Abstract: A dual end stop is provided for setting precise open and closed positions for the valve to which the pneumatic actuator is attached. In a preferred embodiment, a stop assembly housing contains two stop adjustment bolts as well as a cam that defines first and second stop surfaces. The stop assembly housing is preferably mounted to the actuator housing outside of the pressurized zone contained by the actuator housing. The stop bolts and associated threaded apertures are designed for minimum overhang of the stop bolts to provide more support. The stop assembly housing not only preferably houses the stop assembly components but also preferably serves as an adaptor plate for the various valves to which the actuator may be mounted. The stop bolts preferably have a convex head to provide a defined point contact rather than a random point contact as may be produced with flat heads.

Abstract: A dual end stop is provided for setting precise open and closed positions for the valve to which the pneumatic actuator is attached. In a preferred embodiment, a stop assembly housing contains two stop adjustment bolts as well as a cam that defines first and second stop surfaces. The stop assembly housing is preferably mounted to the actuator housing outside of the pressurized zone contained by the actuator housing. The stop bolts and associated threaded apertures are designed for minimum overhang of the stop bolts to provide more support. The stop assembly housing not only preferably houses the stop assembly components but also preferably serves as an adapter plate for the various valves to which the actuator may be mounted.

Abstract: A dual end stop is provided for setting precise open and closed positions for the valve to which the pneumatic actuator is attached. In a preferred embodiment, a stop assembly housing contains two stop adjustment bolts as well as a cam that defines first and second stop surfaces. The stop assembly housing is preferably mounted to the actuator housing outside of the pressurized zone contained by the actuator housing. The stop bolts and associated threaded apertures are designed for minimum overhang of the stop bolts to provide more support. The stop assembly housing not only preferably houses the stop assembly components but also preferably serves as an adaptor plate for the various valves to which the actuator may be mounted. The stop bolts preferably have a convex head to provide a defined point contact rather than a random point contact as may be produced with flat heads.

Abstract: A dual end stop is provided for setting precise open and closed positions for the valve to which the pneumatic actuator is attached. In a preferred embodiment, a stop assembly housing contains two stop adjustment bolts as well as a cam that defines first and second stop surfaces. The stop assembly housing is preferably mounted to the actuator housing outside of the pressurized zone contained by the actuator housing. The stop bolts and associated threaded apertures are designed for minimum overhang of the stop bolts to provide more support. The stop assembly housing not only preferably houses the stop assembly components but also preferably serves as an adaptor plate for the various valves to which the actuator may be mounted. The stop bolts preferably have a convex head to provide a defined point contact rather than a random point contact as may be produced with flat heads.

Abstract: A dual end stop is provided for setting precise open and closed positions for the valve to which the pneumatic actuator is attached. In a preferred embodiment, a stop assembly housing contains two stop adjustment bolts as well as a cam that defines first and second stop surfaces. The stop assembly housing is preferably mounted to the actuator housing outside of the pressurized zone contained by the actuator housing. The stop bolts and associated threaded apertures are designed for minimum overhang of the stop bolts to provide more support. The stop assembly housing not only preferably houses the stop assembly components but also preferably serves as an adaptor plate for the various valves to which the actuator may be mounted. The stop bolts preferably have a convex head to provide a defined point contact rather than a random point contact as may be produced with flat heads.

Abstract: A dual end stop is provided for setting precise open and closed positions for the valve to which the pneumatic actuator is attached. In a preferred embodiment, a stop assembly housing contains two stop adjustment bolts as well as a cam that defines first and second stop surfaces. The stop assembly housing is preferably mounted to the actuator housing outside of the pressurized zone contained by the actuator housing. The stop bolts and associated threaded apertures are designed for minimum overhang of the stop bolts to provide more support. The stop assembly housing not only preferably houses the stop assembly components but also preferably serves as an adaptor plate for the various valves to which the actuator may be mounted. The stop bolts preferably have a convex head to provide a defined point contact rather than a random point contact as may be produced with flat heads.

Abstract: A fluid device includes a rotationally oscillating piston within a sector-shaped chamber, a reciprocating ram for performing work and a link pivotally connected to both the piston and the ram. The piston moves the ram through the link to an extended position and a retracted position. When the ram is in its extended position, the link is moved to an over-center position locking the ram in the extended position. A manually operated unlocking device is provided for moving the piston to eliminate the over-center condition of the link.

Abstract: This engine is substantially free from any vibration and noise, small in friction loss, improved in mechanical efficiency to a considerable extent, compact and lightweight, and applicable to a reciprocating piston engine. The engine comprises: curved cylinders each assuming a circular shape in cross section; curved pistons (1, 1a) each fitting and reciprocating within the cylinder; a rotor (2) carrying the pistons (1, 1a) to keep them in balance and to have them be rockable about the center of the rotor (2), wherein the rotor (2) is provided with connecting rods (6, 6a) to impart half a rocking power of the rotor (2) to each of crank shafts (10, 10a) each of which converts the half of the rocking power to a piece of torque on its axis of rotation; a gear mechanism for receiving the pieces of torque to combine them into an output power; and, an output shaft connected with the gear mechanism for receiving and out-putting the output power.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pneumatic actuator which includes a housing comprised of two halves and having at least two passages defined there through, including a “loop” groove defined in an inner peripheral wall of the housing into which a seal member is inserted. A rotary piston is rotatably received in the housing. The piston has a top and a bottom with an intermediate wall connected there between, and an actuating shaft extending through the housing, which is rotated by movement of the rotary piston. The seal member extends into the housing and is in contact with the top and bottom of the rotary piston all the times. The rotary piston moves free of contact with the interior surface of the housing and this one seal member provides a seal for the joint created between the halves of the housing, the chambers of the housing as well as the actuating shaft. Movement of the piston is effected by air pressure and return motion of the piston can be air driven or spring assisted.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuator includes an elongate cylinder having a central axis, a sidewall, a top and a bottom. The sidewall is interconnected with the top and bottom in an air and fluid tight manner. An elongate control shaft has a first portion disposed within the cylinder and is substantially parallel with the central axis thereof. The control shaft extends in an axial direction through the top and is engaged thereby in an air and fluid tight manner. A second portion of the control shaft is disposed external to the cylinder. The second portion of the control shaft is configured for being pivotally coupled to at least one variable valve mechanism. A fixed vane is disposed in sealing engagement with the sidewall, top and bottom of the cylinder, and with the first portion of the control shaft. A movable vane is in sealing engagement with the top and bottom of the cylinder.

Abstract: A hydraulic oscillator having a stator defining an axis of rotation; rotor means; annular-shaped operating chamber between said stator and said rotor; rotary piston associated with said rotor means and disposed within said operating chamber for rotation about said axis of rotation of said stator.

Abstract: A rotational position detector device (20), which is fastenable to a rotary actuator (1) of the type comprising a rotary motor (3,5) inside a housing (2) and a rotary shaft extending therefrom, a turning element (21) adapted to be rotationally fastened to the rotary shaft, said turning element being detectable by at least one position sensor (23), which is adapted to be adjustably fixed with respect to the housing (2). The device is provided with a socket portion (25) which is rigidly connected to the housing and coaxial with said shaft and at least one sensor holder (24) which is rotatably attached to said socket portion and adjustably fixable in chosen angular positions by means of locking cooperation between a resilient engagement means (26,27) on the sensor holder and a surface (30) which is provided with engagement irregularities.

Abstract: A fluid-operated actuator comprising a chamber part (1) with at least one chamber (12, 13), a carrier (3) which is rotatably mounted in the chamber part (1), and a plunger piston (2) in the form of a circular arc. The plunger piston can be moved along the circular arc and thereby rotate about the carrier's axis of rotation (50) since it extends in the chamber and is arranged to connect with the carrier (3). According to the invention the plunger piston (2) via a sealing device (32, 33, 42-45) is passed sealingly through an opening (14, 15) in the chamber (12, 13), there being a clearance between the surface of that section of the plunger piston which is located in the chamber and the chamber walls. Furthermore that section of the plunger piston which is located outside the chamber (12, 13) is supported along its radially outer surface by a support part (4) which is attached to the chamber part (1).

Abstract: An hydraulically powered rotary actuator for rotating a first portion of a work machine relative to a second portion of the work machine has inner and outer rings enclosed by first and second cover plates. The inner and outer rings are spaced apart to define an hydraulic power chamber to which pressurized fluid is supplied to rotate one of the inner or outer rings. The first portion of the work machine is connected to the rotatable ring and rotates with it. A large diameter bearing assembly rotatably supports the rotatable ring and the first portion of the work machine. Most prior work machines with rotatable car or upper structure require large expensive components including gear reduction assemblies, an hydraulic motor, and large diameter swing gear. The subject actuator simplifies the construction by eliminating many of the prior components.

Abstract: A valve actuator with an arcuate piston disposed within a housing including a side wall having a partition and two end plates whereby when joined, the housing forms a first and a second compartment. An arcuate piston travels between the compartments via an opening in the partition in an oscillating manner. A removable piston assembly enables removing the arcuate piston, output shaft and lever arms supporting the piston in order to remove the output shaft or to engage a spiral spring connecting the output shaft with the housing. The spiral spring may be pretensioned by winding before inserting the piston assembly into the housing. Fluid pressure applied to either compartment urges movement of the arcuate piston into the opposite compartment.

Abstract: A pneumatic rotary drive includes a housing which is connectable to a pressure medium source and is closed in a pressure medium-tight manner by plane covers. A rotatable shaft extends out of the housing through at least one of the covers. A belt which is in engagement with the shaft is arranged within the housing so as to form moveable pressure chambers. At least one guide body arranged within the housing is surrounded by the belt. At least one of the guide bodies is provided with a spring element for resiliently adjusting the effective circumference of the at least one guide body.

Abstract: A pneumatic rotary drive includes a housing and at least one cover sealingly closing the housing. A rotatable shaft extends out of the housing through the at least one cover. At least one guide member is mounted in the housing. A belt mounted in the housing is in engagement with the shaft. A pressing member presses two portions of the belt together so that two expandable pressure chambers are formed. When pressure is admitted to one of the pressure chambers, the pressure chamber expands and the shaft is rotated. The belt has two ends which are located adjacent each other in a common plane and form one of the belt portions which are pressed together. The housing has an internal wall with a toothing which is in engagement with an external toothing of the belt.

Abstract: A rotary actuator device having an annular piston rod, the device comprising at least one piston held provided with sealing means and co-operating with an annular piston rod mounted so as to be capable of moving in an annular chamber, together with means for selectively applying a fluid under pressure in said annular chamber, wherein the piston head co-operates with the piston rod via a hinge having one degree of freedom in rotation and one degree of freedom in translation, said hinge comprising a piece in the form of a knife whose edge co-operates with a V-groove in a female portion of triangular profile, the knife edge and the V-groove being parallel to the axis of rotation of the piston rod. This disposition enables the forces exerted on the sealing means to be brought back into balance, thereby increasing sealing even under high pressures.

Abstract: A belt-driven rotary drive having a belt closed upon itself which is connected, within a pressure fluid-tight housing over roller-shaped bodies with the formation of movable pressure chambers, to a rotatable shaft which is extended out of the housing and the movable pressure chambers can be acted on by pressure fluid. In order further to develop a belt-driven rotary drive of this type in such a manner that the sealing action and the friction caused thereby can always be adjusted in simple manner from the outside, it is proposed that the closed belt (1) be adapted to be pressed on itself over a part of its length, with the formation of two pressure chambers which are pressure fluid-tight from each other, by a static pressing member which acts in the direction towards one of the roller-shaped bodies and that the pressing member be functionally connected for the adjustment of the pressing force with an adjusting device which is adjustable from the outside.

Abstract: A rotary actuator defining a first arcuate chamber and a second chamber, the housing having an inwardly projecting, peripherally extending rib which defines an aperture in open communication with the arcuate chamber, a peripherally extending groove being formed in the rib in surrounding relationship to the aperture, the groove having first and second peripherally extending spaced side surfaces, an arcuate shaped piston being disposed in the housing for reciprocable movement in the arcuate chamber, a shaft rotatably journaled in the housing and connected to the piston and being rotatable in response to movement of the piston, a floating seal disposed in the groove for effecting sealing between the piston and the housing, the seal being in sealing engagement with the first and second side surfaces forming the groove, a fluid pressure inlet to introduce fluid pressure into at least one of the arcuate chamber or the second chamber to provide a pressurized chamber and effect movement of the piston in a first direc

Abstract: Improved techniques are provided for manufacturing a toroidal arc segment piston for use in a fluid pressure responsive rotary actuator, and for forming an actuator housing defining an arcuate chamber for receiving a rotary actuator piston. A moldable polymeric material is positioned within an arcuate master chamber in a piston-forming fixture, and a metal piston core is rotatably mounted to the fixture. The piston core is rotated to displace the polymeric material and form a sheath about the piston core. After curing, the piston core and sheath are rotated out of the arcuate master chamber, and are installed in a rotary actuator housing. A master piston may similarly be used to form a polymeric lining which defines the chamber for receiving the piston in the actuator housing.

Abstract: A rotary actuator comprising a housing which defines an arcuate chamber, the housing including a first monolithic portion in which the arcuate chamber is completely contained, a piston disposed in the housing for reciprocable movement in the arcuate chamber, a shaft journaled in the housing and connected to the piston and being rotated in response to movement of the piston, a floating seal assembly carried by one of the piston or the housing for effecting sealing between the piston and the housing, a fluid pressure port to introduce fluid into the housing to effect movement of the piston in the first direction and a means such as fluid pressure or a spring return to effect movement of the piston in an opposite second direction, the actuator in one preferred embodiment employing a spring return which provides a substantially constant torque acting upon the shaft as the spring moves from a compressed first position to an uncompressed second position such that the torque acting upon the shaft in both rotational

Abstract: An actuator having a tubular body with a cylindrical bore therein within which a piston reciprocates, an output shaft extending into said bore and a linkage for converting the linear movement of the piston into the rotary motion of said shaft. The linkage is contained entirely within said bore. In one form the piston is spring loaded and a spring follower also provides a piston for compressing the spring to permit the force exerted on the piston to be transmitted to the output shaft substantially in its entirety.

Abstract: Hydraulic wing actuator for turning movement of a spindle, especially a rudder stock (3), comprising a lower part (2) fixed to the ship hull and an upper part (1) secured to the lower part and which together define a substantially torus shaped guiding path for wings (8, 7) connected with the lower part and the rudder stock respectively, where a ball shaped hub (4) being secured to the rudder stock (3) and journalled slideably in the lower and upper parts, creating the radially inward facing, concave limitation of the guiding path, which remaining torus shaped part being formed by the upper and lower parts, at least one fixed partition wall (5) being connected with the lower part and the upper part and comprising to both sides protruding wings (8) abutting tightly to the guiding path, whereby one fluid conduit leads to each side of each fixed partition wall (5) for alternatively pressurizing or depressing the two spaces on both sides of the partition walls, and at least one carrier (6) being fixedly connected

Abstract: A rotary actuator having a cylindrical housing in which an annular piston arm rotates through an arc within an annular chamber in the housing as a result of fluid pressure to produce rotary motion communicated from the piston to the drive shaft. The piston head is capable of lateral or radial movement relative to the piston arm so as to accommodate flexing of the piston arm or variances in the shape of the chamber. Friction reduction washers are placed between the piston head and the piston arm to facilitate this movement. The overall effect is to reduce the friction encountered by the piston head against the walls of the chamber during movement, thereby improving overall performance of the actuator.

Abstract: A spherical gear pump comprises a housing with a first longitudinal axis, a spherical seat, an inlet and outlet adjacent the seat, inlet and outlet passages communicating with the inlet and outlet and adapted for connection to a source of liquid and a liquid load. A hemispherical gear is rotatively mounted within the seat and includes a plurality of peripherally spaced radial gear teeth and a drive shaft for rotation about the first axis. A hemispherical cam is adjustably positioned within the spherical seat having an arc less than 180.degree., and radial cam surfaces facing the spherical gear. A plurality of separate symmetrical radial gear teeth are pivotally mounted within and between the teeth of the spherical gear with each separate gear tooth having a radial top wall centrifugally biased against the cam surfaces on rotation of the spherical gear and a bottom wall adapted for pivotal movements within planes passing through the first axis on rotation of the separate gear teeth over the cam surfaces.

Abstract: A piston for a fluid pressure chamber having an arcuate longitudinal axis. Such piston comprises an assemblage of two spherical bodies in side-by-side relationship and interconnected by a universal pivot. Each spherical body carries a circumferential piston ring receiving groove and piston rings are mounted in such grooves to provide a sliding and sealable engagement with the walls of the fluid pressure chamber as the piston moves along the curved longitudinal axis of such chamber.

Abstract: A multi-axis robot wrist assembly having three hydraulically operated rotary actuators which are mechanically connected in series such that the output of each actuator drivingly positions the body of the succeeding actuator located outboard thereof. The hydraulic connection to any wrist actuator, except the innermost actuator, includes a series-connection of (a) internal passage(s) through actuator(s) which are located inboard of the actuator in question and (b) external line(s) between the actuator in question and actuator(s) located inboard thereof. By connecting all but the innermost wrist actuator through hydraulic paths which are at least partially internal to actuators positioned inwardly thereof, the overall envelop of the wrist assembly is reduced.

Abstract: An oscillating piston compressor characterized by a spherically contoured piston chamber in which a wedge-shaped disk-like piston is journaled for oscillating motion on an axle journaled in the housing and coinciding with the juncture of a pair of semi-circular sectors forming the piston. A cam formed on the side of the piston opposite the pressure side, is contacted either by a rotating eccentric cam, a crankarm, or a crankpin for imparting oscillating motion to the piston to effect compressing action. A flat circular valve plate, in which intake and exhaust valves are disposed, is fixed transversely in the housing for separating the piston compression chambers from intake and delivery chambers.

Abstract: A pivotal piston machine or compressor including a disc-like pivotal piston oscillating on a bearing axis, such oscillatory movement being effected by engagement of a roller-type cam follower of a crank arm driven by a crankshaft, with cam surfaces formed on the pivotal piston, and angled member for limiting the oscillating movement at opposite ends of the pivotal stroke of the piston. The angled member serves as a separating wall between two compression chambers and a delivery chamber. A pair of pivotal pistons may be arranged adjacent each other to utilize a common air intake and provide a compound piston machine.

Abstract: A base structure defining a generally hemispherical seat and a generally spherically shaped body mounted in seating engagement with the seat. The base defines a pair of diametrically opposed guide channels each of which receives a portion of a different one of a pair of trunnions, another portion of each trunnion being received in a first circumferentially extending channel in the body. The body has a second circumferentially extending channel at right angles to the first circumferentially extending channel for sliding and rotating reception of a portion of each of a pair of second trunnions that have other portions each journaled in the base between respective ends of the guide channels and in diametrically opposed relationship.

Abstract: A piston pump for the transport of viscous materials and, in particular, concrete, includes a housing having defined therein an annular-shaped working space, a piston slidably mounted within the annular-shaped working space for oscillatory movement, and a pressure conduit and a suction conduit, each of which is communicative with the working space. The pump also includes control means having a member which is disposed in the annular-shaped working space for connecting the portion of the working space, which lies in front of the moving piston, to the pressure conduit and for simultaneously connecting the portion of the working space which lies back of the moving piston, to the suction conduit. In addition, the pump includes means for reversibly driving the piston so that it moves in an oscillatory manner in the annular working space, reversing its direction when it nears the member of the control means.

Abstract: A gear-type machine whose housing accommodates two symmetrical idle gears which are in mesh with an internal toothing of an element embracing them inside the housing and with an external toothing of a central gear, whereas the spaces confined between the idle gears and the toothings accommodate webs to form herewith fluid tight chambers for a working fluid which thus imparts rotation of the idle gears. The internal toothing is stationary and carries the webs, while the idle gears are free to roll over the stationary toothing to impart rotation to the central gear which, in turn, may transmit the torque to a machine output member. In another, preferred embodiment, the central gear is stationary while the housing with its internal toothing is rotatable and constitutes the output.The inventive machine enables rotation of the output member through an angle smaller or greater than 360.degree..

Abstract: A piston machine has arcuately-curved, cooperating pistons and cylinders arranged on the periphery of a pair of coaxially mounted rotatable disks or arms. Swiveling movements of the disks, causing the pistons to move in the cylinders, are controlled by cams and connecting gears. The cams are fixed with respect to the disks. Each cam is scanned by a cam follower connected by an arm to a shaft journaled in one of the disks. A connector gear is affixed to the cam follower and connector gear shaft to drive the disk opposite the disk in which the connector gear shaft is carried. Gear segments on the external periphery of each disk engage interchangeably a driven shaft for power output where work is produced by the machine as in compressed air and heat engine embodiments disclosed or for power input where the machine does work on the compressible fluid as in a compressor embodiment.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved pneumatic power driving tool for driving staples, nails and other fasteners. The tool is comprised of a pneumatically operated pivoted rectangular hammer which is used as the means for delivering a force to a ram which in turn drives the fastener. The pressure in an air reservoir provides means for determining the impact of the hammer in this tool. A hammer activated valve is employed to index a fastener before a driving force is applied to the fastener by the hammer.

Abstract: An oscillating engine having synchronized oppositely-rotating vaned rotors in adjacent arcuate chambers. Intake and exhaust openings for each chamber are located adjacent to each other near at least one of the extreme positions of oscillation of each respective rotor. A rotary valve member positioned adjacent both to the intake opening and the exhaust opening of each chamber is actuated intermittently by a chain and sprocket drive in timed relation with the rotor oscillation between positions where the valve alternately closes each intake and exhaust opening to positions where the valve alternately partially opens each intake and exhaust opening.

Abstract: A multi-directional positioner for moving one element relative to another element wherein a socket in a housing receives a ball with a rotating fit with a portion of the ball projecting outwardly of the socket and being connected to one element and the housing being connected to the other element. An arcuate groove in the socket extends in a plane passing generally through the center of the ball and receives a piston which is pivotally connected to the adjacent side of the ball. An arcuate groove in the outer surface of the ball extends in a plane passing generally through the center of the ball and perpendicular to the groove in the socket and receives a piston which is pivotally connected to the adjacent portion of the housing. Fluid is introduced under pressure selectively into the arcuate grooves in the ball and the arcuate groove in the socket to impart relative movement between the ball and the housing.

Abstract: An oscillating fluid-driven actuator for a shaft, such as a ship rudder shaft, a butterfly valve spindle or the like. The actuator comprises (i) a stationary actuator housing defining an annular chamber coaxial with the shaft and having a suitable cross section, and (ii) an annular piston arranged coaxially with the shaft in the chamber and connected fixedly with the shaft by means of an arm mounted intermediate the ends of the annular piston by means of a central piston hub. The piston hub is made with a coaxial bearing surface or surfaces of convex spherical shape and the actuator housing has a central lower hollow hub defining an inner concave spherical bearing surface to support the piston hub by engagement with the spherical surface thereof. A corresponding concave spherical bearing surface is arranged in the upper portion of the housing to cooperate with the corresponding spherical surface of the upper portion of the hub.

Abstract: A two-stroke internal combustion engine which comprises two rocking pistons disposed on opposite sides of a separating element that separates two pump chambers from each other. The pump chambers are located on the back side of the rocking pistons, and a hollow rotary slide is mounted in the separating element to positively control the intake and precompression phases of the pump chambers.