fluid fed into the reservoir.

Abstract: A solenoid valve utilizes a single unitary member as a combined core/spool which is axially moveable between an extended deactivated position to a retracted activated position upon actuation of its coil. The valve includes a coil in which the windings on a bobbin are encapsulated by injection molding an outer member therearound. The valve also includes a washer which becomes adhered to the outer member during injection molding, a plug member supported on the washer and a sleeve encircling the coil. The plug member has an end positioned to be contacted by the core/spool upon actuation which is contoured to provide minimal contact surface between it and the core/spool.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fast threading pullout in a numerically controlled threading application which includes position determining logic for receiving position command signals from a numerical control and determining the commanded movement of a threading member along at least a primary threading axis and a secondary pullout axis, at least one sensing device for sensing the position of the threading member along at least the primary and secondary axes, velocity calculation structure for generating velocity command signals for actuating the threading member along the primary and secondary axes in accordance with the commanded movements and the sensed position of the member, supplemental velocity structure for applying a supplemental pullout velocity at a predetermined pullout position on the thread to accelerate the member along the secondary axis, and monitoring logic for monitoring the pullout of the threading member along the secondary axis and discontinuing the supplemental velocity after a predetermin

Abstract: A hydraulic damper is disclosed for reducing undesirable pressure differentials in a hydraulic system. The damper comprises a body assembly, including first and second inlet ports for connecting the damper to a hydraulic system. A pair of lap assemblies are provided for equalizing pressure differentials between the inlet ports. Each lap assembly is in fluid communication with each of said inlet ports. A metered passageway is provided for fluidly connecting each of said inlet ports. A slide is movably received within the lap assembly to permit reciprocal motion. The slide alternately blocks and unblocks the metered passageway in response to a predetermined pressure across one of the respective inlet ports, in order to equalize the pressure differential between the ports.

Abstract: A fluid flow control valve and method for operating which maintains the rate of flow of fluid therethrough at a substantially constant rate regardless of variations in pressure of the fluid flowing therethrough.

Abstract: A liquid retention system is disclosed which includes a tank for receiving and retaining a liquid, and including a filling port. A dispenser supplies liquid to the tank through a nozzle which engages the filling port. A pneumatic detection system is provided for fluidly measuring the liquid level state within the tank; i.e., determining whether or not the tank is full. An optical detection system is also provided, which cooperates with the pneumatic detection system, for optically measuring the liquid level state within the tank.

Abstract: A hydraulic pump is disclosed having an adjusting member for varying yoke angle. The present adjusting member includes a control piston for displacing the yoke so as to define a desired yoke angle. A stop member is provided having threads and retained within the control piston. An adjusting screw for rotational motion is provided and includes an O-ring and a back up ring for sealing between the screw and the pump housing. The screw also includes a threaded portion for engaging the threads of the stop member. Rotation of the screw advances the threads while remaining stationary, displacing the control piston to limit the maximum inclination of the yoke.

Abstract: A hydraulic valve is disclosed including a valve body, a pressure inlet port, a return port, and a regulated pressure port. A cavity is formed in the valve body, in fluid communication with the various ports. The cavity comprises a first chamber having a desired first diameter and a second chamber, having a desired second diameter greater than that of said first chamber. A solenoid-actuated spool is movably retained within said cavity for selectively connecting the regulated pressure port to the inlet port and return port in response to an actuation force. The spool comprises a first section, retained within the first chamber, and a second section, retained within the second chamber, and having a respective corresponding predetermined diameters. A fluid passage establishes fluid communication between the first chamber and the second chamber.

Abstract: A high starting torque induction motor with simultaneously reduced starting current adapted to be associated with a drive having a high load torque on starting that includes a stator, a rotor, a first end ring fixed on said rotor, a second movable end ring associated with said rotor and having a lower electrical resistance than the first ring, and a centrifugal device associated with the second ring and operable upon the rotation of the rotor at a predetermined speed such that, when the motor is electrically energized, the high resistance of the first ring produces a high starting torque at reduced starting current, and when the motor achieves a predetermined speed, the second ring is moved into engagement with the first ring reducing the effective resistance and permitting normal operation of the electric motor.

Abstract: A variable displacement hydraulic piston machine that includes a shaft mounted for rotation within a housing, a plurality of pistons in a cylinder block coupled to the shaft, a yoke engaged by the pistons for controlling displacement of the pistons in the cylinder block, and saddle bearings pivotally mounting the yoke to a base within the housing. Each saddle bearing includes arcuate inner and outer bearing races fixed to the yoke and the housing base respectively, a plurality of rolling elements captured by a cage between the races, and a timing lever positioning and retaining the races and the cage with respect to each other. The timing lever has a central portion pivotally mounted to the bearing between the bearing races, and opposed end portions pivotally received in the housing base and yoke.

Abstract: A power drive unit for aircraft cargo handling systems that includes an electric motor and a drive roller mounted on for rotation about an axis parallel to the motor output shaft for engagement with cargo to be driven by the unit. A planetary gear differential and a torque control arrangement couple the motor output shaft to a self-erecting mechanism for lifting the unit into engagement with cargo, and to the drive roller for propelling the cargo. A scrub sensor is coupled to the drive roller for modulating application of electrical power to the motor when the drive roller is scrubbing against cargo engaged by the roller.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, the hydraulic dual solenoid directional control valve embodying the invention includes means at each end of the hydraulic dual solenoid directional control valve which includes a hinge fixed to the coil at each end, a lever pivoted to the hinge and an elbow connected to the hinge and connected to a common rod. The rod has a non-circular sleeve, preferably square, which projects normally through a complementary opening in a projection on one of the hinges. When the rod is moved in one direction, the sleeve and rod are moved such that an interference fit is provided with rotation between the sleeve and the projection on one hinge causing the lever to yieldingly apply force to the pin of the corresponding solenoid, actuating the valve in one direction.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring fluid contaminant level that includes a light source positioned on one side of a fluid sample path for directing light energy into fluid flowing in the sample path, a photosensor positioned on the same side of the sample path, and a reflector positioned on an opposing side of the sample path for receiving light from the source transmitted through the sample fluid and reflecting such light back through the fluid to the photosensor. The photosensor provides an electrical signal as a function of intensity of light incident thereon from the light source after having twice passed through the fluid, and the concentration or level of contaminants in the fluid is indicated as a function of such electrical signal. Thus, the concentration of contaminants that extinguish light energy transmitted through the fluid is indicated as an inverse function of light intensity at the photosensor, and may be compared to a preset target threshold level for indicating an undesirably high contamination level.

Abstract: An electrically conductive particle detector that includes a hollow spool or sleeve of insulating material having an open end, a sidewall and a circumferential array of elongated fluid passages that extend radially through the sidewall. A pair of internested helical conductors are mounted in corresponding helical grooves on the interior of the sleeve sidewall, with helical reaches of the conductors spaced from each other by the sleeve. Electrical circuitry is connected to the conductors for detecting impingement of a conductive particle that bridges adjacent reaches of the conductors in fluid that flows through the sleeve. A perforated strainer is carried by the sleeve spaced from the conductors for removing particles in the fluid that flows through the sleeve.

Abstract: Apparatus for training an operator in use of electrohydraulics that includes an electric-motor/hydraulic-pump with an integrated fluid sump mounted on a portable support. An electrohydraulic valve on the support is preconnected to the pump, and has at least one solenoid valve responsive to valve control signals for controlling the valve to supply fluid from the pump. A hydraulic cylinder is carried on the support and preconnected to the valve for generating mechanical motion as a function of fluid supplied by the valve from the pump. An electronic controller is mounted on the support. A plurality of electrical connectors are mounted on an operator panel on the support and individually preconnected behind the operator panel to the valve controller, to the solenoid of the electrohydraulic valve and to a mechanism on the panel for generating an operator command signal.

Abstract: Apparatus for training an operator in use of hydraulic and electrohydraulic fluid power systems that includes a vertical panel upstanding from a wheeled base. A first plurality of electrohydraulic devices are mounted on one side of the panel, and second plurality of hydromechanical devices are mounted on the opposing side of the panel. Both of the device pluralities include fluid flow control valves that are distinct from each other between the respective pluralities, and fluid load devices such as rotary hydraulic motors and linear hydraulic cylinders that are shared by the respective pluralities. A fluid power source is carried by the base, as are a multiplicity of hoses for connecting the fluid power source to the devices among either or both of the first and second pluralities. Thus, a hydromechanical trainer and an electrohydraulic trainer are provided in a single device with shared components for loading the valves of the respective training sections, which may be used simultaneously.

Abstract: An electric-motor/hydraulic-pump assembly in which an electric motor has a motor housing and a motor drive shaft, and a hydraulic pump is mounted directly to one end of the motor housing and internally coupled to the shaft to form a unitary assembly in which vibration generated by operation of the pump is transmitted to the motor housing. Support feet are affixed to the motor housing for mounting the motor/pump assembly to underlying support structure, and sound deadening ferrules are interposed between the motor housing and the support feet to inhibit transmission of structureborne noise from the motor housing to the support structure. The motor and pump are surrounded by a sound enclosure to inhibit radiation of airborne noise into the surround atmosphere. Fluid is drawn through an inlet in the sound enclosure and through the motor housing to cool the motor, and then pumped to a fluid outlet in the enclosure.

Abstract: A magnetic sensor for the collection and measurement of ferrous particles through the use of an electronic tuned circuit is disclosed. The sensor contains an electrical inductance coil along with an integral magnet to attract ferrous particles suspended in the fluid. The ferrous particles collecting on the magnetic surface of the sensor causes a change in the inductance of the integral coil which is measured by an electronic circuit. The electronic circuit operating in conjunction with the sensor utilizes a series resonant circuit. A measurement of the voltage across the series resonant circuit is responsive to changes in temperature of the inductance coil. A microprocessor is used to determine the change in period of the resonant oscillation with change in inductance of the coil. The microprocessor uses the data on temperature variation to correct the observed change in oscillator period for the effects of temperature.