Abstract: A servovalve comprising a motor, a motor bias mechanism, a first stage valve having a first position, a second stage valve movable with movement of the first valve, a reference member in fluid communication with the second valve, a transfer link acting between the first valve and the reference member, an eccentric drive acting between the motor and transfer link, wherein movement of the motor causes the transfer link to move the first valve, movement of the first valve causes the second valve member to move, movement of the second valve applies on the reference member a pressure differential from a load, the pressure differential on the reference member causes movement of the reference member, and movement of the reference member causes the transfer link to move the first valve back to the first position.

Abstract: An actuator synchronization system comprising a control valve in fluid communication with a plurality of actuators; each of the actuators comprising an input member moveable by the control valve, a main valve moveable from a null to an off-null position, an output member moveable from a first to a second output position, and a feedback linkage and a drive link configured such that selective movement of the input member causes movement of the valve from the null to the off-null position and movement of the output member to the second output position causes movement of the valve member from the off-null to the null position; and a mechanical connector between each of the input members or drive links of the actuators configured such that rotational motion of each of the respective drive links is synchronized.

Abstract: The improved servovalve broadly (20) includes: a body (21) having an axis of elongation (y-y), a portion of the body defining a cylinder (43) having an axis (x-x) substantially perpendicular to the body axis; a valve member (44) movably mounted in the cylinder, and adapted to be moved off-null in either direction along the cylinder axis to selectively meter the flows of fluid between a plurality of ports defined between the spool and cylinder; a rotor (58) mounted on the body for rotation about the body axis; a motor (69) acting between the body and rotor, and selectively operable to cause the rotor to rotate in a desired angular direction relative to the body; and a quill-like transfer member (64) acting between the rotor and valve spool.

Abstract: A servovalve comprising a motor, a motor bias mechanism, a first stage valve having a first position, a second stage valve movable with movement of the first valve, a reference member in fluid communication with the second valve, a transfer link acting between the first valve and the reference member, an eccentric drive acting between the motor and transfer link, wherein movement of the motor causes the transfer link to move the first valve, movement of the first valve causes the second valve member to move, movement of the second valve applies on the reference member a pressure differential from a load, the pressure differential on the reference member causes movement of the reference member, and movement of the reference member causes the transfer link to move the first valve back to the first position.

Abstract: A servovalve (15) comprising a motor (16), a motor bias mechanism (20), a first stage valve member (22) adapted to be moved from a first position to a first off-null position, a second stage member (29) adapted to be moved from a first position to a second position with movement of the first valve member (22), a transfer link (34) acting between the first (22) and second (29) valve members, an eccentric drive member (35) acting between the motor (16) and the transfer link (34), the transfer link (34) and drive member (35) configured such that selective movement of the motor (16) causes the transfer link (34) to move the first valve member (22), movement of the first valve member (22) causes the second valve member (29) to move, and movement of the second valve member (29) causes the transfer link (34) to move the first valve member (22) from the first off-null position back to the null position.

Abstract: An actuator system having a controlled element configured for rotary movement about a first axis relative to a reference structure; a linkage system between the element and reference structure; a first actuator and a second actuator configured to power a first degree of freedom and an independent second degree of freedom of the linkage system, respectively; the linkage system having a first link configured for rotary movement about a second axis not coincident to the first axis and second link configured for rotary movement about a third axis; the linkage system configured such that a first angle of rotation may be driven independently of a second angle of rotation between said first link and said reference structure; wherein one of the first or second actuators is configured and arranged to drive rotation of the element about the first axis when the other is operatively locked.

Abstract: An actuator synchronization system comprising a control valve in fluid communication with a plurality of actuators; each of the actuators comprising an input member moveable by the control valve, a main valve moveable from a null to an off-null position, an output member moveable from a first to a second output position, and a feedback linkage and a drive link configured such that selective movement of the input member causes movement of the valve from the null to the off-null position and movement of the output member to the second output position causes movement of the valve member from the off-null to the null position; and a mechanical connector between each of the input members or drive links of the actuators configured such that rotational motion of each of the respective drive links is synchronized.

Abstract: Disclosed are exemplary embodiments of apparatus and methods for arresting flame at a gas burner. In an exemplary embodiment, an apparatus for use in burning a gas fuel generally includes a flame arrester device having a screen portion configured for placement between a gas orifice and a burner. The flame arrester device is configured to allow gas emitted from the gas orifice to pass through the screen portion to enter the burner. The flame arrester device is further configured to arrest a flame from the burner before the flame reaches the gas orifice.

Abstract: A valve (210) comprising a motor (221) having an output shaft (231) orientated about a motor axis (230), a hydraulic valve having a drive spool (224) configured to move from a first position to a second position, a mechanical linkage (222) between the output shaft (231) and the drive spool (224) having a sleeve (232) mechanically coupled to the output shaft (231), a pole shaft (233) configured for sliding engagement in a direction generally perpendicular to the motor axis, a link (235) connected to the pole shaft (233) by a pivot joint (234), a drive shaft (252) coupled to the link (235) and rotatable about a drive axis, the drive shaft (252) having an end portion to engage and apply a force to the spool (224), and a spring (223) to provide a bias between the pole shaft (233) and the sleeve (232), such that a distance between the motor axis and the pivot joint multiplied by a distance between the drive axis and the applied force is less than a distance between the drive axis and the pivot joint.

Abstract: A vane pump (20) including: a housing (21), a first motor (23) arranged to rotate a shaft (22) mounted about the shaft axis, a rotor (24) mounted for rotation with the shaft, and a member (28) having a surface (29) and having a member axis. The member is movable relative to the shaft axis through a permissible range of motion which includes portions on either side of a null position. A vane (32) is movably mounted in each rotor slot, and has a distal end arranged to engage the member surface. The vanes define with the rotor and surface a plurality of chambers (33A-33F). The individual volumes of the chambers vary as a function of the relative position between the rotor and surface. A second motor (31) is operatively arranged to selectively move the member relative to the shaft axis through the permissible range of motion.

Abstract: An actuator system having a controlled element configured for rotary movement about a first axis relative to a reference structure; a linkage system between the element and reference structure; a first actuator and a second actuator configured to power a first degree of freedom and an independent second degree of freedom of the linkage system, respectively; the linkage system having a first link configured for rotary movement about a second axis not coincident to the first axis and second link configured for rotary movement about a third axis; the linkage system configured such that a first angle of rotation may be driven independently of a second angle of rotation between said first link and said reference structure; wherein one of the first or second actuators is configured and arranged to drive rotation of the element about the first axis when the other is operatively locked.

Abstract: An actuator system having a controlled element configured for rotary movement about a first axis relative to a reference structure; a linkage system between the element and reference structure; a first actuator and a second actuator configured to power a first degree of freedom and an independent second degree of freedom of the linkage system, respectively; the linkage system having a first link configured for rotary movement about a second axis not coincident to the first axis and second link configured for rotary movement about a third axis; the linkage system configured such that a first angle of rotation may be driven independently of a second angle of rotation between said first link and said reference structure; wherein one of the first or second actuators is configured and arranged to drive rotation of the element about the first axis when the other is operatively locked.

Abstract: An actuator system comprising a shared link (121) arranged to pivot about a first axis (131) relative to a reference structure, a controlled element (125) arranged to pivot about a second axis (126) relative to the reference structure, a first member (146, 152) arranged to pivot about a third axis (134) relative to the shard link and a fourth axis (136) relative to the controlled member, a first actuator arranged to control a first variable distance (LI) between the third axis and fourth axis, a second member (147, 153) arranged to pivot about a fifth axis (133) relative to the shared link and a sixth axis (135) relative to the controlled element, a second actuator (141) arranged to control a second variable distance between the fifth axis and the sixth axis, the system configured such that a change in the first variable distance causes rotation of the controlled element about the second axis when the second variable distance is constant and vice versa.

Abstract: A valve (210) comprising a motor (221) having an output shaft (231) orientated about a motor axis (230), a hydraulic valve having a drive spool (224) configured to move from a first position to a second position, a mechanical linkage (222) between the output shaft (231) and the drive spool (224) having a sleeve (232) mechanically coupled to the output shaft (231), a pole shaft (233) configured for sliding engagement in a direction generally perpendicular to the motor axis, a link (235) connected to the pole shaft (233) by a pivot joint (234), a drive shaft (252) coupled to the link (235) and rotatable about a drive axis, the drive shaft (252) having an end portion to engage and apply a force to the spool (224), and a spring (223) to provide a bias between the pole shaft (233) and the sleeve (232), such that a distance between the motor axis and the pivot joint multiplied by a distance between the drive axis and the applied force is less than a distance between the drive axis and the pivot joint.

Abstract: The improved servovalve broadly (20) includes: a body (21) having an axis of elongation (y-y), a portion of the body defining a cylinder (43) having an axis (x-x) substantially perpendicular to the body axis; a valve member (44) movably mounted in the cylinder, and adapted to be moved off-null in either direction along the cylinder axis to selectively meter the flows of fluid between a plurality of ports defined between the spool and cylinder; a rotor (58) mounted on the body for rotation about the body axis; a motor (69) acting between the body and rotor, and selectively operable to cause the rotor to rotate in a desired angular direction relative to the body; and a quill-like transfer member (64) acting between the rotor and valve spool.

Abstract: A rotary actuator (100) having a reference structure (110), an output member (113) arranged for rotary movement relative to the reference structure, a first linear motor (116) arranged to selectively apply an output force urging a first motor member (119) and a second motor member (122) apart along a generally linear direction, in which the first linear motor is configured and arranged to cause a torque between the output member and the reference structure in a first direction, and second linear motor (137) arranged to selectively apply an output force urging a second linear motor first member (134) and a second motor member (137) apart along a generally linear direction, in which the second linear motor is configured and arranged to cause a torque between the output member and the reference structure in a direction opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: An actuator system having a controlled element configured for rotary movement about a first axis relative to a reference structure; a linkage system between the element and reference structure; a first actuator and a second actuator configured to power a first degree of freedom and an independent second degree of freedom of the linkage system, respectively; the linkage system having a first link configured for rotary movement about a second axis not coincident to the first axis and second link configured for rotary movement about a third axis; the linkage system configured such that a first angle of rotation may be driven independently of a second angle of rotation between said first link and said reference structure; wherein one of the first or second actuators is configured and arranged to drive rotation of the element about the first axis when the other is operatively locked.

Abstract: A plurality of brackets formed as straps from a single piece of sheet material are useful for supporting pipes, vents, flues and similar articles. The straps are mutually joined in side-by-side positions by frangible tabs so that they are easily broken apart, one from the other, by manual bending of the frangible tabs. Each of the straps provides, at each one of its opposing ends, in spaced apart sequence, starting at the terminal ends and moving medially along the straps, features formed in the sheet material, including: a mounting hole for receiving a fastener, a slot for receiving a tab, a fastener access hole, and a tab.

Abstract: An exhaust flue support apparatus has an elongate flue mounting plate incorporating at least one longitudinal strengthening bead. The mounting plate engages, by break-off tabs, a securing strap, a flange plate, and a centering plate. The mounting plate, securing strap, flange plate and centering plate are made from a single piece of sheet metal.

Abstract: An exhaust flue support includes an elongate flue strut having a non-flat channel portion integral with a flat portion; and a mounting strap, these parts formed from a common piece of sheet metal and joined together by plural frangible tabs whereby the strap is easily broken away from the strut. The strap has fastening elements for joining the opposing ends. The flat portion of the strut provides a bendable tab capable of joining the strut to the strap when the strap encircles an exhaust flue.