Abstract: A method and apparatus for precise measurement of pressure dependence of head fly height using transitional thermal signals is disclosed. A slider is positioned relative to a rotating a disk having at least one laser bump. Calibration data is gathered by decreasing the pressure and measuring the fly height until a contact positive TA signal is detected. A non-contact negative TA signal is then normalized using the gathered calibration data. The TA signal amplitude may then be used to ascertain the fly height and pressure for a head.

Abstract: In order to compensate non-linearity in the zero drift of the bridge at very low temperatures, a strain gauge in at least one of the arms of the bridge is in series with a resistor, e.g., a connection lead, of resistance that is much less than that of the strain gauge, and a compensation circuit is connected in parallel with the resistor. The compensation circuit includes a resistive element, e.g., a platinum probe, whose resistance varies as a function of temperature in such a manner as to influence, in the very low temperature range, the resistance of the parallel circuit of which it forms a part, and to do so in a manner that is sensitive to temperature and that increases with decreasing temperature.

Abstract: The pressure measurement device has a housing (2) with a back wall (8) and a side wall (10), a measurement system arranged inside the housing as well as a connection arrangement (6) with a device connector (64) arranged outside on the housing. The measurement system has a pointer mechanism (14) with an upper plate (20) and a pointer shaft (30) as well as a curved, metal Bourdon tube (12) and a spring support (16) supporting the Bourdon tube. The connection arrangement (6) and the spring support (16) are connected inside the housing by means of a plug connection which is formed by a first plug-in component (52) designed on the spring support and a second plug-in component designed on the connection arrangement (6). The measurement system is distinguished by the fact that its spring support (16) has the plug-in component (52) and that the plug-in component is arranged radially near the pointer shaft (30).

Abstract: A method for determining the axial load in a threaded fastener when tightened above its yield point by using the variation in travel time (&Dgr;t) for ultrasonic waves induced in the fastener to determine the axial load (N) in the fastener, both in the yield point and at the final pretension state of the fastener. The yield point of the fastener is detected by indicating a significant change in the growth of the momentary transferred torque per angle unit of rotation, and comparing the actual travel time (&Dgr;t) for ultrasonic waves in the fastener to a pre-tightening determined relationship between the axial load (N), the rotation angle (&PHgr;) and the ultrasonic wave travel time (&Dgr;t) for the actual type of fastener.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of measuring the stress on a work machine is disclosed. A work machine includes a frame, a plurality of ground engaging devices, an operator compartment, an implement having a linkage, an engine, and a stress measurement control system. The stress measurement control system includes a strain gauge sensor, a memory, an electronic controller, and an operator interface. The strain gauge sensor assembly is mounted to the frame or the implement and provides a stress signal indicative of the stress acting upon the frame or the implement. The memory stores a stress signal value and stress limit value. The electronic controller receives the stress signal and the stress limit value, determines whether the stress signal is greater than the stress limit value, and responsively stores the stress signal value in the memory and provides an associated message. The operator interface receives the associated message and provides it to the operator in the operator compartment.

Abstract: A method for measuring an adhesion strength of a resin material which is capable of accurately and readily measuring a universal adhesion strength independent of dimensions and shapes of specimen. A delamination portion is partially formed between a resin and an adherend material. Loads in two different directions are applied to an adhering interface such that opposed shear stresses are generated. As a result, a true adhering strength can be obtained from an apparent delamination propagating strength in each case.

Abstract: Signal processing of Coriolis flowmeter output signals is improved by increasing the frequency separation between the flow tube drive frequency and unwanted lateral mode vibration frequencies. A cylindrical lateral mode stabilizer surrounds the flow tube near each flow tube end and is positioned between the flow tube and a surrounding balance bar. Axially lateral extensions on opposing circumferential sides of each lateral mode stabilizer element stiffen the flow tube ends for only lateral vibrations. This raises the lateral mode vibration frequency of the flow tube while leaving the drive mode frequency relatively unaffected.

Abstract: A flowmeter used to measure the flow rate of a fluid in a conduit includes a flow restrictor insert. The conduit is coupled to an upstream and downsteam conduit portion and includes three pressure measuring stations axially spaced along the conduit wall. The flow restrictor insert includes two cylindrical portions, the second of which has a diameter larger than the first. The flow restrictor insert is positioned in the flowmeter conduit such that the first cylindrical portion is aligned with the second pressure measuring station and the second cylindrical portion is aligned with the third pressure measuring station. When a fluid flows through the conduit, the flow restrictor insert causes the fluid to diverge around the cylindrical portions thereby creating a venturi effect. The fluid flow rate is calculated from the pressure differentials derived from the data measured at the three pressure measuring stations.

Abstract: An air-flow measuring device for measuring respiratory performance includes a valve having at least one rotary blade for detecting air-flow through the device. The valve includes at least one air-directing aperture which alters the direction of air-flow incident on said valve from a first direction onto a second altered direction. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction and to the planar surface of the rotary blade. The direction-altered air-flow provides a force which causes the rotary blade to move. An optical transducer measures the rotation of the blade to determine air-flow parameters in the device.

Abstract: An electrode layer is formed on the upper surface of a first substrate, and a processing for partially removing the substrate is carried out in order to allow the substrate to have flexibility. To the lower surface of the first substrate, a second substrate is connected. Then, by cutting the second substrate, a working body and a pedestal are formed. On the other hand, a groove is formed on a third substrate. An electrode layer is formed on the bottom surface of the groove. The third substrate is connected to the first substrate so that both the electrodes face to each other with a predetermined spacing therebetween. Finally, the first, second and third substrates are cut off every respective unit regions to form independent sensors, respectively. When an acceleration is exerted on the, working body, the first substrate bends. As a result, the distance between both the electrodes changes. Thus, an acceleration exerted is detected by changes in an electrostatic capacitance between both the electrodes.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out a weight measurement in centrifuges for separating suspensions into their solid and liquid components comprises a machine housing, a drum rotatingly mounted in the machine housing and receiving the suspension, and a filler pipe leading into the drum for feeding the suspension into the drum. The machine housing is mounted for pivotal movement about an axis of rotation, and a force measuring element senses weight-dependent deflections of the machine housing occurring about the axis of rotation and originating from a different degree of filling of the drum with suspension or from a different dewatering of the solid suspension components, and the machine housing deflections are indicated on a measurement value indicator. A pipeline is provided for generating a positive pressure or a negative pressure in the drum.

Abstract: A keyboard testing apparatus includes a housing inside which two clamping members spaced from each other at an adjustable distance for receiving a keyboard to be tested therebetween. A retaining device includes a pneumatic cylinder for applying force to the keyboard for firmly retaining the keyboard in position. An indicator testing device includes several optic sensors for detecting light emitted from indicators of the keyboard. A key testing device includes several key actuators capable to sequentially actuate/de-actuate the keys of the keyboard. A conveying device drives the key actuators relative to the keyboard in order to position the key actuators with respect to each key of the keyboard. A control unit, preferably a processor-based device, controls the operation of the key testing apparatus and receives test signals from the keyboard and the optic sensors to determine if the keyboard function normally. The control unit generates a warning signal via a warning device when the keyboard is abnormal.

Abstract: Robust nested speed converter and bearing apparatus providing speed conversion function and bearing support function in a compact package for a range of applications.

Abstract: A transmission for a working vehicle like a tractor of the invention is housed in a transmission housing 1 interposed between an engine and a rear axle housing 2. An interior of transmission housing 1 is divided into a front chamber A and a rear chamber B through a partition wall 1a. In front chamber A is disposed a main-clutch system partition centering a traveling-input shaft 7. In rear chamber B is disposed a speed-changing system as a combination of reversing arrangement and multi-speed-changing arrangement. In a rear-opening of housing 1 is disposed a bearing plate 3. In rear chamber B, a first speed-changing shaft 8, a second speed-changing shaft 9 and a front transmission output shaft 10 are supported in parallel between wall 1a and plate 3. A regular speed-reduction gear train and a reversing speed-reduction gear train are interposed ed between shafts 8 and 9, so that shafts 8 and 9 can be connected with each other through one of the gear trains by a first clutch device C1 on shaft 8.

Abstract: The apparatus has four links pivotally coupled together. First and second links each includes a first portion having an angular portion extending therefrom at an angle of between 120-135 degrees. The first link is pivotally coupled to the angular portion of the second link; the third link is pivotally coupled to the second link at about the juncture of its angular portion and its first portion; and the fourth link is pivotally coupled to the third link and to the first link at about the juncture of its angular portion and its first portion. The first portion of the second link is employed for holding a tool or a utility device thereto. A first linear actuator is pivotally coupled to the pivotal connection between the third and fourth links and a second linear actuator is pivotally coupled to the angular portion of the first link.

Abstract: A steering column assembly comprises an adjustable steering column (1) adapted to pivot about a point along its length relative to a mounting bracket (6). The steering column assembly also includes a gearbox adapted to transfer torque generated by an electric motor to the steering column (1). A spring (9), between the steering column (1) and the bracket (6), applies a twisting force sufficient to take up any radial play at the pivot. The spring (9) may be offset radially from the axis of the pivot in a direction parallel to the steering column axis as well as laterally offset from the axis of the steering column (1). An advantage is that the spring (9) eliminates vibration in the steering column (1) due to reaction torque from the electric motor, and can also act as a counter-balance to the weight of the electric motor.

Abstract: Reciprocating or push-pull control cable assemblies have fittings permanently attached, preferable by swaging or other mechanical deformation process, to the ends of a control cable or core that reciprocates within an outer casing. The fittings have a projected width no greater than the inner diameter of the casing. As a result, the entire control cable, with fittings attached, can be pulled through the casing to remove the control cable for inspection, maintenance or replacement. The cable also have a unique combination of ball joint assemblies and excluder seals that effectively exclude contaminants from the interior of the casing.

Abstract: Various adjustable pedal assemblies (10, 110 and 210) include a pedal support (16, 116 or 216) slidably supported on a guide rod (12) with a pedal lever (18, 118 or 218) mounted on the support (16, 116 or 216) along the guide rod (12). The adjustable pedal assemblies (10, 110 and 210) are characterized by the screw (22) being external to and parallel to the guide rod (12). In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the pedal lever (18 or 118) is pivotally attached to the support (16 or 116) whereas in the embodiment of FIG. 3, the pedal lever (218) and the support (216) are defined by an integral member and the bracket (214) includes a connection (34) for rotatably supporting the bracket (214) on a vehicle.

Abstract: Apparatus to provide controlled frictional resistance to cyclic displacement of a member, comprising a base, a friction part frictionally and slidably engagable with base, in response to displacement of member, at least one spring element transmitting force acting to hold part in frictional engagement with the base, one of friction part and base having a friction surface engaged with the other of part and base, and characterized in that the force to overcome friction between the base and part remains substantially constant over a large number of displacement cycles of the member.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) comprises a vehicle steering wheel (12) including a hub portion (54) having a splinded inner surface (62) and diametrically opposed first and second angled surface portions (76 and 78). A vehicle steering shaft (14) is rotatable about a first axis (16) to effect vehicle steering. The steering shaft (14) includes an end portion (18) having an outer surface with splines that mesh with the splined inner surface (62) of the hub portion (54) to connect the steering shaft non-rotatably with the steering wheel. The end portion (18) includes an inner surface (42) defining a passage (40) through the end portion that extends transverse to the first axis (16). A bolt (150) has a head portion (152), a threaded outer surface (156), and a shank portion (164). The shank portion (164) is disposed in the passage (40) through the steering shaft (14) and engages the inner surface (42). The head portion (152) has a first frustoconical surface (162). A nut (130) screws onto the bolt (150).

Abstract: A hollow bicycle crank arm 10 is fabricated from first and second components 11, 21 that are affixed at a joint 20 that is distal from the crank spindle mounting boss 12. The joint 20 is at least partially transverse to the long axis of the crank arm 10. Each component 11, 21 has a relatively-solid mounting boss 12, 22 for attaching a crank spindle or a pedal. One, or both components have a tubular portion 15 integral with the mounting boss 12, 22. Integration of mounting boss and tubular portions enables economic fabrication of a structurally-optimal design, and eliminates the need for a joint proximate to the mounting boss 12, 22.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of rotatively empowering a harmonic drive transmission. The steps of the method include arranging a primary and a secondary cup-shaped flexspline co-axially within a rotatable rigid circular spline, and forming pivotable fingers in the secondary flexspline, biasing radially outwardly the pivotable fingers so as to contact and bias radially outwardly the primary flexspline in a sequential manner. The array of teeth between the primary flexspline and the circular spline engage one another to effect relative rotation therebetween. An array of piezo-electric elements is arranged in contact with the secondary flexspline and an adjacent non-rotating component. An electric current is sequenced through the piezo-electric elements to effect a dimensional change therein, thus to effect the biasing of the primary flexspline by the secondary flexspline.

Abstract: The present invention is addressed to improving a blank for a wire drawing die formed from an annular cemented metal carbide support component having a lengthwise extent from an entrance end to an exit end and extending radially about a central longitudinal axis to define a cylindrical internal bore through the lengthwise extent, and a cylindrical sintered polycrystalline compact component received within the bore of the support component and bonded thereto at an interface surface extending a radial distance from and along the longitudinal axis from a wire drawing entrance end to a wire drawing exit end. The compact component is adapted to receive an aperture extending through its lengthwise extent about the central longitudinal axis and is configured with an entrance zone at the die entrance end which tapers inwardly therefrom to a reduction zone whereat a wire to be drawn through the aperture makes initial contact with the compact component, and thence to a bearing zone and an exit zone.

Abstract: A hammer protective device, used in conjunction with a hammer having a handle portion and a head portion. The head portion has a shank portion for mounting the handle. The invention comprises a diametrically expandable rubber sheath having a generally cylindrical configuration. The rubber sheath has a relaxed diameter which is slightly less than a diameter of the handle portion. The rubber sheath has an open upper end and an open lower end. The rubber sheath includes an embedded pull cord assembly disposed interiorly thereof. The embedded pull cord assembly is arranged in a coil type arrangement and is rigid, resisting compression and thus holding the sheath in an expanded position. The embedded pull cord assembly has a central lumen which is larger in diameter than the handle portion.

Abstract: The invention is an improved ratcheting mechanism having a rotatable wheel with teeth, a shaft to which the wheel is affixed, at least two toggles, each with an arm for engaging a tooth of said wheel and each with an arched structure. The arched structure forms an arch over the shaft. There is also a contact for contacting either toggle to cause the arm of the contacted toggle to disengage from a tooth of the wheel and to allow rotation of the wheel in one rotational direction.

Abstract: The reversible rachet wrench which includes: a support body having a head portion and a handle support portion having a cylindrically shaped section; a rachet wheel having teeth extending around the perimeter thereof; a pawl member; a pivot member; and a rotatable handle. The pawl member, which is pivotally supported by the head portion, includes a pair of spaced apart teeth engaging members, which are alternatively engagable with the teeth on the rachet wheel. The pivot member, pivotally supported on the support body, includes first and second ends and an intermediate pivot point. The first end includes a means for engaging the coupling means provided on the pawl member. The second end includes a means for engagement with the rotatable handle.

Abstract: At least one of two components (1, 3) of a coupling includes a profile with four splines (5) having more or less radial edges (11). Four straight-line segments (6) on the inside of the profile are joined with the splines. The four straight-line segments (6) are designed to circumscribe a standardized square drive (14). This profile can be used for driving sockets and accessories for screwing and unscrewing.

Abstract: A hand tool includes an elongated substantially rigid body having generally opposite first and second ends. The first end has a first socket of a given width and depth formed longitudinally therein. A first slot extends longitudinally into the first end and across the first socket. The first slot has a width less than the width of the first socket. The second end has a second socket formed therein which also extends longitudinally. The first and second sockets can be of different widths and depths. This hand tool is useful on projects where a variety of fastener sizes and types are encountered.

Abstract: A crescent wrench having a screw hole at its handle in front of a thumbscrew, a holding-down screw threaded into the screw hole, and a handle couped to the holding-down screw and adapted for turning the holding-down screw between the operative position to hold down a movable jaw, which is to be turned by the thumbscrew relative to a fixed jaw at one end of the handle, and the non-operative position to release the movable jaw.

Abstract: Pliers contain two parallel operating jaws (3, 7) and two handles (1, 16) which can be pivoted relative to one another and one of which (1), in order to form a first plier unit (Z1 ), is connected fixedly to a first (3) of the operating jaws and another (16), in order to form a second plier unit (Z2), is connected in an articulated manner to a second (7) of the operating jaws, via a drive device (14), in order, during pivoting of the handles (1, 16), for the operating jaws (3, 7) to be moved towards one another or away from one another in an operating direction (A). It is possible to preset a rest position of the second plier unit (Z2) relative to the first plier unit (Z1 ) in the operating direction (A).

Abstract: A wrench comprising two driving stems pivotally connected with each other. One of the driving stems has a main body and a flat portion, protruding from the main body with a hole at a center thereof. The other driving stem has the other main body and the other flat portion protruding from the other main body with at a center thereof. A pair of hinges having two holes aligned with the holes of the flat portions protruding from the main bodies of the driving stems, respectively, is used. Two sets of bolts and nuts are used to be threaded through the holes of the hinges, the flat portion protruding from main bodies of the first and the second driving stems, respectively.

Abstract: Clamp for screwed fastening member, including: a main body formed with an internal axial passage; a rod body connected with the main body; two clamping members each having a bottom clamping end, the clamping members being pivotally disposed on the main body and movable to open or close the clamping ends thereof; and a predetermined number of pressing member disposed between the clamping members and the main body for forcedly pressing the clamping members and making the clamping ends thereof extend into the passage and close to clamp an article. A screwed fastening member can be positioned in the main body and clamped by the clamping members, whereby the clamp can be rotated to drive and screw the screwed fastening member.

Abstract: A torque wrench having an indicator may be used to apply a desired amount of torque to a fastener to secure together two printed circuit boards within an electronic system. The torque wrench includes a handle and a drive head. The handle may include a lever arm, a looped section, and a drive section. A gap is formed between a portion of the lever arm and a portion of the drive section. When force is applied to the handle to tighten a fastener, the force causes the gap to narrow. A desired amount of torque is applied to the fastener by the torque wrench when the gap between the portion of the lever arm and the portion of the drive section closes. The torque wrench is storable within an enclosure of the electronic system when not in use to tighten a fastener.

Abstract: A machine tool is provided where the support rigidity of the saddle is improved without increasing the height of the headstock. The machine tool includes a headstock situated on a fixed bed and a saddle having two different heights disposed on the fixed bed so as to be movable along a direction of an axis line of the headstock. A tool post is present on a column placed on the saddle so that the tool post is movable in a direction perpendicular to the axis line of the headstock. In this machine tool, the height of one portion of the saddle located toward the rear side of the tool is larger than the height of another portion of the saddle located toward the front side of the tool.

Abstract: A vegetation cutter, a cutting string for use with a vegetation cutter, and a method of cutting vegetation, are provided which utilize a novel cutting string arrangement in which a twist and living hinge are provided in a cutting string having a drag co-efficient of less than 1.0, typically with a first long axis and a second short axis, the second axis less than 85% of the first axis. The twist is provided between the free end of the string and where the string is mounted to the head, or where two twists are provided in the string, the string is mounted to the head at a central portion between the twists. The string may be mounted to the head by grooves or slots and/or clamping mechanisms, or a wide variety of other components. The cutting string may have a wide variety of cross-sectional configurations (both symmetrical, such as elliptical, or non-symmetrical, such as substantially tear drop). The twist is typically between about 30-150°, most desirably about 90°.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a food product is disclosed including a stationary structure with a food product guide surface for guiding a food product along a path of travel, the apparatus having a knife wheel rotatable about a knife wheel axis, the knife wheel having at least one knife blade and located such that rotation of the knife wheel about the knife wheel axis causes the knife blade to cut through the food product as it moves along the path of travel. The apparatus also includes a knife wheel support which rotatably supports the knife wheel, the knife wheel support being pivotally attached to the stationary structure so as to pivot about a pivot axis extending substantially parallel to the knife wheel axis, such that the knife wheel axis is movable along an arcuate path about the pivot axis.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing paper toweling includes a rotatable toweling support roller and a cutter blade pivotally mounted on the outer peripheral portion of the roller. The blade is movable between a first position in which the cutting edge of the blade is positioned closely adjacent to the outer peripheral portion and a second position in which the blade is disposed at an angle relative to the outer peripheral portion with the cutting edge of the blade spaced from the toweling support roller. The cutter blade when in the second position projects in a direction generally opposed to the direction of rotation of the toweling support roller so that pulling force exerted on the toweling by a user will bear against the cutting edge of the cutter blade to sever the toweling.

Abstract: A mini-blind cutter for selective manual in-store sizing of a first mini-blind product and a second mini-blind product. Each of the mini-blind products include a head rail, a plurality of slats, and a bottom rail having a different geometry and or material composition. A die assembly is movable from a first position to a second position includes a first and second region to receive the first and second mini-blind products. A blade carrier assembly includes at least two blade carriers and permits permit independent translation of the blade carriers to accommodate the different sized mini-blind products.

Abstract: A gang punch tool assembly and method is provided for punching holes in a plurality of greensheets which are processed sequentially through the assembly. The punch mechanism is a gang punch cooperating with a corresponding die and the greensheet is automatically fed to the gang punch and die, the greensheet punched and then the punched greensheet removed from the punch area and another greensheet positioned for punching. Operation of the gang punch apparatus is efficient and effective and has a high greensheet throughput. A preferred gang punch uses a pressurizable air chamber for controlling punching of the greensheet without damage to the greensheets or gang punch mechanism.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus for cutting a rail or other elongated workpiece includes a rotatable blade for cutting the rail, a blade cover for covering the blade, an engine (or motor) for driving the blade, and a frame for supporting the blade, the blade cover and the driver. The cutting apparatus further includes link mechanisms. One link mechanism supports the blade and the blade cover relative to the frame and permits the blade cover to move while maintaining a predetermined attitude during cutting. Therefore, the blade cover moves vertically and avoids hitting obstacles. Another link mechanism moves the driver while maintaining a predetermined attitude of the driver. Therefore, the driver remains level during cutting.

Abstract: A saw blade has teeth which are located on a carrier blade. Saw teeth flanks are curved and convex. A transition point between a cutting edge of the saw tooth and the curved convex saw tooth flank is such that a spacing distance between a radial center of the saw tooth flank and a radial plane of symmetry of the saw tooth is greater than a spacing distance between the transition point and the plane of symmetry.

Abstract: A cable with a cable core, a cable jacket and at least one tear thread extending therebetween, which tear thread is held in a fixed position by means of at least one auxiliary thread which is preferably wrapped or looped around the tear thread.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing novel composite microtubing with variable stiffness over the length of the tubing. By varying the pick count of a braided layer the stiffness of the microtubing may be varied by a factor of 100 from proximal end to distal end. The continuous process allows a predetermined stiffness pattern to be repeated over a measured length for economical manufacture and results, if desired, in tubing of extremely small diameter and extremely thin tube walls.

Abstract: A weapon barrel includes a liner having first and second circumferential regions; a jacket surrounding the liner; and an arrangement for effecting a heat transfer outwardly from the liner at a greater rate from the first circumferential region than from the second circumferential region.

Abstract: An integrated, layered armor structure having multiple layers which alternate in their exhibited characteristics between extremely hard and ductile. The extremely hard layers of the armor structure are designed to shatter an impacting projectile, or pieces thereof, and to fracture in such a way as to dissipate at least a portion of the kinetic energy associated with the projectile pieces and to disperse the projectile pieces and hard layer fragments over a wide area. The ductile layers of the armor structure are designed to yield under the force of impinging projectile pieces and hard layer fragments from an adjacent hard layer. This yielding dissipates at least a portion of the remaining kinetic energy of these pieces and fragments. Pieces and fragments not possessing sufficient kinetic energy to tear through the ductile layer are trapped therein and so stopped.

Abstract: An unlocked self-loading pistol and a conversion kit for modifying a locked self-loading pistol adapted for firing normal and powerful cartridges into an unlocked self-loading pistol capable of firing weak cartridges as well as normal and powerful cartridges is disclosed. The unlocked self-loading pistol includes a return spring which is closely surrounded on the outside by a sleeve composed of an elastomer material. The length of the elastomer sleeve corresponds approximately to the length of the compressed return spring. The sleeve absorbs a part of the movement energy of the breech and passes it on into the grip. The conversion kit can be used to convert a locked self-loading pistol into an unlocked self-loading pistol as stated above and vice versa. The disclosed conversion kit includes: an alternate barrel which does not come into locked engagement with the breech, the abovementioned elastomer sleeve, and, optionally, a substitute return spring.

Abstract: A ram cylinder piston stroke stop is disclosed, including a pair of opposed piston shaft gripping members each formed in an extruded shape along an axis with an integral extruded axially open spring end receiving socket. A spring includes opposed ends that are engaged within the spring end receiving sockets.

Abstract: Disclosed is a diaphragm-based spring brake actuator assembly which allows for the delivery of more force to the push rod without increasing the size of the actuator unit. The invention allows for the use of a stronger heavy main compression spring in the emergency brake chamber to provide greater emergency or parking brake force to the push rod. The invention also allows the service brake chamber to operate more efficiently when braking pressure is introduced. These functions are accomplished through modifications in the design of the actuators which allow for the deployment of a larger pressure plate inside either the emergency housing or the service brake housing, or both, allowing delivery of more force to the push rod of the actuator; and are made possible in actuator units having the same dimensional profile as existing weaker units.

Abstract: A combination cylinder and pistons wherein the pistons are provided with piston rods coaxially located in the cylinder so that fluid under pressure may be introduced into the head of one of the pistons at one end of the cylinder and transmitted through a tubular opening coaxial with said piston rod to the space above the head of the next adjoining piston and if desired, through similar openings in a plurality of additional pistons, until the last piston rod which is not provided with such an opening therethrough and which is connected to a tool.

Abstract: An end-closing structure for a rodless cylinder comprises an end cap and a sleeve. The end cap is fitted and inserted into a bore of a cylinder tube. Further, the sleeve is fitted and inserted into a through hole of the end cap through a hole of the cylinder tube. By means of inserting a spring pin into a hole through a hole, the bore is closed such that ends of the end cap and the cylinder tube are positioned substantially in the same plane surface.