Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a multi-axis rotary actuator that includes a first rotary piston actuator configured to controllably actuate a first pivotal joint between a first linkage to a second linkage about a first axis, and a second rotary piston actuator configured to controllably actuate a second pivotal joint connecting the second linkage to a third linkage about a second axis.

Abstract: A rotary actuator includes a housing having an interior boundary that defines a central bore and has interior recesses, a chamber housing assembly disposed in the central bore and having an arcuate chamber, the arcuate chamber comprising a cavity, an exterior boundary of the chamber housing assembly having exterior recesses, each of the exterior recesses aligned with a respective one of the interior recesses, pins residing between the interior boundary and the exterior boundary, each of the pins mated to one of the exterior recesses and a corresponding one of the interior recesses to maintain an orientation of the chamber housing assembly with respect to the housing, a rotor assembly rotatably journaled in the chamber housing assembly and comprising a rotary output shaft and a rotor arm, and an arcuate-shaped piston disposed in the chamber housing assembly for reciprocal movement in the arcuate chamber.

Abstract: A door opening and closing operating system includes a pressurized fluid source (102), two fluid control push pull valves (144a), (144b), and a double acting cylinder (160) which is mounted to the movable element of a door (66) mounted within its adjacent frame (62) for the purpose of opening and closing the door. This system utilizes two push pull valves connected fluid-wise to opposite sides of the piston. Activating or energizing one push pull valve while deactivating the second push pull valve connects the first cylinder chamber to the pressurized fluid source, and vents the second chamber, thereby pushing the piston in a first direction, which pushes the door in a first direction. Energizing the second push pull valve and de-energizing the first push pull valve has the opposite effect, and moves the piston and attached door in a second direction opposite the first direction.

Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a fluid actuator including a housing defining a first chamber having a first cavity and a first open end, a first piston assembly including a tubular first piston defining a second chamber having a second cavity and a second open end, disposed in said first housing for reciprocal movement in the first chamber through the first open end, wherein a first seal, the first cavity, and the first piston define a first pressure chamber, and a second piston assembly having an second piston disposed in said first piston assembly for reciprocal movement in the second chamber through the second open end, wherein a second seal, the second cavity, and the second piston define a second pressure chamber, and a first portion of the second piston contacts a first end effector.

Abstract: A fixing device for fixing a second component part at a stationary first component part to be swivelable around a swiveling axis 2 having a cylinder that is displaceable transverse to the swiveling axis and filled with a fluid, a piston displaceably guided in the cylinder that divides the interior of the cylinder into a first working chamber and a second working chamber, with a first valve device that connects the first working chamber to the second working chamber when pressure in the first working chamber is higher than the pressure in the second working chamber, and a second valve device that connects the second working chamber to the first working chamber when pressure in the second working chamber is higher than the pressure in the first working chamber.

Abstract: A machine for washing or drying laundry, having a stationary part, a tub, a drum rotatably accommodated in the tub, and a drive motor. The drive motor comprises a stator or housing component connected to the machine, a rotor having a rotor shaft connected with the drum, and bearings arranged in the stator or a housing component, and the rotor shaft is rotatably mounted by the bearings. One or more spring or damping elements connects the stator or housing component to the stationary part.

Abstract: A rotary actuator includes a housing defining a first arcuate chamber comprising a cavity, a fluid port in fluid communication with the cavity, and an open end. A rotor assembly in the housing includes an output shaft and a rotor arm extending radially outward from the output shaft. An arcuate-shaped piston is disposed in the housing for movement in the arcuate chamber. The rotary actuator includes a fluid line is coupled to the fluid port, a high pressure fluid line, a low pressure fluid line, and a central pressure source coupled to the high pressure fluid line. A servo valve is positioned between the central pressure source and the hydraulic actuator and is controllable to selectively connect the fluid line to the high pressure fluid line and the low pressure fluid line to control movement of the hydraulic actuator.

Abstract: A power-assisted door closer includes an output shaft, a driving mechanism operatively connected to the output shaft, a mechanical energy accumulator for storing closing energy for the door leaf and acting upon the driving mechanism, a motor/generator unit operatively connected to the output shaft and an electrical energy accumulator for storing an assisting energy for the door leaf and being electrically connected to the motor/generator unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydraulic circuit mechanically linked to a panel and agricultural harvesters comprising the same. The hydraulic circuit of the present invention can be used to facilitate the transition of hydraulic states from a quick speed to a slow speed, when opening and closing the panel. The hydraulic circuit comprises a restrictive orifice and a fluid stop valve that, when opened, diverts the path of pressurized fluid away from a hydraulic actuator during the actuator's extension. The diversion of pressurized fluid away from the hydraulic cylinder or through the restrictive orifice substantially reduces the speed at which the panel opens or closes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydraulic circuit mechanically linked to a panel and agricultural harvesters comprising the same. The hydraulic circuit of the present invention can be used to facilitate the transition of hydraulic states from a quick speed to a slow speed, when opening and closing the panel. The hydraulic circuit comprises a fluid stop valve comprising a restrictive orifice which, when narrowed, reduces the rate of pressurized fluid flow into a hydraulic actuator during the actuator's extension. The reduced flow of pressurized fluid into the hydraulic cylinder substantially reduces the speed at which the panel opens or closes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a work platform assembly (5) for a container (1) with an adjustable work platform (6), which can be adjusted between a horizontal operational position and a rest position. The work platform (5) is configured and positioned such that in its rest position it extends completely within the external contours of the container assembly (1), and in its operational position it forms a horizontal platform. The invention also relates to a container assembly (1) with such a work platform assembly (5).

Abstract: A door control apparatus and methods for controlling a door motion device for a hinged door and, optionally, illuminating a designated area on the floor. During the time the designated area is illuminated, a person can expect that the door will not close. The door control apparatus may include control circuitry, and a sensor, and optionally a light emitter and/or a sound emitter. The sensor detects a person proximate to the door and signals the control circuitry upon a detection event. The light emitter is also connected to the control circuitry. Upon a detection event, the control circuitry signals the light emitter to produce light and signals the door motion device to hold the door open. The light emitter directs light to form an image on the floor in the designated area. The light emitter may be, for example, a laser generator or a light emitting diode lamp.

Abstract: A door closing device (10) for an automatic closing of a door leaf (B) coupled with a floor and/or a doorpost (S) so as to swing. The door closing device (10) comprises a fixed unit (12) that is fixed on the floor and/or the doorpost (S), a translating unit (14) and a rotating unit (16) on which the door leaf (B) is fixed. The coupling of the three units (12, 14, 16) and the presence of spring (38) are such that, when the rotating unit (16) rotates in a first sense of rotation, the translating unit (14) is caused to translate in a direction and such that, when the translating unit (14) translates in an opposite direction, the rotating unit (16) is caused to rotate in an opposite sense of rotation.

Abstract: A sliding door apparatus for opening and closing an opening in a wall. A sliding door apparatus including a longitudinally extending track member mountable along an upper edge of an opening and a door movably mountable on the track member for sliding movement thereon between opened and closed positions. A damping structure is disposed within the track member and is actuatable in response to the sliding movement of the door to break the door's movement as it approaches its opened and closed positions.

Abstract: A door operator includes a housing, a first pressure compartment; a second pressure compartment, a drive unit disposed in the housing and coupleable to a door via an output shaft, the driving unit being associated with the first pressure compartment, a hydraulic pump in hydraulic connection with the first and second pressure compartments, a motor in driving relationship with the hydraulic pump, and a spring force accumulator disposed in the housing. The spring force accumulator is associated with the second pressure compartment and coupled to the drive unit.

Abstract: Techniques for a door system for sealing an opening between two chambers in a semiconductor processing system are described. A sealing member seals the opening when a door is in a closed position. To selectively open and close the opening, an actuator moves the door. A valve actuator switch provides a first or second pressure to the actuator depending on the pressure inside a first chamber. In one embodiment, a sensor monitors the pressure inside the first chamber.

Abstract: A lock (57) for a door assist system (12) for use on a vehicle door (10) and connected to a vehicle to lock the door into an open position includes a door handle (40) having a first operable position, a second operable position and a released position, a pneumatic actuator (28) having an actuator rod (32), where the actuator rod is extendable when the door handle is in the first operable position and the actuator rod is retractable when the door handle is in the second operable position. The door assist system also includes a slide block (34) displaceable by the actuator rod of the pneumatic actuator. A lock (57) also includes a door link (54) connecting the slide block (34) to the vehicle frame. As the slide block is displaced away from the pneumatic actuator (28), the door link opens the door (10) with respect to the vehicle. The lock also includes a hydraulic locking actuator (58) with a hydraulic rod (66) extendable and retractable with the slide block (34).

Abstract: A pneumatic car trunk opener has an electric compressor, an air tank, a regulator, three way solenoids to control air flow, and a pneumatic piston. The pneumatic piston is fed air via a hose from an air exit porthole and when the piston is retracted, it pulls on an attachment bracket which opens a lid and when it is protracted, it pushes on the attachment bracket which closes the lid.

Abstract: A device and a method for opening a pivotable façade element both for everyday comfort ventilation purposes and for emergency opening in the case of e.g. fire. The device comprises a rigid frame part pivotable about a centre of rotation displaced from the centre of rotation of the pivotable façade element. The rigid frame part is moved by an actuator providing a lifting force to a contact surface of the façade element, thereby pivoting the façade element. The device also comprises a shock absorber. A release mechanism and a method of releasing a façade element is also disclosed.

Abstract: A liftgate system may include a closer cylinder assembly for use in opening and closing a deck. The closer cylinder assembly may have a hydraulic fluid portion on one side of a piston and an air (or other gas) portion on the other side of the piston. The deck is closed using hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic fluid portion to move the piston in one direction. The deck is assisted in opening using gas pressure in the gas portion to move the piston in another direction.

Abstract: A propping support for a chest, having a lid rest fastened on an inside surface of the lid of a chest, and a wall rest connected with the body of the chest. The lid rest and the wall rest are connected by a support device which secures the lid of the chest in a flipped-open position. To improve operational safety, the propping support has a spring holder with a spring element. An actuating element, which is prestressed by a spring against the spring element, can be displaced in a guide between two tilt positions of the chest lid when the lid of the chest is closed. The lid rest and the wall rest are coupled to the spring holder by swivel bearings.

Abstract: Door hinge with a locking device based on a field force, including a cylinder divided by a piston into working spaces that are filled with an operating medium whose viscosity can be changed by means of a field force. The working spaces are connected to one another by at least one flow connection that is subject to the influence of a field force generating element. The door hinge is designed as a pivot bearing, wherein the cylinder takes the form of a bearing eye and the piston takes the form of a rotary piston with at least one blade.

Abstract: A door closing device including closing means for urging a door between said first open position and second closed position having a cable mounted in a housing said cable wound about periphery of a reel regulating the speed of movement of said door between the open position and closed position; a reservoir for containing viscous fluid; and a buffer for retarding the speed of movement of said door comprising an impeller immersed in the viscous fluid for use as a brake; whereby the impeller reduces rotational speed of said reel, thus reducing closing speed of said door.

Abstract: A control device for a door closer is arranged to control flow of pressure medium within a body part of the door closer and comprises an adjustment member supported by threads on the body part of the door closer, and in cooperation therewith, a separate substantially hollow control member, which is arranged to restrict the flow of the pressure medium when necessary. Turning of the adjustment member with respect to the body part of the door closer brings about movement of the control member in the axial direction of the control device for providing the desired control. The control member is arranged to be attached to the adjustment member in the radial direction so that movement of the control member with respect to the adjustment member in the axial direction is prevented.

Abstract: The subject invention is a delay door closer that is to be used in conjunction with a dual door arrangement such as a screen door mounted in conjunction with an entry door of a house or other building. A catch mechanism is mounted on the door jamb with the catch mechanism functioning to lock and hold the screen door in an open position when the entry door is in the closed position. Upon opening of the entry door a sufficient amount to where the user is now able to enter the building, the catch mechanism is disengaged which will cause the screen door to be moved from its open position to a closed position.

Abstract: A swing gate providing free access when the electrical power that drives a hydraulic system to open and close the gate is off is described. The hydraulic system comprises a reversible electrical motor to drive a hydraulic pump which in turn provides hydraulic fluid under pressure to a double acting hydraulic actuator. An electrical actuated solenoid valve is located in a bypass line of the hydraulic system and the solenoid valve is designed to open when the electrical power is off which allows the hydraulic fluid to drain from one side of the actuator into a reservoir. Since one side of the double acting actuator contains no fluid under pressure, the swing gate can be opened by hand.

Abstract: A compartment confining construction comprises an opening and a closure unit movably mounted on the compartment confining construction for movement between a closing position and a fully opened position with respect to the opening. A fluid-based positioning unit is connected to both the compartment confining construction and the closure unit, the fluid-based positioning unit having two working chambers interconnected by at least one flow path, a movement of the closure unit corresponding to a flow of fluid from one chamber to another through the at least one flow path. A fluid flow control device is provided for controlling the flow of fluid through the at least one flow path and thereby controlling the movement of the closure unit. The fluid flow control device is actuatable by an electric actuating device. The flow of liquid occurs in response to movement of the closure unit when the closure unit is moved by an external force.

Abstract: The gate of this invention comprises a gate panel 10, a gate hinge mounting means 12 for mounting the gate panel to a hinge post 14 or the like, a gate latching closure means 16 mounted by the gate panel 10 for latching the gate in a closed condition to a latch post 18 or the like, a vehicle-actuatable unlatching means 20 mounted by the gate panel 10 for contact by a vehicle 22 whereby closure means 16 may be unlatched to enable the gate to be swung open by bumping contact from the vehicle 22 from a closed condition 24 to one of two open conditions 26, 28, and a gate latching retaining means 30 mounted by the gate panel 10 for securing the gate to a retaining post 32 or the like in an open condition for a predetermined length of time whereby vehicle 22 may pass through the gate area before the gate is released and allowed to self-close.

Abstract: A portable livestock barrier is disclosed which includes a rigid metal panel of open grid construction that is arranged to rest in a normal operational position that is parallel to the ground to thus form a raised grid which livestock will not cross but which can be flattened to the ground against a resilient return force when a vehicle is driven across it. The rigid metal panel is supported by a resilient suspension which permits the panel to tilt with respect to its normal operating position and to be forced flat against the ground when the weight of a vehicle is applied to it. The livestock barrier does not require a pit or special surface preparation for its installation. It may be quickly installed on any solid, relatively level surface. The unit is transportable and it can be readily moved from one location to another without disassembly.

Abstract: A variable speed controller for selectively varying a moving speed of a door which is moved between first and second positions by an automatic door operator having a control system and a cylinder with a reciprocating piston therein which is positioned identically with respect to the cylinder when the door is in both the first and second positions, includes first and second passageways, and at least one door position responsive valve means operably connected to the control system, cylinder and passageways for directing fluid from the control system through the first passageway to the cylinder to initiate movement of the door toward the second position when the door is in proximity to its first position and the control system is discharging the fluid, and for directing fluid from the control system through the second passageway to the cylinder to initiate movement of the door toward the first position when the door is in proximity to its second position and the control system is discharging the fluid.

Abstract: In a door lock comprised of an elongated housing in which a piston loaded with a spring is displaceable in two opposite axial directions, a rotatable locking shaft connected to the door wing and provided with a pinion engaged with a rack formed on that piston, the spring is prestressed in the direction of the closing of the door. The spring acts on a displaceable supporting member which displaces the piston in the housing of the lock. An electromotor actuated by a control unit is operated to displace the supporting member.

Abstract: A door closer assembly for controlling the operation of a door relative to a door frame includes a door closer mounted on the door and an articulated arm assembly which has one end attached to the door closer and the other end pivotally secured to a slide block which travels in a track mounted on the door frame. The slide block is affixed to a piston rod, which comprises part of a fluid piston-cylinder assembly also mounted on the door frame, and is located at the end of the track remote from the hinged edge of the door when the door is fully closed. When the door is opened beyond a predetermined angular position relative to the door frame the slide block moves within the track and in the direction of the hinged edge to another location within the track wherein it is releasably retained by the piston-cylinder assembly until the door is nearly fully closed by the reaction force of the door closer.

Abstract: An automatic door operator for opening and closing a door such as a cold storage door which is mounted in a frame for sliding movement in a vertical plane has a hydraulic control system which includes an electric motor for rotating a reversible hydraulic pump, an electric control circuit which activates the electric motor to rotate the pump in the appropriate direction, and a reversible rotary hydraulic motor driven by the pump to rotate a chain drive which draws the door to its open and closed positions. The hydraulic control system also includes a means for cushioning the rapid start and stop of the door to provide smooth operation which includes a pair of check valves disposed in the control system such that one check valve is on either side of the hydraulic pump, and a first set of pressure relief valves disposed in the control system on either side of the pump between the pump and the check valves, and a second set of pressure relief valves between the check valves and the hydraulic motor.

Abstract: A door operator with a reciprocable rack gear adapted to be actuated in opposite directions by an electric motor driven screw and a coaxial helical compression spring for rotating a drive gear of a door operating spindle in opposite directions for opening and closing a swinging door, the rack gear forming part of a spindle operator having lateral bearings engageable with the ends of the spindle and adapted to be mounted in either of two 180.degree. angularly spaced positions about the axis of the drive screw for rotating the spindle in opposite directions, and the coaxial compression spring being operable via the rack gear for biasing the spindle in both directions to an intermediate position thereof.

Abstract: A typical door closer has a cylinder in which a piston reciprocates to compress a spring. An assistor for such a closer has a cylindrical shell fastened to one end of and continuing the cylinder. The shell has a barrier wall at one end adjacent the cylinder, a partition wall dividing the shell into a booser compartment and a main compartment, and a head wall at the other end. Air under regulated pressure is supplied to the main compartment, wherein the air presses a main plunger tube, extending through the partition wall, against a booster plunger having a rod extending through the barrier wall and abutting the piston. A port in the plunger tube receives air from the main compartment through the tube. In some plunger tube positions the port is blocked by the partition wall and in other plunger tube positions opens into the first compartment. A check valve when open allows air flow from the booster compartment to the main compartment.

Abstract: A hydraulically controlled pneumatic swinging door operator comprising a pneumatic cylinder with a piston therein, a continuous loop connected to opposite sides of the piston and entrained at its ends over sprockets, one of which makes driving or driven connection with a door, a passive hydraulic system including a cylinder and a piston, the piston of which is carried by the side of the loop opposite the side carrying the pneumatic piston, and passage work in the hydraulic system for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid in said cylinder from one side of the hydraulic piston to the other side.

Abstract: An automatic sliding door operator for a door mounted upon a door frame for sliding movement in a vertical plane between opened and closed positions includes a drive cylinder to open and close the door by means of a drive piston slideably movable within the drive cylinder between fluid inlets located at each end of the cylinder. Control means are provided to couple a first fluid inlet of the drive cylinder through a controlled source of fluid pressure and to exhaust the opposite fluid inlet continuously throughout an opening stroke of the door and for connecting the second fluid inlet to the source of fluid pressure and exhausting the first fluid inlet continuously throughout a closing stroke of the door. The closing and opening rates of the door is controlled by suitable exhaust metering means continuously metering the exhaust flow of fluid.

Abstract: A door operator includes a double acting power cylinder with a dual metering valve mounted thereon. The valve unit includes an external tube with a sliding control piston coupled to the power cylinder for corresponding selected movement. A pair of spaced metering assemblies are secured to the tube and each includes a supply-exhaust port connected through a four-way valve means to an air supply and an exhaust, and connected to provide air flow to and from opposite end heads of the power cylinder. Each assembly has a one-way supply passageway, a central speed control passageway and a fixed damping passageway. The latter two passageways each have a small needle valve control and the speed control passageway is selectively blocked by the control piston.The power and damping cylinder assembly includes a mounting enclosure with the controls therein and with the power cylinder piston rod pivotally connected to a tubular drive arm.