Abstract: The present invention provides a coupling device for coupling a rotary actuator to a mechanical device having a rotatable shaft. The coupling device comprises a spring return module with a first rotatable coupling configured to engage a first portion of the shaft, and a spring engaged with the first rotatable coupling, wherein the first rotatable coupling is rotatable about a rotation axis, and wherein rotation of the rotatable coupling about the rotation axis in a first direction causes mechanical energy to be stored in the spring. The coupling device further comprises an actuator coupling module comprising a second rotatable coupling. The second rotatable coupling is configured to engage a second portion of the shaft, the second rotatable coupling being further engageable with an output of the rotary actuator. The second rotatable coupling is rotatable about the rotation axis, the second rotatable coupling being rotatable relative to the first rotatable coupling about the rotation axis.

Abstract: A valve apparatus, in particular for a cooling system of a vehicle, includes a housing having at least two fluid connectors, a valve device which can be adjusted at least between a first valve position and a second valve position, and a drive for adjusting the valve device between the first valve position and the second valve position. The valve apparatus includes a fail-safe adjustment device in order to transfer the valve device from the first valve position into the second valve position in the event of an incident in which the power supply, in particular that of the vehicle, is interrupted.

Abstract: A valve assembly failsafe configured to be coupled to an actuator of a coolant control regulator assembly is provided. The valve assembly failsafe includes a wind arm, a spring that engages the wind arm under spring tension, a latch that engages the wind arm, a drive gear that engages the wind arm and the actuator, and a driver that engages the latch. The valve assembly failsafe is configured to be positioned in a set state where the latch engages and retains the wind arm under spring tension and the drive gear freely rotates during rotation of the actuator, and a tripped state where the driver rotates the latch to disengage the latch from the wind arm, causing the wind arm to rotate under the spring tension to engage the drive gear and cause the drive gear to drive the actuator to a default position.

Abstract: An apparatus and an article of manufacture providing a parachute ripcord pull force reducer device, method and system offering mechanical gain such that the pull force required to pull the main parachute closing pin is reduced. Further disclosed is a parachute container using the novel parachute ripcord pull force reducer, and methods for manufacturing and/or modifying a parachute to operate with various embodiments of the ripcord pull force reducer in accordance with the instant disclosure.

Abstract: A crank arm of an auxiliary rotary switch in a circuit breaker changes electrical connections of contacts in the auxiliary rotary switch when the crank-arm is rotated about its axis. An auxiliary switch actuator decouples abrupt forces from being applied to the crank arm resulting from closing main contacts of the circuit breaker. In response to the main contacts starting to close, the crank arm is set into rotation by motion of a connection-state link that is coupled to the main contacts. The rotation of the crank arm continues up to a point at which the rotation is stopped, while the connection-state link continues its motion without being connected to the crank arm. In this manner, the connection-state link is decoupled from the crank arm, to relieve the crank arm from receiving the abrupt forces conducted by the connection-state link resulting from the main circuit breaker contacts closing.

Abstract: Provided herein is an improved a bi-stable actuator including a first core component coupleable to a housing, the first core component including a central bore containing a shaft and a shaft spring. The actuator may further include a second core component extending around the first core component, wherein the second core component and the first core component are axially moveable relative to one another, and a third core component extending within the second core component, wherein the third core component and the second core component are axially moveable relative to one another. The actuator may further include a positioning sphere extending through an opening of the first core component, wherein the positioning sphere abuts the second core component when the bi-stable actuator is in a first position, and wherein the positioning sphere abuts a detent of the shaft when the bi-stable actuator is in a second position.

Abstract: An ejector system for ejecting/separating a store, such as a weapon, from a launch platform includes a pair of spring assemblies that each include nested springs that are contained in a housing when the spring assemblies are in a compressed configuration. To separate the store from the aircraft the spring assemblies each move from the initial compressed configuration to an extended configuration, using the potential energy stored in the springs when compressed. The extension of the springs extends the springs mostly out of the spring assembly housings, extending telescoped sleeves of the spring assemblies. The extension of the spring assemblies provides a safe and steady way of separating the store from the launch platform, while having the advantages of being reusable, low cost and low weight, not producing any debris, and providing a softer push than may be produced by other separation mechanisms, such as the use of pyrotechnic devices.

Abstract: An activator for a pilot type firefighting system for accelerating firefighting system activation is disclosed. The system comprises a control valve which acts to control firefighting fluid flow to a distribution system, and configured such that release of pressure to a control chamber would activate the control valve. The activator comprises a first chamber in fluid coupling to the pilot fluid and a second chamber in fluid coupling to the pilot line via a flow restrictor. A pressure sensing member is disposed such that pressure difference between the chambers would cause an activation of a switch. The release of the switch directly or indirectly causes activation of an electrical valve which vents the pressure in the control chamber. Several aspects of the invention include various firefighting arrangements, various optional features of the activator, firefighting system, and several methods of operation of a system utilizing the activator.

Abstract: An electrical ground box is configured to support an electrical outlet receptacle, and the electrical outlet receptacle is operable to supply electrical power to a connected electrical device. The electrical ground box includes a base and a valve. The base includes a plurality of walls and an outlet. The valve is moveable between an open position in which fluid is permitted to flow through the outlet and a closed position in which fluid is inhibited from passing through the outlet.

Abstract: A car mounted governor (12) for an elevator system includes an overspeed pulley (38) configured to be secured to an elevator car of an elevator system. The overspeed pulley is configured to detect an overspeed condition of the elevator car via a rate at which a governor cable (42) passes around the overspeed pulley. The car mounted governor further includes a free pulley (40) configured to be secured to the elevator car with the governor cable routed over the free pulley. A tensioning device (64) is located at the free pulley and is operably connected thereto to maintain a select tension on the governor cable.

Abstract: A valve includes a valve cover, the valve cover having a solenoid attachment portion, an orifice bore defined in the solenoid attachment portion, and a valve cover mechanical stop, the solenoid attachment portion having a solenoid attachment sink; and a solenoid, the solenoid having a solenoid body, a valve cover attachment portion, and a plunger, the plunger having an open position and a closed position, the plunger including an interface portion, the solenoid body including a solenoid mechanical stop, the solenoid mechanical stop engagable with the valve cover mechanical stop to space the interface portion of the plunger away from the orifice bore when the plunger is in the open position.

Abstract: A production control system for an underwater well, comprises: first electrically operated means for supplying first hydraulic fluid, for opening a first control valve of the well; second electrically operated means, for supplying second hydraulic fluid at a higher pressure than said first fluid, for opening a further control valve of the well; electronic circuitry (SEM1) for providing electrical power for operating said first and second means; and means for controlling the sequence of closing said control valves as a result of a loss of electrical power from said electronic circuitry. The controlling means comprises: electrical power storage means; detection means responsive to said loss of power from said electronic circuitry; and means coupled with said detection means for using electrical power from said storage means to keep said further control valve open for a period after closure of said first control valve and close it after said period.

Abstract: A solar array including a solar array assembly, hub assembly, and wing assembly.

Abstract: A pin release mechanism which includes a release pin, a bias spring, a spring guide, a moveable ball retainer and a solenoid assembly. The release pin is axially movable from a first to a second position. The bias spring is connected to the release pin and exerts a force biasing the release pin towards the second position. The spring guide receives the bias spring interacts with ball bearings. The moveable ball retainer is connected to the bias spring and has a locked position in which ball bearings radially interfere with the movement of the release pin and prevents movement of the release pin from the first to the second position by engaging the release pin, and an unlocked position in which the ball bearings may move radially, disengaging the release pin, and engaging the ball retainer, to allow the release pin to move from the first towards the second position.

Abstract: An actuator for displacing a control device including a valve, a gate valve or the like, in particular for use in oil or gas production systems, said actuator comprising an electric drive and a thread drive displaceable by means of said electric drive. The thread drive comprises at least a threaded spindle and a screw nut. The threaded spindle is displaceable in a substantially axial direction between an advanced position and a retracted position so as to displace the control device. In order to improve an actuator of this kind in such a way that advantages of an already known actuator will be maintained on the basis of a smaller number of components and a more compact structural design and a reduction of the manufacturing costs can simultaneously be accomplished, the electric drive comprises at least one torque motor with a hollow shaft, said hollow shaft being connected to the driven side of a safety clutch unit such that it is secured against rotation relative thereto.

Abstract: An injector for injecting medicament in a patient. The injector includes a container comprising a fluid chamber containing a first volume of a medicament, and an injection conduit associated with the fluid chamber for defining a fluid pathway therefrom to inject the medicament from the fluid chamber through the injection conduit to an injection location. The injector also includes a firing mechanism associated with the fluid chamber for expelling the medicament from the fluid chamber through the injection conduit, and a volume-control mechanism operable to control a fraction of the first volume of medicament that is injected when the firing mechanism is actuated to inject the medicament.

Abstract: A valve actuation mechanism has a plurality of links. Each link has a proximal end and distal end, and the links are disposed adjacent a valve member. The actuation mechanism also has at least one roller connected to the distal ends of at least two links. The roller contacts a surface of the valve member. In addition, at least one pivot for each link is present in the valve, wherein each pivot is positioned on the proximal end of each of the plurality of links.

Abstract: A shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator includes a SMA element connected to a first crown to move the first crown with respect to a second crown along an axis to toggle the actuator rod between a first position and a second position, the first position and the second position maintained when the SMA element is deenergized.

Abstract: An auxiliary trip unit for a circuit breaker comprises: a drive part with a movable blade, a latch fitted pivoting around a swivelling axis and designed to secure the blade in a neutral position, against a flexible bias force, until movement of the latch takes place to a released position, a nose of the latch salient in a direction passing through the swivelling axis so as to comprise a salient end where positive latching of the blade on the latch takes place in the neutral position. The latch collaborates with the blade to receive a thrust force acting in the direction of resetting of the latch to its latching position.

Abstract: A device (1) is provided for reversing the movement and/or actuation direction of an actuating cable (2) of a mechanism. A sliding piston (5) is arranged in a housing (3), which is fixed to the frame, so as to be displaceable in a sliding manner. The sliding piston can be displaced by the actuating cable (2). At least one actuating element (6) is arranged laterally on the sliding piston (5). A direction of movement of the actuating element is opposite to a direction of movement of the actuating cable (2) and the actuating element is mechanically coupled to the mechanism that is actuated.

Abstract: The restraining strap has a rectangular cross section with a broad side against cylindrical sections holding a release member. The moment of inertia for a rectangular cross section strap is represented by the formula I=BH3/12. The lower moment of inertia reduces the load on the fusible link. With no limit to the number of wraps around the cylindrical sections, higher preloads can be accommodated by increasing the number of wraps of the restraining strap without affecting the moment of inertia or the amount of force borne by the fusible link. The actuator has a catch extending between the restrainer and actuator. The catch ends engage the restrainer and actuator and, upon release from the actuator, the catch rotates to allow the restrainer to unwind from about the cylindrical sections.

Abstract: The restraining strap has a rectangular cross section with a broad side against cylindrical sections holding a release member. The moment of inertia for a rectangular cross section strap is represented by the formula I=BH3/12. The lower moment of inertia reduces the load on the fusible link. With no limit to the number of wraps around the cylindrical sections, higher preloads can be accommodated by increasing the number of wraps of the restraining strap without affecting the moment of inertia or the amount of force borne by the fusible link. The actuator has a catch extending between the restrainer and actuator. The catch ends engage the restrainer and actuator and, upon release from the actuator, the catch rotates to allow the restrainer to unwind from about the cylindrical sections.

Abstract: A mechanical latching unit for a main drive unit includes a rolling mechanical switch within a housing, with a main roller, a counter roller, a carriage and a carriage trip/locking lever, with a first joint created between the main roller and the first end of the carriage, where by the load of the traction link of the main drive unit carried out to the main roller distributes a primary force component carried out to the counter roller and a secondary force component carried out in a direction to a second end of the carriage, where by the mechanical latching unit includes a force reduction mechanism having at least two force reduction stages, a carrier reset spring fastened to the housing which resets the carriage back to a neutral respectively blocking position, and a lever reset spring which resets the carriage trip/locking lever back to a neutral respectively blocking position.

Abstract: A fail-safe electromagnetic linkage has a support device for a valve head, and an actuator component actuable by an actuator. The support device is coupled to the actuator component while power is supplied to the electromagnet and decoupled from the actuator component while power is not supplied to the electromagnet. The assembly further comprises a return mechanism configured to drive the support device relative to the actuator component if power is not supplied to the electromagnet.

Abstract: A method for automatically controlling the speed of a ship, in which the engine speed (nMOT) is automatically controlled by a closed-loop engine speed control system as an inner closed-loop control system, the ship's speed (vS) is automatically controlled by a closed-loop ship's speed control system as an outer closed-loop control system, and the ship's set speed (vSL) is influenced as a reference input of the closed-loop ship's speed control system as a function of an external signal source. The ship's set speed (vSL) is corrected as a function of the underwater topography (TOPO).

Abstract: Attachments for a manual wheelchair are provided for navigating a wheelchair over obstacles and uneven terrain, such as a typical curb on a street. The attachments provide for regulating the movement of the wheelchair as the wheelchair descends the curb and to prevent the wheelchair from flipping over during such movement. The attachments include a front caster wheel slider assembly on each side of the wheelchair, a follower wheel assembly and a track belt damping bar. The front caster wheel slider assembly includes a piston that will quickly push the front caster wheels down after they roll over the top edge of the curb. The follower wheel assembly acts as a sensor that will release the piston in the assembly after the front caster wheels roll over the top edge of the curb. As the back wheels of the wheelchair roll over and down the curb, the track belt damping bar slows the descent of the wheelchair.

Abstract: A clamp and quick release mechanism for clamping and releasing a cylindrical linkage to a rod-like member comprises a locking ring located on the rod-like member and a clamping ring. The inner surface of the clamping ring and the outer surface of the locking ring are configured such that rotation of the clamping ring in one direction will compress the locking ring and rotation in the other direction will allow expansion of the locking ring.

Abstract: A rollover protection system for motor vehicles with a roll bar, which can be moved by a drive unit from a position of rest to a protection position, is secured in the protection position by a locking device and prevented from retracting, and is fixed in the position of rest by a holding device, wherein the holding device has a movably arranged catch element which can be disengaged abruptly by a pyrotechnical actuator. For such cases in which the catch element can move beyond the release point and there is a danger of a rebounding, because a path-limiting stop is present, the invention calls for providing a structural part that prevents a return movement of the catch element into the holding position. This structural part can be a detent spring arranged in the travel path of the catch element, being fastened to the roll bar and preventing the catch element from swiveling back after striking a path-limiting wall of the roll bar.

Abstract: A pivoting mechanism for use in a high temperature steam distribution system includes an input member operative to move between a low level position and a high level position. A compression spring having a first end and a second end is also provided. The first end of the compression spring is connected to the input member. A pivot member is operatively connected to the second end of the compression spring. The pivot member rotates in a snap over fashion to a first position when the input member reaches the upper position. When the input member reaches the lower position, the pivot member rotates in a snap over fashion to a second position.

Abstract: The restraining strap has a rectangular cross section with a broad side against cylindrical sections holding a release member. The moment of inertia for a rectangular cross section strap is represented by the formula I=BH3/12. The lower moment of inertia reduces the load on the fusible link. With no limit to the number of wraps around the cylindrical sections, higher preloads can be accommodated by increasing the number of wraps of the restraining strap without affecting the moment of inertia or the amount of force borne by the fusible link. The accuator has a catch extending between the restrainer and actuator. The catch ends engage the restrainer and actuator and, upon release from the actuator, the catch rotates to allow the restrainer to unwind from about the cylindrical sections.

Abstract: A release device having a multi-segment split spool with a central bore adapted to axially restrain a tensioned member. A tensioned tape is overlappingly wound around the spool segments thereby preventing radial movement of the spool segments. The overlapping winding allows for a low profile housing for the release device. The multiple segments require less radial motion for release of the tensioned member.

Abstract: A MEMS structure having a compensated resonating member is described. In an embodiment, a MEMS structure comprises a resonating member coupled to a substrate by an anchor. A dynamic mass-load is coupled with the resonating member. The dynamic mass-load is provided for compensating a change in frequency of the resonating member by altering the moment of inertia of the resonating member by way of a positional change relative to the anchor.

Abstract: An emergency stop for a brake device for a motor includes a blocking device, a spring, and an inhibiting material. The blocking device is movable between a first position, at which it allows rotation of the drive shaft, and a second position, at which it at least substantially stops rotation of a drive shaft of the motor. The spring is housed at least partially within the housing, and urges the blocking device toward the first position. The inhibiting material at least partially surrounds the blocking device and/or the spring, and has a melting point that is at least substantially known. The inhibiting material at least substantially prevents movement of the blocking device from the first to the second position when a temperature is below the melting point, and allows movement of the blocking device from the first to the second position when the temperature is above the melting point.

Abstract: An actuator, which find exemplary use in connection with a safety system which aims to stop powering of a boat by an engine or sail if a person falls overboard. The actuator stores energy in a main spring which is manually created by pushing linearly on an actuator rod which extends from the actuator housing. The main spring is captured between two concentric sleeves one of which sleeves is fixed to the housing. A low power coil is energizes a magnetic shuttle to cause linear motion of a shuttle against urging of small spring contained within the bore of the shuttle. Movement of the shuttle enables radial motion of balls from a position where the sleeves are locked together to one which enables one sleeve to move under force of the main spring, and thereby move the push/pull rod and act on an object to which the actuator is connected.

Abstract: A hydraulic control unit is set up to hydraulically actuate a starting clutch of a motor vehicle and gear selectors of a transmission of the motor vehicle by use of hydraulic valves which are integrated in the hydraulic control unit and which have in each case at least one control element. The hydraulic control unit is characterized in that the integrated hydraulic valves are aligned in the hydraulic control unit in such a way that a movement direction of a vibratory element of a hydraulic valve which controls only the starting clutch differs from the movement direction of vibratory elements of the other hydraulic valves, and is aligned to a lesser extent with the longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A leveling control system and method for heavy equipment is provided. The leveling control system for heavy equipment, in which a lower frame having a traveling means and an upper frame are combined together by a tilting means, includes a sensor unit, provided in the equipment, for measuring twist angles of the lower frame and the upper frame against a reference horizontal surface and a traveling speed of the equipment, and detecting working state information of working devices; a control unit for receiving the twist angles, the traveling speed, and the working state information, calculating a correction angle for the leveling control of the upper frame, and generating a control signal for instructing an operation of an actuator in accordance with the correction angle; and a driving unit for performing the leveling through the actuator in accordance with the control signal received therein.

Abstract: A booster actuator 10 may be positioned between the solenoid 12 and a valve 14, and increases the energy output from the solenoid to activate the valve. The booster actuator 10 may include a force input member 28 and a force output member 30 each linearly movable with respect to a body 20 from an initial position to an activated position. A coil spring 46 biases the input member to the initial input position, while a plurality of disk springs 48 bias the output member 30 to the activated output position. A plurality of linking members 32 each pivotable with respect to the body normally retain the force output member in the initial position, but upon movement of the input member to the activated position release the force output member in response to the disk springs.

Abstract: A stored energy trigger assembly is provided including a mounting substrate and a pawl plate rotationally mounted thereto having a pawl mount end, a pawl trigger end, and a pawl lock protrusion positioned between. The pawl plate rotatable between a pawl lock position and a pawl disengage position to which it is biased. A cam plate is rotationally engaged to the mounting substrate and includes a cam plate upper surface, a cam plate lower surface, a cam lock slot, and a push wire engagement protrusion positioned on a cam plate periphery. It is rotatable between a cam lock position and a cam release position to which it is biased. A pawl trigger element engages the pawl trigger end and is configured to move the pawl plate to the pawl disengage position. A push wire assembly is moved a wire activation distance when the cam plate is moved to the cam release position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a powershift gearbox comprising a first and a second gearbox block in which respectively one gear from a first or second set of gears associated with each gearbox block can be passed between an input shaft and an output shaft of the gearbox block. The inventive gearbox comprises a slip-free clutch arrangement between each gearbox block and a common drive shaft of the powershift gearbox, that enables the input shaft of the gearbox block to be coupled to the drive shaft either directly or by means of a common slippable clutch.

Abstract: A drive device has a rotatable driving shaft and a driven shaft. The driving shaft, or input shaft, and the driven shaft, or output shaft, are joined to each other by way of a magnetic coupling. The driven shaft can be blocked in a direction of rotation such that magnetic forces emanating from the magnetic coupling cause the driven shaft to move in a direction opposite that of the direction of blocking. The driven shaft moves in a springing manner.

Abstract: A clutch actuating apparatus for engaging a clutch on an engine, such as an engine that drives an oil or gas well pump. The clutch actuator includes a first prime mover for rotating a clutch operating shaft in one direction toward a clutch-engaging position, but which unseats from driving the shaft after the shaft reaches the break over point and before engaging the clutch to prevent clutch damage. A second prime mover rotates the clutch operating shaft in the opposite direction toward a clutch-disengaging position, and unseats from driving the shaft after the break over point.

Abstract: A booster actuator 10 may be positioned between the solenoid 12 and a valve 14, and increases the energy output from the solenoid to activate the valve. The booster actuator 10 may include a force input member 28 and a force output member 30 each linearly movable with respect to a body 20 from an initial position to an activated position. A coil spring 46 biases the input member to the initial input position, while a plurality of disk springs 48 bias the output member 30 to the activated output position. A plurality of linking members 32 each pivotable with respect to the body normally retain the force output member in the initial position, but upon movement of the input member to the activated position release the force output member in response to the disk springs.

Abstract: A restraint apparatus for protecting a vehicle occupant in a side impact or rollover event. The restraint apparatus includes a deployment guide that includes a housing having a channel with a substantially smoothed interior and longitudinal slot. A guide member is slidably retained in the channel and has an extension protruding from the slotted side of the channel. The extension is attachable to a restraint device deployable laterally of a vehicle occupant. An actuator is provided and is operable to drive the guide member from a first end of the channel toward a second end. A driving of the guide member facilitates deployment of the restraint device and supplies at least a longitudinal tensioning force to the restraint device to provide lateral support thereto.

Abstract: A force-storing unit for a tap changer has an output shaft journaled in a support and a pair of parallel guide rods fixed on the support, defining a longitudinal direction, and spaced parallel to the shaft. A force-storing slide and an output part are displaceable longitudinally along the rods between respective end positions. Teeth on the output part mesh with a gear carried on the output shaft. Mechanism between a drive shaft and the slide displaces the slide longitudinally on the rods in a direction dependent on a rotation direction of the drive shaft and loads a spring between the slide and the output part as the slide is moved longitudinally relative to the output part. A latch connected between the slide and the output part retains the output part in each of its end positions until the slide moves into the respective end position.

Abstract: This invention relates to windshield wiper system and method which utilizes a flexible member to account for compression loads in excess of a predetermined load, such as 30 percent greater than a maximum load for the flexible member. The system utilizes a flexible pultruded composite material having a relatively low modulus of elasticity, yet relatively high elongation characteristics. The flexible arm bends to facilitate preventing damage to components in the wiper system when a compressive load applied to the flexible member reaches a predetermined load as a result of a fatigue condition, such as snow or ice build up on the windshield.

Abstract: A force sense imparting type input apparatus includes an operation portion, an actuator for imparting a force sense to the operation portion, a position sensor for detecting an operating direction and an operating quantity of the operation portion, a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the actuator, and a controller for acquiring a position signal and a temperature signal and outputting driving signal of the actuator. A correction control portion provided to the controller determines a calorific value of the actuator from the temperature signal, then a correction value of driving power supplied to the actuator from the calorific value so calculated, adds a correction value of driving power of the actuator at the time of a normal operation and decides driving power of the actuator at the time of over-heat.

Abstract: An improved spool assembly for non-explosive actuators used in electro-mechanical structural separation devices. The spool assembly includes two spool halves each having external surfaces and a generally flat internal surface, a unitary and integral internal member made of an electrically conductive material and having a link-wire portion and two electrical terminal portions, and an external wrap-wire wound around the two spool halves and having a connecting end connected to the link-wire portion of the unitary and integral internal member such that the wrap-wire tightly binds the two spool halves together to form a spool for retaining an external structural member.

Abstract: A device for restoring a rotary member into a defined normal position, with a spatially stationary fixed catch, which predetermines the normal position, and a driver catch, which is coupled to the rotary member and can be moved past the fixed catch, each of which has stop surfaces embodied on each of its opposing sides, and with a clamping spring, which encompasses the catches in a prestressed fashion with two bent spring legs, in order to prevent a rotary play between the clamping spring and the catches in the normal position, and an elastic spring element in at least one leg section of the spring legs extending across the stop surfaces of the catches, which spring element is supported against the associated stop surface with a spring force that is less powerful than the prestressing force of the clamping spring.

Abstract: A booster actuator 10 may be positioned between the solenoid 12 and a valve 14, and increases the energy output from the solenoid to activate the valve. The booster actuator 10 may include a force input member 28 and a force output member 30 each linearly movable with respect to a body 20 from an initial position to an activated position. A coil spring 46 biases the input member to the initial input position, while a plurality of disk springs 48 bias the output member 30 to the activated output position. A plurality of linking members 32 each pivotable with respect to the body normally retain the force output member in the initial position, but upon movement of the input member to the activated position release the force output member in response to the disk springs.

Abstract: The connecting rod (1) for a knuckle joint device with three parallel axes comprises a substantially U-shaped center part (2), whereby the lower transversal branch (3a) thereof constitutes a third articulated axis (X3) of a release device and said branch (3a) is connected at a substantially right angle to the side branches (3b, 3c) and elastic deformation is possible, the side branches extend as far as the upper end thereof by means of segments (3d,3e) that are bent inwards and are parallel to the transversal branch, whereby said segments (3d,3e) display torsional elasticity around the geometric axis thereof such that a rotational return movement is possible on the side ranches (3b,3c) around said geometrical axis and the second axis (X2) of the knuckle joint device.