Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for enhancing the reliability of a pneumatically driven surgical tool by providing a redundant, backup pneumatic circuit for supplying the surgical tool with pneumatic pressure at a normal pressure.

Abstract: A pneumatic nailer comprises a working piston connected to a driving plunger that is configured for driving in a fastener, a triggering device, and a switching device. The triggering device comprises a manually-operated trigger, a contact sensor, and a force-transmitting device configured to control a control valve. The control valve triggers the driving process in single triggering mode resulting from an actuation of the trigger when the contact sensor is actuated. The switching device has a first position, a second position, and a control piston that is configured to move between the first position and the second position. The switching device is configured to change the force-transmitting device from a contact triggering mode to a contact triggering position. In contact triggering position, the force-transmitting device is configured to control the control valve when the trigger is actuated as a result of the actuation of the contact sensor.

Abstract: A hydraulic valve module (2000) for a vehicle (10) is configured to receive hydraulic pressure from a first pump (61) via a first pump inlet (2205) in a first interface surface when connected to a first adjacent module (1000), and from a second pump (62) via an external port (2006). The module (2000) combines both flows to supply a work function circuit (40) of a vehicle via a port (2301) formed in a second interface surface to communicate with a second adjacent module (3000). The module (2000) prioritises flow from the second pump (62) to a steering circuit (50) over the work function circuit, and restricts flow from the first pump (61) to the work function circuit to prioritise and maintain pressure in the first adjacent module upstream of the first pump inlet (2205) which may supply service brake and cooling fan circuits (21, 22, 30) of the vehicle.

Abstract: A pneumatic nailer includes a working piston connected to a driving plunger for driving in a fastening means and which is subjected to compressed air when a driving-in process is triggered. The nailer also includes a triggering device which has a manually actuatable trigger and a contact feeler. Actuating the trigger and the contact feeler together activates a first control valve and can trigger a driving-in process. A second control valve is activated when actuating the trigger independently of an actuation of the contact feeler. A chamber is provided, which is either aerated or deaerated via a throttle when the second control valve is activated. A locking piston is provided which is displaced from a resting position into a locked position when the pressure in the chamber passes a predetermined pressure threshold and which in the locked position prevents a driving-in process from being triggered.

Abstract: The nailing machine (1) comprises an air passage (510) allowing communication between a cylinder (200) and a return air chamber (500) in which compressed air for returning a piston (300) to the initial position is accumulated. The air passage (510) is provided with a control valve (520) controlling entry of compressed air into the return air chamber (500) from the cylinder (200). The control valve (520) opens the air passage (510) and allows entry of compressed air into the return air chamber (500) in the case wherein the nailed object produces a small reaction force upon driving the nail, namely when the upward moving distance of the body (100) relative to the push lever (700) is smaller than a predetermined distance. The compressed air that has entered the return air chamber (500) further enters a below-the-piston chamber and serves as air damper, reducing the driving force.

Abstract: The triggered stroke actuator comprises a cylinder (12) housing a movable assembly constituted by a piston (13), a rod (16) projecting from one end of the cylinder (12), and a slidable element (17) that is movable inside the cylinder (12). The actuator also includes means for propelling the piston (13) in response to a trigger command, and a return braking arrangement. The return braking arrangement is constituted by at least one ball (18) housed in an annular cavity (19) defined by the inside surface of the cylinder (12) and by the slidable element (17), a return spring (22) connecting the slidable element (17) to the piston (13), and a link element (23) connecting the ball (18) to the piston (13). The ball (18) is positioned by the link element (23) in a first segment (20) of the annular cavity (19) when the return spring (22) is relaxed, and in a second segment (21) of decreasing radial extent when the return spring (22) is compressed.

Abstract: The triggered stroke actuator comprises a cylinder (12) housing a movable assembly constituted by a piston (13), a rod (16) projecting from one end of the cylinder (12), and a slidable element (17) that is movable inside the cylinder (12). The actuator also includes means for propelling the piston (13) in response to a trigger command, and a return braking arrangement. The return braking arrangement is constituted by at least one ball (18) housed in an annular cavity (19) defined by the inside surface of the cylinder (12) and by the slidable element (17), a return spring (22) connecting the slidable element (17) to the piston (13), and a link element (23) connecting the ball (18) to the piston (13). The ball (18) is positioned by the link element (23) in a first segment (20) of the annular cavity (19) when the return spring (22) is relaxed, and in a second segment (21) of decreasing radial extent when the return spring (22) is compressed.

Abstract: A hydraulic system comprises a variable displacement pump. The hydraulic system includes a first device capable of being hydraulically powered by the pump and a reversing device adapted to cause the first device to autoreverse. The hydraulic system also includes an isolation device adapted to prevent pressure surges resulting from a source other than the first device from actuating the reversing device, thereby preventing undesirable autoreversing of the first device.

Abstract: A portable one-hand-operable, hydraulic punching machine is disclosed which comprises at least two pumps driven by an electric motor, and a single-acting, spring-return cylinder driven by one of the pumps for a variety of punching operations such as cutting, perforating, and wrenching. The machine has a pump housing and a cylinder housing disposed end to end, with a partition therebetween in which there are formed a fluid supply passageway for supplying a hydraulic fluid under pressure from one pump to the cylinder fluid chamber, a fluid return passageway for returning the fluid from the cylinder fluid chamber to the pump fluid chamber, and a spool chamber open to the return passageway. In order to hold the return passageway closed during cylinder extension, and to open the same for cylinder contraction a return valve is provided which includes a spool reciprocably received in the spool chamber.

Abstract: A pneumatically operated driving device is constructed and arranged to operate in a single actuation sequence and an automatic actuation sequence. The device includes an improved control valve assembly for communicating reservoir pressure to move a piston in a direction to effect a drive stroke of a fastener driving element and for permitting the piston to move in a direction to effect the return stroke of the fastener driving element. The control valve assembly includes a main valve, a secondary valve, and first and second actuating members for controlling movement of the main and secondary valves, a trigger member for moving the actuating members, and trigger member adjustment structure constructed and arranged to adjust pivotal movement of the trigger member thereby providing operator selection of single actuation followed by automatic actuation of the device, or automatic actuation thereof only. The control valve assembly may be removed from the device as a unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a freely activatable hydraulic valve control device for a stroke valve, which valve control device is arranged particularly in an internal-combustion engine. The stroke valve includes a valve stem and a first spring acting on the valve stem in the valve-closing direction as well as a second spring acting at least periodically on the valve stem in the valve-opening direction. The valve stem is connected at least to a control piston arranged in a working space and capable of being loaded on two sides with a working fluid. The pressure of the working fluid in the working space can be regulated via a pressure source together with a switching valve and a supply conduit.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling a vehicle climate control system having pneumatic passages provided with doors or baffles to regulate the flow of conditioned air to the passenger compartment. The passage or passages are selected by positioning a valve that couples a pneumatic source to one or more of the door or baffle operators. The position of the valve is determined by an electric motor that has applied thereto an energizing voltage from a control bridge circuit which also has applied thereto a feedback voltage which changes in response to operation of the motor. Movement of the valve to a selected position causes the feedback voltage to equal the energizing voltage, whereupon the motor is deenergized and movement of the valve terminates.

Abstract: A remotely operated fluid power control system for an automotive vehicle includes a selector for selecting one of several desired operating modes for equipment connected to the fluid power control system and a remotely mounted actuator assembly for receiving electronic signals from the selector and for connecting the fluid power source to one or more fluid power systems. The selector and actuator assembly are connected by a single signal carrying device such as a cable.

Abstract: A fastener driving tool includes a control assembly that allows the tool to be fired sequentially by first placing the tool against a workpiece followed by actuation of a trigger to fire the tool. The control assembly includes a valve assembly that allows the tool to be selectively adjusted to operate in a multi-shot sequence or a single shot sequence. In the single shot sequence the tool may only be actuated once upon placement of the tool against a workpiece and subsequent actuation of the trigger. The tool must be removed and repositioned on the workpiece before the tool can again be fired. In the multi-shot sequence, the tool may be repeatedly fired by repeated actuation of the trigger once the tool has been placed on the workpiece.

Abstract: An electro-pneumatic door control apparatus for use on public vehicles and including reversing mechanism for changing the direction of door movement, either automatically or operator-initiated, in the event of an obstruction in the door. The control apparatus further includes a flip-flop for recording the position (either open or closed) of the door at all times, a monitoring logic device for recognizing the position of the flip-flop and what type of monitoring function is permitted, a control logic device for picking up the door command and the signal from the monitoring logic device combing them and transmitting them to a valve solenoid control device for energizing respective solenoids of several valve devices by which the appropriate movement of the doors is effected.

Abstract: Control apparatus includes means defining a housing having a hollow and a piston device mounted for reciprocating movement in said hollow under the influence of pressure fluid applied alternately to each of opposite portions of its surface, characterized by means for transmitting a signal of a predetermined travel of said piston in one direction, said signal transmitting means being constructed and arranged to utilize applied pressure fluid in its signalling function.

Abstract: An automatic four-way valve hydraulically operated for extending and retracting a cylinder, which is spring-biased to the retract attitude until it is fully retracted whereupon a pressure build-up in a chamber between the spool and the valve body overrides the spring causing the valve spool to move to the neutral position.

Abstract: There is disclosed a new and improved hydraulic sequencing valve of the type which includes a movable valve spool within the body to sequence operation of the valve. An aperture through one spool or chamber is arranged for direct fluid communication with a tank port upon initial movement of the spool to increase the differential fluid pressure across the chambers and accelerate the sequencing movement of the spool.

Abstract: A machine for applying a clip to a tie at a side of a rail and detecting when the clip has been fully seated comprising, a head positionable at a predetermined location relative to the tie and rail, a pair of arms pivotally mounted on the head for rotation in a plane which extends parallel to the rail, and power structure for simultaneously pivoting both of the arms between a raised retracted position and a lowered position. Movement between the retracted and lowered positions causes a clip-engaging member on one arm of the pair to engage and advance the clip to a fully-seated position. The second arm of the pair detects when the clip has reached the fully seated position and stops further movement of the clip-engaging member.

Abstract: A hydraulic sequencing valve is disclosed. A hollow spool is slidably carried in a valve body for motion between a first position in which fluid is caused to flow out a valve first port and a second position in which fluid is caused to flow into the first port. An annular partition is provided within the spool hollow, which divides the spool hollow into two chambers. When a pressure rise is experienced within the spool, a pre-set valve element trips, reducing pressure within one spool chamber. This pressure change shifts the spool to a second position. A check valve is provided in a separate valve body conduit. This check valve operates to assure that the valve spool remains in its second position until the valve and associated hydraulic system have completed the full cycle of operation.

Abstract: A rock drill feed system moves a drill toward and away from a wall with a reciprocating hydraulic motor powered by pressurized fluid. The pressurized fluid is controlled by a movable control valve that has a first position obtained manually to move the drill inwardly to drill, a second position obtained automatically when the drill has completed drilling, and a third position obtained automatically when the drill has been completely withdrawn. The sensing of the location of the drill to position the control valve is accomplished by measuring the pressure and flow rate of the hydraulic fluid delivered to the motor with pressure responsive switches. When the pressure exceeds a preselected level and the flow rate drops below a preselected level, the two pressure switches close to produce a signal that moves the valve to another position.

Abstract: A hydraulic turning device for a turn plow comprises a substantially upright double acting cylinder having a piston dividing the cylinder into an upper and a lower compartment and being operatively connected to the turn plow for turning the latter in two steps between a first and a second through 180.degree. reversed position. The upper and lower cylinder compartments are connected by fluid passage with a control device having a fluid inlet passage and a fluid return passage, and which is provided for reversing the movement of the piston in the cylinder wth a valve having an axially movable valve spool, a reversing piston and a reversing valve, in which the valve spool controls filling of the lower cylinder compartment. The control device includes further a pressure valve located between the upper cylinder compartment and the fluid return passage.

Abstract: An arrangement for protecting tools in a hydraulic press against overloading if a foreign object or body is present in a tool space of the hydraulic press. A displacement or travel switch monitors at least a portion of a path of movement of a press ram with a control member providing an output signal during a predetermined movement of the press ram. A control circuit evaluates a sequence of the output signals of the displacement or travel switch and the control member in such a manner that a fault signal is formed when the additional switching device provides an output signal prior to an output signal of the displacement or travel switch. The control member is arranged in a path of force of at least one component of the hydraulic press and is constructed as a signal transducer operating virtually stationarily as a function of pressure.

Abstract: An arrangement for protecting tools in a hydraulic press against overloading if an object is present in a tool space of the hydraulic press. A displacement switch monitors at least a portion of a path of movement of a press ram with an additional switching device providing an output signal during a predetermined movement of the press ram. A control circuit evaluates a sequence of the output signals of the displacement switch and additional switching device in such a manner that a fault signal is formed when the additional switching device provides an output signal prior to an output signal from the displacement switch. The additional switching device may be constructed as a switch element which provides an output signal in dependence upon a pressure or a speed of flow of a pressure medium in a hydraulic circuit.

Abstract: System and method to ensure that the pressure in a hydraulic pressure system is at a pre-determined level and is maintained for a pre-determined length of time.

Abstract: A pressure responsive semi-automatic directional control valve for controlling a hydraulic cylinder. Manual movement of the valve from neutral to starting position applies pressure to one side of the cylinder. The pressure buildup at the end of this stroke causes the valve to move to return position. The pressure build up at the end of the return stroke then causes the valve to return to neutral position.A modification causes movement of the valve back to starting position thus providing continuous repeat cycle operation of the control valve.

Abstract: A pneumatic switch control has a by-pass air line connected between the air inlet line of a pneumatic cylinder and an air operator which actuates an electrical switch. Back pressure, created in the pneumatic cylinder, is fed to the air operator while the piston in the pneumatic cylinder is moving but the back pressure is reduced to zero when the piston stops, thus actuating the electrical switch.

Abstract: A four-way spool valve controls a double acting fluid motor for locking or unlocking a part such as a tailgate. The valve is spring-urged to a locking position and hand-operable to its unlocking position. A position at the end of the valve is pressurized when in the unlocking position to counteract the spring. This piston monitors supply pressure so that the valve will be automatically shifted to its locking position when pressure drops. This will insure a locked position of the part when pressure is reapplied.

Abstract: A pneumatic fastener driving tool includes a safety arrangement that requires the tool to be placed against a workpiece before a manual trigger valve is operated in order to permit the tool to fire. Once the tool is placed against the workpiece the safety arrangement prevents "touch" firing by moving the tool toward and away from the workpiece. In two embodiments, the safety arrangement includes a piston valve which is fluid operated to close off a control line to the main valve of the tool whenever the trigger is operated before the tool is placed against a workpiece and when an attempt is made to "touch" fire the tool with the trigger held operated. In a third embodiment, metering orifices in a valve actuated by moving the tool against a workpiece prevent repeated "touch" operation of the tool.