Abstract: A motor powered by linear actuators comprises a base plane in which a plurality of linear actuators (2, 2?, 2?, 20) operate by reciprocating along respective lines of action (X, X?, X?), an elastic conversion member (3, 30) which is adapted to move in the plane and suitable to be connected to a drive shaft (S). The linear actuators (2, 2?, 2?, 20) are operatively connected with the conversion member (3, 30) for converting the reciprocating motion of the linear actuators (2, 2?, 2?, 20) into a substantially continuous motion of the conversion member (3, 30). The motor also comprises stationary constraint means (4, 40) which are adapted to selectively interact with the conversion member (3, 30) to locally deform it and/or promote sliding and movement thereof the plane about a predetermined axis or in a predetermined direction in response to the action of the linear actuators (2, 2?, 2?, 20).

Abstract: A method for reinforcing an assembly-type slope by using high-performance shotcrete and a reinforcing member, the method, after producing, at a batch plant, normal concrete having a compressive strength of 21-30 MPa and transporting the normal concrete to a construction site: forms a normal-strength shotcrete by mixing either fly ash or slag fine powder or low-grade mixed material in which fly ash or slag fine powder is mixed, in an increased fluidity state by mixing 20-40% of bubbles of the total volume; forms a high-performance shotcrete by mixing silica fumes and metakaolin or high-grade mixed material in which either silica fumes or metakaolin are mixed; and forms a color shotcrete by mixing coloring materials of iron oxide or carbon black, so as to sequentially construct an inner layer section, an outer layer section, and a surface layer section on the slope.

Abstract: A fluid meter (27) comprising a housing (28) defining at least one crankcase (29) and two cylinders (25, 26), a crankshaft (11) disposed in the crankcase (29), two pistons (3, 4) respectively mounted in the cylinders (25, 26) for reciprocal movement, a first connecting rod (12) connected to one of the pistons (3) and to the crankshaft (11) for rotating the crankshaft (11) in response to the movement of the one piston (3), and a second connecting rod (13) connected to the other piston (4) and to the crankshaft (11) for rotating the crankshaft (11) in response to the movement of the other piston (4), wherein the first and second connecting rods (12, 13) have yoke slots (16, 17) with a circumferential periphery (62) for receiving a crank pin (19) radially offset from the crankshaft (11).

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid meter (27) comprising a housing (28) defining at least one crankcase (29) and two cylinders (25, 26), a crankshaft (11) disposed in the crankcase (29), two pistons (3, 4) respectively mounted in the cylinders (25, 26) for reciprocal movement, a first connecting rod (12) connected to one of the pistons (3) and to the crankshaft (11) for rotating the crankshaft (11) in response to the movement of the one piston (3), and a second connecting rod (13) connected to the other piston (4) and to the crankshaft (11) for rotating the crankshaft (11) in response to the movement of the other piston (4), wherein the first and second connecting rods (12, 13) have yoke slots (16, 17) for receiving a crank pin (19) radially offset from the crankshaft (11).

Abstract: The catheter device comprises a drive shaft connected to a motor, and a rotor mounted on the drive shaft at the distal end section. The rotor has a frame structure which is formed by a screw-like boundary frame and rotor struts extending radially inwards from the boundary frame. The rotor struts are fastened to the drive shaft by their ends opposite the boundary frame. Between the boundary frame and the drive shaft extends an elastic covering. The frame structure is made of an elastic material such that, after forced compression, the rotor unfolds automatically.

Abstract: We present a high-efficiency crankless reciprocating steam engine that loses only a small amount of energy when the rectilinear motion of its piston is changed into the rotary motion of its driveshaft. The present invention continuously rotates a valve in one direction while alternately introducing steam into two piston housing chambers to generate the rotary force of the driveshaft. Therefore, engine efficiency is greatly increased because the inertial force losses in the valve are much smaller compared to the case when the valve rotation stops or changes direction.

Abstract: An electro hydraulic servo valve assembly has a valve housing and a spool rotatably fitted to the inside of the housing. A number of ports are off-settedly provided along the length of the valve housing A plurality of orifices are provided along the length of the spool. The positioning of the orifices and the ports are such that only one set of orifices may be aligned with a corresponding set of ports at any one time. The spool has one end coupled to a servo motor so that the servo motor may drivingly rotate the spool relative to the valve body. The other end of the spool is open so that a fluid passage is established between the interior of the spool and any one of the orifices.

Abstract: A fluid valve system is provided for a variable stroke motor. The valve has a housing forming a cylinder, a first fluid input into the cylinder, a first fluid output out of the cylinder, a second fluid input into the cylinder, and a second fluid output out of the cylinder. Provided within the cylinder is a shaft provided with slots. As the shaft rotates into a first position, fluid communication between the first fluid input and the first fluid output is shut off, while fluid communication between the second fluid input and second fluid output is opened. As the shaft rotates to a second position, communication between the first fluid input and first fluid output is opened, while the communication between the second fluid input and the second fluid output is shut off. The device is preferably hooked up to a drive cylinder in fluid communication with the first fluid output and the second fluid input. A piston is provided within the drive cylinder.

Abstract: A fluid valve system is provided for a variable stroke motor. The valve has a housing forming a cylinder, a first fluid input into the cylinder, a first fluid output out of the cylinder, a second fluid input into the cylinder, and a second fluid output out of the cylinder. Provided within the cylinder is a shaft provided with slots. As the shaft rotates into a first position, fluid communication between the first fluid input and the first fluid output is shut off, while fluid communication between the second fluid input and second fluid output is opened. As the shaft rotates to a second position, communication between the first fluid input and first fluid output is opened, while the communication between the second fluid input and the second fluid output is shut off. The device is preferably hooked up to a drive cylinder in fluid communication with the first fluid output and the second fluid input. A piston is provided within the drive cylinder.

Abstract: A drive shaft assembly is provided for allowing rotation of a drive shaft in a single direction. The drive shaft assembly includes a housing, a drive shaft and an overrunning clutch. The overrunning clutch includes an inner race having an outer annular contact surface and an outer race having an inner annular contact surface spaced radially from the inner race. The inner annular contact surface and the outer annular contact surface form an annular space therebetween. Provided within this annular space are a plurality of sprags which allow the inner race to rotate in a first direction relative to the outer race while preventing the inner race from rotating in a second direction to the outer race.

Abstract: A productive, efficient and environmentally friendly Steam Powered Head Device for integral use with an engine which operates at high RPM. The inventive device includes a head block with integral cylindrical rotating valve through a longitudinal cylindrical aperture in the head block. A high temperature seal bearing is circumferentially pressed fit around the cylindrical rotating valve at each end of the aperture within said head block. The head block and cylindrical rotating valve include intake steam ports and larger exhaust steam ports to allow rapid discharge of steam which are aligned and sequentially arranged through the axis of the cam shaft according to the degrees recommended by the manufacturer of the high RPM engine to which the inventive device is adapted. One intake steam port and one exhaust steam port is typically aligned to each cylinder chamber of the high RPM engine to which the inventive device is adapted.

Abstract: A fluid compressor includes a plurality of compression stages each operated sequentially by drive means comprising a pneumatically operated drive piston operating in a drive cylinder. Several embodiments are described and illustrated having different forms of control means and drive and sequencing means for the drive pistons.

Abstract: Continuous combustion heat engine including a compressor (12), combustor (14) and expander (16) which operates on a Brayton cycle with positive displacement pistons (90) in the compressor and variable expansion ratio pistons (190) in the expander. Compressor (12) delivers compressed air to the combustor (14) where it is mixed with fuel and combusted to produce expansion gases for the expander (16). Power input to the compressor and power output from the expander are achieved through the radially disposed pistons (90,190), connecting rods (94), cranks (98), crank shafts (100), planetary gears (104), sun gears (106) and sun gear connectors (114) which rotatably secure the sun gears (106) and manifolds (110,166) together. The pistons (190) for the expander have positive displacement sections (192) and free floating sections (200) for the variable volume ratio capability.

Abstract: A hydraulically operated continuously variable transmission includes a fixed shaft mounted in a transmission case, an output shaft rotatably supported in the transmission case, and a hydraulic motor coupled to the output shaft and having a motor cylinder and an annular array of slidable motor plungers disposed around an axis of rotation thereof and slidably disposed in respective cylinder holes defined in the motor cylinder. The hydraulic motor also has a distribution ring supported on the fixed shaft and rotatable relatively to and slidable against an end face of the motor cylinder for introducing high-pressure oil successively into the cylinder holes and discharging oil successively from the cylinder holes in response to rotation of the motor cylinder.

Abstract: An axial air motor having a plurality of cylinders disposed around the axis of rotation of an output shaft in such a manner that the direction of movement of the pistons is parallel with the output shaft. The air motor is provided with a swash plate which is rotatably mounted on the output shaft through a bearing and which is directly pressed by means of a ball which is mounted on each piston. Accordingly, the structure of the motor as a whole is simplified and the frictional resistance occurring between constituent parts can be minimized. Thus, it is possible to achieve an efficient axial air motor. Further, since a lubricant can be charged in a hole for receiving the ball in advance, it is possible to reduce the frictional resistance occurring between the ball and the swash plate even in a non-lubricated operation.

Abstract: A fluid motor for converting reciprocation of a piston within a cylinder to rotation by a crankshaft includes a valve for supplying a fluid to the cylinder and discharging the fluid therefrom. The valve comprises a rotary valve member rotatable with the crankshaft and a fixed valve body slidably in contact with the rotary valve member. When the motor stops, at least one-half portion of a fluid intake groove formed in the rotary valve member is positioned at one side, toward a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the rotary valve member, of a position opposed to a cylinder connection port formed in the fixed valve body so that a sufficient amount of pressure fluid can be supplied to the cylinder at the start when the motor is initiated into operation again.

Abstract: A hydraulic motor either of the radial or axial piston type is used for swivelling a hanging load about an upright axis. The motor has a distributor for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid to the input and drain ducts of the motor. The motor further has hydraulic ducts extending from the stator to the rotor for transmitting fluid required for operation of the actuator of a gripping device or bucket. The distributor floats, so that radial and axial play as well as deformation of the rotor relative to the stator may be taken up without stress. At least some of the hydraulic ducts pass through the distributor, connections being made by suitable rotary transmissions and connecting points within the motor.

Abstract: A pressure-medium-driven linear driving arrangement comprises a slide-shaped driving unit supported on a feed rack with a sliding curve. The driving unit comprising step-by-step elements in the form of piston-cylinder systems, which are controlled by a pressure medium via a rotary slide valve to produce a relative motion between the driving unit and the feed rack. The step-by-step elements each have a pivoted lever joined on one hand to the piston of the step-by-step element and on the other hand, joined to the slide housing, constituting self-centering feeding link driving elements.

Abstract: An axial piston machine having double acting piston assemblies incorporating swivel joints from which connecting rods extend to drive points on the radial arms of a wobble plate, the central pivot of which is established by a universal joint support. The wobble plate is connected by a crankpin and a crankarm to a crankshaft establishing a precessing driving plane at a tilt angle to the crankshaft axis of preferably less than 18.degree.. A valve rotatable about the crankshaft axis controls the supply and exhaust of fluid to the piston assemblies.

Abstract: An improvement for a variable volume device in the form of a rectilinear case having disposed therein a rectilinear outer piston structure and a rectilinear inner piston structure within the outer piston structure, the inner piston being carried for rotation on a crank shaft and in turn inducing a reciprocal movement of the outer piston structure in the case, the improvement comprising rollers positioned between the outer piston structure and the case, and the inner piston structure and outer piston structure to facilatate thrust and force accomodation therebetween, and sealing strip means positioned in sealing relationship between the outer piston structure and rectilinear case, and inner piston structure and outer piston structure, and particularly an embodiment in which the sealing strips means of the inner piston structure bear against the side portion of the outer piston structure sealing ring means and a bearing plate positioned to support the rollers, whereby the rectilinear innerrunning pistons may be

Abstract: The hydrostatic actuator in a constant displacement type radial piston pump or engine includes two telescopically arranged component parts separating a high pressure side from a low pressure side for a working medium, and defining a variable pressure space therebetween. The pressure space communicates with the high pressure side via a flow restrictor and with the low pressure side via a pressure limiting valve. The telescopically arranged components parts act as piston-like members and adjust the gaps between the outer end faces of the component parts and their control surfaces of the actuator in response to the pressure in the pressure space.

Abstract: A reversible fluid unit which may be used as a motor, pump, brake or clutch. The unit has a plurality of sequentially inflatable diaphragms, to impart a rotative force to a plurality of roller members. When used as a motor, brake or clutch, air under pressure is sequentially fed to the plurality of diaphragms which inflate against roller members connected to a driven output shaft. As the diaphragms inflate, the roller members are contacted by the inflated diaphragms to impart or brake rotary motion thereto. When used as a pump, the rollers are rotated to pump air out through the diaphragm members.

Abstract: Servoactuator includes a pair of double-acting linear actuators providing for 360.degree. controlled rotation of an output shaft. The rotary motion of the ouput shaft is employed to sequence high pressure fluid flow and return for the same to the respective ends of the respective actuators so that both actuators continuously develop output force except for end stroke points. Shimmy damping may also be obtained by a bypass-damping valve which comprises a shuttle movable to a first position by high pressure fluid for controlled operation of the servoactuator and to a second position by removal of the high pressure fluid to direct fluid flow between the respective actuators through a damping orifice.

Abstract: A fluid motor-pump unit having a circumferentially arranged set of pistons axially reciprocal within a stationary cylinder block, and a rotating valve plate for sequentially porting the pistons between high and low pressure hydraulic ports of an hydraulic system. Apparatus and method are disclosed for dynamically pressure-balancing the rotating valve plate for low friction and low wear operation.

Abstract: A rotary control valve for an expansion fluid driven engine has a body with inlet and outlet ports and a distribution port communicating with an engine cylinder. A shaft in the body has first and second discs thereon and rotates in synchronization with reciprocation of the engine piston. The first disc has a pressure fluid passage therethrough and the second disc has an exhaust fluid passage therethrough. Sealing pistons in the body urge against the discs and have passages therethrough respectively connecting the pressure fluid passage with the inlet and distribution ports and the exhaust fluid passage with the distribution and outlet ports. The rotation of the discs alternately permits and stops flow of fluid to and from the cylinder.

Abstract: An improved double-acting, nonexpansion, noncondensing, piston steam engine. A coiled tube flash boiler enclosed in an insulated fire chamber is located above and contiguous with the cylinder head of the steam engine. The base of the fire chamber has a cylindrical opening to enable the heat from the flames in the fire chamber to be transferred directly to the top cylinder head for enhanced heat transfer to the cylinder. Two parallel crank shafts, each having a spur gear fixed thereon which meshes with the spur gear fixed on the other, are mounted on pillow block support bearings. A "T" linkage interconnects the crank shafts and the piston of the steam engine. Two rotary valves are provided to control the flow of high temperature steam and spent steam to and from the cylinder.

Abstract: A rotary manifold valve mechanism for sequentially connecting a plurality of fluid flow ports with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, in which a stationary valving element has connections respectively with the fluid inlet and fluid outlet, and an operatively associated rotatable manifold is provided with the flow ports. In one form of the invention the valving element is stationary and positioned within the manifold element which is drivingly rotated by a connected shaft, while in a modified form the valving element is positioned outwardly of the manifold element which in this case comprises the shaft and wherein the flow ports are formed on the shaft periphery.

Abstract: A rotary control valve for expansion fluid driven engines comprises a housing having inlet and outlet ports, a distribution port positioned at one end of the housing and communicating with the engine cylinder, and a first sealing face disposed about the distribution port. A rotor is mounted in the housing on a drive shaft, rotates therewith, and is capable of translating axially thereon. The rotor includes pressure and exhaust passageways which alternately communicate with the distribution port to pressurize and exhaust the engine cylinder. A second sealing face is positioned on the rotor about one end of the pressure and exhaust passageways, and mates with the housing sealing face to form a sliding seal therebetween. A seal ring is positioned between the periphery of the rotor and the housing, and divides the cavity defined therebetween into separate intake and exhaust chambers which respectively communicate with the intake and exhaust ports.

Abstract: An economical gas powered starting system is provided for relatively small, consumer operated implements powered by two or four cycle internal combustion engines. A low cost, radial piston starter motor is coupled to a liquified gas energy cell by a metering arrangement which charges a predetermined amount of gas to the motor, just sufficient to start the engine in its operating environment. The system and motor design disclosed develops torque-speed-time characteristics insuring excellent starter reliability.

Abstract: Improved feed mixer apparatus, wherein interconnected, auger mixing conveyors are operatively connected to a crank arm driven by a pair of pivotably mounted hydraulic cylinders which are in turn driven by a hydraulic power source providing for smooth and timed transition from low pressure to high pressure in the retraction and extension chambers thereof, thereby to avoid damage and/or excessive wear to the crank arm and/or cylinder components.

Abstract: A vapor engine using a refrigerant as its working medium and having a number of bellows each forming an expansion chamber which receives the working medium and changing its volume under the influence of the pressure exerted by the vaporized working medium. A crank shaft is arranged above and is mechanically connected to each of the bellows, and a rotary slide is provided below the bellows for controlling the flow of the working medium to and from the bellows.

Abstract: An opposed piston fluid motor having a pair of angularly related cylinders rigidly joined at adjacent ends in a common plane is mounted above a base with the common plane normal to the base and the cylinders inclined downwardly from the common plane toward the base in the manner of an inverted V. A crankshaft is rotatably supported above the base with its axis parallel to the base and lying in the common plane below the cylinders. A piston is reciprocably mounted in each cylinder, and an expansible working chamber is provided within the cylinders between the pistons. Working fluid is supplied to the working chamber through a fluid port located at the apex of the cylinders under the control of a rotary motor control valve driven by the crankshaft. The crankshaft has a pair of cranks which are displaced 180.degree. apart. Each piston is connected to a different one of the cranks by a piston rod and a connecting rod.

Abstract: A lubrication system for an air motor which incorporates a positive feed oil pump, driven by the air motor, which forces lubricant, under pressure to the majority of critical lubrication zones. Because of manufacturing tolerances as well as ease of maintenance, the rotary valve and the main crankshaft are coaxial but separate. The lubricant is forced inwardly to the axis of either the crankshaft or the rotary valve and then transmitted to the other rotating member by way of a hollow elastic snubber which preloads the valve and crankshaft in opposite directions.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an improved electro-hydraulic pulse motor wherein safety valves are arranged in hydraulic circuits provided for the hydraulic motor part of an electro-hydraulic pulse motor so as to release abnormal high pressure produced in the circuits due to sudden interruption of the operation of an electric pulse motor part of the electro-hydraulic pulse motor. As a result, breakage of the circuits or four way pilot valve part of the electro-hydraulic pulse motor can be avoided.

Abstract: Fluid motor means having a sectional housing containing a fluid flow passage therebetween is provided. The passage has a cross section which varies in response to load changes, along with means in the passage for varying the flow of pressure fluid to the motor in response to said load changes. Expansion or fluid chambers are preferably used to couple input and output members in a manner responsive to torque changes.

Abstract: Hydraulic and pneumatic motors having expansion chambers arranged between two supporting means, at least one of which is rotatable, said chambers formed at least in part of material that is elastically deformable by the pressure medium used, are provided. The invention also provides a control system for introducing the pressure medium into the chambers sequentially and expelling it sequentially after each chamber has attained maximum volume.

Abstract: A drive arrangement for producing a rotary motion by means of a fluid or eous pressure medium in which a working shaft and an eccentric part within a housing are acted upon by at least one freely deformable expansion cell mounted between the housing and the eccentric part in such a manner that expansion of the collapsible cell exerts a rotational moment on the eccentric part, a force that is directed along the central axis and therefore along the working shaft. The expansion cells are connected with the working medium by suitable control means.

Abstract: The specification discloses a motor activated by a combination of fluid pressure, such as air, and gravity. The motor comprises a rotor, the shaft of which carries a cylindrical shell divided into an even number of sectors or cells. Each cell contains an envelope or bag of elastomeric material which communicates through a transverse passage in the shaft with the bag of a diametrically opposite cell. Each connected pair of bags contains a supply of high density liquid, such as Mercury, sufficient to fill one bag. A rotary valve carried on the shaft outboard of the shaft bearings controls admission and release of fluid pressure to and from the cells in the cylindrical shell via longitudinal passages in the shaft communicating therewith to sequentially supply fluid pressure to the cells to expel the liquid from bags in lower cells to bags in upper cells, thereby producing a torque on the rotor due to gravity acting on the Mercury in the upper cells.