Abstract: An end fitting for an inflatable tube motor comprising plates each having a convex portion intermediate flat end portions, a resilient bushing having an elongated body with an enlarged central portion intermediate two substantially flat portions and a tubular fluid coupling having an elongated stem inserted in a throughbore in the enlarged portion of the bushing. The elongated body of the bushing is inserted into the end of an inflatable tube while one end of the tube abuts against a raised rib on one end of the bushing. A connector portion of the fluid coupling extends outwardly from the ribbed end of the bushing with the body portion of the bushing inserted in the end of the tube. The plates are placed over opposite sides of the tube end and pressed together to form a sealing engagement between the bushing and the tube end as well as the bushing and the fluid coupling, thereby permitting fluid communication with the interior of the tube only through the fluid coupling.

Abstract: A fluid operated device comprising an elongated housing defining an elongated interior cylinder and an elongated slot formed along one side of the housing and open to the cylinder. A piston is longitudinally, slidably mounted in the cylinder and forms a first chamber in the cylinder between one end of the housing and one end of the piston and a second chamber between the other end of the housing and the other end of the piston. Fluid seals are provided around each end of the piston. In addition, an elongated band constructed of a magnetic material is secured within the cylinder and is of sufficient width so that the band covers the housing slot. A pair of elongated flexible magnets are secured to the housing along the slot to magnetically attract the band against the housing and thus sealingly close the housing slot along the cylinder chambers.

Abstract: A double acting piston and cylinder arrangement comprising an elongated cylinder and a piston assembly slidably mounted within the cylinder. The piston assembly comprises a first part and a second part which are axially adjacent each other and movable with respect to each other between a locking and nonlocking position. In the locking position, the piston assembly forces a split ring radially outwardly and against the walls of the cylinder to lock the piston assembly to the cylinder at any adjusted position. Conversely, in its nonlocking positon the ring contracts radially inwardly and permits the piston assembly to freely axially slide along the cylinder.

Abstract: A fluid power cylinder having a cylinder with an elongated slot extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder, a reciprocally movable piston and a strip sealing means for successively sealing the slot during movement of the piston. The sealing member is of a laminated construction and is constructed partially of a magnetized rubber-like material for magnetic attraction to the cylinder wall adjacent the slot. The sealing member also includes beveled edges for engagement with beveled edges adjacent the slot.

Abstract: A combination wheel brake assembly for connection with a wheel or other rotatable element comprising a rotatable axle, a spring applied, hydraulically released brake assembly, a wheel hub rotatably supported on the axle and adapted for connection with the wheel and free wheeling hub mechanism for selectively rendering the wheel hub free wheeling to permit the wheel to be freely rotated despite a loss or failure of hydraulic pressure and despite braking engagement of the braking elements.