Abstract: A combination drive and method for applying power through a piston rod (A) operated by an air cylinder (B) is controlled by an elongated self-locking threaded drive member (C) rotated by an electric motor (D) for affording positioning and velocity control for the air operated cylinder and the guided piston rod which stops and is positively positioned upon cessation of operation of the electric motor. Control apparatus includes a valve housing (35) positioning a spool (40) fixed on one end to the elongated threaded drive member (C), and an assembly (45) for moving the spool axially in respect to the electric motor (D) through an axially compliant coupling (50) so that by controlling the motor the valve is thereby controlled.

Abstract: Control apparatus and method for applying power to a linear actuator (A) utilizes an air cylinder (B) and a self-locking drive (C) rotated by an electric motor (D) for affording positioning and velocity control for the air operated cylinder and the guided linear actuator which stops and is positively positioned upon cessation of rotation of the drive by the electric motor.

Abstract: An end of stroke linear decelerator apparatus for powered slides and method include a disc spring member (A) retained upon a guide rod by a retainer disc member (B) which is itself positioned for retention upon a guide rod adjacent a tooling member. An elastomer retainer (C) positions the disc upon the guide rod and has an elastomer extension facing outwardly of the disc for dampening noises and forceful engagement with the frame which supports the guide rods.

Abstract: A multi-piston assembly is illustrated wherein a cylindrical housing (A) is ported through longitudinal circumferentially spaced ports (F) and (G) carried within the cylindrical housing. Porting through piston rods is thus avoided so that their cross section may be reduced thereby increasing the area of the pistons available for contact by pressurized fluid. Even greater force may be made available for actuating a tool by the addition of an add-on unit utilizing complementary longitudinal porting.

Abstract: A compact high pressure fluid operated cylinder and method for making same is illustrated wherein an end cap is held within the cylinder by a snap ring (E) carried within a groove at the end of the cylinder to prevent axial dislodgement outwardly from the end of the cylinder, while an O-ring (A) is carried within complementary grooves (B) and (C) within an intermediate circumferential portion of the end cap opposite the snap ring and an opposite cylinder wall portion respectively to prevent inward dislodgement of the end cap. By inserting the snap ring within the groove (D) while an inner surface of the end cap is in engagement with the O-ring so as to resiliently position the end cap in sealing engagement between the snap ring and the O-ring with the end cap in spaced relation to an adjacent end of the cylinder, a cushion seal is provided preventing chattering of the end cap during operation.