Abstract: A flow control valve for a construction machine is disclosed, which enables a combined operation for simultaneously operating a working device, such as an arm, and a swing device to be easily performed by limiting a part of hydraulic fluid that is supplied to the working device side by a priority valve that is shifted simultaneously or releasing the limiting function through shifting of a spool of the priority valve to a neutral position by pilot signal pressure that is separately applied according to a type of work.

Abstract: A tractor includes booms, lift cylinders, a hitch, dump cylinders, a magnetic valve, a speed-up circuit, and a speed-up restricting arm. The lift cylinders swing the booms upward and downward by an operating oil being supplied thereto. The hitch is provided to the booms to allow an implement to be attached thereto. The dump cylinders swing the implement upward and downward by the operating oil being supplied thereto. The magnetic valve switches between supplying the operating oil to the dump cylinders and supplying the operating oil to a grab cylinder provided in the implement. The speed-up circuit is able to perform a speed-up operation for increasing the flow rate of the operating oil supplied to the magnetic valve. The speed-up restricting arm is arranged near the speed-up circuit.

Abstract: An actuator includes a first piston and a second piston. The first piston has a piston ring that separates a first chamber from a second chamber of the actuator. The first piston has an interior chamber that communicates with the first chamber. The second piston is disposed within the interior chamber of the first piston so as to be movable with respect thereto. The second piston has a surface that interfaces with the second chamber.

Abstract: Artificial muscle analog 1000 is located within hollow exoskeletal bone 10. Muscle 1000 comprises inflatable bladder 120, cable 130, roller 140, anchor point 150, and connection means 160 whereby said bladder may be inflated and deflated. Bladder 120 is affixed to the interior surface of said bone. Cable 130, attached to bone 10 at point 150, passes over bladder 120 and through roller 140. Cable 130, if unobstructed and taut, takes a shortest path from point 150 to roller 140. When inflated, bladder 120 forces cable 130 to deviate from this shortest path, pulling cable 130 in through said roller, under tension. In their paired opposing muscle form 2000, the artificial muscles synergistically assist each other when used in opposition. Paired muscles 2000 may actuate a robotic arm 3000, and are easily controlled by the associated simple low-cost control systems 100a,b,c of the present invention.

Abstract: A manifold (2) is provided with a first passage (4) for supplying pressurized oil and a second passage (5) for air venting. The manifold (2) has a support surface (9) to which a housing (12) of every hydraulic cylinder (7) is hermetically fixed through a sealing member (10). A piston (14) is inserted into a cylinder bore (13) of the housing (12). A hydraulic chamber (15) is formed between the piston (14) and the support surface (9). The hydraulic chamber (15) directly opposes to the support surface (9). The first passage (4) communicates with the respective hydraulic chambers (15) through branched passages (17). The hydraulic chamber (15) has an upper portion communicated with the second passage (5) through an air vent passage (18).

Abstract: A drive mechanism for driving a vehicle, comprising a pair of drive wheels each having a drive shaft, a source of hydraulic oil under pressure on the vehicle and controlled by a control unit for delivering hydraulic oil in two directions, wherein the drive shafts of the pair of wheels are each driven by a high torque, low speed hydraulic motor or pump. The principal components of the motors include a crank shaft mounted in the housing for connection to the drive shafts of the wheels. At least two cylinder and piston assemblies are attached to the crank shaft for rotation of the crank shaft upon movement of the pistons between a minimum and maximum point of travel in the cylinders to thereby impart motion to the wheel drive shaft. A valve assembly provides hydraulic fluid to the cylinders to sequentially move the pistons in the desired direction of piston travel. The two motors are mounted on the vehicle to form a transaxle unit, and controls permit simultaneous or independent operation of the two motors.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuator comprised of a toroidal piston within a toroidal enclosure, with differential fluid pressure alternatively applied to upper and lower surfaces of the piston to cause a reciprocating motion, and with plural double ended piston rods extending in parallel above and below the piston, and slidably extending in fluid sealed relation through end caps of the toroidal enclosure to distribute the vibrational force produced by the reciprocating piston over plural points of a surface area of the mass to be vibrated, thereby reducing the likelihood of stress, strain, or harmonics in the mass.

Abstract: Two working cylinders are provided, a pressure medium connector being secured to a first cylinder and allowing fluid to flow to and from the first cylinder through the connector. A distributor is connected to the connector and has first and second ports through which pressure medium can flow. The second port is connected to the second cylinder. The first port is connected through the connector to the first working cylinder and is also connected to the second port. The first port is connected to a source of pressure medium and when pressure medium flows to or from the first port, pressure medium also flows through the connector to or from the first working cylinder as well as to or from the second port and the second working cylinder to cause the first and second working cylinders to operate simultaneously.

Abstract: A log carriage system including a pair of carriages (10, 12) mounted for linear movement along a conveyor track. A pair of linear hydraulic motors (32, 44) each include a piston rod (30, 42) for both clamping and linear transfer of a log. A reversible hydraulic pump (62) transfers oil between working chambers (40, 52) of motors (32, 44) to move the log along a linear path past a cutting station. A three-way, two-position valve (120) connects line (68) to tank (T), and disconnects line (70) from system pump (SP), when pump (62) is operated to move oil from motor (32) to motor (44). Alternatively, linear hydraulic motors (32, 44) can be replaced by rotary hydraulic motors and a cable drive system for both clamping the log and moving the log along the linear path.

Abstract: Pressure medium pliers for clamping rings, comprising a pressure medium connection and a pressure medium valve connected thereto, at least one piston controlled by the pressure medium valve, a traverse member drivable by the piston and pivoted pliers members at the inner lever ends of which the traverse member engages for pivoting them, the pressure medium valve having a valve pin which is shiftable in traverse direction of the movement of the piston and operatable by a release trigger, the valve pin blocking the connection of the piston with the pressure medium connection and connecting it with a lower pressure level in a rest position and blocking the connection of the piston with the lower pressure level and connecting it with the pressure medium connection in a working position being reachable by operation of the release trigger, a switching bar which is held in a slideway movable in the direction of the piston and which is mechanically biased by a spring towards the valve pin, the switching bar having a

Abstract: A clutch hydraulic slave cylinder comprising a cylinder body, a primary piston sealingly reciprocable relative to the body and co-operating with the body to form a first fluid chamber within said body, and a secondary piston sealingly reciprocable relative to the primary piston and co-operating with the primary piston to form a second fluid chamber. the second fluid chamber is connected to the first fluid chamber through a valve means. The primary piston is biased by a spring means from a fully retracted condition to an at-rest condition in which it can exert a pre-load on a clutch bearing, and said valve means is open when the primary piston is in the fully retracted condition, and is closed when the primary piston is in the at-rest condition.

Abstract: An actuator for a friction clutch having a diaphragm includes coupling means comprising a first part associated with the clutch actuating linkage, and a second part associated with the actuator proper. The actuator, of the fluid operated type, comprises a main piston working in a main cylinder and defining with it a control chamber. A secondary piston works within the hollow bore of the main piston to define within the latter a wear compensating chamber. The main piston carries a shut-off valve for bringing the control chamber and the wear compensation chamber into communication with each other when the clutch is in its engaged position. The actuator also includes a booster spring for applying additional force to the diaphragm, such that the characteristic of the diaphragm has a positive gradient over the whole travel between the engaged and disengaged positions of the clutch.

Abstract: A loading vehicle has a boom pivotally mounted thereon for movement in a vertical plane, the boom supporting a loading unit at its distal end. A fluid control system includes a boom cylinder for raising and lowering the boom, a loading unit cylinder for tilting the loading unit relative to the boom, a tank for holding fluid and a pump for selectively pumping fluid to the cylinders through manually controlled selector valves. The loading unit attitude is controlled by a system including a bypass valve, a flow splitting valve and a boom position detector for actuating the bypass valve. Fluid forced from a lowering chamber of the boom cylinder as the boom is raised is applied to the bypass valve. As long as the boom is in a position falling within a lower range of positions the boom position detector does not actuate the bypass valve and all fluid from the lowering chamber is diverted to the tank.

Abstract: In a device for carrying out quality test firings with a gun barrel (1), a mount (2) and an automatic adjusting arrangement (4, 5, 6) for resetting the barrel (1), a given directional setpoint value is compared with the actual direction value. While the actual value is derived from a mirror (3) attached to the barrel (1) itself, the setpoint value is produced by a frequency-modulated laser beam (.nu.) from a source mounted nonvibratingly and separately from the barrel (1) and its mounting (2). By this separation, the hit dispersion due to the mechanical components is reduced to a minimum. This device is of particular usefulness in the development and quality control of small-calibre ammunition.

Abstract: A system includes two lower articulated longitudinal arms (6, 7) provided on their front ends with two bottom hitching points (8, 9), and an upper arm (10) in the middle, for hitching an implement at a third point; valves for controlling the rise and descent of the two lower arms and of the upper arm are provided, and the implement (3) is equipped with hitching members (11) corresponding to the three point hitch of a tractor; a rigid intermediate support frame (12) is provided for connection between the implement and the arms (6, 7, 10); the frame includes two bottom lateral points (13, 14) and one top middle point (15) for hitching the implement, and two lateral top points (16, 17) intened to be connected to the third top hitching point (10) of the tractor by connection jacks of variable length; the two lower arms (6, 7) are independent and can assume different inclinations, and the two lower lateral portions (22, 23) of the frame (12) are hitched to the two bottom points (8, 9), the assembly being such that

Abstract: The method and system employ strings of tension actuators in opposed relationship for controlling motions or deflections of jointed members: for example, for controlling the motions of arms, legs and elephant trunks or flexible antennae in robots and for controlling the deflections of beams and columns in frames and structures. These opposed tension actuators are inflated with controlled air pressures which are oppositely varied from a predetermined common-mode pressure P.sub.o (initial fluid pressure level P.sub.o). In other words, as one tension actuator is being inflated with pressure increasing above P.sub.o, the opposed tension actuator is being inflated with pressure decreasing below P.sub.o for producing motion or deflection of the jointed member in one direction, and conversely for producing motion or deflection in the other direction. The opposed tension actuators have their ends anchored to rigid movable plates or struts containing sockets for the respective joints.

Abstract: According to the invention, the device comprises a housing (1), two chambers (2, 3) interconnected through a pipeline (4) and disposed in the housing opposite to each other. Each chamber (2 or 3) has a piston made in the form of an elastic sleeve (10 and 11), whose one end is turned inside out and secured to the inner surface of the pipeline (4) at the point of its connection to the chamber (2 to 3). Each piston is kinematically connected to the working member (7) via a shaft (5 or 6) mounted in the chamber (2 to 3), one end of which is kinematically connected to the working member (7), and a drum (8 or 9) connected to the other end of the shaft (5 or 6) and provided with a reverser. Secured on the drums (8 and 9) are the other ends of the sleeves (10 and 11). The pressure space formed by the spaces of the chambers (2, 3) and the space of the pipeline (4) is communicated with a fluid medium supply system (14).

Abstract: An automatic, hydraulically actuated, sequencing valve for use with a pair of hydraulic acutators (e.g. double acting hydraulic cylinders) includes a valve body having a cylindrical bore therein. Cam members at either end of the bore are engaged by pins on the ends of a cylindrical spool, thereby rotating the spool 30.degree. each time it engages one of the cam members. A third cam member incorporated into the spool alternately locks open one of a pair of check valves as said spool is pressure shifted between the two bore cam members. The third cam member operates a locking system which permits only one of the two hydraulic cylinders to operate at a time and in sequence.

Abstract: In a power brake booster for an automotive vehicle, with a housing (1, 2) subdivided into two compartments by a partition wall (41), the compartment close to the brake pedal contains a working chamber (25) and a vacuum chamber (33), while the compartment close to the master cylinder contains a working chamber (24) and a vacuum chamber (32), with a longitudinally slidable control housing (4) with valve device (8, 37, 38) being sealably held and guided in a central opening of the partition wall (41), the said control housing incorporating a longitudinal channel, for instance on annular gap (21) which, on the one hand, is via an opening or bore (26) in communication with the one working chamber (24), while, on the other hand, it terminates into a chamber, for example an annular chamber (20), which is connected to the valve chamber (42) behind the valve device (8, 37, 38) and which is connected to the other working chamber (25) via a cross bore (39).

Abstract: A pneumatic control system for a reversible stepping actuator has an analog pneumatic control signal and an analog signal indicative of actual position of the actuator. Imbalance in these signals opens one or the other of a pair of comparator valves having inlets connected to a source of pneumatic pressure. Opening of either of the comparator valves enables a pulse timer which converts the pneumatic pressure from either of the comparator valves to pulses of pneumatic pressure applied to one or the other of the operators of the reversible stepping actuator. An oscillating pneumatic timer may be used to produce the pressure pulses, or an electric timer can be used to "chop" one of the pneumatic pressures into periodic pulses.

Abstract: A brake booster of tandem type comprises a pair of power pistons, a valve body internally housing a valve mechanism and a center body formed with a passage which communicates with a passage formed in the vlave body, all of which are integrally connected together, by holding them between a hub which is disposed through these members in alignment with their axes and a nut which is threadably engaged with the hub. An ear is formed on one of the outer peripheral surface of the hub and in an opening formed in the front power piston through which the hub extends while a recess is formed in the other for receiving the ear, thus allowing the hub and the front power piston to be positioned relative to each other by the engagement between the ear and the recess.

Abstract: A valve for regulating the bidirectional flow of hydraulic fluid in an hydraulic fluid line, wherein the flow resistance in one direction can be increased, includes a hollow body (10) with an internal seat (20), a spool member (22) slidably mounted within the body (10), the spool (22) having a cylinder portion (24) and a nozzle portion (26) containing orifices (30, 32, 34), bias means (40), and limit means (42). The spool (22) is slidable within the body (10) between a position in which fluid flows through all orifices (30, 32, 34) to provide unrestricted fluid flow when fluid flows through the valve in one direction, and a position in which the nozzle (26) engages the seat (20) to block fluid flow through some of the orifices (30, 32, 34) and thereby increase flow resistance when fluid flows through the valve in the opposite direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a direct acting pneumatic control system for controlling a dual diaphragm, or double acting cylinder type automatic guiding system. The control device and system is used to selectively adjust the position of one end of a roll relative to the opposite end, in order to adjust the position of an endless web traveling over a series of rolls.In order to adjust and control the guide roll position, it is necessary to alternately exhaust one diaphragm, and or cylinder end, while maintaining the flow of air to the opposite diaphragm or cylinder end. This in effect shifts the roll in a lateral position, effectively steering the web in the proper direction to effect the necessary web correction.

Abstract: A tandem brake booster (10) having a first wall (24) and a second wall (28) which move in opposite directions in response to a pressure differential created by allowing air to be communicated to a control chamber (26) while vacuum is present in operational chambers (20) and (30). As wall (28) moves straps (124 . . . 124.sup.N) pulls an annular projection (32) to combine the force produced in the second wall (28) with the force produced in the first wall (24). As the operational force is transmitted into push rod (56) from hub (34), sleeve (37) prevent the reaction disc (50) from being extruded into passage (40) and as such, the reaction force is carried into plunger (64) to provide an operator with an indicator of the operation of the brake booster (10).

Abstract: A fluid flow control apparatus having an adjustable throttling arrangement for controlling the flow of fluid between working cylinders associated with sections of an articulated vehicle, has a housing which is essentially symmetric in shape. Two working connections are formed at symmetrically opposite ends of the housing and connect to the working cylinders. Two passageways, formed in the housing to connect the two working connections, are also symmetrically formed and are approximately equivalent in length. The first passageway uses a check valve arrangement to restrict fluid flow from the first working connection to the second working connection while the second passageway uses a similar check valve arrangement to restrict fluid flow in the opposite direction. The two passageways interconnect at a crossover duct which acts as a guide for the throttling arrangement.

Abstract: A tandem brake booster having first and second lever arms for transferring an output force from a second wall into an output member in response to an input signal being applied to a control member. A first cam surface on each lever arm engages an annular fulcrum member and a second cam surface engages the output member. The engagement of first and second cam surfaces on the fulcrum and output member direct said output force from said second wall into said control member along a force vector substantially parallel to the output member without the introduction of rotational forces on a first wall.

Abstract: A tandem type brake force multiplying device including a pair of diaphragms and a partition wall defining a pair of constant suction chambers and a pair of actuating or pressure variable chambers. The device has a shell comprised of a front, intermediate and rear housings which are formed with a plurality of sets of axially aligned sleeves through which force transmitting rods are passed. The reaction force from the brake master cylinder is therefore transmitted through these rods to the vehicle body. The sleeves define therein a pair of chambers, at least one of which is in communication with both the actuating chambers.

Abstract: An improved flow control valve apparatus for pneumatically powered tools that include a motor and feed and retract apparatus driven by the motor. The control valve apparatus includes a main flow valve and a retract control valve each of which is controlled by the control valve to provide air to the motor, to automatically stop the feed and retract motion of the tool, and to stop the tool completely when desired.

Abstract: An extracting screw apparatus comprises a hydraulic control which operates during starting of the extracting screw after a period of nonuse. The hydraulic control comprises a double-acting hydraulic actuator having a piston rod connected to an intermittent drive such as an overrunning clutch for rotating a driving shaft for the extracting screw about its axis. The intermittent drive converts linear reciprocating movement transmitted by the hydraulic actuator into intermittent angular movement. A hydraulic motor alone insures rotation of the extracting screw about its axis after starting and also insures the sweep movement of the extracting screw about a vertical axis. A hydraulic control circuit connected between a line running from a pump to the hydraulic motor for cutting off hydraulic fluid to the double-acting hydraulic actuator after normal operating torque is reached.

Abstract: A neck ring mechanism for transferring a blank or parison from a blank mold section to a blow mold section of an I.S. glass forming machine includes a rock shaft and a pair of spaced cylinders reciprocable in opposition directions on the shaft. The rock shaft is provided with a plurality of longitudinal grooves, and a like plurality of followers are arranged in the grooves so as to contact at least one side wall of each groove. The followers are supported on each cylinder. One or more piston rings are seated in associated annular grooves in the rock shaft so as to preclude air leakage.

Abstract: A tandem brake booster (10) having first (24) and second (28) walls that move in opposite directions within a cavity to produce an output force. A lever arrangement (48) attached to the second (28) wall engages a fulcrum (70) to transfer a force produced by movement of the second wall (28) into the first (24) wall. A control mechanism (72) has a cylindrical body (74) with an annular surface (78) that engages the lever arrangement (48). The movement of the cylindrical body (74) as compared to the output member (41) is a function of the ratio of the distance from the fulcrum (70) to end (46) and from the fulcrum (70) to the annular surface (78), and as such, maximum output travel can be achieved without requiring a corresponding input travel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tilt-cab truck including apparatus to secure uniform advance and retraction of the tilt cylinders. The system employs a single pilot-operated check valve instead of the conventional two pilot-operated check valves, but it employs two extra check valves to provide the same system safety as is conventionally provided with two pilot-operated check valves.

Abstract: A brake master cylinder assembly comprising a cylinder body having a stepped axial bore with large and small diameter portions, a tubular piston slidably disposed in the large diameter portion, and a primary piston one end being slidably disposed in the tubular piston and the other end in the small diameter portion, the primary piston being operatively connected to the brake pedal. The other end of the primary piston defines a pressure chamber in the small diameter portion in communication with the brakes. The primary and tubular pistons define an annular pressure chamber in the large diameter portion. Actuator means indirectly responsive to movement of the brake pedal moves the tubular piston to create low pressure in the annular pressure chamber which is in restricted fluid communication with the pressure chamber providing braking pressure at idle with reduced force on the brake pedal required.

Abstract: A tandem brake booster (10) having a housing (12) with a cavity therein divided by a first wall (24) and a second wall (28) into first, second and third chambers (20, 26 and 30). The first and second chambers (20, 26) are connected to each other through a control valve (62) and the first and third chambers (20, 30) are connected to each other by a conduit (38). The second wall (28) is connected to the first wall through lever arrangements (100 and 102). When the first chamber (20) is connected to a source of vacuum, air is evacuated from the first, second and third chambers (20, 26 and 30). In response to an input force, the control valve (62) interrupts communication of vacuum to the second chamber (26) and allows air to be communicated to the second chamber (26). With air in chamber (26) and vacuum in the first and third chambers (20 and 30 ) a pressure differential is created across walls (24 and 28).

Abstract: In a drill boom pivotally supporting a rock drilling apparatus, hydraulic parallel motion means is provided which includes a hydraulic pilot cylinder for sensing the setting of the elevation angle of the drill boom. During elevating of the drill boom the hydraulic pilot cylinder is furthermore used as an additional elevating cylinder.

Abstract: A control system for a fluid powered actuator arrangement which includes two drivingly interconnected hydraulic actuator devices, comprises two control valves which are movable in unison to apply operating pressure to the respective devices. The control valves being reponsive to four electro-hydraulic pilot valves, each of which is controlled by four nominally identical electrical input signals. The control system includes means for monitoring the electrical input signals and the operating pressures, and for isolating or rendering inoperative parts of the system in response to several combinations of malfunction indication.