Abstract: A relatively thin but powerful linear power actuator particular adapted for the individual control of a plurality of closely stacked adjacent hydraulic valves. Each of the two disclosed embodiments include a reversible DC motor coupled to reduction gearing which drives a pivotable drive plate. Pivotally coupled to the drive plate is a driven plate from which a linear output shaft extends. The two plates may be connected together by a remotely operable solenoid coupler for motor control of the linear output shaft, or decoupled for manual control of the output shaft independently of the motor control.

Abstract: A controlled liner actuator shaft that may be used to open and close hydraulic valves is tapped to control a second valve or the like by an actuator shaft housing selectively lockable to the actuator shaft. An adjustable sleeve on the housing pivotally supports a control handle collar and spaced pivotal connections of the control handle to a stationary member and to the valve to be controlled permits manual control when the shaft housing is released from the shaft, and permits actuator shaft control when the shaft housing is locked to the shaft.

Abstract: A remotely controllable linear power actuator for the control of manually operable hydraulic valve handle or the like. A down-geared motor drives an adjustable friction slip clutch connected to a plate that can be rotated around the axis of the clutch by operation of the motor. A freely movable second plate is pivotally connected to the first elongated plate and the linearly movable output shaft is connected to the opposite end of the second plate. Thus, until the two plates are interconnected against pivotal rotation the output shaft which is connected to the valve handle may be easily moved manually. A solenoid interlock on one plate may be actuated to force the solenoid armature, or a steel ball driven by the armature, into a corresponding hole in the other plate to thereby connect the two plates at some point distant from the pivot pin.

Abstract: A remote operable coupler for rapidly connecting the loading hook of a crane, or the like, to a load to be hoisted comprises a load collar that is attached to the load and an upper unit support on the crane hook. The load collar has a funnel shaped aperture vertically aligned therethrough and the upper unit has a depending lifting tube that is lowered into and through the funnel in the collar. Steel balls are located in radial holes near the bottom of the lifting tube and normally are recessed into an annular groove near the bottom end of a cam rod in the bore of the lifting tube.

Abstract: An automatic leveling device for crane boom supported work baskets includes a weighted and damped plumb sensor coupled to a first potentiometer and a second potentiometer for measuring the relative angle between the crane boom and the basket pivotally attached thereto. The measured output levels of the two potentiometers are applied to a servo circuit that controls a linear power actuator pivotally attached between the boom and basket to thereby maintain the basket vertical. The basket may be electrically isolated from ground for use on "live" wire maintenance when the basket carries a storage battery for powering the servo and actuator and if the basket controls for boom movement are transmitted to the crane through a fiber optic or radio remote control link.

Abstract: A remote control system for controlling the movement of manually operable mechanisms such as hydraulic control valves for hydraulically operating the various cylinders on equipment such as cranes, or the like. A remote control unit includes a deadman switch and one or more potentiometers that provide control signals to a corresponding number of servo circuits. Each servo circuit drives a motor and a motor position sensing potentiometer that generates an error signal back to the servo. The motor rotation provides linear movement to the hydraulic control valve through a solenoid operated mechanical coupling. The servo circuit includes safety circuitry that detects open or shorted circuits in the cable to the remote unit and releases the solenoid coupling and returns the motor to a neutral position.

Abstract: Valve operating system which is particularly suitable for use in the remote control of valves such as the function control valves of a crane or loading apparatus. The system includes output shafts for connection to the operating levers of the valves and input shafts disposed telescopically of the output shafts. A drive motor is connected to the input shafts for moving the same in unison along their axes, the detent means are provided for selectively locking the input and output shafts in each pair together. The detent means are operated by electrically energized solenoids which can be controlled remotely, e.g. from a hand held control unit connected to the remainder of the system by a cable.