Abstract: Apparatus and method for hydraulic actuation via multiple synchronized hydraulic motors with air purging, synchronizing, and force limiting features.

Abstract: An impact tool for linearly accelerating a mass such as in a jack hammer. The tool includes first and second members respectively mounted in sealing relationships in first and second outlets of a chamber. The chamber is initially pressurized with a first quantity of gas which remains constant during the normal operation of the tool. To begin a cycle, the first member is moved toward the second member to sealingly engage the end portions thereof and entrap a first volume of gas therebetween. The volume of the entrapped gas is then reduced by continuing to move the first member. This raises the pressure of the entrapped gas and opens a one-way check valve to place the entrapped gas in fluid communication with the gas in the surrounding chamber. Forward movement of the first member is then stopped which again seats the check valve wherein movement of the first member is reversed so that it moves away from the second member.

Abstract: An hydraulic booster has a boost piston which works in a bore and is subjected to boost pressure in a boost chamber to actuate a master cylinder assembly, and a control valve assembly controls pressurization of the boost chamber in response to an input load applied to a pedal-operated input member. The input member works in a bore in the boost piston and in operation, a reaction load from the master cylinder is fed back through the booster to the input member through a reducer mechanism to provide a reaction at the pedal which is not affected by the boost pressure, and the reducer mechanism is received within a recess in the boost piston, which is defined between two relatively movable parts of the boost piston.

Abstract: A device of this nature incorporates at least one control piston displaceable within a casing, the casing having at least one venting nozzle authorizing the insertion of the piston into one of its possible operating positions, which nozzle may be shut off by means of an electromagnetically operated closing device for preparation of the outward displacement of the piston out of this operating position. To accomplish that such devices may manage with a substantially reduced electrical battery power for their electromagnetic closing device, a permanent magnet is provided which co-operates with a ferromagnetic member of the closing device, in such manner that the closing device continues to be held in its closing position while the control piston is being reversed, although the supply of electrical power to the closing device had already been turned off.

Abstract: A combined brake cylinder/air reservoir device in which a relatively small, tubular-shaped piston in a positioning chamber is connected to a larger power piston having an application chamber on one side and a release chamber on the other side in which air is stored in place of separate reservoirs. A replaceable cylinder liner is provided to receive different-sized power pistons. During a brake application, the power piston enters the cylinder liner and is displaced from the liner during brake release to provide free air flow between the application and release chambers and thereby facilitate piston return movement by means of a return spring. A dynamic pressure seal between the application chamber and positioning chamber engages the outer periphery of the tubular-shaped small piston, while a smaller diameter dynamic pressure seal between the release chamber and atmosphere engages the inner periphery of the tubular-shaped small piston.

Abstract: A hydraulic power steering system having an unbalanced piston servomotor and a pair of identical control valve pistons controlling flow of pressurized fluid to the servomotor for balanced directional displacement of the servomotor piston and to separately control depressurization of feedback chambers acting on the control valve pistons. Pressurized fluid is supplied directly to the feedback chambers from the servo-steering pump through flow restrictors, one of which is externally adjusted to select the degree of road sensing feedback generated to oppose manual actuation of the control valve pistons.

Abstract: A servo booster mechanism (18) having a piston (48) responsive to movement of a plunger (84) by an input signal for controlling the rate of fluid flow past a seat (82) into a passage (80) for distribution to the surrounding environment. A first restrictor (75) creates a first pressure drop in a supply fluid pressure P.sub.s to present an operational chamber (46) with fluid at a pressure P.sub.x. A second restrictor (openings 74-76) creates a second pressure drop in fluid pressure P.sub.x supplied from the operational chamber (46) to present control chamber (88) with fluid at a pressure P.sub.h. The difference in pressures combine to act on the piston (48) and plunger (84) to provide a constant force at stem (26), which provides a feedback to the input member (12), and provide a linkage (22) with a force to hold a position sensor (24) in a stationary position.

Abstract: A hydraulically-operated breaking device of this invention uses a hydraulically-operated differential piston for driving an electric circuit switching unit, and making and breaking pilot valves for actuating the differential piston. In this device, a control valve operated by the action of the pilot valves includes two poppet valves, and drives an intermediate valve which drives the differential piston. Further, the control valve can perform a quick operation at breaking, and can accomplish a given operation even with use of impulse command signals to operate the pilot valves or even in case of a liquid pressure drop during the operation. Furthermore, the use of an auxiliary valve and an auxiliary switch provides the device with a simultaneous action preventive function, pumping action preventive function, and breaking operation preference function.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming multi-character messages on the surfaces of solid materials wherein an array of marker pins (88-94) are selectively pneumatically actuated from a corresponding array of solenoid actuated valves (102-104, 106). The marker pins are returned to their operational ready position by a select pneumatic input (96) which performs in conjunction with a pressure limiting valve (126). Continuous monitoring of marker pin performance is carried out by a transducer (166) operating in conjunction with a monitoring duct (168) and selectively located monitoring openings (168a-168g). The marker pins readily are accessed for maintenance in consequence of their positioning within a head structure (12) having access openings at one end (78) and which is retained in position by ball lock pins (64, 65).

Abstract: The invention relates to a steering assembly having a bidirectional servomotor of the differential piston type which is connectable to steerable wheels. A directional control valve unit has a spool valve with two collars which cooperates with the housing to form first and second end control chambers and a middle chamber. A power circuit supplies pressurized fluid equally to the end control chambers and a manually operable control pump is operable to selectively and incrementally increase and decrease the pressures in the end chambers in a push-pull mode to effect movement of the servomotor piston in either direction. The control valve has two ports connected to opposite ends of the servomotor with one port providing fixed and constant fluid communication between the first valve chamber and one side of the servomotor.

Abstract: An actuator system characterized by parallel connected flow regulator valves for controlling the flow of fluid to and from the extend ends of a corresponding number of fluid actuators. Retract orifices in the fluid lines leading to the retract ends of the actuators prevent cavitation of the extend ends of the actuators under an aiding air load pulling the actuators out during extension thereof.

Abstract: The servovalve includes a primary jet of fluid. A variable control signal is adapted to vary the angular position of the primary jet from its maximum recovery position. A first fluid path is adapted to supply fluid to a servopiston at a variable pressure determined at least in part by the control signal. A second fluid path is adapted to receive a predetermined portion of the primary jet fluid when the control signal reaches a predetermined value. The second fluid path terminates in the vicinity of the primary jet and is adapted to direct a secondary jet of fluid at the primary jet to deflect the primary jet toward the input orifice of the second fluid path. The resultant positive fluid feedback in the second fluid path causes the primary jet to latch in a first angular position relative to the maximum recovery position when the control signal reaches a predetermined value.

Abstract: An hydraulic booster has a housing provided with a bore, an inlet connected to a source of high pressure fluid, an outlet connected to a reservoir and a boost piston working in the bore. The boost piston is advanced in response to pressurization of a boost chamber by fluid from the source, under the control of a valve mechanism operated by an input member. The diameters of the bore and the boost piston are arranged to provide an annular chamber round the boost piston connected to the inlet, with the sealing diameter at the rearward end greater than that at the forward end of the chamber, where the boost piston is spaced from the bore. The forward end is sealed by a seal mounted in the bore so that it is radially deformable and able to tolerate the radial clearance between the piston and the bore. The seal is preferably a P.T.F.E. ring backed by an O-ring.

Abstract: A cyclic or periodic event timing system for use in conjunction with a pressure fluid control circuit includes a cylinder and piston type actuator comprising a differential area piston which is exposed to fluid pressure from a flow conduit on opposite sides of a flow restricting orifice in the conduit or a branch portion thereof. The actuator piston includes a rod portion which is extended in one direction in response to an unbalanced pressure force on the piston. On the extension stroke, the actuator opens a valve to effect flow in the conduit resulting in a reduction in pressure which is sensed in the cylinder chamber exposed to the larger piston fluid area. The actuator piston then returns to an initial retracted position in response to an unbalanced pressure force.

Abstract: A fluid pressure device wherein a relatively low powered analog electrical signal accurately controls the position of the output member of a fluid pressure powered actuator which in turn can be used to exert mechanical forces or operate mechanical devices such as fluid pumps, motors or valves. Inlet and outlet passages communicate a control pressure chamber to high and low pressures respectively. A control element totally within the chamber so as to have balanced pressure forces thereon and made of a magnetically sensitive material is moved to a fixed position in the chamber proportional to the strength of an externally generated magnetic field. At least one of the passages moves with the output member so as to be opened or closed by the control element relative to the other passage. The output member follows the control element automatically varying the pressure in the chamber to compensate for any variations in the external forces thereon.

Abstract: A fluid actuated shift bar housing assembly for a change gear transmission wherein the shift bars are biased to an axially centered neutral position by constant fluid pressure in a constantly pressurized chamber and are selectively axially moved to an axially displaced gear engaged position by selective pressurization of a selectively pressurized chamber. A detent mechanism is provided for retaining the shift bars in the displaced positions thereof, said detent providing a resistance to axial movement of the shift bars having a smaller axial magnitude than the axial centering bias of the constant fluid pressure.

Abstract: A placement bucket for placing material such as concrete in forms by manipulation of clam shell gates in response to action of a power cylinder makes use of a hydraulic fluid system which prevents opening the gates of a full or partially full bucket of material unless there is a sufficient reserve of pressure and fluid volume to make certain of closing the gates at any time. The system is provided with a precharged fluid supply under pressure into which additional fluid is diverted when generated in a master cylinder by lifting a piston against the weight of the bucket and its contents. A sequence valve prevents flow of fluid to the power cylinder until an optimum amount of fluid pressure and volume is reached. An auxiliary direction valve in a fluid return line can be manipulated to temporarily block return flow of fluid from the exhaust side of the power cylinder to a reservoir, in that way to temporarily fix the partially or full open position of the gates.

Abstract: A hydraulic operating apparatus including an actuating cylinder having a piston arranged therein and moved by a fluid under high pressure further includes a control valve having only one metallic seal whether the piston is at its upper or lower positions. The control valve is operative to apply the fluid under high pressure to a pressure receiving surface of the piston on the opposite side of a piston rod to move the piston in a direction in which the piston rod extends from the piston and to discharge the fluid existent on the opposite side of the piston rod from the actuating cylinder to move the piston in a direction opposite the direction in which the piston rod extends from the piston.

Abstract: A method for adjustment and/or indication of a liquid or gaseous pressure, and advice for utilization of the method, including the use of a piston member (7, 7'), movably arranged in a surrounding housing (1), said member having two towards each other acting piston areas with different area, said piston areas being made subject to a pressure from the liquid or gaseous medium, a mechanical load also being supplied to the smaller piston area, whereby the piston surfaces only perform a common movement when the media pressure exceeds a predetermined limiting value, which limiting value comprises of resulting force for the force developed by the smaller piston area under influence of supplied media pressure and added mechanical force, said movement, when predetermined limiting value is exceeded, being arranged to influence a flow restricting valve member and/or indicate the pressure of supplied media.

Abstract: A fluid actuated positioner for producing a mechanical output signal proportional to a fluid input signal. Input signal acts on input rod of input cylinder to control a main valve which controls flow between chambers of a hydraulic power cylinder. Power cylinder has output piston rod connected to device to be controlled, and fluid forces on output rod are determined by pressure differences across faces of output piston, which differences are determined by amount of metering of main valve. Valve can be simple clearance passage maintained open to permit steady flow therethrough in non-changing signal, or can be spool valve which stops flow during non-changing. Both devices do not require exceptionally close tolerance manufacture, and creep problems are reduced.

Abstract: An improved hydraulic system is disclosed for a backhoe having a rotating boom operated by a hydraulic swing mechanism. The system includes a hydraulic rotary sequencing valve which is operatively connected with the swing tower which supports the rotating boom. During rotation of the swing tower and boom by the hydraulic motors of the backhoe, the rotary valve is operated to selectively direct pressurized fluid to the motors for improved torque characteristics. A hydraulic cushioning circuit is provided in association with the rotary sequencing valve so that hydraulic cushioning of the motors, and thus the boom, is effected during the approach of the boom toward its travel stops, eliminating the need for conventional cushioning mechanisms in the motors themselves, and improving overall performance of the machine.

Abstract: A control system 54 for a doser type hydraulic actuator 56 is disclosed. The doser actuator includes a pair of unequal area pistons 18, 20 on a common shaft 16 which are moved incrementally by injecting into or removing from a control pressure chamber metered quantities or doses of fluid. The doses are metered by timed openings of solenoid valves 32, 34 connecting the control pressure chambered to a supply 44 or return 48 pressure sources. The control system includes a base pulse width signal generator 106 which pulse modulates the solenoids as a function of the error between a requested position and an actual position. The base pulse width is modified by a correction means 108, 110, 112 when the error is within a predetermined band width. The correcting means compensates for the reaction of the actuator when its response is uncertain with respect to the base pulse width.

Abstract: A fail-fixed electrohydraulic servosystem in which a variation from a predetermined range of electrical input to the servosystem results in the output of the system being fixed in position. Fixing-in-position is accomplished by either hydraulically or mechanically locking a linkage to the output arm of the servosystem. Provision is also made for controlled drift and manual adjustment of the output after it is fixed in position.

Abstract: A percussive device for creating impact impulses, which device comprises a housing accommodating a striker. The striker has a tail portion located in a power cylinder which is joined to the housing and is filled with a fluid medium under pressure, said fluid medium operating the striker. Provision is made of an arresting mechanism which is kinematically connected to a drive designed to engage the striker for effecting its backward stroke in the process of which the fluid medium under pressure is compressed, storing potential energy. According to the invention, the striker backward stroke drive is constructed in the form of several hydraulic cylinders equidistantly spaced round the periphery of the housing. The rod of each of the hydraulic cylinders is connected to the striker arresting mechanism.

Abstract: A control system 54 for a doser type hydraulic actuator 56 is disclosed. The doser actuator includes a pair of unequal area pistons 18, 20 on a common shaft 16 which are moved incrementally by injecting into or removing from a control pressure chamber metered quantities or doses of fluid. The doses are metered by timed openings of solenoid valves 32, 34 connecting the control pressure chambered to a supply 44 or return 48 pressure sources. The control system includes a base pulse width signal generator 106 which pulse modulates the solenoids as a function of the error between a requested position and an actual position. The base pulse width is modified by a correction means 108, 110, 112 when the error is within a predetermined band width. The correcting means compensates for the variations of the actuator when its response is uncertain with respect to the base pulse width.

Abstract: Fluid operated time modulated position control mechanisms are operated with a sub-critical carrier frequency. The carrier frequency is selected to be within a band lying between the minimum critical or natural frequency of an actuator system including the control mechanism and the maximum control signal frequency as determined by the system dynamics. The carrier signal is also selected to provide a dither amplitude sufficient to overcome the coulomb friction of the control mechanism and load.

Abstract: A flapper valve having a negative rate characteristic is variably opened by an external force and controls fluid pressure to a piston which moves, in response to this pressure, in order to return the valve to a null position. A positive rate flapper valve applies force to the negative rate flapper valve and balances the fluid pressure in the negative rate flapper valve, thus providing high sensitivity negative flapper valve operation in the null position region and a negative rate in the region to overcome piston friction, without instability.

Abstract: A fast acting hydraulically actuated ram (10) especially suitable for use in the punch head of a press uses a first ram area (28) to advance the ram until the load thereon increases, which occurs when punching is about to take place. Then a pressure actuated valve (22), which is responsive to the increase in hydraulic pressure acting upon the first ram area, places pressure on a large area (36) of the ram for a time sufficient to enable penetration of the work. An electrohydraulically controlled valve (20, 98) responsive to the ram position, switches hydraulic pressure which is applied to the first ram area so as to operate the ram under electrical control to provide the desired cycle time and frequency.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive for an electrical switch is disclosed including magnetically operated control signal organs for initiating closing and opening of the electrical switch which is hydraulically driven by a drive with a differential piston moving in a drive cylinder. A switch-over control valve is employed for selectively pressurizing and depressurizing a larger end face of the piston. In order to prevent "pumping" of the switch by such a switch drive system according to the present invention, the control signal organ which is opened in connection with the initiation of the closing of the switch is manipulated hydraulically at approximately the same time as the pressurization by the switch-over control valve of the larger piston end face of the differential piston of the drive commences. The hydraulic manipulation shifts the control signal organ back into a closed position. This arrangement permits at most only one on-off switching cycle to occur, and thus "pumping" of the switch is prevented.

Abstract: Apparatus for control of multiple liquid dispensing providing accurate metering, close spacing of the fluids dispensed and rapid cycling. One embodiment contemplates transferring liquids from a multiplicity of containers to a corresponding multiplicity of wells in a microtitration test tray, and includes a multiplicity of resilient conduits extending from the containers into a common pinch type valve that clamps the ends of the conduits closed or permits them to open for liquid discharge.

Abstract: A unique hydraulic circuit is provided for converting rectilinear motion to rotational motion about an axis through the use of two pivotally mounted hydraulic motors. The hydraulic motors are pivotally interconnected between a pivoting member and a fixed member. A source of hydraulic fluid under pressure is directed to each hydraulic motor by a conduit system incorporating a flow control valve and a sequencing valve. The flow control valve selectively delivers fluid power to the hydraulic motors to rotate the pivoting member in one direction or the other. The sequencing valve senses the angular position of the two hydraulic motors and redirects the flow of fluid to the hydraulic motors in such a manner as to maintain the torque applied to the pivoting member relatively constant. The sequencing valve acts to redirect the flow of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic motors so that only one of the hydraulic motors is pressurized at the end of the arc of swing of the pivoting member.

Abstract: An improved fluid actuating device for an electric switching apparatus such as a high-voltage power circuit breaker or the like includes an actuator for actuating the electric switching apparatus. The actuator has a cylinder and a differential piston movable in the cylinder between first and second end-positions corresponding to the open and closed positions of the switching apparatus. The differential piston has two end-faces for receiving fluid pressure force. One of the two end-faces has a surface area greater than the other one of the two end-faces. A high-pressure fluid supply supplies fluid to the two end-faces and a valve alternately interrupts and passes the fluid from the fluid supply to the one end-face whereby the differential piston is caused to move from the first end-position to the second end-position when the valve passes fluid to act upon the one end-face of the piston.

Abstract: A hydraulic pressure actuated power brake system having a hydraulic power booster with operating pressure on both sides of the power piston power wall. The booster is therefore hydraulic pressure suspended so that the hydraulic pump of the system need not be operating to maintain this pressure while the booster is inactive. An accumulator is also charged by this pressure to provide power brake booster operation for several booster actuations without recharging by the pump. When the pump is operating, a pilot valve which is sensitive to a drop in booster operating pressure will control charging or recharging the accumulator and booster from pressure generated by the pump to maintain a desired charge pressure. A pressure relief valve will also prevent overcharging of the accumulator and booster. A check valve prevents loss of booster operating pressure toward the pump outlet if the pump pressure falls below the charged pressure.

Abstract: A bidirectional, multiple speed hydraulic actuator, including a differential piston (10, 24, 26). First and second ports (28, 30) are respectively in fluid communication with opposite sides of the piston and there is provided a pressure fluid supply line (40) along with a pressure fluid drain line (44). A control valve (14) is disposed between the ports and the lines and is movable step-wise through five positions providing for nulling of piston movement, and slow and rapid piston movement in either of two directions. A shifting device (60) is provided for the valve.

Abstract: A hydraulic pressure actuated power brake system having a hydraulic power booster with operating pressure on both sides of the power piston power wall. The booster is therefore hydraulic pressure suspended so that the hydraulic pump of the system need not be operating to maintain this pressure while the booster is inactive. An accumulator is also charged by this pressure to provide power brake booster operation for several booster actuations without recharging by the pump. When the pump is operating, a pilot valve which is sensitive to a drop in booster operating pressure will control charging or recharging the accumulator and booster from the pressure generated by the pump to maintain a desired charge pressure. A pressure relief valve will also prevent overcharging of the accumulator and booster. A check valve prevents loss of booster operating pressure toward the pump outlet if the pump pressure falls below the charged pressure.

Abstract: A hydraulic cylinder for generating vibrations which comprises: a cylinder body; a hollow piston rotatably mounted in said cylinder body; and a valve rotor rotatably engaged within said hollow piston, said valve rotor having a change-over valve portion adapted to be rotated for applying hydraulic loads to said piston alternately in axially opposite directions.

Abstract: An absolute-control numerical hydraulic actuating device with display of the output position, comprising a hydraulic jack, a distributor formed with orifices and a selector connected to the orifices in order to make the required hydraulic connections for hydraulic locking in the desired output position.According to the invention, the orifices of the distributor can be selectively connected by the selector to the active chamber of the jack in order hydraulically to lock the output positions in accordance with numerical orders supplied to the selector, and additional intermediate locking positions are created by the provision of additional rows of orifices which can be selectively connected to the high-pressure source, to the low-pressure source, or to the active chamber of the jack through a further selector.

Abstract: A mechanism for controlling the position of a movable member and for locking it in any desired position comprising a hydraulic displacement device movable with the member and a slide valve hydraulically connected to the displacement device to control flow of liquid to or from the device. The slide valve includes a pre-loaded spring, capable in the absence of other force of moving the slide valve to its closed position to lock the member against movement. A force motor is operable when desired to move the slide valve to its open position to permit movement of the member.

Abstract: An electro-hydraulic actuator is disclosed, particularly for use with control surfaces in aircraft. The actuator includes a regulating piston and cylinders an rapidly-operable switching valves for the positioning of the piston in the cylinder that are operated by the supplying of discrete volumes of operating fluid thereto. Switching pulses are applied to the valves by a computer, and a sensor that is responsive to each activation of the switching valves applies an answering pulse to the computer wherein a valve breakdown can immediately be recognized. The sensor may be responsive to changes in pressure and/or flow between the valves and the cylinder located at the valve body.

Abstract: A simplified fail-fixed electrohydraulic servovalve for operating with a source of fluid under pressure, and a piston translatably disposed within a bore. The piston has a rod side face area which is less than its head side face area and translates in a first direction for electrical input signals above a first predetermined percent of a maximum rated input signal. At a second percent of the rated input signal, determined by the ratio of the piston rod side face area to the piston head side face area, the piston position is fixed. For electrical input signals greater than the second percent of the rated input signal the piston translates in the second direction. Any input signal below the first percent causes the piston to be fixed in place.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for displacing a crane lift hook and hook cable to follow the relative vertical motion between a crane and a loading deck such as occurs between floating vessels and a fixed crane. In the method, the hook cable is paid out or reeled in to maintain the hook a substantially constant distance from the deck in order to facilitate loading or unloading of cargo from the hook. The apparatus for achieving the method includes a vertically displaceable sheave over which the lift cable is reeved, a power ram to displace the sheave, and motive means operating the power ram. Preferably, the power ram is subjected to a constant upward pneumatic force to provide at least a portion of the force for displacing the moveable sheave upwardly to reel in the cable, such as in response to an upward heave of the deck relative to the crane.

Abstract: A pressure detecting device for detecting air pressure by means of a pressure receiving member which is energized by a coil spring, wherein a seal is provided between the side wall of the detector housing at the pressure detecting port side and the pressure receiving member as well as between the other side wall of the housing at the discharge port side and the pressure receiving member and further sealing area at the discharge port side is larger than that at the pressure detecting port side.As a preferred application of the pressure detecting device a control system for a press machine is constructed such that operation and stop of the press machine are controlled by way of controlling supply and discharge of pressurized air to and from the press machine with the aid of a double valve and the pressure detecting device.

Abstract: A doser type hydraulic actuator includes a pair of unequal area pistons on a common shaft which are moved incrementally by injecting into or removing from a control pressure chamber metered quantities or doses of fluid. Doses are metered by timed openings of solenoid valves connecting the control pressure chamber to supply or return pressure sources. Special valve means are provided for moving the actuator piston to a preferred position in the event of control system failure, and means are included for administering very small doses consistently without recourse to special extra fast response solenoid valves.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for transporting in alternating suction and displacement strokes of fluid substances, e.g., water, slurry, etc., by quanta by means of the potential energy of a primary liquid column by interposing a system of vessels sealed off from the atmosphere between the primary liquid column and the secondary fluid substance basis.

Abstract: A vacuum type brake booster device including an input rod with an adjustable stop mechanism for enabling the input rod to have such a normal, full-retracted position as to hold the booster control valve in a neutral position to keep the second working chamber of the booster out of communication with the first working chamber thereof as well as with the atmosphere while holding the booster output rod in direct abutting engagement with the brake master cylinder piston. There is no delay in operation of the brake master cylinder when the brake pedal is depressed.

Abstract: A self-propelled pneumatically operated percussion boring apparatus for boring holes in the ground of the kind which includes a percussion piston which is reciprocated pneumatically in a tubular housing is provided with a control device for causing the apparatus to make either a forward movement or a return movement. The control device comprises a control sleeve which has air ports through its wall and over which a skirt of the piston passes as, in operation, the piston reciprocates. The skirt has ports which come into register with ports in the sleeve and the sleeve is fixed in position in the housing and has a control tube rotatably mounted within it. The control tube has one or more ports through its wall and compressd air for operating the apparatus is supplied through the control tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering power to a marine propulsion device comprises an engine, a propeller, and a transmission which operatively connects the engine with the propeller and which is operative between a neutral position and a drive position. The apparatus further includes a source of pressurized fluid, a cylinder and a differential piston movable within the cylinder in response to pressurized fluid. A first conduit continuously conducts pressurized fluid from the source to the cylinder to locate the piston in a first position in the cylinder, and a second conduit conducts pressurized fluid from the source to the cylinder to locate the piston in a second position in the cylinder which second position is spaced from the first position. A flow control device communicates with the second conduit for selectively permitting the flow of pressurized fluid through the second conduit to displace the piston from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A high torque hydraulic power plant is operated by electrical power through the use of a hydraulic pump, opposing double-ended cylinders containing double-ended pistons and appropriate cycling valve means. Pressure is maintained in the system by a constant pneumatic force applied to the full piston side of each opposing double-ended piston.

Abstract: A single impact rivet gun has a piston freely movable within a cylinder that is surrounded by an air accumulator. A valve to control flow of the air from the accumulator to the inside of the cylinder is located at one end of the cylinder and the valve has an opening leading from outside the gun to the inside of the cylinder. The gun includes means for introducing a vacuum at the opening to pull the piston to a starting position.

Abstract: A rack and pinion power steering system includes a housing within which a rotatable pinion engages a rack to impart movement thereto. The rack is substantially U-shaped having a pair of arms with coaxial openings to slidably receive a rod. The rod extends from the housing to operatively engage a pair of dirigible wheels and the rod is movable relative to the housing when the rack is moved to change the direction of the pair of dirigible wheels. A sleeve on the rod is disposed between the pair of arms and is provided with a valve member to communicate pressurized fluid from a pressure source to a pressure chamber to assist the movement of the rod.