Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating use of OCAP (OpenCable™ Applications Platform) standard in a host cable television device, the host cable television device having a connector consistent with certain embodiments has a removable module. An OCAP engine resides on the removable module suitable for execution of Java™ code as specified by the OCAP specification. A module side connector is affixed to the removable module, the connector being suitable for mating with the connector of the host device. The module side connector has connections suitable for carrying graphics video data from the OCAP engine to the host device suitable presentation to a video display. The module side connector further has connections suitable for carrying Java™ code instructions to the OCAP engine for execution. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: A reservoir for a hydraulic suspension system for a motor vehicle has two vents disposed diagonally opposite relative to the direction of travel of the vehicle. A level sensor and filter are formed which fit together and to the reservoir, with the level sensor extending through and beneath the filter. The bottom of the reservoir tapers so as to direct hydraulic fluid toward the hydraulic fluid pick-up of a pump which is mounted in a sidewall of the reservoir.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for opening and/or closing the rear lift gate of a vehicle uses a double or single acting gas charged hydraulic cylinder. If double acting, a second piston separates the head side of the cylinder into hydraulic and gas chambers. A unidirectional (for the single acting cylinder) or a bidirectional (for the double acting cylinder) drives a pump to operate the cylinder. A solenoid actuated on-off valve selectively communicates the ports of the cylinder with tank pressure. A gas charge accumulator may also be provided. In the double acting embodiment, a two way ball shuttle valve which is vented in the center provides alternating communication between the two cylinder ports.

Abstract: A pump having a reciprocating piston/plunger unit adapted to be actuated by a railway wheel rolling over it has a unitary plunger and piston, with the piston double-acting so that when the outlet pressure exceeds a certain value, the plunger remains retracted. An accumulator is provided in fluid communication with the outlet so as to store accumulated hydraulic pressure.

Abstract: A self-contained rotary actuator assembly has a pump assembly, a precharged hydraulic circuit, and a rotary vane actuator in a single unit. The pump assembly is a bi-directional electric motor driven gerotor pump which is manifolded to a module assembly in which the control elements of the hydraulic circuit are housed. Upon the application of the pressure for driving the rotary actuator in either direction, a pilot operated hydraulic valve is shifted so as to communicate the rotary actuator with the pump. After the pump is turned off, an orifice for the pilot chamber of the valve bleeds the pilot chamber slowly so as to provide a delay in which the rotary actuator holds the convertible top extended or retracted to give the vehicle operator time to latch the top in its closed or open position. In addition, a gas charged precharge chamber in the hydraulic circuit maintains a precharge through a broad range of temperatures.

Abstract: Hydraulic cylinders made of fiber-resin composite materials have a central piston chamber section and bell-shaped internally threaded end sections. Cylinders are made by winding resin coated fibers over a mandril over which externally threaded sleeves are slipped and spaced apart so as to define the end sections. After curing the resin, the winding is cut in the areas of the sleeves to separate the cylinders. An expendable strip is wound onto the sleeves and in the cutting operation is cut into. A bearing, a seal cavity and an enlarged inside diameter at a piston rod end of the cylinder may also be provided using a method of the invention, with the cylinders being cut apart between the ends of sleeves and between the other ends of the cylinders.

Abstract: A fluid pressure energy translating device of the rotary, variable displacement type having a timing device providing gradual rise and reduction of pressure between the cylinder bores and the inlet and outlet ports. The timing device is in the form of a valve plate having a metering groove with a double notch design which exits into an associated outlet port, and a long single "V" notch metering groove which exits into a associated inlet port.

Abstract: A variable displacement hydraulic piston pump and servo displacement control which combines a rotary vane type actuator and a port plate to obtain both servo and actuation functions for a hydraulic piston pump. The control includes a construction which provides feel to the operator for how much work is being performed. The control also incorporates a failsafe mechanism so that the control is capable of transmitting torque to manually stroke the pump if charge pressure is lost.