Abstract: Control device for a valve provided with a spiral spring whose release brings about rotation of the drive shaft of the stopper of the valve. Rotation of the auxiliary shaft of the control device is dependent upon a shock absorbing device, wherein rotation of the auxiliary shaft drives a rotating piston arranged in a sealed housing containing a viscous fluid.

Abstract: A damper for a flapdoor that does not show any damping effect when its movable shaft of the damper is rotated with the door in one sense whereas it effectively damps the rotary movement of the flapdoor when the movable shaft is rotated with the door in the other sense, wherein a one-way clutch for engaging or disengaging the movable shaft with a movable member depending on the sense of rotation of the movable shaft to cause a viscous shearing drag in the viscous fluid contained in the damper and a power source constitute so many integral parts of a coil spring. A damper for a flapdoor having such an arrangement can have a simplified configuration as compared with a damper provided with a separate coil spring as power source and a separate one-way clutch and therefore can be realized with reduced dimensions.

Abstract: A temperature compensated fluid filled damper is provided which in a preferred embodiment is a rotary damper which includes a housing for receiving a rotor having a surface for engaging a viscous fluid sealed within the housing. The housing includes a temperature compensating member positioned adjacent the rotor surface and which is made of a material which has a coefficient of thermal expansion different than that of the rotor to provide a varying gap width between the surface of the rotor and the temperature compensating member such that as the temperature changes the drag provided to the rotor by the gap change varies inversely to the drag provided by the viscous fluid.

Abstract: The invention concerns a hydrodynamic retarder, the stator blade wheel of which can be brought into eccentric, nonaligned positions with respect to the rotor blade wheel. Either by formation of a blade free circumferential region in the blading of the stator blade wheel together with a longitudinal guide for eccentric shifting or by eccentric swingable mounting of the stator blade wheel, a directly proportional force is obtained from the corresponding braking torque in the stator blade wheel. This force represents a measure for the braking torque and serves as a characteristic value for a torque adjustment. This creates a simple control device with characteristic curves which requires a smaller retarder profile diameter in order to obtain given operating points. The advantage is the reduction of the outside dimensions, the weight and the expense for regulating the brake torque.

Abstract: A damper device for a motor having a boss section attached to a rotary shaft of the motor, a mass inertia section rotatably supported by the boss section such that it surrounds the outer periphery of the boss section with a gap left therebetween, a magnetic fluid filling up the gap, and magnets provided in either the boss section or the mass inertia section for preventing leakage of the magnetic fluid. Furthermore, the boss section and the mass section facing each other through the gap are made of materials differing in the coefficient of thermal expansion, even if the magnetic fluid is heated by heating of the motor, an external temperature variation and the like so that its viscosity is decreased, such a decrease in viscosity can be canceled out by a change in gap dimension caused by the difference in expansion between the boss section material and the mass section material differing in the coefficient of thermal expansion.

Abstract: The invention provides a rotary shock absorber (10) of the type comprising a sealed hollow cylindrical housing (12) in which are arranged discs (50A, 50B) alternately integral in terms of rotation with the housing (12) or with a coaxial central shaft (22) mounted rotatably in the housing (12), the inner chamber (20) delimited by the housing (12) being filled at least partially with a viscous fluid received between the mutually confronting faces of the discs, characterized in that it comprises a displacement member (58) for varying the law of damping of the shock absorber as a function of the relative angular displacement of the central shaft (22) in relation to the housing (12).

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided a damper for a flapdoor that does not show any damping effect when its movable shaft of the damper is rotated with the door in one sense whereas it effectively damps the rotary movement of the flapdoor when the movable shaft is rotated with the door in the other sense, wherein a one-way clutch for engaging or disengaging the movable shaft with a movable member depending on the sense of rotation of the movable shaft to cause a viscous shearing drag in the viscous fluid contained in the damper and a power source constitute so many integral parts of a coil spring. A damper for a flapdoor having such an arrangement can have a simplified configuration as compared with a damper provided with a separate coil spring as power source and a separate one-way clutch and therefore can be realized with reduced dimensions.

Abstract: A controller for rear brakes of a vehicle adapted to control a braking member in accordance with an operation of a servo circuit through which pressurized air or pressurized liquid flows, includes: a fluid retarder provided to a rotary shaft which is rotated together with the rear wheels of the vehicle; an air source for applying pressure to a working liquid in the retarder to control the braking torque thereof; a liquid pressure generator communicated with the air source for converting a pressure of the air into that of the liquid; and proportioning valve member provided between the liquid pressure generator and the brakes for imparting a predetermined restriction to the pressurized liquid that flows between the liquid pressure generator and the brakes.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided an input responsive damper comprising a worm wheel for being rotationally driven by an object of damping, a worm for being rotated by the worm wheel, a guide for movably guiding along the axis of the worm a worm support member rotationally supporting the worm, a biasing device for biasing the worm support member in the direction opposite to the direction of the biasing force of the worm wheel applied to the worm and a damping device having a combination of a magnet and a conductor arranged concentrically around the rotary axis of the worm, the magnet and the conductor rotating relative to each other, either of the magnet and the conductor being supported by the worm and the other being supported by a stationary member. This induction type damper provides greater than normal damping when greater than normal force is applied by the object of damping. Frictional type and fan type damping enhancement element are also disclosed.

Abstract: A rotary damper has a hollow cylinder having upper and lower flanges to serve as a pivot. One arm is tightly fitted on one of the upper and lower flanges and extends essentially in a direction tangential to the associated flange. The other arm is pivotal with rotation of the outer pivot and extends essentially in a direction tangential to the outer pivot. A coil spring is wound around the outer periphery of the hollow cylinder. The ends of the coil spring are connected to the arms for exerting spring force in a direction opposite the pivoting direction of the arms.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a hydraulic drive assembly including a driven member having a hydraulic pump located therein for selectively circulating liquids within the driven member, a drive shaft connected to the driven member for turning the drive shaft of the hydraulic pump, and a control member for selectively varying the flow of fluids from the pump.

Abstract: A viscous damper for a helicopter rotor blade having a stator member and a rotor member each having a plurality of flanges of different diameter defining cylindrical internal and external shear surfaces, respectfully, and a shear gap therebetween, one stator member internal shear surface having two diameters, the shear gap distances between proportional to radius, and a coaxial rotor member comprising two discs having outer cylindrical shaped shear suraces forming a shear gap with adjacent stator member shear surfaces and one rotor disc being axially movable so that a variable portion of its shear surface is opposite both of the diameters of the stator member two-diameter internal shear surface.

Abstract: A hydraulic retarder is disposed to receive fluid as directed by a flow valve to selectively retard vehicle motion. The flow valve responds to an operator controlled modulator valve to direct fluid from a cooler which is supplied from a torque converter to the hydraulic retarder upon a request by the operator. A modulator valve is also effective to control the pressure of the fluid exiting the cooler and entering the retarder.

Abstract: A damper device for a suspension device for a vehicle in which the damping fluid is an electro-viscosity fluid and an electric control unit is provided for controlling the electric field in the electro-viscosity fluid, to thereby control the damping factor of the damper device. A sensor is used for detecting vibration at the wheels, such as an acceleration rate of the suspension device, and the detected vibration is used for controlling the strength of the electric field, to thereby control the damping characteristic of the damper.

Abstract: A device for regulating swing resistance of swingable devices such as video cameras and/or motion picture cameras. A pair of right and left shoe members to be fixed to the swingable device are mounted on the body side. Elastic O rings are commonly fitted in the peripheral surfaces of the pair of shoe members and disposed such that the O rings can be contacted with and separated from the inner peripheral surface of a back plate filled with a viscous member. The contacting state of the O rings with the inner peripheral surface of the back plate is changed from a line contact to a plane contact by adjusting operation of a control member for spreading the pair of shoe members in order to steplessly regulate a swing resistance.

Abstract: The invention concerns a hydrodynamic retarder with a cooling circuit for the working fluid, which cooling circuit is divided into two partial flows of different cross sectional areas, between the outlet and inlet to the retarder, wherein both partial flows are separately cooled in a common heat exchanger. This assures that a small amount of working fluid will flow through the retarder after completion of the braking process, causing an aftercooling. Moreover, this assures that the retarder is more swiftly filled after a braking instruction, and a valve combination is employed for that purpose at the entrance to the retarder. Spring-loaded check valves in the line for the larger partial flow ensure a dependable circulation of the working fluid to and from the receiver.

Abstract: A damper device for a motor having a boss section attached to a rotary shaft of the motor, a mass inertia section rotatably supported by the boss section such that it surrounds the outer periphery of the boss section with a gap left therebetween, a magnetic fluid filling up the gap, and magnets provided in either the boss section or the mass inertia section for preventing leakage of the magnetic fluid. Furthermore, the boss section and the mass section facing each other through the gap are made of materials differing in the coefficient of thermal expansion, even if the magnetic fluid is heated by heating of the motor, an external temperature variation and the like so that its viscosity is decreased, such a decrease in viscosity can be canceled out by a change in gap dimension caused by the difference in expansion between the boss section material and the mass section material differing in the coefficient of thermal expansion.

Abstract: A rotary shock absorber for damping relative movement between parts includes a housing connectable to one of the parts and a shaft having its axially opposite ends connectable with another one of the parts. The housing defines at least one chamber for a field-responsive fluid. The shaft is supported for rotation about its longitudinal central axis relative to the housing. A rotor blade is disposed in the chamber and is connected with the shaft and extends radially of the shaft. The rotor blade is angularly movable in the chamber. A number of energizable electromagnetic coils is provided for, when energized, applying an energy field to the fluid in the chamber. The shear resistance of the fluid varies as a function of the energy field acting on the fluid. When the parts move relative to each other, the shaft rotates about its longitudinal central axis relative to the housing and the rotor blade moves angularly in the chamber. The angular movement of the rotor blade in the chamber is resisted by the fluid.

Abstract: A damper comprising within a casing filled with viscous fluid a number of movable discs to be moved in response to the transmitted external force and a number of not interlocked fixed discs arranged in an alternative arrangement, wherein both movable and fixed discs are axially deflectable can maintain even clearances between the movable and the fixed discs due to the alignment effect of the discs without undergoing unreasonable stress that can damage the discs. The allowable limit of deflection of the fixed and movable discs can be made adjustable so as to modify the total drag of the damper. Sources of resilient restoring force may be provided to enhance the capability of adjustment. Moreover, the number or the size of the movable and/or the fixed discs can be made alterable to effectively modify the drag of the damper.

Abstract: An axial variable capacity rotary pump which yields a stepless change of capacity. The pump has a casing with an inlet and outlet, at least one rotary member with engaging elements mounted on the periphery of the rotary member for engaging a mating member, and a pair of axial sealing element which seal either axial side of the rotary member. One sealing element moves together with the rotary member axially to change a length of a sealed working chamber between the members, thereby changing the delivery capacity per revolution of the pump.

Abstract: A torsional damper for interconnecting the engine crankshaft and the driveshaft in a marine drive unit utilizes a high viscosity fluid as the fluid drive medium and also to cushion the transmission from the crankshaft to the driveshaft of torsional vibrations created by peak engine firing impulses. The damper includes two sets of interleaved and overlapping damper plates disposed within a housing. One set of plates is attached to the crankshaft input for relative rotation therewith and the other set is attached to the driveshaft and driven by the high shear resistance of the transmission fluid. The extremely high viscosity fluid reduces slip between the plate sets and thus between the crankshaft and driveshaft to a minimum, yet effectively precludes the transmission of torsional vibrations which significantly reduce drive train life. The damper construction of the present invention may be adapted for use in both outboard motors and stern drives.

Abstract: A rotary damper includes a sealed cylindrical housing containing viscous oil, a driven shaft rotatably supported within the housing, and a plurality of rotors and spacers arranged alternately and disposed upon a portion of the driven shaft extending in the axial direction of the housing. The rotors are held rotatably in unison with the driven shaft. The spacers are secured to the housing so as to permit the driven shaft to be rotated relative to the spacers. The rotors and spacers are formed with respective air-purging notches communicating with gaps defined between the rotors and the spacers whereby the air can be eliminated from such gaps and the viscous oil disposed within such gaps in order to provide the damper with the desired damping efficiency.

Abstract: A modular element as a component of a damping member for support heads of motion picture or television cameras. The element includes a first annular portion that can be made integral with the rotor, and a second annular portion complementary to the first and that can be made integral with the stator of the support head. The first annular portion has on its inside surface a series of continuous concentric overhanging surfaces alternating with a series of complementary cavities, and the second annular portion has on its inside surface a series of continuous concentric overhanging surfaces as well as a a series of cavities complementary to such surfaces. The overhanging surfaces of the first and second portions engage respectively with the cavities alternating in a comb-like arrangement, and a continuous hollow space is provided between the two series of cavities and the two series of surfaces for the circulation of damping fluid.

Abstract: A rotary damper includes a cylindrical rotor for receiving a torque input, a housing having a shaft disposed within the cylindrical rotor and a cylindrical wall surrounding the shaft, a viscous fluid interposed between the cylindrical rotor and the housing shaft, a coil spring provided between the inner periphery of the cylindrical wall and the outer periphery of the cylindrical rotor and having one end secured to the housing and the other end secured to the cylindrical rotor, a cover secured to an open end of the cylindrical wall and having an inner surface facing the end surface of the cylindrical rotor, an excursion groove formed within the inner surface of the cover or within an end surface of the cylindrical rotor and having an end portion defined as a heart-like cam groove, and an operating pin provided upon the cover or upon the cylindrical rotor and capable of excursion along the excursion groove.

Abstract: A control system for a hydraulic retarder includes an inlet regulator valve and an outlet regulator valve. The inlet regulator valve admits fluid to the retarder at a predetermined pressure. The outlet regulator valve prevents fluid flow from the retarder unless the main system pressure is greater than a predetermined value.

Abstract: An axial variable capacity rotary pump which yields a stepless change of capacity. The pump has a casing with an inlet and outlet, at least one rotary member with engaging elements mounted on the periphery of the rotary member for engaging a mating member, and a pair of axial sealing element which seal either axial side of the rotary member. One sealing element moves together with the rotary member axially to change a length of a sealed working chamber between the members, thereby changing the delivery capacity per revolution of the pump.

Abstract: A rotary oil damper comprises a cylindrical body having an engagement projection formed over the entire inner periphery adjacent to its open end and a rotary member fitted in the cylindrical body and having a ring-like engagement projection engaged with the engagement projection of the cylindrical body to retain the rotary member against detachment from the cylindrical body.

Abstract: An interaxle differential for connection between two driven axles (14) of a motor vehicle comprises a liquid friction coupling (1) and a planetary gear train (15) comprising three torque-transmitting members (16, 18, 20). The liquid friction coupling (1) comprises a liquid-filled housing, a coupling shaft, which coaxially protrudes into said housing at least one set of radially inwardly extending, axially spaced apart outer blades, which are mounted on the housing, and radially outwardly extending, axially spaced apart inner blades, which are fixed to the shaft in said housing and axially staggered from the outer blades. Each of said outer blades is adjustable in a radial plane to vary the radial overlap between the outer and inner blades. A first of said torque-transmitting members of the planetary gear train is directly connected to an input member of the differential gear. A second (20) of said torque-transmitting members is connected to said coupling shaft (3).

Abstract: A rate controllable damping mechanism is disclosed. The mechanism includes a chamber disposed within a housing; an element mounted for movement within the chamber; a damping material, preferably a low melting temperature metal alloy, in the chamber for preventing the movement of the element at a first temperature and for damping the movement of the element at a second temperature; and a heater for selectively increasing the temperature of the damping material from the first temperature to the second temperature. Controlled damping is effectuated by heating the fluid material until it reaches a molten state at which the resultant fluid damps the movement of the element in a conventional manner. A novel method is also disclosed for structural stress relief.

Abstract: A control system includes a hydraulic pump that is driven by the output shaft of the vehicle transmission. A plurality of valve members control the inlet and outlet fluid flow of the pump so that during vehicle braking, a hydraulic retarder is supplied by the pump with hydraulic fluid drawn from a reservoir. When vehicle braking is not requested, the pump inlet is connected to the retarder to evacuate and lubricate the interior thereof.

Abstract: A damper for damping rotation has a construction in which a rotor having a braking plate immersed in oil disposed within a casing and a gear are coupled together by a means of a clutch spring in the form of a coil spring. When the gear is rotated in one direction, it is coupled with the rotor as a result of diametrical contraction of the spring, and a restoring force is stored within the clutch spring, thus producing a resistance against rotation. When it is rotated in the opposite direction, the restoring force of the clutch spring is released so as to permit free rotation of the gear. The coil spring is coiled about a shouldered portion of the rotor shaft and a lower portion of a gear sleeve, supporting the gear, which have the same diametrical extent. In this manner, projecting end portions of the spring, upon which excessive loads have been impressed within the prior art, are able to be eliminated thereby providing extended service life to the spring and damper assembly.

Abstract: A damper device comprises damping structure and a spring device and is advantageously used for a door swingably supported by a shaft to be opened and shut between a totally shut position and a totally opened position and opened under the influence of its own weight at least from a position intermediate of the aforementioned two positions to the totally opened state. The damper element acts against the motion of the door. The spring element biases the door in the shutting direction at least from the intermediate position to the totally opened position.

Abstract: A combined wheel/brake apparatus employing an electro-rheological fluid. The apparatus includes a wheel rotatably mounted on an axle and a first array of spaced, electrically conductive vanes extending in a first direction with the vanes non-rotatably held by the axle. The apparatus also includes a second array of spaced, electrically and thermally conductive vanes extending in a direction opposite the first direction, with the second and first arrays interdigitated but not contacting. An electro-rheological fluid is in the spaces between the vanes. At least some of the second vanes have a coolant passageway and the apparatus further includes a secondary coolant supply for these passageways. The coolant passageways are isolated from the electro-rheological fluid so that application of an electrical potential across the two array vanes causes an increase in the viscosity of the electro-rheological fluid to develop a braking force, with heat occasioned by the braking being transmitted to the secondary coolant.

Abstract: An oil damper is disclosed which comprises a cylindrical case open at one end and having a first engagement section formed upon the inner periphery thereof, an intermediate rotor having an inner cylinder and an outer cylinder, these cylinders being coaxial with respect to each other and defining an annular space open at one end, the outer periphery of the outer cylinder being provided with a second engagement section to be engaged with the first engagement section, the intermediate rotor being accommodated within the cylindrical case for rotation in only one direction, a cylindrical shaft rotor rotatably accommodated within the annular space, and viscous oil sealed within the annular space.

Abstract: A rotary damper comprises a stator and a rotor which are co-axial, circular and cylindrical, two extreme faces substantialy transversal to the axis of the stator and rotor and disposed respectively on either side of the stator and rotor, a main chamber filled with a fluid, defined between the extreme faces and the stator and the rotor, blades disposed on the stator and rotor and dividing the main chamber is a plurality of volumes, the blades laminating the flow of fluid through the different volumes of the main chamber, and an auxiliary chamber which communicates with the main chamber. The auxiliary chamber is at least partly formed by a diaphragm which is elastically deformable and which is designed to compensate for the volume variations of the fluid as a function of its temperature, and to bring in, if necessary, a twisting stiffness in parallel to the damping function. The rotary damper finds application for example in vehicle suspensions.

Abstract: A transmission system for a tractor comprising a double clutch for transmitting engine output to an inner shaft consitituting part of a propelling line and to a tubular outer shaft constituting part of a power takeoff line. The double clutch includes a first and second flywheels, and the second flywheel defines a boss for relatively rotatable supporting a forward end of the outer shaft therein. The transmission system further comprises a propelling line change speed mechanism including a reversing gear and a reversing shaft for supporting the reversing gear. A rotational resistance applying device is provided on the reversing shaft for applying a rotational resistance to the propelling line by frictional engagement with the reversing gear.

Abstract: In a pan unit for a fluid tripod head, the pan unit includes a cylinder upon which a camera or other piece of equipment is to be mounted, and a piston slidably received within said cylinder. The piston is to be mounted on said tripod head, said piston and cylinder co-operating to provide a first working space within which a viscous liquid is to be located to damp relative movement between said piston and cylinder about the longitudinal axis thereof, the volume of said first working space being variable in order to adjust the viscous drag between said piston and cylinder.

Abstract: A steering stabilizer for handlebar controlled vehicles. The stabilizer utilizes a steering column housing having a cylindrical chamber therein. The steering column passes through the axial center of the chamber and hydraulic fluid is held within the chamber. A piston or vane is moved by the turning of the steering column and forces the hydraulic fluid through a restricted passageway whereby the turning of the handle bars is viscously damped.

Abstract: A leg holding and positioning device for use in surgical operative procedures comprising a housing (10) which is adapted for attachment to the rail (12) of an operating table (not shown) by means of a member (11) and a clamp (13) the housing having projecting from it a shaft (14) which is connected to a viscous damper or other device within the casing (10) to control rotation of the shaft (14), such device being associated with the control knob (18) whereby the shaft may be fixed in any one of a number of rotated positions. A member (25) is attached to one end of the shaft (14) and in use lies alongside the operative leg of a person on the operating table, the leg being secured to the member (25) by means of the bracket (32) and straps (35) and (36).

Abstract: A hydrodynamic retarder has a centrally disposed chamber which is filled with hydraulic fluid and subjected to centrifugal forces. A valve mechanism, responsive to the operator, is opened by a control valve system when vehicle retarding action is requested to permit rapid filling of the retarder vane space from the centrally disposed chamber. The valve mechanism is also closed by the control valve system after a predetermined time. This accommodates fast filling of the retarder but does not permit air ingestion by the retarder. A passage, in the stationary housing portion of the retarder, is opened to the transmission pump circuit during retarding action to maintain the retarder pressure and fluid circulation for cooling. The central chamber has an air control valve to admit air to the chamber as the chamber empties of hydraulic fluid and to permit air exhaust therefrom when the chamber is refilled.

Abstract: A one-way damper has a rotor which is provided with a braking disc at one of its ends. The braking disc is received in a housing of the damper and the housing is filled with oil. The other end of the rotor extends outward from the housing and has a gear loosely mounted thereon. The gear is engaged with a coil spring. When the gear rotates in one direction, the coil spring is reduced in diameter so that it grips the rotor, making it possible for the torque of the gear to be transmitted to the rotor through the coil spring. When the gear rotates in the other direction, the coil spring is expanded in diameter so that it does not grip the rotor, making it possible for the gear to turn freely. The one-way damper is used in association with a lid or door to damp one but not the other of the opening and closing operations.

Abstract: An improved hydraulic valve system particularly adapted for use in a hydraulic circuit of an exercise apparatus in order to more quickly equalize the high and low pressure sides of the hydraulic circuit when a load is removed therefrom. The valve system is adapted to allow the high pressure side after the force has ceased to open a relief valve so as to allow the low pressure side and the reservoir to quickly come into equilibrium with the high pressure side. In this fashion, the tendency of the base line pressure to be elevated during repetitive exercises is obviated and accurate exercise data can be accumulated.

Abstract: The device comprises a rotor having a central pin a plurality of concentrically arranged cylinders and a sprocket wheel, adapted for mesh engagement with a rack fixed to the sidewall of a drawer compartment. The device also comprises a stator adapted for being attached to a drawer and rotatably mounted on the pin and having a plurality of concentrically arranged cylinders interposed between those of the rotor. Relative movement of the rotor and the stator is controlled by an arrangement of co-operating grooves, a cam, and a ball, and a high density fluid interposed between the cylinders.

Abstract: A rotary damper comprises a cylindrical case closed at the bottom and having a housing containing a viscous liquid, a lid mounted in the case to close the housing and having a central circular hole, and a rotor having a shaft passing through the hole of the lid, a driven gear secured to its distal end and a brake plate rotatably disposed in the viscous liquid in the housing. The central circular hole has an increased diameter portion provided adjacent to the housing, and an O-ring is fitted on the shaft of the rotor and received in the increased diameter portion such that it is radially compressed by the peripheral wall of the increased diameter portion.

Abstract: A gravity powered part transfer system in which parts are suspended on a rotating member from a declining track or rail. The rotating member is associated with a viscous fluid in a manner which permits the active fluid to be altered in thickness in response to increase or decrease of weight. The greater the weight, the less the thickness of the fluid acting on the rotating member and the greater the retardation torque.

Abstract: A hydraulic damper has a rotor (38) with vanes (36) sweeping through respective working chambers (56, 54) defined by a stator ring (12) with integral stator abutments (50). An orifice (64) is formed in each vane to permit flow past each vane which has reduced temperature dependence. Valves (66) in the vanes open at excessive torque. One stator abutment (50) is hollowed to enable overall dimensions of the damper to be reduced. In one embodiment the hollowed stator abutment receives a spool valve (70) enabling replenishment of the working chambers when at low pressure. In other embodiments the hollowed stator abutment accommodates the other torsion bar spring of a pair, so enabling the spring spacing to be reduced.

Abstract: A rotary pump has a housing 1 with a driven rotor 7 installed in the housing 1. Vanes 12 are connected around the periphery of the rotor 7. Helical springs 14 are supported against rotor 7, which, acting on an inner surface of vanes 12, press the free end of the vanes 12 against the bore 6 of the housing 1. Each spring 14 has two coaxial sections of turns which spiral in opposite directions so that the springs 14 press the vanes 12 against the bore 6 of the housing 1 without tilting. These sections of turns are each designed with an adjacent support end 21 on the outer or inner section and a bail section, which is arranged between the inner and outer end of the sections of turns, connecting the inner and outer ends of these sections of turns rigidly together, and which projects radially beyond the sections of turns.

Abstract: A rotary sprinkler head comprising a sprinkler body devoid of any operative dynamic seals for communicating a source of water under pressure with an outlet for directing water under pressure communicated therewith into an atmospheric condition in a primary stream having a generally vertically extending axis. A rotary distributor is provided which has surfaces for engaging the primary stream (1) to establish a reactionary force component acting on the distributor in a direction tangential to the rotational axis thereof so as to effect rotational movement thereof about its axis of rotation and (2) to direct the primary stream engaged thereby in the form of a pattern forming stream or streams including at least one stream moving away from the distributor in a direction having a substantial component extending outwardly from the generally vertical axis of the primary stream so as to define the radius of the circular spray pattern.

Abstract: An actuator for a movably supported object, comprising a rack, a rotatable pinion engaging the rack, a biasing member disposed around the axis of the pinion and connected to the pinion, and a damper. The biasing member stores a biasing energy while the pinion is rotated in one direction by a movement of the rack in a first direction. The biasing member biases the pinion in the other direction with the stored biasing energy and thereby biasing the rack in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The damper is encircled by the biasing member and has a fluid chamber which contains a viscous fluid and is formed around the axis of the pinion. The damper further includes a rotary member which is rotated with the pinion and has a damper portion disposed in the fluid chamber. The viscous fluid provides a resistance to rotation of the damper portion and to rotation of the pinion in the above-indicated other direction. Also disclosed is a container device incorporating the actuator.

Abstract: A descent slowing device is disclosed that includes a housing having an input driving shaft and a driving pulley fitted thereon and accommodating therein a gear train and an impeller adapted to be driven through the gear train by a driving pulley about which is trained a rope or line. When one end of the line descends owing to a load acting thereon to rotatively drive the driving pulley and hence the impeller, the rotation of the impeller is restrained by rotation control oil or similar viscous fluid in which the impeller is immersed, thereby controlling the descent of the load at a constant slow speed. According to the invention, the impeller comprises four blades, the rotating speed ratio of the impeller to the input driving shaft being more than 40:1. Moreover, the driving pulley is formed with a rope receiving groove comprising line abutting projections and non-contact recesses alternately arranged.