Abstract: Methods of fabricating thinned comb MEMS devices are disclosed. A comb drive device in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention can include a number of interdigitated comb fingers some of which have a reduced thickness along at least a portion of their length relative to other comb fingers.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring acceleration in three mutually orthogonal axes, X, Y and Z is disclosed. The sensor comprises a sensor subassembly. The sensor subassembly further comprises a base which is substantially parallel to the X-Y sensing plane; a proof mass disposed in the X-Y sensing plane and constrained to move substantially in the X, Y, and Z, about by at least one linkage and is responsive to accelerations in the X, Y and Z directions. The sensor includes at least one paddle disposed in the sensing plane; and at least one pivot on the linkage. Finally, the sensor includes at least one electrode at the base plate and at least one transducer for each sensing direction of the sensor subassembly responsive to the acceleration.

Abstract: A monolithic integrated 3-axis accelerometer chip includes a single crystal substrate, the substrate including at least one single crystal membrane layer portion. A single sensor microstructure made from the single crystal membrane senses acceleration in each of the three orthogonal directions. At least one electronic circuit can also be disposed on the chip, such as a circuit for driving, detecting, controlling and signal processing.

Abstract: A device to measure a fluid dynamic bearing system, particularly the inside diameter of the bearing bore of a bearing sleeve or the outside diameter of a shaft using a sensor element. A capacity acting sensor element is used to determine, for example, the inside diameter of the bearing bore, the sensor element being designed as part of the surface of a shaft prepared for measurement purposes. To determine the outside diameter of the shaft, the sensor element is correspondingly designed as part of the surface of the bearing bore of a bearing sleeve prepared for measurement purposes. Means of introducing a measuring fluid, preferably compressed air, into the bearing gap remaining between the bearing sleeve and the shaft are provided so that during the measurement process the shaft is automatically aligned and centered within the bearing bore.

Abstract: A pressure measuring device (2) includes a vibrating ferromagnetic cylinder (4) and mechanically located within a casing (6). A diaphragm (24) is directly connected to the cylinder and forms a pressure measurement surface. Pressure on the diaphragm (24) results in a force and stresses in the cylinder (4) which change the resonant frequency of the vibrating cylinder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of determining both pressures and temperatures in a high temperature environment. The present invention also relates to a method of determining temperatures about a pressure-sensing element using a bi-functional heater. In addition, the present invention preferably relates to a pressure sensor with the pressure-sensing element and a heating element both integrated into the sensor's packaging, preferably onto the diaphragm of the pressure sensor, and particularly to such a pressure sensor capable of operating at high or elevated temperatures, and even more particularly to such a pressure sensor wherein the heating element is capable of both heating, at least in part, the pressure-sensing element and monitoring the temperature of the application area. Preferably, the pressure-sensing element is formed from shape memory alloy (SMA) materials that can be used at high or elevated temperatures as a pressure sensor with high sensitivity.

Abstract: A pressure sensing system and method includes a pressure sensor configured to include a pressure sensing diaphragm and a pressure port. A memory circuit incorporated can be incorporated into the pressure port. A high order polynomial component can also be provided. One or more excitation signals are then applicable to the pressure sensor such that a voltage output thereof is measured and recorded at a plurality of predefined temperatures and pressures in order to generate pressure sensor output data. Such output data is then automatically input to the high order polynomial component in order to generate a set of correction coefficients usable for improving the accuracy of the pressure sensor. The pressure sensing diaphragm is preferably based on an Advanced Thick Film (ATF) configuration.

Abstract: A pressure measurement system includes a pressure transmitter and a remote seal assembly, and a capillary tube that connects a housing of the remote seal with a housing of the pressure transmitter utilizing at least one negligible-leakage quick connect coupling.

Abstract: A semiconductor chip for use in fabricating pressure transducers, including: a semiconductor wafer having a top and a bottom surface, a layer of an insulating material formed on the top surface, the bottom surface having at least two recesses of substantially equal dimensions and spaced apart, the recesses providing first and second substantially equal thin active areas, which areas deflect upon application to a force applied to the top surface, a first plurality of piezoresistive devices arranged in a given pattern and positioned on the insulating material and located within the first area, a second equal plurality of piezoresistive devices arranged in the identical pattern and located on the insulating material within the second active area, first connecting means for connecting the first plurality of piezoresistive devices in a first array, second connecting means for connecting the second plurality of piezoresistive devices in a second array corresponding to the first array.

Abstract: A pressure sensor for sensing a fluid pressure in a high acceleration environment. The sensor has a chamber partially defined by a non-planar membrane, the chamber containing a fluid at a reference pressure, such that the non-planar membrane deflects due to pressure differentials between the reference pressure and the fluid pressure. The deflection is converted into an output signal indicative of the fluid pressure by associated circuitry. By keeping the area of the membrane exposed to the fluid in the chamber to less than 0.1 grams, the acceleration forces have minimal affect on the amount that membrane flexes.

Abstract: A pressure sensor for sensing a fluid pressure in harsh environments such as the air pressure in a tire formed on a wafer substrate. Associated circuitry deposited in CMOS layers on the wafer substrate has a conductive layer at least partially overlying the associated circuitry, the conductive layer forming a first electrode of the capacitative sensor. A conductive membrane at least partially overlies the conductive layer, and is spaced from it to form a second electrode of the capacitative sensor. The conductive membrane has one side exposed to the fluid pressure and the conductive layer is sealed from the fluid pressure by the conductive membrane such that, the associated circuitry converts the deflection of the conductive membrane into an output signal indicative of the fluid pressure. The conductive membrane is at least partially formed from a ceramic material to provide corrosion and wear resistance.

Abstract: An isolation assembly for connection to a process transmitter and for mitigating high temperature effects of a process fluid includes a process coupling face having an isolation diaphragm configured to contact process fluid. A transmitter coupling has a pressure coupling configured to couple to a pressure port of the process transmitter. A temperature isolation fluid conduit extends between the process coupling face and the transmitter coupling and carries an isolation fluid which couples a pressure applied to the isolation diaphragm to the pressure coupling to minimize high temperature effects of the process fluid on the process transmitter.

Abstract: A micro-tensile testing system providing a stand-alone test platform for testing and reporting physical or engineering properties of test samples of materials having thicknesses of approximately between 0.002 inch and 0.030 inch, including, for example, LiGA engineered materials. The testing system is able to perform a variety of static, dynamic, and cyclic tests. The testing system includes a rigid frame and adjustable gripping supports to minimize measurement errors due to deflection or bending under load; serrated grips for securing the extremely small test sample; high-speed laser scan micrometers for obtaining accurate results; and test software for controlling the testing procedure and reporting results.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for measuring the transfer resistance of a cosmetic product, such as a foundation, comprising: i) depositing an amount of the cosmetic product onto a first face of a support; ii) applying the first face of the support onto a sheet, under given pressure and given duration conditions; iii) while maintaining a pressure, effecting a relative translational motion between the sheet and the support, parallel to the plane of the sheet and at a substantially constant speed; and iv) determining a transfer index for the product as a function of the amount of residual product on the first face, or in the event of a residual amount that is greater than zero and less than the said given amount, as a function of the length of a trail formed by the product transferred onto the sheet.

Abstract: A process fluid measurement system provides a first measurement relative to process fluid flowing in a pipe. An additional measurement of process fluid flow velocity in the pipe is combined with the first measurement to provide a simplified indication of mass fluid flow and/or density or other fluid parameter. In some embodiments, the first measurement is a differential pressure measurement. Additionally, one embodiment provides a vortex flowmeter having configurable terminations for coupling to a variety of pressure or differential pressure sensors or transmitters for advanced process fluid measurements or calculations.

Abstract: When outputs from two vibration detection sensors are measured by a Coriolis flowmeter in a form of phase difference time, a tube must be thinned to increase a sensitivity of the flowmeter to enable measurement and accordingly flow velocity and pressure loss increase, and a thickness of the flowmeter must be reduced and therefore a pressure resistance cannot be readily enhanced. In particular, the sensitivity of signals to flow rate is difficult to increase and, accordingly, a flow rate of a low-density gas cannot be accurately measured. In the present invention, a Coriolis vibration frame 16 carrying a U-shaped tube is swingably fixed to a forced vibration frame 19 fixed to a support base 22 to form a highly rigid frame structure limiting a vibrating direction to one degree of freedom in a Coriolis vibration direction. The forced vibration frame 19 is vibrated by a vibration exciter 20 so that a ratio of a forced vibration frequency to the Coriolis frequency of a pipeline is at least 1 to 10.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring a parameter applied to a surface is provided. The sensor includes at least one substrate layer, a plurality of individual sensor elements operatively arranged with respect to the substrate layer, and a conductive trace disposed on the substrate layer. The conductive trace is electrically coupled to an individual sensor element and wraps around at least a portion of the sensor element in a spiral-like manner. Further, by employing slits or cut-outs of material between sensor elements, a sensor element may move independent of an adjacent sensor element, thereby allowing the sensor to conform to an irregularly shaped surface or otherwise when subject to relatively large deflections. The sensor may be employed to detect force distribution of a seating surface, such as a seat cushion of a wheelchair.

Abstract: A detector of an absolute rotation angle and torque includes a first gear coupled to an input shaft of a torsion-bar unit, a gear A engaging with the first gear, and a first detecting section of an absolute rotation angle placed at the center of the gear A. The detector also includes a second gear coupled to an output shaft of the torsion-bar unit, a gear B engaging with the second gear, and a second detecting section of an absolute angle placed at the center of gear B.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a load measuring transducer including gauges and elastic structure and weighing system for measuring weight applied to a structure. The load measuring transducer of the present invention comprises a stationary gauge which is constructed of a plurality of repeated coil (or electric wire) patterns with a predetermined pitch and has both ends to which an AC electricity is applied; and a moving gauge which is provided to move in a longitudinal direction (or perpendicular direction with respect to the longitudinal direction) of the stationary gauge without contact therewith in response to the occurrence of the elastic deformation of the deformation-producing portion of the structure of the transducer.

Abstract: A device for connecting together a vertically disposed roller screw and roller nut assembly to a stationary member and moving member includes a bearing housing attached onto a fixed end of the roller screw. The bearing house includes at least one bearing and two bearing house pivots. A first universal ring concentrically surrounds the bearing housing and includes two mating pivots mated with the two bearing house pivots and two attachment pivots mated with corresponding pivots of the stationary member. A roller nut mount rigidly attaches to the roller nut and includes two roller nut mount pivots. A second universal ring concentrically surrounds the roller nut mount. The second universal ring includes two mating pivots mated with the two roller nut mount pivots and further includes two attachment pivots mated with corresponding pivots of the moving member.

Abstract: A rotary cam assembly for a bending die includes first and second arms pivotally attached to an actuator. Linear movement of the actuator causes rotation of the rotary cam relative to a bending cam. A rotatable element is supported between the first and second arms and guides along a cam surface of a fail-safe element mounted on an upper die. In the absence of actuator movement, the fail-safe element cause rotation of the rotary cam from a released position to a bending position ensuring proper position of the rotary cam relative to a bending cam.

Abstract: In the transmissions of the background art, two larger-diameter gears are mounted on a final shaft thereby causing an increase in weight of the transmission. The present invention reduces the weight of a transmission by mounting only one larger-diameter gear on a final shaft.

Abstract: Engine torque selectively inputted through first and second input shafts is received and changed selectively by first and second output devices respectively having first and second output shafts. A reverse driven gear is axially offset from drive gears on the first and second input shafts such that some gear teeth of the reverse driven gear are close to an exterior circumference of one of the first and second input shafts.

Abstract: The transmission comprises: a first input shaft carrying first, second and third driving gearwheels associated to odd gears and to a reverse gear; a second input shaft made in the form of a hollow shaft coaxial with the first input shaft and carrying fourth and fifth driving gearwheels associated to even gears; a first friction clutch for coupling the first input shaft to a driving shaft of the vehicle; a second friction clutch for coupling the second input shaft to the driving shaft; a first output shaft arranged parallel to the first and second input shafts and carrying a first idle driven gearwheel meshing with the first driving gearwheel for providing a first gear, a second idle driven gearwheel meshing with the second driving gearwheel for providing a third gear and a third idle driven gearwheel meshing with the fifth driving gearwheel for providing a sixth gear, as well as a first engagement sleeve for selectively engaging the first or the third gear and a second engagement sleeve for engaging the sixth

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for protecting impact to a rack bar of a power steering gearbox comprising an oil pressure cylinder, to which oil which has passed through an oil pressure pump and a rotary valve is supplied through a left port or right port, a rack bar disposed in the oil pressure cylinder and horizontally reciprocating, a piston fixed at the middle of the rack bar, a first lack bush and a second lack bush disposed at both ends of the cylinder, in which the piston moves, to close the cylinder, and bypass holes with a downward convex shape disposed at both ends of the cylinder adjacent to the first and second rack bushes, in which a part of oil pressure is released immediately before a piston of the rack bar moving by the power of oil pressure reaches a rack bush, whereby impact to the cylinder or noise is not generated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rack and pinion steering device having a rack (1) which is arranged in a housing (4) and is connected at both ends to the steerable wheels via track rods (6) and steering arms, and having a pinion (2) which engages continuously in the rack (1) and is connected to the manual steering wheel via a steering column, and having stop means (10; 11; 12) which are integrated at both ends between the housing (4) and axially movable parts of the rack and pinion steering device and limit the axial movement of the rack (1) in both steering directions, the stop means (10; 11; 12) comprising elastically compliant material (12) which is completely enclosed in nonelastic parts (10; 11) of the stop means (10; 11; 12) which can move axially with respect to one another.

Abstract: An endplay structure is provided for controlling endplay of a shaft 25 of a motor 19. The endplay structure includes a body 22 including a generally elliptically shaped recess 26 therein. The recess is constructed and arranged to be disposed generally adjacent to an end of the shaft. An engagement member 28 has a generally spherical portion constructed and arranged to be received in a press-fit arrangement with the recess. The engagement member has a surface 32 constructed and arranged to contact the end of the shaft. Whereby, when the surface of the engagement member is contacted by the end of the shaft, the spherical portion of the engagement member is press-fitted into the recess to control endplay of the shaft.

Abstract: The invention concerns a gear for precision devices comprising at least two mutually co-operating toothed wheels (10, 14). The teeth (12, 16) of the two wheels have the same thickness (e) and the teeth of one of them (10) are provided with a radial slot (26) which divides them into half-teeth (22, 24). On of said half-tooth (24) comprises a recess (28) enabling its elastic deformation in case of overloading.

Abstract: The present invention is a replacement throttle valve cable assembly and method of use for an automatic transmission of a land vehicle, which permits repair of the throttle valve cable without unnecessary replacement of serviceable components such as the cable housing and linkage clip components. This is accomplished by the use of a cable stop device or so-called adjustment stud, which permits transmission shift performance to be fine-tuned by temporary adjustments to the cable length prior to permanent installation. The adjustment stud includes a temporary setscrew fastener integrally connected to a permanent swage fastener by an undercut shear zone. Once the cable length is established and the vehicle road tested, the swage fastener is permanently installed on the cable. Thereafter, the segmented portion of the adjustment stud containing the setscrew is snapped off at the shear zone along with any excess cable by a suitable tool.

Abstract: A handle-adjusting device for adjusting position of a handle relative to a vehicle frame includes a valve cylinder with a valve rod, and a control rod that is formed with a pressing face and a release face. When the control rod is operated to align the pressing face with an upper end of the valve rod, the valve rod is disposed at a retracted position so as to enable rotation of the handle relative to the vehicle frame. When the control rod is operated to align the release face with the upper end of the valve rod, the valve rod is disposed at the extended position so as to prevent rotation of the handle relative to the vehicle frame.

Abstract: A hollow crank arm for a bicycle comprising a body of elongated shape, at the ends of which are formed, respectively, an area for connection of the bottom bracket spindle and an area for connection of the pedal. The body includes a cavity of elongated shape and two solid end portions which are the aforesaid connection areas for the bottom bracket spindle and for the pedal. The crank arm is preferably formed through a forging process.

Abstract: A bicycle crank assembly has a right crank crimp-fastened to a crank shaft in such a manner that the external appearance is attractive. The crank shaft has a first and second portions with the second portion being positioned on the right side of the first portion and having a larger diameter than the first portion. The right crank has a sprocket mounting part, a right crank arm part, and an engagement bore formed in the center of the sprocket mounting part. The right crank is crimp-fastened to the crank shaft by installing the second portion of the crank shaft into the engagement bore and pressing the periphery of the engagement bore toward the outside in the axial direction of the crank shaft such that the pressed portion bulges radially inward and an annular space is formed between the crank shaft and the engagement bore.

Abstract: The pedal comprises a pedal body (2) mounted rotatably on a pedal axle (3) and provided with a retainer (7 to 10) of an engagement member fixed below a bicycle shoe, the retainer (7 to 10) comprising a first pair of arches (7, 8) mounted fixedly and a second pair of arches (9, 10) mounted pivoting between the fixed arches (7, 8). A resilient return (12, 13) acts on the pivoting arches (9, 10) to urge them toward a position of retaining the engagement member between a fixed arch (7, 8) and a pivoting arch (9, 10) following relative angular spacing apart of these latter by said engagement member against the action of the resilient return (12, 13). The pivotal axis of each pivoting arch (9, 10) is eccentric to the axis of rotation (A-A) of the pedal axle (3).

Abstract: A gearbox housing with at least one first upper housing piece and a second lower housing piece, which may be detachably connected to each other. The gearbox housing has upper and lower housing pieces that are partially detachably connected to each other, with at least one rotating jointed connection between the upper housing piece and the lower housing piece, which are each arranged on a side described by the housing pieces in a view of the connection plane described by the profile and permitting a theoretical pivoting axis for pivoting the housing pieces relative to each other while maintaining the connection between the components. A catch is provided on the sides free of the rotating jointed connection.

Abstract: A rotating cutting apparatus comprising a cutting blade holder with at least one hole on the outside diameter of the cutting blade holder into which cutting blades are inserted and bonded to the cutting blade holder. The cutting blade holder encloses a center hole, so that the rotating cutting apparatus can be mounted to a drive shaft of machinery or secured to a cup that can be mounted to the drive shaft of machinery and driven by the machinery. The cutting blade holder can be made of a less expensive material, with only the cutting blade being made of higher-grade materials that maintains its cutting edge well. Additionally, in some arrangements of the present invention, the cutting blade may be sharpened on two sides so that the rotating cutting apparatus can be used for longer periods of time.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a tool for inserting and removing rod-type steps includes a handle and a head. The head includes a first surface having a first hole and a second surface, parallel to the first surface, having a second hole. The first hole and the second hole define a centerline. The head also includes a tang having first and second scallops disposed on opposing edges. The tang is perpendicular to the first and second surfaces and offset from the centerline.

Abstract: A retainer for constraining slidable movement of a sleeve along a shaft between open and closed positions. An end cap is fixed on the sleeve's rearward end, forming a recess between the sleeve's rearward end and the end cap. The retainer is slidable in and along the sleeve. A pair of flexible, transversely opposed ribs are provided at the retainer's rearward end. A lug projects outwardly from each rib's rearward end. A spring normally biases the ribs outwardly, biasing the lugs into the recess when the sleeve is closed to retain the sleeve in the closed position. When the sleeve is closed, application of a force to move the end cap rearwardly away from the shaft compresses the lugs inwardly, compressing the ribs against the spring and overcoming the spring's outward bias, such that the lugs circumscribe a reduced circumference permitting slidable movement of the lugs through the sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pliers that includes first and second arms that are pivotally interconnected utilizing an appropriate mechanical fastener. A spring is generally disposed about the mechanical fastener to bias the pliers toward an open condition. Further, a bearing is generally located between the first and second arms to hinder friction between the first and second arms, facilitate movement of the pliers between open and closed conditions, and provide some control for the range of pivotal motion of the first arm relative to the second arm.

Abstract: A manually operated impact tool is provided and includes: an impact mass; an anvil rotatably disposed relative to the impact mass; an input member operatively connected to one of the impact mass and anvil mass for imparting a relative rotation between the impact mass and the anvil; an output member connected to the other of the impact mass and anvil mass for transferring an impact to a fastener; and one or more elastic elements for storing potential energy upon the relative rotation between the impact mass and the anvil. Wherein conversion of the potential energy to kinetic energy causes the impact mass to impact the anvil and transfer of the impact to the output member.

Abstract: A method of operating a flying shear for cutting a rolled strip, which includes at least one drum provided with a blade, includes synchronizing a peripheral speed of the blade with a feed rate of the rolled strip, and cutting the rolled strip by effecting a partial penetration of the blade in the rolled strip to produce a weakened location of the rolled strip, and by tearing the rolled strip at the weakened location by a tensile force.

Abstract: A method of cutting an elongate timber web which forms on each of two opposed ends thereof a tapered end shape including a series of at least four cuts at successive angles to approximate an arcuate convex end. The method includes the steps of performing first and second passes of the web through a saw having cutter groups at adjustably spaced apart locations, each cutter group having at least two cutters (101, 102, 103, 104) set to angles so that the cutters of each cutter group correspond to a subset of said series of cuts (201, 202, 203, 204) at a respective end of the web. The web is rotated between the passes, the rotation between passes and the cutter settings together result in a multi-faceted end cut.

Abstract: An arrangement for cutting an optical fibre comprises a fibre cutter for cutting the fibre. A motor is provided to operate the cutter. To start a cutting movement, the motor is controlled by a control unit in response to a start signal. The start signal is generated when the fibre is located in the cutter. A detector is connected to the control unit to detect when the fibre snaps off and in response thereto cause the control unit to generate a stop signal to stop the cutting movement. If no fibre snap off is detected, the cutting movement is automatically stopped at a predetermined position of the cutter.

Abstract: A machine for removing the tips of tablet punches includes a housing that contains a turret that is rotated about a substantially vertical axis and a cutting wheel. The turret supports a plurality of tablet punches in a substantially vertical position with the tips of the punches being exposed below the turret. A cutting wheel is positioned below the turret and is located in a position so as to be in the path of the tips as the turret rotates. A motor rotates the cutting wheel so that the tips are removed from the punches as they are rotated into the path of the wheel. A nozzle is directed to the position where the cutting wheel engages the tips of the punches and sprays a cooling fluid in order to cool the cutting wheel and tips to prevent overheating thereof.

Abstract: A food slicer 10 of the present invention contains a hollow body 12 having an inner wall 13 defining an interior 17 and an outer wall 15 for containment of a food product therein. A plurality of blades 32 extends across the interior 17 of the body thereby cutting a food product biased against the blades 32 into a plurality of portions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for placement of continuous pre-split, gel explosive in an elongated borehole or cavity. An anchor is attached to one end of a selected length of continuous gel explosive. A suitable anchor is a flexible, plastic “pilgrim's hat” with a hole in the narrow, closed end. The size of the anchor depends on the width of the borehole; the flared skirt should be narrow enough to permit insertion of the anchor into the hole but wide enough to resist removal. One end of the explosive charge is pressed through the hole in the anchor. The remainder of the length of explosive is placed inside a tubular member, such as PVC pipe. The loaded pipe then is inserted into the borehole or cavity with the anchor leading. The pipe is used to push the anchor back into the hole to the desired depth. Then, the pipe is withdrawn. The flexible skirt on the anchor engages the sidewall of the borehole and thus resists removal with the pipe.

Abstract: A machine gun mount is provided for mounting a machine gun in a movable support arm of a helicopter. The mount includes a gun cradle which is detachably connected to the gun and a pintle one end of which is adapted to pivotably mount the pintle, and thus the mount, on the movable support arm. This enables pivoting movement of the gun in a horizontal plane. The pintle is pivotably connected at the opposite end to the cradle so as to permit the cradle, and thus the gun, to be rotated in a vertical plane through 90 degrees between operative and stowed positions. A locking mechanism locks the cradle in the stowed position. A magazine is attached to one side of the cradle while a spent case and link frame and associated catch bag are attached to the opposite side. The magazine includes an inwardly projecting portion disposed below the cradle.

Abstract: A device to recuperate the energy produced during the recoiling of a weapon provided with a hydraulic fluid power circuit, wherein said device comprises an energy recuperating cylinder activated by the recoil of said weapon, a double-acting cylinder comprising two chambers separated by a piston, a first chamber of said cylinder being connected to said hydraulic power circuit of said weapon, said piston of said cylinder pushing said hydraulic fluid in said circuit into a storage accumulator when said weapon recoils. The energy recuperating cylinder comprises a second chamber connected to a recoil mechanism that ensures pressurising of said mechanism.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is an engine that is actuated by a fluid under pressure, preferably water, and comprises one or more oscillating, connecting-rod assemblies (13), including a cylinder (14) and a piston (15), and at least one or more cranks (16) driven by the connecting-rod assemblies (13). For each connecting-rod assembly (13), a preferably stationary valve (20) controls the feed and the discharge of the pressure fluid to and from it, synchronically with the angular position of the corresponding crank (10), and acts as the pivot about which connecting-rod assembly (13) oscillates. The engine can be applied for producing mechanical work in any apparatus, for example in sprinklers, concrete mixers, apparatus for winding cables or garden hose reels, and so on, or for the production of electrical energy. The actuating fluid can be used, after its discharge from the engine, for purposes for which high pressure is not required.

Abstract: A metering valve for a work machine hydraulic system is disclosed. The metering valve has an inlet and an outlet, a main poppet, and a solenoid-operated pilot element. The main poppet is movable to pass fluid from the inlet to the outlet, and to block fluid from the inlet to the outlet. The solenoid-operated pilot element is movable between a first position at which pressurized fluid from the inlet pressurizes a control chamber in communication with a control end of the main poppet to urge the main poppet toward the flow-blocking position, and a second position at which the control chamber is communicated with a drain to move the main poppet toward the flow-passing position. The metering valve also has a relief valve element configured to drain pressurized fluid from the control chamber to move the main poppet toward the flow-passing position in response to a pressure at the inlet exceeding a predetermined pressure.

Abstract: pressure mediator comprising a base body having a membrane bed, wherein said base body has a first material with a first thermal expansion coefficient, in addition to a separating membrane having a second material with a second thermal expansion coefficient that is smaller than the first thermal expansion coefficient The separating membrane is fixed to the base body by its edge area in such a way that the membrane bed is covered by the separating membrane, and the separating membrane also has a relief that is formed by embossing against the membrane bed after the separating membrane was fixed to the base body. Embossing of the membrane relief is carried out at a temperature below critical temperature of less than approximately 10° C. This makes it possible to obtain a constant membrane characteristic line at low temperatures.