Abstract: Quick-change device (12) comprising a quick coupler (16) fastened on the driven-machine side, an adapter (16) which can be locked with the quick coupler (16) and is connected to a tool (14), and a hydraulic coupling (20) for producing a hydraulic connection between the hydraulic system on the driven machine and the hydraulics of the tool (14), wherein the hydraulic coupling (20) includes a first coupling part (20a) and a second coupling part (20b) and the two coupling parts (20a, 20b) are held relative to one another in an operating position, wherein the first coupling part (20a) and the second coupling part (20b) interact with at least mechanical retaining means (68,78,80) which are formed separately from the locking means of the quick-change device (12). The invention is distinguished by the fact that the coupling parts (20a, 20b) are held frictionally in the operating position by the mechanical retaining means (67,78, 80).

Abstract: There is provided a piping structure of a front work machine which prevents an increase in total width of the front work machine caused by hydraulic piping extended from the main machine side, and enables the piping following a structure of the front work machine turning vertically, by which a burden on the hydraulic piping accompanying the turning of the front work machine can be reduced to improve the durability. In the piping structure of the front work machine mounted on the main machine through a bracket(s) 7 as a turnably-supporting part(s) arranged on one side of a bonnet provided in a front portion of the main machine or both right and left sides, each of lift arms 11 or a lift arm 11, which is a constructional member of the front work machine, is provided with a hole part 20 through which the hydraulic piping 30 passes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a clamping and/or braking device, in particular a pneumatically actuatable clamping and/or braking device, with a housing having a space in which a hydraulic medium constructed least in part as a solid body is accommodated, wherein the space for accommodating the hydraulic medium is delimited on one side by a wall of the housing and on the other by a clamping and/or braking element, and with at least one actuating element that acts on the hydraulic medium to produce a clamping and/or braking force which can be transmitted by the clamping and/or braking element to an impinging element. According to the invention, at least one actuating element is shaped like a pin or a spike. The actuating element is movable along a predetermined spatial curve, and acts on the hydraulic medium through an aperture in the wall of the housing delimiting the space for accommodating the hydraulic medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pins that may be selectably operated to engage and disengage socket bores in the assembly and disassembly of large structures, such as floating offshore platforms for deepwater applications. The pin connections can be engaged or disengaged robotically or under direct operator control. The construction and installation of structures utilizing the pin connections will typically use multiple sets of selectably operable pins to connect, support and stabilize the structural components of the structure.

Abstract: An adapater is disclosed. An adapter for securing a surgical device to a positioning stage is disclosed. The adapter includes a body member defined by a distal end and a proximal end. The body member includes at least one connector element for selectively securing the adapter to a positioning stage. One of the distal and proximal ends of the body member further includes a mounting member for securing a portion of the surgical device to the body member.

Abstract: A joint for bringing into communication a first fluid passageway and a second fluid passageway of a nut member includes a push rod and a main body. The main body forms a push rod storage space, a communication path, a seal structure forming part and a male thread part. The push rod storage space houses the push rod so that one part of the push rod protrudes along a push rod longitudinal direction. The seal structure forming part is capable of forming a seal structure by contacting a first tapered part of the nut member. The male thread part is capable of screwing together with a female thread part of the nut member such that the seal structure forming part contacts the first tapered part. The part of the portion of the push rod contacts one part of the nut member.

Abstract: Fluidic connectors, methods, and devices for performing analyses (e.g., immunoassays) in microfluidic systems are provided. In some embodiments, a fluidic connector having a fluid path is used to connect two independent channels formed in a substrate so as to allow fluid communication between the two independent channels. One or both of the independent channels may be pre-filled with reagents (e.g., antibody solutions, washing buffers and amplification reagents), which can be used to perform the analysis. These reagents may be stored in the channels of the substrate for long periods amounts of time (e.g., 1 year) prior to use. Prior to connection of the fluid connector and the substrate, the fluid path may be filled with a sample (e.g., blood). The sample may be obtained, for example, by pricking a finger of a user until blood is drawn from the finger into the fluid path (e.g., by capillary forces).

Abstract: A shaft coupling device to couple first (10) and second (12) shafts, said device comprising a fluid coupling (14) having a first portion (14a) attached to the first shaft (10) and a second portion (14b) attached to the second shaft (12) wherein the device further comprises engagement means (44) operable to switch the device between an engaged position and a disengaged position, the engaged position having each of the first and second shafts (10, 12) engaged with its respective portion (14a, 14b) of the fluid coupling and the disengaged position having at least one of the first and second shafts (10, 12) disengaged from its respective portion (14a, 14b) of the fluid coupling.

Abstract: The invention is a quick connect coupling apparatus in the form of a test module for use in a robotic work performing application which accomplishes testing of an end effector in an offline location such that the integrity of each pneumatic circuit can be independently verified and any pneumatic components found leaking may be replaced at the offline location rather than result in downtime during production use.

Abstract: The apparatus and method for releasably joining first and second elements according to the present invention include a retaining member mounted to one of the elements and a reshapeable tube near the retaining member. The reshapeable tube has at least two states, an at least partially collapsed state and an at least partially expanded state. As such, the retaining member joins the elements while the reshapeable tube is in the at least partially collapsed state. Furthermore, the retaining member releases the other element while the reshapeable tube is in the at least partially expanded state, which deflects the retaining member. Thus, because components of the apparatus are not broken during the release of the elements, the amount of constrained or potential energy that is released when the retaining member releases the elements is substantially reduced or eliminated, which protects the elements from being damaged during the release.

Abstract: An apparatus for a hydraulically locked accessory mounting device for attaching accessories to a boat, or vessel. The mounting device includes a base for attaching to the boat and a ball head that is attached to an accessory, which can be moved to a selected position and locked in that position by a hydraulic assembly. The hydraulic assembly includes a first piston moved by an operator. The first piston is in hydraulic communication with a second piston, which engages a shoe that locks the ball in position. In one embodiment, the hydraulic system includes a bleed valve connected to the channel between the first and second pistons. In one embodiment, the first piston is operated by a knob with a threaded shaft. In another embodiment, the first piston is operated by a cam on a shaft that is rotated with a lever or knob.

Abstract: A clamp changing apparatus includes a holder (70) including a plurality of clamp-holding devices (72), each of which holding a clamp (10) thereon, a robot (50) including a shaft (501), and a coupling device (30) secured on the shaft of the robot. The robot selects one of the clamps held on the clamp-holding devices according to a predetermined machining program therein, changes out a used clamp for the selected clamp, and mounts the selected clamp on the coupling device.

Abstract: A torque fuse device having a bi-directional release mechanism that releases the torque carrying capability of the shafts upon torque overload is provided. The torque fuse device includes a sleeve, a hub positioned within the sleeve, and a hydraulic torque coupler. The sleeve and the hub are adapted to be coupled with two axially aligned shafts. The hub includes a feedback ring having at least one tooth formed therein. The hydraulic torque coupler includes a piston, a cylinder and a collet. The piston is positioned between the collet and the feedback ring and slides along an inclined surface of collet. One ore more fuse pins are selectively positioned between the tooth, the piston and the cylinder to frictionally engage the sleeve to the hub. Upon a torque overload condition, the pins release from the teeth thereby releasing the torque carrying capability of the shafts.

Abstract: An attachment system for connecting a first member such as a lip plate (12) of a mechanical digging device to a second member such as a ground engaging tool (10). The first member has a lug portion (22) attached thereto the second member has a recess (50) arranged, in use, about the lug portion. A clamping member (60) is disposed between the lug portion (22) and the second member (10) such that the supply of pressure to the clamping member (60) acts to restrain disengagement of the second member (10) from the lug portion (22).

Abstract: A torque fuse device having a bi-directional release mechanism that releases the torque carrying capability of the shafts upon torque overload is provided. The torque fuse device includes a sleeve, a hub positioned within the sleeve, and a hydraulic torque coupler. The sleeve and the hub are adapted to be coupled with two axially aligned shafts. The hub includes a feedback ring having at least one tooth formed therein. The hydraulic torque coupler includes a piston, a cylinder and a collet. The piston is positioned between the collet and the feedback ring and slides along an inclined surface of collet. One ore more fuse pins are selectively positioned between the tooth, the piston and the cylinder to frictionally engage the sleeve to the hub. Upon a torque overload condition, the pins release from the teeth thereby releasing the torque carrying capability of the shafts.

Abstract: A surgical arm system for holding and positioning one or more instruments during a surgical procedure includes at least one quick connect mechanism that beneficially allows for simple and expeditious, yet reliable disassembly and reassembly of the arm by any member of a surgical team without difficulty and without requiring additional tools, but while still ensuring that, following reassembly, the arm is structurally sound, properly dimensioned, and capable of functioning in a highly reliable manner.

Abstract: An arm assembly for an excavator includes an arm comprising a first hook including a first open mouth. The arm further includes a first pin capturing system that selectively obstructs the first open mouth. A link is movable relative to the arm and comprises a second hook including a second open mouth. The second open mouth is oriented toward the arm, and the link further comprises a second pin capturing system that selectively obstructs the second open mouth. The first and second pin assemblies of an attachment are selectively captured in the first and second hooks. The pin assemblies include a sleeve rotatably positioned on an attachment pin that extends between ribs of the attachment. The sleeve includes a bore that closely receives the attachment pin and the length of the sleeve is selected so that the sleeve fits closely between the attachment ribs, thereby allowing the arm assembly to pick-up various attachments with different pin diameters, ribs spacings and pin-to-pin distances.

Abstract: A hydraulic wheel system is provided which comprises a disc, a first piston, a wheel, a tire, a dismount button, and a wheel mounting member. The disc is provided with a first cylinder and a second cylinder communicating with each other. The first piston is slidably disposed within the first cylinder. The wheel is coupled to the disc so that a rotational force of the disc is transmitted to the wheel. The dismount button is configured to move the first piston. The wheel mounting member is provided in the disc. A second piston that is slidably disposed within the second cylinder is integrated with the wheel mounting member. The wheel mounting member is elastically supported by an elastic member in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction, and it is configured to be selectively connected to the wheel in response to a movement thereof.

Abstract: A tensioning apparatus (40) for applying a closing force across a flange assembly (42). The tensioning apparatus includes a shank member (44) and an annular member (48) connected to the shank member by an interference fit. The interference fit may be selectively relaxed by applying a fluid pressure (P1) to a groove (54) between the annular member and the shank member. A tensioner (58) is used to pre-load the shank member by pulling on the shank member while pushing on the annular member while the interference fit is sufficiently relaxed to allow relative movement between the annular member and the shank member. Once the pre-load is established, the interference fit is reestablished by releasing pressure P1 to lock the annular member in position for maintaining the closure force across the flange assembly after the tensioner is removed. A lock nut (34) may be tightened against the annular member to provide additional protection against the release of the pre-load.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a locking system for a rotating joint. In the device, the locking system (L) comprises a rigid locking means (12) movable in the axial direction (X1), provided with a first cogging (13) which can be moved for locking with the locking means (12) in a contact with a second cogging (14), to transmit the rotational movement, wherein said coggings (13, 14) are, for releasing the cogging, designed in such a way that a force effect releasing the locking is formed between them, and a third cogging (16) which is, during the locking, in a contact with a fourth cogging, to transmit the rotational motion, as well as a sealing element (21) for forming at least one closed hydraulic space (24) with a varying volume between the locking means (12) and the sealing element (21), wherein the locking means (12) is arranged to be moved for the locking and to be kept in the locking by the effect of a pressurized medium.

Abstract: A clamping device for the releasable fastening of a part (grinding wheel 1) on a shaft has a clamping nut (3) which can be screwed onto the shaft and is intended for clamping the part in place. A chamber (9) is provided between a pressure member (load piston 5) for bearing against the part (grinding wheel 1) and the clamping nut (3), this chamber (9) containing a hydraulic pressure medium (silicone oil 11). Furthermore, an escape space (15) which can be connected to the chamber (9) is provided for the hydraulic pressure medium in order to remove the clamping pressure from the grinding wheel (1).

Abstract: An adjustable clamping mechanism includes a slider block annularly disposed about a rod device within a mechanical press. The mechanism utilizes a press or interference fit connection between the components. During operation, high-pressure oil is injected into the location between the slider block and rod, thereby relieving the press fit and making it possible to have relative movement therebetween. An actuator causes selective linear displacement of the slider block along the longitudinal axis of the stationary rod during the release condition. Once the slider block is repositioned, the high-pressure oil is removed, which reactivates the press fit connection and causes the slider block to once again lock up against the rod and prevent movement therebetween.

Abstract: A pin connection for remote releasably locking two sides of a connection together comprising multiple fingerlike projections from two opposing sides of the connection which contain locking pins of a length approximately equal to the width of the fingerlike projections and mounted in holes in the fingerlike projections, the locking pins being centrally located in the holes in the unlocked position and being across the interfaces between the fingerlike projections when locked.

Abstract: A mechanism for keeping a lock device released comprises a through-hole which is defined through a side surface of an intermediate block member having a lock device and which externally communicates, a hexagon wrench which is inserted externally through the through-hole and which is connected to a lock plate, and a plate spring which fastens the hexagon wrench with the lock being released by moving the lock plate upwardly with the hexagon wrench.

Abstract: A self-adjusting, water pressure-responsive weight belt assembly for use in diving is disclosed. The assembly includes a tensioning portion comprising a housing and a reciprocating member reciprocatingly disposed within the housing. The housing comprises a cover and a hollow base to which one end of a flexible belt portion is attached. An end of the reciprocating member is situated external of the housing by being disposed in a position partially outside of the reciprocating member housing cover through a slot defined therein. The other end of the flexible belt portion is attached to one end of the reciprocating member. An air space of variable volume exists within the housing and is defined by the inner walls of the reciprocating member housing base and an end wall of the reciprocating member. The reciprocating member moves within the housing, thereby adjusting the fit of the assembly on the diver in response to changes in water pressure.

Abstract: A cylindrical body has a first part-spherical socket portion in the top, fittingly receiving a ball. A ball retainer has a second part-spherical socket portion facing the first part-spherical socket portion and receiving the ball therein. A post has a proximal end fixed to the ball and extends radially outward from the ball and away from the body to a distal end, and has screw threads at the distal end to receive a fastener thereon for attachment of an object to the distal end of the post. The ball-in-socket mounting of the post enables freely swiveling the ball and thereby the swiveling the distal end of the post to an infinite number of loci in a spherical envelope centered at the center of the ball, as well as enabling the post, and any object mounted to the post, to be rotated on a radial line from the center of the ball to the location of mounting of the object to the post. The body has a hydraulic cylinder in the bottom receiving a piston.

Abstract: A clamping and/or braking device with a basic body (3) has a clamping and/or braking region for pressurizing an element (9). Basic body (3) has an actuating mechanism which, upon actuation, causes a substantially elastic deformation of the basic body (3), so that the clamping and/or braking region is moved into or out of a pressurizing position or that the pressurizing force which the clamping and/or braking region exerts on the element (9) is changed. The actuating mechanism comprises a minimum of one chamber (15), which can be pressurized and which is located on or incorporated in the basic body (3) and which is bounded at least in part by a minimum of one wall (13), at least partial regions of which are flexible but tension-proof and/or pressure-resistant.

Abstract: A hydraulic fastening device for securement of two components, each component having an orifice at least partly therethrough adapted to be coaxially aligned, the fastening device including a body member adapted to be inserted within the orifice of each component when coaxially aligned. The body member includes a main body section and a hydraulic manifold section with a fluid conduit within at least the manifold section and containing a fluid therein. The device further includes at least one moveable protrusion in fluid contact with the fluid, adapted to protrude from the manifold section; and control means to control the movement of each protrusion means. The arrangement is such that, upon operation of the control means, each protrusion is moved between a protruding position and a retracted position and when in the protruding position, the two components are adapted to be fastened together.

Abstract: A connector system for protecting the transmission of signals from and/or to a tool in a high pressure environment. The system includes a connector through which a signal transmission line, such as an electrical cable or optical fiber extends. The connector is coupled to a protective tube, and includes an internal chamber in communication with the interior of the tube. A fluid, such as a liquid, is disposed within the connector and the tubing at a pressure higher than the environmental pressure. In the event of a leak at, for instance, the connector, the high pressure fluid flows outwardly rather than allowing the inflow of deleterious fluid from the environment.

Abstract: A fastening arrangement for joining sheet metal car body components has a locating surface on which the car body components are supported and has a fastening component that is movable in the direction toward the locating surface and can be fixed in relation to that surface and includes compression elements cooperating with a pneumatic or hydraulic pressure membrane. The fastening component advantageously pivots around a rotary joint that can be locked in relation to the locating surface. Both the fastening component and the locating surface can have three-dimensionally formed 3D contours.

Abstract: A hydraulic connector assembly is provided to couple an extension rod to a piston rod in a reciprocating pump. The connector assembly utilizes a single hydraulic ram to provide the compressive connecting force between the two rods. The connector assembly includes a mechanism for mechanically locking the hydraulic ram in place so that loss of hydraulic power does not uncouple the assembly. The piston rod and the connector rod can be coupled and uncoupled without the use of heavy wrenches, hammers, or impact tools.

Abstract: A gripping and maneuvering apparatus is disclosed that includes a housing and a drive unit. The housing includes a plurality of jaws and may be positioned such that the jaws operatively grip a member. The drive unit is coupled to the housing and may be positioned to move the member with respect to an object during operation. The gripping and maneuvering apparatus may further include an internal gripping apparatus that may grip a member and be gripped by the jaws of the housing.

Abstract: A quick coupling device for releasably connecting a boom arm to a tool, such as a material handling bucket, including a coupling frame adapted for connection to the boom and having wedge members provided on opposite, vertically extending sides thereof and projecting outwardly in a transverse direction from these sides. The wedge members engage in wedge-shaped channels formed by rigid connecting rails mounted on the top of the bucket. A hydraulic locking mechanism for securing the wedge members in the wedge-shaped channels is mounted at one end of the coupling frame and includes a hydraulic actuator and preferably two locking bars movable by this actuator between a locked position and an unlocked position. During use of this coupling device, in the locking position the two locking bars extend into cooperating openings provided on the connecting rails and thereby prevent the coupling device from detaching from the bucket.

Abstract: Device for locking in position linear elements movable translationwise such as rods (51) of cylinders (50) and the like, comprising an external body (11) provided internally with a chamber (13) housing elements (21) for locking the rod (51), between which resilient means (22;122) acting on the locking elements themselves are arranged, the chamber (13) having, formed inside it, two opposing cylinders (33) which are arranged on opposite sides of the rod (51) and the pistons (31) of which are designed to be arranged in a position for engagement/disengagement with/from the locking elements (21;121) so as to cause the movement towards/away from one other and the consequent unlocking/locking of the rod (51).

Abstract: A mounting tool for a hydromechanical chuck or mandrel of the type which is clamp connected using a pressure medium in order to clamp connecting a shaft or a shaft tool or a working piece, and in which said shaft or working piece is dismantled from the chuck, and which chuck using a pressure medium in the opposite direction, and which chuck is formed with two separate pressure chambers, a first chamber acting as a clamp connection chamber, and a second chamber acting as a dismantling chamber, which chambers are formed with inlets/outlets provided on opposite sides of the chuck and opening at the periphery thereof.

Abstract: A hydraulic connector assembly is provided to couple an extension rod to a piston rod in a reciprocating pump. The connector assembly utilizes a single hydraulic ram to provide the compressive connecting force between the two rods. The connector assembly includes a mechanism for mechanically locking the hydraulic ram in place so that loss of hydraulic power does not uncouple the assembly. The piston rod and the connector rod can be coupled and uncoupled without the use of heavy wrenches, hammers, or impact tools.

Abstract: A pin connection for remote releasably locking two sides of a connection together comprising multiple fingerlike projections from two opposing sides of the connection which contain locking pins of a length approximately equal to the width of the fingerlike projections and mounted in holes in the finger like projections, the locking pins being centrally located in the holes in the unlocked position and being across the interfaces between the fingerlike projections when locked.

Abstract: A quick coupling device for releasably connecting a boom arm to a tool, such as a material handling bucket, including a coupling frame adapted for connection to the boom and having wedge members provided on opposite, vertically extending sides thereof and projecting outwardly in a transverse direction from these sides. The wedge members engage in wedge-shaped channels formed by rigid connecting rails mounted on the top of the bucket. A hydraulic locking mechanism for securing the wedge members in the wedge-shaped channels is mounted at one end of the coupling frame and includes a hydraulic actuator and preferably two locking bars movable by this actuator between a locked position and an unlocked position. During use of this coupling device, in the locking position the two locking bars extend into cooperating openings provided on the connecting rails and thereby prevent the coupling device from detaching from the bucket.

Abstract: An adjustable clamping mechanism includes a slider block annularly disposed about a rod device within a mechanical press. The mechanism utilizes a press or interference fit connection between the components. During operation, high-pressure oil is injected into the location between the slider block and rod, thereby relieving the press fit and making it possible to have relative movement therebetween. An actuator causes selective linear displacement of the slider block along the longitudinal axis of the stationary rod during the release condition. Once the slider block is repositioned, the high-pressure oil is removed, which reactivates the press fit connection and causes the slider block to once again lock up against the rod and prevent movement therebetween.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel attachment system for facilitating hydraulic coupling of a vehicle wheel to a vehicle includes a hub assembly having a piston hydraulically coupled to a plunger assembly. The hub assembly is passed through a wheel and attached to a rotor. The hub assembly is pressurized to extend the plunger assembly to clamp the wheel between the hub assembly and the rotor. In an embodiment, the plunger assembly is utilized hydraulically without the piston.

Abstract: A quick connect coupler for connection to a stud includes a female coupler body having a plurality of balls in ball receiving bores which are advanceable into a stud bore in the female coupler for engaging a stud upon advancement of the stud into the stud bore. The balls are held in engagement with the stud by a locking collar having an annular groove. The female coupler is disengaged from the stud by pressurized air acting against a plunger mounted within the stud bore and connected to the locking collar to drive the locking collar forward such that the annular groove is advanced into alignment with the ball receiving bores in the female coupler body. A blocking sleeve is mounted on a plunger shaft and biased forward to slide across the ball receiving bores as the stud is withdrawn to hold the balls out of the stud bore.

Abstract: A positionable arm composed of multiple member segments connected by an adjustable joint which may be fixedly positioned and repeatedly repositioned. The first member includes an end portion defining a first connector opening and an inner surface defining a chamber. A slideable piston provided in the first member includes a first end and a second end, the first end being adjacent the chamber and creating a seal along the inner surface of the first member. A rotatable connector is received in the first member between the second end of said piston and the end portion of the first member, and a second member is attached to the rotatable connector. To position the arm, a pressurized fluid source supplies compressed air to the chamber, which presses the piston against the rotatable connector, fixedly clamping the connector between the piston and the end portion of the first chamber.

Abstract: Roller member connectors facilitate quick change of tools used by robot hands. Each roller member includes a pair of projections on either side thereof. On the inner surface of each retainer opening, a pair of guide grooves are formed to guide the projections so that they are retained during operation.

Abstract: A pressure release mechanism has a securing end, a detaching end and an activation piston. An inner cylinder and an outer cylinder in communication with the inner cylinder are defined in the securing end. A concave annular recess is defined in the inner periphery of the outer cylinder. A spring is compressed in the inner cylinder. The activation piston has a first extension and a second extension respectively extending from opposite ends and an annular groove defined to receive therein an O-ring. Multiple holes ate radially defined in the detaching end to receive balls. A cylinder in communication with the outer cylinder of the securing end is defined in the detaching end, and an axial hole is defined in the detaching end to communicate with the cylinder and the external environment. When the activation piston is movably received in the detaching end cylinder and the securing end outer and inner cylinders, the balls in the holes are held in the concave annular recess.

Abstract: An arrangement for a hydraulically operated tool holder has a pressurizing system for operating a clamping device for a tool or workpiece. The pressurizing system comprises a movable operating element for pressure generation whereby the movement of the operating element causes a movement of a guideway which has an inclined or end or bend surface with respect to its direction of movement. The guideway coacts with the actuator rolling or sliding at the surface thereof whereby the movement resulting from the movement of the guideway is transmitted to at least one pressure transfer piston in a pressure cylinder. The pressure transfer piston comprises at least one support part for the actuator and a lip seal and coacts with the clamping device.

Abstract: A frictional hub-to-shaft coupler has a radially deformable inner ring which is engaged by deformation on a shaft or hub. The outer surface of the inner ring has a pair of counter-directed cone surfaces which meet at the longitudinal center of the inner ring. First and second outer rings surrounding the inner ring have conical inner races, the cones being counter directed and the surfaces mating with the conical inner ring surfaces. The outer rings cooperate to form a sealed pressure chamber which is fillable with a hydraulic pressure medium, whereby the outer rings may be thrust apart axially and the inner ring thereby compressed radially to clamp the shaft. An auxiliary input ring having a connector for mating with a hydraulic port in one of the outer rings may be mounted on one of the outer rings to supply hydraulic medium to the coupler. The outer rings may be locked in actuated configuration to permit relief of hydraulic pressure and removal of the input ring when the clamp is fully actuated.

Abstract: An overload protection device includes a cup-shaped cap member defining a cavity receiving a cup-shaped yoke member defining a pressurized air chamber receiving a piston having a rounded end surface engaging the cap member. An annular cam member is inserted into the cap member and defines three angularly spaced V-shaped cam surfaces with center seats which receive corresponding steel balls mounted on outwardly projecting ears of the yoke member. A rigid plastic ring is mounted on the yoke member with epoxy and contacts an annular shoulder within the cam member. The yoke member carries a pair of axially adjustable and normally closed electrical contact elements which are opened by an actuator pin projecting from the piston in response to tilting and/or rotation and/or axial movement between the yoke member and cap member.

Abstract: An adjustable articulated positioning device is disclosed which utilizes at least two air-controlled clutch hinges that may be simultaneously unlocked to allow rotation of the articulating members about each hinge.

Abstract: A damped mechanical joint assembly comprises two damping members, a joint body positioned therebetween and rotatable relative thereto; and a retainer for maintaining engagement of the damping members with opposite damping surfaces of the joint body. The joint body is provided with a plurality of damping cylinders positioned around the joint rotation axis in a uniformly angularly spaced circular pattern, and each damping cylinder comprises a pair of piston chambers, each opening onto opposite damping surfaces, and a constricted passage connecting the piston chambers. Each of the piston chambers is provided with a piston assembly slidably positioned therein, and each damping cylinder is filled with fluid between the piston assemblies. Each damping member is provided with a circular groove comprising a plurality of uniformly angularly spaced ramped depressions separated by groove barriers. The number of damping cylinders preferably differs from the number of depressions by at least two.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus, for use with an actuator, has a housing with a guide track mounted on or formed in the housing. A roller or cam operably engages with the guide track such that the cam can be moved and positioned along the guide track by way of the actuator. At least one pivoting arm is pivotally mounted on the housing adjacent to and spaced from the guide track. Each pivoting arm has an elongate slot adjacent to the shoulder. The elongate slot has two arcuate surfaces positioned parallel to each other and has two end surfaces joining the arcuate surfaces to define a closed loop surface. The cam is positioned within the elongate slot of each pivoting arm to pivot each pivoting arm between a clamped position and a released position as the cam is moved along the guide track and driven against the arcuate surfaces of each pivoting arm.