Abstract: A log splitter with automatic overload protection that prevents the log splitter structure from being damaged by accidental overload. A low-mass rapid-response pressure relief valve is incorporated in the pump side of a hydraulic jack, which produces the splitting force, so that the pressure that can be applied to the jack plunger is limited, but the load that can be supported by the jack is not so limited. The hydraulic jack has applications apart from the log splitter.

Abstract: A linear drive-shaft sealing apparatus particularly useful in removing crystals from a melt solution of an evacuated chamber, which sealing apparatus comprises a first input drive shaft and a second output drive shaft, both shafts adapted for linear movement, a cylindrical element disposed between the input and output shafts and adapted for rotary movement, a housing surrounding the cylindrical element, and a multistage, magnetic seal apparatus which provides a magnetic seal between the housing and the cylindrical element.

Abstract: In a compact high-torque mechanical speed changer of the type in which different relative speeds may be realized through substitution of different cooperating planet and sun gear components one of which has teeth in the form of lobes of continuous substantially epitrochoid curvature and the other of which has circularly-curved teeth differing in number by one, orbiting motions associated with angular movements are resolved and angular motions are developed about a non-orbiting axis by way of a unique "zero-velocity" transmission plate having peripheral circular-sided openings cooperating with an array of circular pins, rollers or the like. The lobed gear and the transmission plate are advantageously fixed together for orbital motion in response to rotation of a shaft eccentric, and are of about the same diameter, and their cooperating toothed companions are preferably of the type involving discrete roller-pin teeth, and are of the same diameter.

Abstract: Continuous-curvature lobed cams, such as are variously used after the manner of gearing in orbital-drive mechanical transmissions, hydraulic motors and the like, are formed with the precise and continuous distinctive contouring which is essential to their successful operation by way of a simple and inexpensive cutting tool rotated about a fixed axis in a conventional machine while the cam blank with which it is in a material-removing engagement is both rotated relatively slowly in one angular direction and orbited relatively rapidly and synchronously along a circular path in the opposite angular direction. Synchronism between the slow rotary and rapid orbital motions is achieved in a machine-mounted fixture through geared drive of two rotary tables from a common motive source on the same movable platen which mounts the two rotary tables.

Abstract: A compact high-torque mechanical speed changer, which offers a very wide range of output speeds in different angular directions through selections from sets of fully-interchangeable planet and sun gear combinations, and in which one predetermined counterweighting unit provides matching for the eccentricities associated with all the planet gears of such sets, comprises two sets of planet and sun gear combinations each having a one-tooth difference in numbers of effective teeth, the two externally-toothed planet gears being coupled together angularly and being mounted for eccentric rotation relative to a supporting input crankshaft, while the associated internally-toothed sun gears are respectively fixed with the changer housing and with an output member rotatable collinearly with the input shaft.