Abstract: A linear actuator comprised of an actuator body having a first portion and a second portion, each arranged along a longitudinal axis of the actuator body. A vacuum bellows is concentrically located in the first portion and is configured to seal a vacuum environment from the second portion. A linear motion shaft is concentrically located substantially within the actuator body and is configured to move in a linear direction along the longitudinal axis. An electrically conductive portion of the shaft is concentrically located substantially within the vacuum bellows and electrically insulated therefrom and is configured to receive and conduct a signal. A lift force generating portion of the shaft is concentrically located substantially within the second portion. An electrical contact pad is electrically coupled to the conductive portion of the shaft and is configured to couple the signal to another surface upon activation of the shaft.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with an apparatus for controlling a straight excavating operation with a hydraulic excavator such as a power shovel or the like machine including three working units, i.e., a boom, an arm and a bucket. When the straight excavating operation is performed, a hydraulic pressure of hydraulic oil in a hydraulic chamber on the boom lowering side of a boom cylinder is conducted to a drain tank while maintaining a predetermined set pressure, and a hydraulic pressure of hydraulic oil in a hydraulic chamber on the boom raising side of the boom cylinder is conducted to the drain tank via a check valve which serves to inhibit the hydraulic oil from flowing from the hydraulic chamber on the boom raising side of the boom cylinder to the drain tank, whereby the boom is held in the so-called floated state so as to enable a straight excavating operation to be performed merely by actuating the arm and bucket.

Abstract: Trash handling apparatus that includes a hopper mounted to tilt to a dump position off a trailer, a friction wheel to engage a wheel of the trailer and to be turned by forward movement of the trailer, reeling in a cable of a drum system so as to tilt the hopper back to an upright position after dumping where at it is locked in place until the hopper is again to be dumped.