Abstract: Accurate simulation of sport to quantify and train performance constructs by employing sensing electronics for determining, in essentially real time, the player's three dimensional positional changes in three or more degrees of freedom (three dimensions); and computer controlled sport specific cuing that evokes or prompts sport specific responses from the player that are measured to provide meaningful indicia of performance. The sport specific cuing is characterized as a virtual opponent that is responsive to, and interactive with, the player in real time. The virtual opponent continually delivers and/or responds to stimuli to create realistic movement challenges for the player.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus for the uniformity and/or the dynamic-balance of a tire is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a supporting member which is rotated with supporting a tested tire, a holding member which holds said supporting member with allowing to vibrate during rotation thereof and a regulating system which prevents the vibration of the supporting member during rotation thereof. The vibration of the supporting member is prevented by the regulating system for a uniformity measurement while it is allowed during a dynamic-balance measurement.

Abstract: A compact angular velocity sensor, which can improve an S/N (signal/noise) ratio. An angular velocity sensor includes an SOI substrate, four oscillatory masses movably supported to the SOI substrate, and four detection electrodes provided outer side of the oscillatory masses for detecting displacements of the oscillatory masses. The oscillatory masses are arranged point-symmetry with respect to a predetermined point K in a flat plane parallel to the SOI substrate. Each of the four oscillatory masses adjacent each other is oscillated in reverse phase in a circumstantial direction about the predetermined point K along the flat plane. When an angular velocity &OHgr; is generated about the predetermined point K, detection weights of the oscillatory masses are displaced along a direction perpendicular to oscillation direction in the flat plane.

Abstract: An angular velocity sensor including a framelike vibrator supported on a fixed support portion via a pair of beams. The framelike vibrator is placed into an inertial state by being vibrated by a driving means, and a displacement of the framelike vibrator due to Coriolis force is detected. The fixed support portion is formed on a support substrate made of a material having a different coefficient of thermal expansion in the center of the framelike vibrator, and the beams are T-shaped and include a first beam portion for displacing the framelike vibrator by the driving means in the driving direction, and a second beam portion for displacing the framelike vibrator in the direction of generation of the Coriolis force.

Abstract: Micromechanical inertial sensors are formed of a plurality of substantially-planar semiconductor wafers interspersed with oxide layers. The sensitive element is located within an internal aperture of a wafer of the device and is separate therefrom. It is connected to an overlying oxide layer at pedestals that minimize contact area to thereby reduce stray capacitance. Portions of side edges of the various wafers are successively recessed to create topside-exposed wafer sections that permit the grounding of all exposed portions of the device as operational potentials are applied to internal electrodes and sensitive elements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the caliper and/or the ultrasonic transit time through the thickness direction of a moving web of material using ultrasonic pulses generated by a rotatable wheel ultrasound apparatus. The apparatus includes a first liquid-filled tire and either a second liquid-filled tire forming a nip or a rotatable cylinder that supports a thin moving web of material such as a moving web of paper and forms a nip with the first liquid-filled tire. The components of ultrasonic transit time through the tires and fluid held within the tires may be resolved and separately employed to determine the separate contributions of the two tire thicknesses and the two fluid paths to the total path length that lies between two ultrasonic transducer surfaces contained within the tires in support of caliper measurements.

Abstract: A method for determining crook potential of wood is described. One embodiment comprises nondestructively obtaining lengthwise shrinkage rates (from a third party or by direct measurement) of wood and then determining crook potential of the wood based on the lengthwise shrinkage rates. Where the wood comprises lumber, lengthwise shrinkage rate measurements typically are made on at least one major planar surface of the lumber. The method typically comprises determining lengthwise shrinkage rates two or more measuring points separated by a predetermined distance, such as at substantially one-foot intervals along the lumber. Particular embodiments of the present invention determine lengthwise shrinkage rates using infrared radiation, microwave radiation, electricity, ultrasound energy, and combinations thereof Working embodiments of the method use ultrasound energy to determine lengthwise shrinkage rates.

Abstract: A gas concentration sensor comprises an ultrasonic element 33 opposite a reflection surface 34. A depression 34a is formed on an edge portion of a reflection surface 34 which is in contact with a side wall of a measurement chamber 32 such that a bottom surface of the depression 34a is substantially in parallel with the reflection surface 34. The distance between the ultrasonic element 33 and the edge portion of the reflection surface 34 becomes greater than the distance between the ultrasonic element 33 and a central portion of the reflection surface 34. As a result, an indirect wave, which impinges obliquely on the side wall of the measurement chamber 32 and propagates along the side wall, is reflected from the bottom surface of the depression 34a and propagates.

Abstract: A 3-dimensional comb structure using an electrical force, and an inertial detection sensor and an actuator both using the 3-dimensional comb structure are provided. In the 3-dimensional comb structure, a suspension structure, which is an inertia body, is separated a predetermined height from a substrate, maintaining the predetermined height from the substrate. A movable comb, which has at least one movable comb finger, protrudes perpendicularly from the suspension structure. A fixed comb, which has at least one fixed comb finger, protrudes perpendicularly from the substrate, in mesh with the movable comb. The 3-dimensional comb structure is driven by a voltage provided from a power supply unit which is connected to the movable comb and the fixed comb.

Abstract: A measuring device is proposed to measure the gas pressure of an atmosphere, whereby the measuring device is provided with a sensor to measure the pressure located in the interior of a housing which encloses the sensor. In addition a unit to control the measuring device and to evaluate the signals as well as a supply unit are installed in this housing. The housing itself is sealed off against the surrounding atmosphere and is provided with contacts on the housing for the exchange of data between the measuring device and a unit for the evaluation of measured values connected to it. The contacts are provided at the same time to ensure that the unit for the evaluation of the signal of the pressure sensor can be supplied with control signals from outside the housing.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing micro pressure sensors and the structure of the micro pressure sensor are disclosed. A bulk silicon wafer is provided to have an upper face formed thereon a desired circuit arrangement including a plurality of contact pads. The bulk silicon wafer defines a cutoff in an upper side portion thereof. A glass substrate is then provided to have an upper face defined therein a shallow cavity. The glass substrate has a plurality of contact pads formed on the upper face thereof. The bulk silicon wafer is bonded to the glass substrate in such a manner that the upper face of the bulk silicon wafer is attached to the upper face of the glass substrate and the plurality of contact pads on the bulk silicon wafer securely attach to the plurality of contact pads on the glass substrate. An etching process is undertaken to reduce the bulk silicon wafer down to a thin membrane. Finally the bulk silicon wafer is etched to expose the contact pads on said glass substrate.

Abstract: A method for determining stress effects, or stress endurance of a film layer coated on a wafer during a scrubber clean process is disclosed. In the method, a wafer having a film layer coated on top is held in a stationary position while a high pressure water jet having a pressure larger than 60 kg/cm2 is scanned across a top surface of the film layer and through a center of the wafer. The total number of stress defects is then counted in the scanning path on top of the film layer as an indication of the stress endurance of the specific coating layer. The invention also discloses a method for scrubber cleaning a wafer surface which is coated with a film layer without causing stress defects in the film by rotating a silicon wafer, which has a film layer coated on top at a suitable rotational speed, and then scanning a water jet across a top surface of the film layer without passing through a center of the wafer. The water pressure utilized for the water jet may be suitably between 50 kg/cm2 and 75 kg/cm2.

Abstract: A circuit and method for correcting a sense signal of a sensor (100) where the sense signal is reduced by a negative nonlinear error component introduced by membrane stress in a sensor structure (101). A first transducer (103) is disposed at a location (203) having substantial bending stress to produce a sense signal having a linear component and the nonlinear error component. A second transducer (102) is disposed at a location (202) with substantially zero bending stress to produce a sense signal having the nonlinear error component but a substantially zero linear component. The sense signal from the second transducer (102) is added to the sense signal from the first transducer (103) to correct the nonlinear error for producing a linear output sense signal (VOUT) of the sensor (100) which is representative of the physical condition.

Abstract: A device for and method of detecting application of a force is disclosed. The device has a first layer of electrically conductive material, and a first conductor electrically coupled to the first layer. The device also has a second layer of electrically conductive material, and a second conductor electrically coupled to the second layer. An electrical power supply is connected to the first conductor, and a transmitter is connected to the second conductor. The transmitter is capable of transmitting a signal when an electric charge moves from the first layer to the second layer. Finally, a resiliently compressible third layer of non-electrically-conductive porous material is disposed between the first layer and the second layer, and separates the first layer and the second layer a sufficient distance to prevent an electric charge from moving between the first and second layers, except when one of the conductive layers receives an impact.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for forming an adherend and bonding the adherend to a test piece. A bonding and molding platform is used to form a cylindrically shaped adherend that is bonded to the test piece. The bonding and molding platform limits the bond site to a particular area on the test piece. The bonding and molding platform forms an adherend that is substantially cylindrically shaped and substantially perpendicular to the substrate.

Abstract: A Coriolis flowmeter sensor having a reduced flag dimension. In order to have a reduced flag dimension, the entire length of the flow tubes must vibrate to make the flowmeter sensor more sensitive to Coriolis effects. When the entire length of the flow tubes vibrate, a first set of brace bars connected to the flow tube separates the frequencies of vibration in the flow tubes. A second set of brace bars connected to the flow tubes enhances the zero stability of the flowmeter.

Abstract: The fluid flow meter of the present invention includes a ramp inclined to the surface of a vessel so as to form a recess in the surface. A dynamic port surface extends from the lower end of the ramp to the surface of the vessel. A dynamic port is formed in the surface of the vessel, and a static port is formed in the ramp. The differential pressure between the dynamic and static ports is measured and is related to the flow velocity of fluid over the surface. The inventive flow meter has advantages of reduced drag, reduced likelihood of fouling and reduced likelihood of impact damage compared to conventional flow meters.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a measuring device for measuring flux rate and temperature of a flowable medium, comprising an external pipe sleeve and an internal pipe provided within said external pipe sleeve, with the diameter of said internal pipe having been dimensioned such that a cavity is formed between said internal pipe and said external pipe sleeve, wherein medium is allowed to flow into said internal pipe via an aperture formed at a first end of said internal pipe, and an aperture is provided at the second end of said internal pipe via which the medium can flow out of the internal pipe and exit the measuring device via said cavity. A flux meter and a temperature meter are provided within or along this flow path formed in the measuring device.

Abstract: A transducer assembly adapted for use for measuring forces and moments including a stationary center load axle having an elongated extend extending along an elongated axis between spaced opposed ends. The transducer assembly including first and second load cells interposed in a force path between opposed first and second ends of the load axle measuring applied load in the suspension load path of a two wheel vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for introducing a particulate material, for example pellets, granules or powder, into a liquid, and a cartridge and a device for carrying out this process. The material is introduced into a cartridge having a sleeve, an axis and a base arranged in the interior of the sleeve and displaceable along the axis away from a stop. Thereafter, the cartridge, in a position in which its axis is approximately perpendicular and the base rests against the stop under its own weight, is allowed to fall into the liquid, the cartridge being guided by a guide tube. On immersion in the liquid, the base is displaced upward away from the stop by the liquid, with the result that the material is ejected at least for the most part from the cartridge.

Abstract: Ultrasonic energy from an ultrasonic transducer 3 is transmitted through a member 1, such as the wall of a vessel, on which the transducer is mounted. A cylindrical projection 2 is formed integral with the member, and the ultrasonic transducer main body is attached to the projection, e.g. by screwing the body onto outer threads of the cylindrical projection. The cylindrical projection is designed to form the lower part of the ultrasonic transducer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gear transmission with a steplessly adjustable translation ratio for converting of rotary speeds and of torques of shafts. The uniform rotary motion of a drive shaft is transferred to a driven shaft with the aid of time staggered operating gear transmission units. The rotary motion is transformed by a cam transmission initially into a uniform translational motion and in the following this uniform translational motion is transformed into another, also uniform translational motion, with a speed depending on the translation ratio setting with a translation device. Finally this translational motion is transferred again into a uniform rotary motion by a further planar cam transmission and transferred to the driven shaft.

Abstract: An actuator for vehicle-door locking mechanism, includes a driving motor, a first deceleration mechanism for decelerating a rotation of the driving motor, a lead screw to which the rotation of the driving motor is transmitted through the first deceleration mechanism, a nut member fitted on the lead screw and moved in an axial direction of the lead screw in accordance with a rotation of the lead screw, an output mechanism for causing a door locking mechanism to perform one of a locking operation and an unlocking operation in association with the movement of the nut member, a second deceleration mechanism for decelerating a rotation of the lead screw, and an automatic bidirectional-returning mechanism to which the rotation of the lead screw is transmitted through the second deceleration mechanism, the automatic bidirectional-returning mechanism including a single home-returning coil spring for automatically returning the nut member to an initial position after the output mechanism performs one of the locking op

Abstract: A drive (1) for driving, or drives in, agricultural implements, has a drive housing (2) with a first shaft (7) which is rotatably supported around a first axis of rotation (4) in the drive housing (2). A first shaft end (10) of the first shaft (7) projects from the drive housing (2). A first gear (13) is arranged on the first shaft (7). The first gear (13) is axially fixed and rotatable, to a limited extent, relative to the first shaft (7). A second shaft (24) is rotatably supported around a second axis of rotation (20) in the drive housing (2). A first shaft end (27) of the second shaft (24) projects from the drive housing (2). A second gear (29) is firmly connected to the second shaft (24) in the axial direction and in the direction of rotation. The first gear (13) and the second gear (29) engage one another. The selected assembly enables a limited amount of rotation of the first shaft (7), with the second shaft (24) being stationary.

Abstract: A locking device for vehicle seats, in particular motor vehicle seats, includes two mutually displaceable parts. A rail, associated to one of the parts, extends in the direction of displacement and has at least one row of snap-in holes extending longitudinally along the rail. These holes are separated from each other by web-like material sections. Ratchets, associated to the other part, can move in relation to the rail between a disengaging position and a locking position. They move perpendicularly to the direction of extension of the rail, and are controlled via an operating mechanism. When the mutually displaceable parts are in locked position, at least one of the ratchets engages in a corresponding snap-in hole. At least one retaining element prevents involuntary disengaging of the ratchet from an effective locking position. As a result, reliable locking is achieved, in particular in the event of a crash, which entails high frequency vibrational fractions.

Abstract: A handlebar device which engages the inside of a handlebar and has an enlarged end with a perimeter that is greater than the handlebar grip so that the user can push against the device with the side of their hand or pull on the device by grabbing onto the enlarged end. The device is anchored inside the handlebar by a cam system and a threaded fastener. The device can have an illumination element therein for providing additional lighting for the vehicle.

Abstract: A fabricated control rod having a spacer with a “C” or “U-shaped” channel cross-section. The spacer also has a bushing tube welded to each of its ends. Each end of the spacer is shaped to have a substantially continuous mating engagement with the exterior side surface of the adjacent bushing tube. Also, at least a substantially complete perimeter weld joins both the interior and exterior of each shaped end to the bushing tube.

Abstract: A force minimizing corkscrew which comprises a guiding holder, a cork engaging means which is inserted into said guiding holder, and a force generating member which is attached to said cork engaging means, after first placing upper and lower bearings between the elements.

Abstract: In a tie rod adjusting apparatus which adjusts a tie rod of a steering mechanism for steering a front wheel of a motor vehicle, an open end wrench is supported by a supporting mechanism which has a freedom of four axes so as to be movable in the vehicle width direction and the vehicle longitudinal direction, tiltable in the vehicle width direction, and tiltable about an axial line (U-axis) which extends longitudinally along the length of the open end wrench. A tilting member of the supporting mechanism for tilting in the vehicle width direction is supported by a guide rail which is arcuate with the top end portion of the open end wrench serving as a center of arc. By the arcuate movement of the tilting member along the guide rail, the open end wrench is tiltable in the vehicle width direction without deviating the top end portion thereof in the vehicle width direction.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench structure includes a wrench head defining a receiving hole, the receiving hole having one side defining a receiving chamber, a ratchet wheel rotatably mounted in the receiving hole and having an outer periphery provided with a plurality of engaging teeth, a pawl pivotally mounted in the receiving chamber to rotate through a small angle and having a first side provided with a first tooth meshing with the engaging teeth of the ratchet wheel and a second side provided with a second tooth meshing with the engaging teeth of the ratchet wheel, a first locking plate mounted in the receiving chamber and rested on the first side of the pawl, a first elastic member mounted in the receiving chamber and pressed between the first locking plate and an inner wall of the receiving chamber, a second locking plate mounted in the receiving chamber and rested on the second side of the pawl, and a second elastic member mounted in the receiving chamber and pressed between the second locking plate and the inner wal

Abstract: A device for manually rotating a shaft in a substantially continuous manner, the device having a coiled spring-like body having at least one and a half coils, a pair arms extending laterally from the ends of the body, each arm integral with one of the coils, and an extension handle coupled to the end of each arm. The extension handles can be telescopically adjustable if desired. Further, the wrench can be permanently mounted on the outer surface of a shaft to enable convenient rotation of the shaft without additional tools. Additionally, the shaft and wrench assembly can form a component of an electrical pressure switch or like apparatus.

Abstract: An extension device for wrenches includes an extension member with a wedge brace comprised of two counterpoised wedge couplers. The wedge couplers comprise wedge fingers defining offset opposed wedge slots such that the wedge couplers engage opposite sides of a tool handle in a counterpoised manner to wedge-lock a tool handle into place.

Abstract: A pair of tongs is disclosed that includes first and second spaced apart members each having a first end having a jaw-like part and a second end, the second ends of the first and second members being movable toward and away from each other by the use of one hand. A first connecting element with a first straight toothed surface extends from a point on the first member between its first and second ends and a second connecting element having a second straight toothed surface facing the first straight toothed surface extends from a point on the second member between the first and second ends of the second member for releasably engaging the first connecting element. The first toothed surface includes first and second rows of teeth and the second row of teeth is displaced relative to the first row of teeth.

Abstract: A modular torque-applying surgical tool includes a driver member having a proximal handle and a distal end, and a torque-applying insert removably and replaceably attachable to the distal end of the driver member. The torque-applying insert is designed to be deformable when a predetermined level of torque is achieved, or when the insert is subjected to a torque in excess of a predetermined magnitude such that the insert is effective to apply to a driven member a predetermined minimum torque.

Abstract: A screwdriver assembly includes a hollow casing in which a tool body is pivotally received therein and a bit receiving member is rotatably received in the casing. A plurality of dimples defined in an inside of the casing and a boss extends from the tool body so that the boss is engaged with one of the dimples when rotating the tool body. An opening is defined in a periphery of the casing so that the tool body can be pivoted out from the casing via the opening. An access hole is defined through the casing so as to pick a bit in the bit receiving member and engaged with an engaging recess in the tool body.

Abstract: A continuous flighted conveyorbelt (18) is fed product (12) from a transverse direction. As the belt moves the product forward, offset water jets (56) cause some of the items not seated in a flight (20) to be rotated and captured in the flights. Further movement brings the product (12) to a zone where water jets (72) force all items to one side against a registration plate (76). Excess product and items not captured are forced off the surface of the belt by water jets (62) and are carried away to be fed again. A cutting blade (84) is set an appropriate distance from the registration plate (76) to trim product captured and registered. The products are then forced across the width of the belt by repositioning water jets 102 and stop against a second registration plate (104). A belt (82) covering the top of the belt flights (22) prevents items from escaping through the top of the conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus for slitting a sheet of web material has an at least one first fixed blade member and axially displaceable at least one second blade member. The axially displaceable second blade member is biased by an elastomeric biasing member that provides a continuous and uniform contact force with a face of the second blade member. The elastomeric biasing member is restrained from axial movement by a bonded ring member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cutting pattern pieces from a continuous marker are disclosed. According to the invention, pattern pieces comprising made to order garments are cut from successive bites of limp sheet material. Means are provided for creating the continuous marker, labeling the pattern pieces and cutting the pattern pieces for subsequent processing.

Abstract: Previous methods of bucksawing logs slow the throughput of a sawmill in that the conveyor line is stopped while a given log is bucksawed to length. The present invention provides a method for bucksawing a log which improves the throughput speed, comprising the steps of a) advancing the log endwise along an infeed conveyor; b) raising the log above the level of said infeed conveyor while advancing the log; c) measuring the advance of the log while raised; d) stopping the log at the desired length; e) sawing the log to produce a forward log segment; and f) lowering the forward log segment onto an outfeed conveyor while advancing the remaining log segments. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A splitting apparatus includes a splitter member with a plurality of blades, and a splitting guide configured to anchor articles so that an article to be split is anchored on a splitting guide when the splitter member is moved across the splitting guide. The apparatus includes a gate which is controlled by a gate controller that selectively opens and closes the discharge aperture positioned adjacent the splitting guide so that the split article can be discharged from the splitting guide. A staging platform is provided adjacent the splitting guide for aligning the articles to be split with the splitting guide and a staging advancer is provided to move articles from the staging platform to the splitting guide, and to discharge the split articles after splitting.

Abstract: A crosscutter for web materials, particularly paper, has a cutter shaft (13), which comprises a light metal cutter block (19) and a steel shaft end (14). The latter comprises a bearing (12) and drive (17)-receiving spigot and a flange (16), which is connected by means of a positive and nonpositive connection to the cutter block. For nonpositive connection purposes threaded bolts (35) are inserted in bushes (33), which are screwed and bonded into corresponding cutter block recesses. In addition, a reamed bolt connection is provided.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a saw chain for a motor-driven chain saw comprising center drive links and lateral connecting links which are pivotally connected to each other via rivets lying transversely to the longitudinal direction of the chain. Individual connecting links are configured as cutting links and have a cutting tooth with a roof bent over toward the chain center. The roof has a leading edge and a trailing edge which lie each transverse to the longitudinal direction of the chain. The leading edge is configured as a roof cutting edge and lies higher than the trailing edge which lies at a spacing above a depression. The depression is formed in the region between the rivet holes in the adjacent upper edge of the drive link and delimits a chip channel. The recess is formed asymmetrically on a drive link with respect to the center perpendicular of an imaginary connecting line between the center points of the rivet holes.

Abstract: A munition is provided for deploying a molten payload within a target. A plurality of holes are formed in the munition's projectile body about the circumference thereof. A seal closes off each hole. A firing mechanism is mounted in the munition's nose cone and is capable of generating energy of initiation upon deformation of the nose cone. A first burnable material is housed in the projectile body and is coupled to the firing mechanism to receive the energy of initiation. The first burnable material extends in a tree-like fashion along a plurality of connected paths in the projectile body with each of the connected paths terminating at one of the seals. A second burnable material fills the voids in the projectile body surrounding the first burnable material. The first burnable material has a lower threshold of combustion than the second burnable material while the second burnable material burns hotter than the first burnable material.

Abstract: A method for suppressing raising of dust as a result of firing a projectile from a barrel of a weapon, wherein the dust is raised by a shock wave exiting the barrel, the method comprising reducing an exit pressure of gases of an explosive charge exiting the barrel. There is also disclosed a weapon including a barrel with a barrel bore formed therethrough, the barrel bore having a longitudinal axis, and a barrel extension element extending from and in fluid communication with the barrel bore, the barrel extension element having a barrel extension bore formed therethrough, wherein a plurality of gas exit holes are formed on sides of the barrel extension element, the gas exit holes being non-symmetrical with respect to a horizontal plane which passes through the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for suppressing muzzle blast and/or muzzle crack in a weapon. An apparatus for reducing muzzle blast upon discharge of one or more projectiles from a gun includes an outer shell and a first end cap adapted to be secured to a muzzle of a weapon and including provisions for detachably coupling to a first end of the outer shell. The apparatus further includes a second end cap adapted to be secured to a distal end of the outer shell and a plurality of baffles disposed between the first end cap and the second end cap. The plurality of baffles each comprise a bore section having an inner diameter no smaller than a bore of the muzzle and a baffle section coupled to the bore section, the baffle section extending from the bore section to the outer shell.

Abstract: A trunnion assembly for mounting a launching device including a barrel for launching a liquid or a solid including at least one horizontal locating assembly to allow limited horizontal movement of the launching device; and at least one vertical locating assembly for varying the vertical inclination of the launching device. The structure for varying the extent of horizontal movement of the trunnion assembly includes at least one resilient movable stop assembly; and the structure for varying the extent of vertical movement of the trunnion assembly includes at least one resilient stop assembly.

Abstract: A fluid valve system is provided for a variable stroke motor. The valve has a housing forming a cylinder, a first fluid input into the cylinder, a first fluid output out of the cylinder, a second fluid input into the cylinder, and a second fluid output out of the cylinder. Provided within the cylinder is a shaft provided with slots. As the shaft rotates into a first position, fluid communication between the first fluid input and the first fluid output is shut off, while fluid communication between the second fluid input and second fluid output is opened. As the shaft rotates to a second position, communication between the first fluid input and first fluid output is opened, while the communication between the second fluid input and the second fluid output is shut off. The device is preferably hooked up to a drive cylinder in fluid communication with the first fluid output and the second fluid input. A piston is provided within the drive cylinder.

Abstract: A control system for a lift boom pivotable with respect to a vehicle by a boom cylinder and material handling unit pivotable with respect to the boom by a unit cylinder when the control of a boom control valve and a unit control valve. The control system includes a flow divider/combiner valve and operative in a boom-raise, unit-leveling mode to pass a preset portion of the fluid displaced from the rod end of the boom cylinder to the base end of the unit cylinder. The flow divider-combiner valve is operative in a boom-lower, unit-leveling mode, to combine the fluid stream displaced from the base end unit cylinder in a preset ratio with pressurized fluid, and pass the combined stream to the rod end of the boom cylinder. The control system can be disengaged from the automatic leveling mode to enable the boom unit to be operated manually under the control of the boom and unit control valves.

Abstract: A fluid pressure cylinder has a lock mechanism in which its entire structure is simple. Also, its assembling operation and maintenance are easy. The lock mechanism to be assembled to a body of a cylinder includes a fulcrum pin for immovably supporting a lock plate in its axial direction. A spring biases the lock plate in its tilting direction around the fulcrum pin. A returning pressure chamber is provided on the side in which the lock plate is tilted by the biasing spring and applies a fluid pressure to the lock plate against a force of the biasing spring by supplying a pressurized fluid. A sleeve is fitted over a piston rod of the cylinder for forming an inner peripheral wall of the returning pressure chamber. A pressure receiving member for air-tightly sealing a space between the lock plate and an outer peripheral surface of the sleeve and between the lock plate and an inner peripheral surface of the returning pressure chamber is mounted to the lock plate closer to the returning pressure chamber.

Abstract: An actuator device includes a housing having a bore and an internal moving body movable within the bore in the direction along the center axis of the bore. The housing is composed of two housing members which divide the housing along the center axis. An inner surface which forms a part of the wall of the bore and two slit surfaces on both sides of the inner surface are formed on each of the housing members. When two housing members are coupled to each other by fastening the longitudinal portions of the housing members by end members, two slits extending along the entire length of the housing are defined by the slit surfaces of two housing members. Since the respective housing members have relatively simple cross sectional shapes, the housing members can be easily produced, by an extrusion process or a drawing process, at low cost. Further, since two slits are provided on the housing, an external moving body can be connected to the internal moving body by two driving members.