With Signal, Indicator Or Inspection Means Patents (Class 91/1)
  • Patent number: 5367944
    Abstract: A sensor for measuring the amount of a fluid such as electrostatically charged paint in a canister wherein part of the sensor moves within a cavity which is insulated from the paint. A body such as a piston moves linearly within the canister to dispense the paint from the canister. In two embodiments, the sensor is a non-contact sensor including a magnet which moves with the piston and creates a magnetic field in the cavity. A ferromagnetic device of the sensor moves linearly along a sensor element in the cavity in response to movement of the magnetic field created by the moving magnet. In another embodiment, the sensor includes an elongated pliable cable connected at one end thereof to the piston to move therewith. The opposite end of the cable is connected to a sensor element of the sensor such as a rotary encoder. Each sensor provides a signal to allow the metering of the paint entering or/and discharged from the canister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Assignee: FANUC Robotics North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Hadi A. Akeel, John A. Reinicke
  • Patent number: 5365827
    Abstract: A cylinder apparatus and a method of controlling the same allow an object to be moved at high speed and provide a decelerating force that can be changed with ease in conformity with the type of object. The apparatus includes a cylinder, a piston, an air supply source, a first pressure regulator for feeding compressed air of a first pressure into one chamber of the cylinder, a second pressure regulator for feeding compressed air of a second pressure into a second chamber of the cylinder, a first solenoid valve, a second solenoid valve, a deceleration-position sensor for sensing a position at which the piston begins deceleration, a stopping-position sensor for sensing that the piston is situated at an end of the cylinder, and controller for controlling the first and second solenoid valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masatoshi Morita
  • Patent number: 5363738
    Abstract: Apparatus for training an operator in use of electrohydraulics that includes an electric-motor/hydraulic-pump with an integrated fluid sump mounted on a portable support. An electrohydraulic valve on the support is preconnected to the pump, and has at least one solenoid valve responsive to valve control signals for controlling the valve to supply fluid from the pump. A hydraulic cylinder is carried on the support and preconnected to the valve for generating mechanical motion as a function of fluid supplied by the valve from the pump. An electronic controller is mounted on the support. A plurality of electrical connectors are mounted on an operator panel on the support and individually preconnected behind the operator panel to the valve controller, to the solenoid of the electrohydraulic valve and to a mechanism on the panel for generating an operator command signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: Vickers, Incorporated
    Inventors: Richard J. Kotch, John A. O'Brien, George A. McConnell
  • Patent number: 5351599
    Abstract: A linear drive device has a linear motor which consists of a piston, an output rod and a control rod. The two rods extend through the two end plates of the motor housing. The working or output rod is designed for the transmission of power to some structure. The control rod cooperates a sensor for positioning. The sensor and also a valve arrangement is integrated in the housing end plate associated with the control rod. The valve arrangement controls flow through pressure fluid duct provided in the housing end plate at the control end for actuating the linear motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Assignee: Festo KG
    Inventor: Kurt Stoll
  • Patent number: 5341724
    Abstract: A telescoping cylinder has a cylindrical housing (A) carrying a first stage including a central piston (B) opening into a hollow piston rod (C) and at least one succeeding stage including a concentric piston (E) and piston rod (F) having a hollow interior containing the central piston and piston rod with an air opening (H) in the concentric piston rod opening into an air outlet (G) at an exit end of the cylindrical wall. By applying compressed air to the central piston, the first stage is extended initiating movement of the concentric piston and piston rod with extension of the concentric piston and piston rod thereafter followed by extension of any succeeding stage. By applying compressed air to the outlet (G) the concentric piston (E) and piston rod (F) is retracted initiating movement of the central piston and piston rod when the air opening (H) in concentric piston rod (F) is aligned with port (G).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Inventor: Bronislav Vatel
  • Patent number: 5308220
    Abstract: The invention concerns a scoop-and-dump jack of a loader shovel or a fork of a shovel loader and comprising a piston-rod extension 46a guided in a sealed borehole of the jack cylinder-bottom 43 to achieve a dumping motion at least as rapid as the retracting motion and to permit simple assembly and maintenance of the jack, the diameter of said extension corresponding at least to that of the piston rod 46, the jack bearing-eye 50 and the jack cylinder-bottom being integrally joined by a connection member 49 extending over most of the length of advance of the piston-rod extension 46a, and the receiving space 51 for the piston-rod extension comprising a laterally open access for purposes of assembly or exchange of the guide means and seals 44, 45 in the jack cylinder-bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Assignee: Karl Schaeff GmbH & Co., Maschinenfabrik
    Inventor: Hans Schaeff
  • Patent number: 5305680
    Abstract: A control device for hydraulic operating cylinders of a tailgate of a vehicle to determine maximum pressures arising in the operation and, particularly, overloading of the tailgate, resulting in excessive pressures. A power-driven hydraulic pump (1) is connected to a reservoir (4) and, via branch lines (8', 8"), with associated gate control valves (10, 13) which include a closing cylinder (14) for the tailgate. A pressure intensifier piston-cylinder unit (15) is connected parallel to the branch pipes. An electric pressure-sensitive switch (16), which is also connected to a counter (17) and to an interrupter switch (18) for the electric pump motor, switches off the pump motor (2) when the predetermined pressure is exceeded. This switch is connected to the closing cylinder (14) for the tailgate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Inventor: Gunter Weber
  • Patent number: 5251534
    Abstract: An input apparatus capable of concurrently accommodating itself to any external signal from a different hydraulic control system or the like. The apparatus includes electrical load sensors each arranged on a push rod or block for detecting the amount of operation of a control lever to generate an electrical signal corresponding to the amount of operation of the control lever. Also, an input apparatus which is capable of concurrently responding to both a signal generated by itself and an external signal fed thereto is provided. The apparatus includes a pilot section for exerting force which permits a shuttle to be moved against coiled compression springs. The pilot section is fed with a signal from an external hydraulic control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Assignee: Kayaba Industry Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshitake Yonekubo, Hideshi Koiwai, Susumu Narita
  • Patent number: 5241278
    Abstract: An apparatus is adapted to detect the linear extension of a hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic cylinder defines a variable length coaxial resonant cavity. Under the control of a controller, a transmitting section and a receiving section are used to determine the linear extension of the hydraulic cylinder. The controller detects two subsequent harmonics of the resonant frequency and responsively determines the resonant frequency. The linear extension is determined as a function of the resonant frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Ali A. Bitar
  • Patent number: 5231913
    Abstract: A process for adjusting the travel sensor for a brake power booster movable wall is disclosed to compensate for tolerance variations, in which a fixed stop is installed to engage the output member upon applying a predetermined input force to shift the movable wall to a test location. The distance to the test location of the movable wall from a booster housing reference surface is measured with a measuring instrument installed temporarily in the booster housing opening normally receiving the travel sensor. The tips of the travel sensor is positioned at the test location with the travel sensor in the corresponding signal condition either by using an appropriately dimensioned replaceable tip or sensor holder, or by use of an adjustable length sensor holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Assignee: Alfred Teves GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Dieter Reinartz, Helmut Steffes, Stefan Risch
  • Patent number: 5224410
    Abstract: A vacuum brake power booster with a connecting member (23) for the connecting nozzle (2) of the vacuum line and for the vacuum non-return valve (3). The connecting member is configured in the shape of a housing for a sensing device which detects the position of the diaphragm retainer (16) within the servo-cylinder (15). The sensing device consists of a scanning pin (22) which allows rotation of a gear (9) by means of a flexible toothed rack (6). The gear allows rotation of a tap (12) on an ohmic resistance. The different voltage values generated in this manner indicated the position of the diaphragm retainer within the servo-cylinder. By an appropriate selection of components, by their configuration, by their mutual adaptation, and by the appropriate assembly of these components into a compact overall assembly unit, the contour of a conventional vacuum brake power booster is not exceeded. The mounting space requirements of the booster are thus reduced. The booster is universally applicable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Inventors: Kai-Michael Graichen, Christof Kornas
  • Patent number: 5219393
    Abstract: A hydraulically operated rotary drive includes a housing which is closed in hydraulically tight manner by flat covers and can be connected to a source of pressure fluid, a rotatable shaft extending through the covers out of the housing and a belt which is arranged at least in part within the housing with the formation of movable pressure chambers and is operatively connected to the shaft. In order to create a rotary drive which permits any desired extension to external structural groups as well as a modular extension to a plurality of rotary drives, it is proposed that axially extending channels (2, 2') for receiving and forwarding the pressure fluid to the pressure chambers and electrical connections be integrated within the shaft and that the shaft (3) be provided on both axial ends with coupling elements for the coupling outside the housing of mechanical and/or electrical attachment modules which can be coupled to the rotary movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1993
    Assignee: Mannesmann Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jorg Niederstadt, Ralf Huber
  • Patent number: 5213472
    Abstract: An inboard servo for a controllable pitch propeller of the force rod type comprises a feedback device comprising a feedback ring located externally of the propeller drive shaft, affixed to the force rod for rotation and axial translation therewith and having a planar surface perpendicular to the propeller drive shaft axis, and a distance-measuring device for substantially continuously detecting the position of the ring, and therefore the position of the force rod. The distance-measuring device directs a high frequency pulsed signal onto the ring surface from a fixed position spaced apart therefrom, detects the signal as it is reflected by the ring surface from a fixed position spaced apart therefrom, and processes the directed and reflected signals to produce a signal indicative of the position of the ring surface based on the time difference between the pulses directed onto the ring surface and the pulses reflected from the ring surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Assignee: Bird-Johnson Company
    Inventor: Mark S. Dumais
  • Patent number: 5205200
    Abstract: A linear actuator used in moving, for example, gate valves, sluice gates and the like, wherein an increased thrust is required during initial movement. The present invention includes, as part of the linear actuator, a novel booster piston movably disposed about a piston rod; further included on the booster piston is a thrust column disposed radially between the booster piston and the piston rod so as to define an annular fluid channel for enabling fluid to move upwardly so as to contribute a substantial additional thrust component to move the primary piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Inventor: John J. Wright
  • Patent number: 5182979
    Abstract: An apparatus is adapted to detect the linear extension, velocity and acceleration of a hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic cylinder defines a variable length coaxial resonant cavity. Under the control of a controller, an RF transmitting section and an RF receiving section are used to determine the resonant frequency of the cavity. The receiving section includes an equalizer circuit for compensating for the insertion losses of the hydraulic cylinder. The linear extension of the cylinder is determined as a function of the resonant frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1993
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Denny E. Morgan
  • Patent number: 5168896
    Abstract: A valve operating mechanism produces a rotating force for causing a valve body of the valve to shift relative to a valve seat thereof, so that the valve is opened and closed. A piston of the mechanism produces a rectilinear reciprocating force. A screw member is supported moveably along the rectilinear line and unrotatably in the housing and includes a pair of pawls helically projecting along the rectilinear line and a helical interval space defined between the helical pawls. A pivot is inserted into the helical interval space. A cylindrical rotating member is supported rotatably and unmoveably along the rectilinear line in the housing so as to surround the screw member. When the screw member receives the rectilinear reciprocating force to perform the reciprocating motion along the rectilinear line, the pivot is urged to rotate along the helical interval space in the rectilinearly unmoved state, and the cylindrical rotating member can rotate with the pivot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1992
    Assignee: Fuji Seiki Inc.
    Inventors: Hubert Boesch, Tsutomu Taniguchi
  • Patent number: 5150060
    Abstract: An apparatus is adapted to detect the linear extensions of a plurality of hydraulic cylinders. Each hydraulic cylinder defines a variable length coaxial resonant cavity. Under the control of a controller, a transmitting section, a receiving section and multiplexers are used to multiplex RF signals to and from the cavity of each cylinder and to determine the resonant frequency of the cavity. The controller determines the linear extension of each cylinder as a function of its resonant frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Ali A. Bitar
  • Patent number: 5141295
    Abstract: In an anti-lock brake control system having a vacuum brake power booster and a tandem master cylinder, in which the brake pedal is controlled to be positioned forwardly of the initial return position during the anti-lock control mode. This is achieved by variation of the rate of delivery of an auxiliary pump as by switching the pump motor on and off by a switch actuated by the diaphragm of the power booster to provide a signal of the pedal position at the start of an anti-lock control phase. Various switching arrangements described include a Bowden-cable pulled by the diaphragm, a mechanical or an optical switch actuated by the rolling lip of the diaphragm, or an approach switch detecting the approach of the diaphragm and cam-assembly. The core (53) of the Bowden cable (54) is connected with the diaphragm plate (52) of the vacuum brake power booster. The core (53) moves the trigger cam (64). The switch (18) is actuated by the movement of the trigger cam (64).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Assignee: Alfred Teves GmbH
    Inventors: Jochen Burgdorf, Hans-Dieter Reinartz, Helmut Steffes, Peter Volz
  • Patent number: 5138933
    Abstract: An actuator device for mechanisms located within a pressurized environment including a double acting piston and cylinder combination operating in the same environment. The motive power for the piston is provided by pressurized gas from the pressurized environment or from a substitute source, whereby complex and elaborate sealing systems are eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1992
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventors: Paul S. Weitzel, Bernard M. McCoy
  • Patent number: 5123330
    Abstract: A work cylinder in which the position of a work piston, its distance traveled at a given time and the speed at which it covers this distance are measured by a hollow-cylindrical sensor, and the results are delivered to an electronic switch device. The sensor serves as a passage for the breathing air of a breathing chamber of the work cylinder, as a result of which the sensor can be cooled. The work cylinder is intended for use to control vehicle engine clutches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1992
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Friedbert Roether, Norbert Schneider, Manfred Siebold
  • Patent number: 5095702
    Abstract: Predetermined types of anti-locking brake systems equipped with a master cylinder and a pump, for controlling the pump, requiring sensors for detecting the position of the master piston within the longitudinal bore 7 of the master cylinder housing 1. Way sensors or way switches are provided for this purpose. The present invention provides a simple arrangement of this type of sensor comprising a reed contact 18 and an annular magnet 20, with the reed contact 18 being cast into a stationary sealing plug 13 of the master cylinder while the annular magnet 20 is inserted into a recess 21 within an extension 9 of the master piston 6 for movement with the master piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1992
    Assignee: Alfred Teves GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Volz
  • Patent number: 5031504
    Abstract: In order to check the operation of high-voltage electric circuit-breakers, proximity detectors are housed in through-bores pierced in the wall of the hydraulic jack cylinder, the through-bores being disposed in spaced relation over a distance corresponding to the range of travel of the jack piston. Since no provision is made for any piston ring or packing seal, the jack piston is not damaged as it passes against the outlets of the through-bores on the internal surface of the cylinder. The output signals of the proximity detectors are applied to a unit for measuring and controlling the position of the piston within the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Inventor: Claude A. Gratzmuller
  • Patent number: 5024250
    Abstract: A piston type accumulator has a detection device that informs a user about the position of the piston incorporated therein. Abnormalities in the hydraulic system operations e.g., a gas leak from a gas chamber bounded by the piston or the sudden turning on of a fluid-actuated device in the system, can cause an excessive movement of the piston; likewise, clogging of lines or the sudden stoppage of a fluid-actuated device may cause a fluid pressure rise in the system and, consequently, a displacement of the piston to actuate the detection device. In this invention, the position of the piston is detected by use of a permanent magnet that actuates a reed relay or moves a magnetic inductive indicator installed on the outside of a accumulator shell to be readily visible thereat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Assignee: Nakamura Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masao Nakamura
  • Patent number: 5009067
    Abstract: Apparatus for training an operator in theory and practice of electrohydraulic control systems in accordance with a presently preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a plurality of electrohydraulic devices for performing hydraulic operations as differing functions of associated electronic control signals. A plurality of differing electronic controllers are each adapted to generate electronic control signals to operate at least one of the electrohydraulic devices. The electronic controllers bear indicia identifying the controller and associating each controller with corresponding electrohydraulic devices on the training unit. Each controller has a plurality of available input, output and control connections, which may be selectively interconnected with each other and with the electrohydraulic devices by suitable cables for configuring the controller and associated device in a multiplicity of differing operating modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1991
    Assignee: Vickers, Incorporated
    Inventor: Raymond J. Bonnell
  • Patent number: 5007327
    Abstract: A hydraulic servo actuator adapted to control a driven member in accordance with an operation of a servo circuit through which servo oil flows comprises a main cylinder and an associated piston, associated piston being reciprocable within the cylinder and the main cylinder divided by the piston into a first chamber and a second chamber which are adapted to be in fluid communication with the servo oil, a damper means provided within the main piston for dampening reciprocating movement of the main piston. A hydraulic servo actuator also includes a throttle means for imparting a predetermined restriction to the servo oil that flows between the second chamber and the damper means along the predetermined passage formed within the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1991
    Assignee: Teijin Seiki Company Limited
    Inventors: Toshio Kamimura, Shigeyuki Takagi
  • Patent number: 5000077
    Abstract: An enclosed adjustable servo-actuator is provided. This servo-actuator includes an elongated hollow cylinder; a first closed end member; a second closed end member; a through passageway is provided in each closed end member; an enclosed housing attached exterior of the hollow cylinder at or near the center of the cylinder, said housing adapted to comunicate with the interior of the hollow cylinder; an elongated piston assembly is slidably carries interior of said hollow cylinder; A torque arm is arrayed to engage said piston assembly by means of a closed-end transverse groove provided in said piston assembly; an output shaft is journaled in said enclosed housing, said output shaft engages said torque arm for converting the linear displacement of the piston to an arcuate rotation of said output shaft; and an adjustment means is provided to selectively limit the arcuate rotation of the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1991
    Inventor: Helmut Habicht
  • Patent number: 4995303
    Abstract: A power actuator has a hollow cylinder housing generally centered on an axis, a piston axially displaceable but non-rotatable in the housing and defining therein a pair of axially opposite pressurizable compartments, and a piston stem centered on the axis, fixed to the piston, extending axially from the piston, and formed with a pair of separate feed passages each having one end opening into a respective compartment and an opposite end opening axially on the stem. A distributor body rotatable about the axis on the stem at the opposite ends of the passages but axially nondisplaceable on the stem is provided with respective connections communicating with the opposite ends. Thus the compartments can be pressurized via the respective passages and connections for axial movement of the piston and stem in the housing. A pair of axially spaced guides are fixed on the distributor body and a bearing has a race axially rotatable on the housing about the axis but axially nondisplaceable on the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1991
    Inventor: Gunter H. Rohm
  • Patent number: 4987822
    Abstract: A linear actuator comprising a linear motor, more especially in the form of a pneumatic motor, which has a housing containing an axially moving piston which is connected with an actuating rod extending out of the motor housing at a working end thereof, a control device, for instance in the form of valve means, for operation of the motor, and a sensor means responsive to certain positions of the actuating rods. In order to simplify and cheapen production of such an actuator while facilitating and speeding up installation of the linear motor, the control device and sensor device are permanently connected to form a readily handled working unit, and the control device and the sensor device are arranged on the control end, opposite to the working end, of the linear motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1991
    Assignee: Festo KG
    Inventor: Kurt Stoll
  • Patent number: 4953444
    Abstract: A vehicle brake servo booster has a housing divided into pressure chambers by a movable partition carried by a reciprocable hub member. A switch device is mounted on the housing and operable by an abutment member carried by a reciprocable piston to control an electrical circuit supplying a vehicle rear brake warning light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Assignee: Lucas Industries public limited company
    Inventors: Philip Cunningham, Stuart J. Briggs
  • Patent number: 4916641
    Abstract: A fully automatic servovalve analyzer system includes a data processing system, a transducer system, and a transducer interface system connecting the data processing system to the transducer system. The data processing system stores data defining characteristics of transducers connected to a unit under test as well as characteristic data for the unit under test itself and test procedures which are to be performed. After a unit under test has been hydraulically and electrically connected to the analyzer system, the system automatically performs any defined tests, analyzes the results and outputs the results in a preselected human recognizable form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Assignee: ACL Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jimmy L. Bybee
  • Patent number: 4901628
    Abstract: A microwave method and apparatus for detecting the position of a piston of a pneumatic cylinder. While the piston is being moved by fluid pressure a microwave signal is applied to a cavity defined by the piston and interior of the cylinder and the reflected microwave signal is detected. The reflected microwave signal is processed to determine piston position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1990
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Mark K. Krage
  • Patent number: 4899642
    Abstract: The present invention provides a kind of pneumatic combined with hydraulic brake chamber, especially relating to a powerful hydraulic brake chamber which is highly stable, ready to provide high-pressure and high-speed actuation and easy to be assembled, dismantled and maintained powerful hydraulic. Said pneumatic type brake chamber is consisted of the following major parts:______________________________________ a cylinder body, a cylinder cover, a central shaft, a shaft sleeve, a piston, a helical spring, a connecting rod, a coupling device, and an alarm device, ect. ______________________________________in which, the pneumatic mechanism is constructed by said cylinder body, cylinder cover, shaft sleeve, piston and helical spring; the hydraulic mechanism is constructed by said central shaft, shaft sleeve, piston and helical spring; and the connecting mechanism is constructed by said connecting rod and the coupling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1990
    Inventor: Chrang-Chuan Hwang
  • Patent number: 4876945
    Abstract: The invention provides a piston and cylinder unit comprising a piston adapted to be displaced in the axial direction, a piston rod arranged coaxially and connected with the piston on at least one axial face thereof and which extends through an associated cylinder end cover in a sealing and sliding manner. The section of the piston rod outside the piston are provided with load attachment means. The piston rod is tubular and defines a continuous bore extending essentially from one end of such rod to the other end thereof in the axial direction. The bore is provided at least at its end sections with a female threaded section. The piston end of the piston rod is provided with a threaded part connected with the piston and in the opposite external end the male threaded section of a connecting part may be screwed with is adapted to be coupled with a load attachment means to be operated by said piston and cylinder unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1989
    Assignee: Festo KG
    Inventors: Kurt Stoll, Lothar Muller
  • Patent number: 4858937
    Abstract: The sealing apparatus is designed to automatically maintain the pressure of a buffer fluid above that of the sealed fluid. The apparatus consists of a cylinder (1) which has a movable piston (4, 5) therein. The piston (4, 5) is coupled to a valve shaft (8) and a first chamber (Z) in communication with sealed fluid is disposed on one side of the piston and a second chamber (Y) is on the other side of the piston for continuous communication with the buffer fluid. Recharging means in the form of a valve (12) and third chamber (X) which contains buffer fluid is a pressure greater than (Y) are associated with the second chamber (Y) so that in response to failure of seals the buffer fluid pressure drops in chamber (Y) and the pistons (4, 5) rise so that shaft mounted valve (12) is disengaged from valve seat (14) allowing high pressure buffer fluid to be transferred from chamber X to chamber Y.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1989
    Inventors: Anthony C. Fairlie-Clarke, Charles O. Etheridge
  • Patent number: 4856411
    Abstract: An apparatus is proposed for releasably locking a bolt in the axial direction relative to a housing element surrounding it, in which the bolt has a circumferential groove tapering radially inward and a locking element inserted into this groove with a cross section adapted to that of the groove. The locking element protrudes radially beyond the cross section of the bolt and is in contact there on both sides with support surfaces, one of which is formed by the housing and the other of which is axially displacable under a compressive force load; at least one of these support surfaces is inclined, to provide a radially outwardly oriented reduction of the cross section formed between the support surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1989
    Assignee: Ringspann Albrecht Maurer KG
    Inventors: Ruprecht Maurer, Karlheinz Timtner
  • Patent number: 4854218
    Abstract: The invention relates to a piston and cylinder unit whose piston rod is provided with a rack extending along it. The rack is in mesh with a ring of teeth (such as the teeth of a toothed belt or the teeth of a gear wheel) adapted to revolve about one axis (in the case of a gear wheel) or about at least two axes (in the case of a toothed belt). Such meshing engagement takes place in every position of the piston rod. When the piston rod is moved in the direction of its length the ring of teeth revolves about at least one axis and rotates a means for influencing the motion of the piston rod. Such means may for example be a liquid brake or a synchro transmitter connected with a NC unit controlling the supply of driving fluid to the piston and cylinder unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1989
    Inventor: Kurt Stoll
  • Patent number: 4841843
    Abstract: A device for converting energy of a fluid medium into mechanical work comprises a hermetically sealed chamber (1) communicated through valves with systems for supply and discharge of a fluid medium. The chamber has an opening (4) in which a sleeve (5) of flexible material is secured through one end along the perimeter, the sleeve being mounted in the chamber (1) with a possibility of reciprocation relative to the secured end so that during the motion from the initial position to the extreme position a part of the sleeve (5) is turned inside out forming a space (9) communicating with the chamber (1). The sleeve (5) through its other end is connected to a drum (7) disposed in the chamber (1) and mounted on a shaft (6) coupled to a reverser (11) through an overrunning clutch (8). In the initial position the sleeve (5) is wound on the drum (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1989
    Inventors: Viktor V. Shishkin, Nikolai F. Kryazhevskikh, Jury P. Shapovalov
  • Patent number: 4794841
    Abstract: A pneumatic drive mechanism for use with positioning apparatus or the like, having a drive housing, a drive element such as diaphragm disk, piston or the like, movably seated therein and rigidly connected to a drive rod or similar device. The drive element is responsive to compressed air on one side thereof and to forces from at least one spring operating in opposed action to the compressed air. The spring is arranged within the drive housing. The drive mechanism also has a signal processing device such as a position controller, position encoder, limit signal generator, solenoid valve or i/p converter or similar devices. The signal processing device or devices are integrated within the drive housing in an accomodation space which is free of the spring or springs, of the drive rod and of the drive element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1989
    Inventors: Lothar Kemmler, Norbert Jeschke
  • Patent number: 4793241
    Abstract: In a piston position detector for a fluid pressure cylinder operating by fluid pressure such as air pressure or oil pressure, a permanent magnet is mounted on a piston sliding in a non-magnetic cylinder, and a magnetic detection element to respond to the magnetic field formed by the permenent magnet and to generate detection signals is mounted to any position of the cylinder. A magnetic induction piece in sheet form is interposed between the cylinder and the magnetic detection element, so that when the permanent magnet faces the front of the magnetic detection element, the magnetic induction piece is magnetically saturated by performing bypass induction of only a part of the magnetic flux of the permanent magnet to act on the magnetic detection element and most of the magnetic flux acts on the magnetic detection element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1988
    Assignee: C K D Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shigeru Mano, Hiroshi Kagohashi
  • Patent number: 4784576
    Abstract: A back pressure sensor for a positive displacement pump comprises at least one flexible beam having a pivot end and a drive connector end, and a pump actuator mounted between the pivot end and the drive connector end. The pump actuator connects with a positive displacement member of a pump. At least one sensor beam is connected to the flexible beam at a mounting position between the distal end and vibration damping end thereof. A first capacitor plate is mounted on the flexible beam at a position adjacent to the pivot end thereof, and a second capacitor plate is mounted adjacent the distal end of the sensor beam in a position facing the first capacitor plate at a distance which permits a capacitance coupling between the capacitor plates. A vibration damping mass is secured to the vibration damping end of the sensor beam for damping drive motion vibrations in the sensor beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1988
    Assignee: Critikon, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard M. Bloom, Carl Ritson, Hal C. Danby
  • Patent number: 4777798
    Abstract: A universal control system for hydraulic cylinders to enable controlled increments of movement for varying uses including shaping members and lifting and lowering of loads. The lift control system is utilized to synchronize the raising or lowering of a load by, for example, four simultaneously-acting pump-operated hydraulic rams which have plural increments of movement. A sensor associated with the load adjacent each ram measures incremental movement of the load. A master controller controls the operation of the rams in accordance with the sensed increments and operates each pump simultaneously and independently until each pump achieves a preselected increment of movement of a ram, to maintain the load substantially level, followed by movement of all the rams through another increment of movement until the total lifting or lowering movement is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1988
    Assignee: Owatonna Tool Company
    Inventors: Kenneth E. Jacobson, Stanley R. Norland, James C. Solie
  • Patent number: 4770081
    Abstract: A servomechnism made up of a relatively small number of components has a pintle that is moved back and forth by a hydraulic actuator, an input member disposed opposite to the pintle and capable of reciprocating parallel with the pintle, a spool capable of reciprocating parallel to both the input member and the pintle, a pair of idle gears pivoted to the spool, and a hydraulic circuit. The input member has a rack opposite to a rack formed on the pintle. The spool is mounted between these racks. The idle gears are in mesh with the racks. When the input member is moved to shift the spool out of its neutral position, the actuator is unlocked to return the spool to its neutral position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1988
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventor: Yasuo Kita
  • Patent number: 4762050
    Abstract: The annular transmission block (13) is pressed against the transmission face (8) of the cylinder (5) when the oil pressure arrives via the duct (17). At that moment, one of the two grooves (19 or 10) can supply one of the two ducts (9 or 10) in such a way that the oil pressure is transmitted across the fluid-retaining devices (11and 12) to one of the two ends of the chamber (4). The pressure-maintaining device (25) is then charged by stressing its spring (27) and the piston (6) moves into the chamber (4) of the cylinder, carrying along the clamp chuck (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1988
    Assignee: ACED S.A.
    Inventor: Eric Marchand
  • Patent number: 4756229
    Abstract: A linear actuator (42) includes a housing (44), and a linearly displaceable piston (46) having a shaft (48) with a gradated position scale (60) and a gradated direction scale (62) disposed by ion implantation on a casing (50) of the shaft, in axial alignment (49) with the shaft stroke. Proximity sensors (64, 66) mounted in the housing sense movement in the position of the scales to provide sensed shaft position signals (68) and sense shaft direction signals (70).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1988
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: George M. Drakeley
  • Patent number: 4751867
    Abstract: A pressure fluid operated cylinder device having means to indicate that the piston (14) is at or near an end position. The indicating means comprises a rod-like member (1) which is actuated by the piston (14). The movement of rod (1) is transformed into a rotary movement by rack (2) and pinion (16). A cam (4) actuates a valve (5) or a microswitch (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1988
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Aktiebolag
    Inventors: Par G. J. Johansson, Per-Olof H. Krantz
  • Patent number: 4742794
    Abstract: A trim tab indicator system comprising a pair of trim members hinged to the stern of a boat, one of each side of the center line of the boat and a hydraulic cylinder individual to each trim member having a first head at one end and a second head at the other end. The cylinder includes a piston and a tubular shaft connected to the piston and extending through the first end of the cylinder. A bracket is connected to the first head and has a surface complementary to the transom of the boat and is mounted on the transom. A tubular coil is fixed on the first head and extends axially within the cylinder, and a floating rod of magnetically permeable material is provided in the tubular shaft with a lower end engaging the base of the tubular opening of the shaft with its upper end extending into the coil such that movement of the trim tab changes the inductive relationship between the rod and the coil to provide a signal representing the position of the tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1988
    Assignee: Bennett Marine, Inc.
    Inventor: David Hagstrom
  • Patent number: 4718324
    Abstract: The servomotor, of the type incorporating an abutment component (7, 70) which is mounted on the input rod (6) and which cooperates in bearing, in the rest position of the servomotor, against a stop structure (9, 12) which is firmly fixed to the casing, incorporates in the stop structure an electrical contact mechanism (13, 15) which is capable of being actuated by the abutment component (7, 70) and which advantageously incorporates and actuating portion (17) which is interposed between the abutment component (7, 70) and an internal bearing surface (20) of an end collar portion (12) of the stop structure which carries the fixed electrical contacts (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1988
    Assignee: Bendix France S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Gautier, Jean-Louis Penigault
  • Patent number: 4700610
    Abstract: A fluid cylinder control method for monitoring the position or controlling the movements of a piston which is slidably guided in a cylinder tube and is acted upon on at least one side by a pressure medium, in particular, maintaining the piston in a predetermined position against the action of eventual disturbance forces. This is attained in that the force which is transmitted between the piston and the cylinder by way of the parts which are slidingly guided on each other, and in particular the friction force acting by way of the seal gaskets of the piston and/or of the rod, is measured and the loading of the piston by a pressure medium is varied in the sense of reducing the measured force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1987
    Assignee: Hoerbiger Ventilwerke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Friedrich Bauer, Herbert Kuhnelt
  • Patent number: 4699041
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting valves in automobile engines which utilizes an elongated indicating stick having a first set of indicia for identifying the specific valves to be adjusted with the engine in a first position, and a second set of indicia for indicating the particular valves to be adjusted following rotation of the engine one full turn in the normal direction of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1987
    Inventor: Gary R. Steinberger
  • Patent number: 4679488
    Abstract: An integral sensor for an hydraulic motor measures speed, torque and rotation displacement produced by the motor by combining pressures produced in pressure chambers of the hydraulic motor as the rotor rotates enabling a pressure sensor to provide a pressure signal defined by at least three states which permits incremental movement of the rotor to be determined. Zero positioning determined by coupling pressure through the rotor to create a unique occurrence reflected in the pressure signal once per revolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1987
    Inventors: Gary Krutz, David L. Hansen