Abstract: A side strut (5) for a lower steering arm (1) of a tractor has a single action hydraulic cylinder (9) whose piston (12) includes first attaching means (6) to be connected to the rear of the tractor. The strut (5) also has a telescopic unit (10) and a setting unit (11). The hydraulic cylinder (9), the telescopic unit (10) and the setting unit (11) are arranged, one behind the other on a longitudinal axis (20). The setting unit serves to achieve a categorical setting and the telescopic unit (10) serves to offset the change in the length of the side strut (5) when the lower steering arm is deflected sideways.

Abstract: A subsea actuator and method is disclosed that includes a removable monolithic cap/hydraulic chamber that seals the actuator housing top with seals placed around the monolithic cap, defines a straight hydraulic line and port for control line hydraulic fluid, and provides for fasteners to secure the top of the subsea actuator. The monolithic cap/hydraulic chamber is so limited in metal and machine time that it can be a throw-away maintenance item. A preferably cup-shaped spring lifter is provided in telescoping relationship to the hydraulic chamber. Several short hydraulic fluid passageways are provided in the bottom cup portion of the spring lifter to permit assist hydraulic control fluid into the hydraulic chamber below the piston. The driving stem provides a removable connection to the hydraulic piston from the top of the actuator housing and a quick disconnect permits disconnection of the driving stem from the valve stem.

Abstract: A modulator adjustment device (10) including a generally cylindrical body (36, 37) having cavities formed at opposite ends thereof and a dial wheel (32) extending radially outwardly and circumscribing the body, a rotatable coupling (48) disposed in the cavity at one end of the body for sealingly engaging the vacuum fitting (20) of a modulator or the like, and a tube fitting (38) rotatably disposed within the cavity (35) at the other end of the body and having a distal end to which a vacuum tube (12) may be coupled. Suitable means are provided along the axis of the body for drivably engaging the adjustment screw (22) of the modulator. In one embodiment, such means includes an appropriately configured opening (20) for receiving and mating with the drive screw (22), and in a second embodiment the means includes a spring loaded screwdriver device (84) for drivably engaging a slot or socket in the end of the adjustment screw.

Abstract: A drive unit is designed as a diaphragm drive with return springs for shifting an associated actuator, connected by a diaphragm plate and a driving diaphragm, into a safety position. The drive unit also includes actuating springs that are held in a compressed state by two nested sleeve-shaped counterbearings that are locked during normal operation and located coaxially with respect to the return springs. The lock is formed by a temperature-dependent joint.

Abstract: A liquid pump has a pump head, a head holder which can be assembled with the pump head and a housing connected to the head holder, providing an internal space which connects to a liquid flow route through the pump head. A plunger assembly is disposed inside this internal space, having a plunger rod which penetrates the head holder and reaches the flow route, and a male screw part. A cross head for driving the plunger assembly is also inside this internal space, and a return spring is supported between the head holder and this cross head so as to provide a biasing force thereto. The cross head has a female screw part which is engageable with the male screw part of the plunger assembly. The plunger assembly has a hexagonal flange to which a dedicated simple jig can be engaged to rotate the plunger assembly and to thereby engage or disengage them.

Abstract: An actuator for a turbocharger includes a housing having a chamber therein, a piston assembly having a rod and a piston secured to a rod for axial movement therewith, a spring operatively interposed between the piston and the housing for urging the piston upward within the chamber. A hollow retainer is mounted to the housing and extends into the chamber alongside the piston. The retainer has a housed portion having a generally cupped shape with a cavity therein for receiving a pressure signal from the turbocharger. The retainer has axially spaced first and second peripheral protrusions thereon. An O-ring mounts on the retainer between the first and second protrusions and in engagement with the retainer and piston simultaneously. The O-ring rolls between the first and second protrusions in response to the pressure signal and the resulting relative axial movement between the retainer and piston, thus decreasing hysteresis in the actuator.

Abstract: A high pressure fuel supply pump which is driven by a cam connected to an engine is composed of a cylinder, a plunger slidably disposed in the cylinder, a tappet linked to the cam, a coil spring biasing the tappet against the cam, a cylindrical guide for the tappet, a plate member in abutment with head portion of the plunger, and a plurality of balls disposed between the plate member and the tappet to be slidable in directions perpendicular to the reciprocating motion of the plunger. Each of the balls shares the stress applied from the tappet.

Abstract: The invention concerns a hydrostatic-mechanical gear for driving a mixed drum and, in particular, the drum of a concrete mixer vehicle. Cooling is provided for by the continuous removal of oil from a high pressure circuit, via a connecting pipe, and the constant feeding of the cooled oil, which has passed through an oil cooler, to the interior of a gear housing via a pipe. This pipe discharges into the interior of the gear housing immediately proximate a hydraulic motor. The oil then flows through the hydraulic motor, which is preferably a slow-speed radial piston motor, to reduce the noise generation of the hydraulic motor.

Abstract: An external slave cylinder particularly suited for use in a hydraulic clutch release system for a motor vehicle. The cylinder includes a cylindrical body defining a bore, a piston slidably mounted in the bore, a seal positioned between the piston and the bore, a pushrod engaging the rear end of the piston and extending out of the bore, and a preload spring. The spring comprises a conical coil spring positioned exteriorly of the bore, bearing at the reduced diameter rear end thereof against the rear end of the pushrod, and bearing at the large diameter front end thereof against the rear end of the body in surrounding relation to the pushrod. The seal has a cup-shaped configuration and fits over a nose portion provided on the front end of the piston. The seal includes a peripheral lip portion sealingly engaging the bore and a base portion closing the area within the peripheral lip portion and seated against the front end of the piston.

Abstract: A pressure actuated force transmitting cylinder includes a housing member having first and second elongated portions. An end cap closes one end of the housing in a fluid tight manner. A connection is formed through such first portion for communicating fluid to such cylinder. A clutch having a first clutch surface is disposed on such housing and a piston-like member is disposed for reciprocal movement in such housing. A seal disposed around a peripheral portion of such piston-like member provides a chamber to receive such fluid. An elongated rod-like member, having a threaded portion, is connected to such piston-like member. A threaded nut member is threadedly engaged with such threaded portion. A trigger mechanism is disposed around a portion of such rod-like member adjacent such nut member. A disc-like member is disposed around such trigger.

Abstract: A pneumatic spring brake is improved so as to be not only tamper proof but repairable as well. Such a brake is formed of a spring chamber head and adapter head, both of which define rigid mating rims that are disposed in mutual, longitudinal alignment and in face-to-face relationship. The rims compress the periphery of a spring brake diaphragm therebetween. The rim of one of the heads is fabricated with a plurality of lugs thereon separated from each other by circumferentially spaced gaps therebetween. The rim of the other of the spring brake heads is provided with a corresponding number of radially outwardly projecting flanges having widths smaller than the gaps between the lugs. The flanges project radially outwardly from the head on which they are formed and into channels formed in the lugs on the other head. The flanges are thereby held in registration with the lugs by the compression of the periphery of the spring brake diaphragm between the mating rims of the heads.

Abstract: A servo for operating a brake band in an automatic transmission includes a transmission casing defining a cylinder, a servo piston supported for displacement within the cylinder, a piston stem defining a locking shoulder, a compression spring fitted over the piston stem, and a spring retainer fitted over the piston stem of the spring defining a shoulder resiliently engaging the shoulder formed on the piston stem.

Abstract: A hydraulic time delay valve includes a hydraulic timer valve having a valve pressure port, a valve return port, a valve cylinder port and a porting device for porting hydraulic fluid from the valve pressure port to the valve cylinder port. A cylinder is coupled to the timer valve and has a cylinder return port and an opening port at the bottom. A piston in the cylinder is axially movable from a depressed position in which the piston blocks the opening of the cylinder to an extended position in which the piston frees the opening. A control applies hydraulic fluid under pressure to the opening. The control includes a fluid restricting device for restricting fluid flowing to the opening. Thus, hydraulic fluid applied under pressure to the valve pressure port depresses the piston to its depressed position and hydraulic fluid applied under pressure via the control is restricted by the fluid restricting device for a period of time determined by a desired time delay.

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: The invention relates to a vacuum-operated servo-brake comprising, in a casing consisting of a shell (10) and a cover (12), a piston (20) separating leaktightly two inner chambers (22, 24), a valve means controlled by a rod (32) projecting from the casing in order to ensure the operation of the servo-brake, and a prestressed spring (34) for returning the piston (20) to its rest position substantially abutting the cover (12), the spring (34) bearing on the shell (10). According to the invention, the spring (34) comprises a mechanism enabling its extension to be limited when the shell (10) and the cover (12) are not fixed to each other.

Abstract: A concentric hydraulic clutch actuator including a coil spring arranged to be stressed in response to expansion and contraction of the actuator and including end portions which are bent radially inwardly and coact with circumferentially spaced lugs on the cylinder and on the piston to preclude relative rotation between the piston and cylinder in either direction of relative rotation. Relative rotation in one direction is inhibited by contact of the bent portion with one of the lugs and relative rotation in the other direction is inhibited by abutting engagement of the end face of the bent portions with respective lugs.

Abstract: A master cylinder includes a second piston that is provided with a hollow portion. The hollow portion includes a yoke portion for receiving an end of the second return spring, a cylindrical portion having a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the second return spring, and a tapered portion located at the open end of the hollow portion. The second return spring is disposed within the yoke portion so that the second return spring is coaxially arranged with respect to the second piston. Thus, although the second return spring is capable of moving rapidly to and fro within the hollow portion, the construction of the second piston and the arrangement of the second return spring within the hollow portion of the second piston helps avoid interference between the second piston and the second return spring. Thus, unpleasant noise can be reduced or eliminated. Moreover, small particles that would normally result when the second return spring scratches the second piston are not as likely to arise.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tamper-resistant fluid-operated brake actuator having a power spring housed within a head or cap which is attached to a flange case having one or more diaphragms or pistons responsive to changes of fluid pressure within the brake actuator chambers. In one embodiment, the head is attached to the flange case by a substantially continuous curvilinear annular metal retaining member which must be inelastically deformed or destroyed in order to remove the head from the flange case, thus rendering tampering more difficult. In another embodiment, the annular metal retaining member of the present invention is integral with the actuator head and which is metal-spun or the like onto the flange case.

Abstract: A fluid cylinder mechanism couplable to a vehicle and having a piston slidable within the cylinder, a rod couplable to an implement and shiftable within an opening in the piston, the rod being adapted to shift vertically within the piston a an implement rides over ground undulations, and an abutment mechanism coupled to the rod for abutment with the piston when the piston shifts upwardly due to selective forcing of fluid into the rod end of the cylinder by the operator to transfer the weight of the implement to the vehicle or to lift the implement for transport.

Abstract: An air-operated combination diaphragm spring brake has a tamper-resistant clamp provided between a head (46) and a spring side of a flange case (18) which together form a spring chamber (16) housing a power spring (72). The head (46) has an annular rim (70), and the flange case has an annular flange (74) with a diaphragm (48) sandwiched therebetween in an interface (76). An annular retaining member (78) has a lip (86) which tightly captures a step (80) on the annular rim as the annular retaining member (78) is drawn over the interface (76) to form the tamper-resistant clamp.

Abstract: A vacuum brake power booster is presented in which the vacuum control valve (81) is arranged parallel to the master cylinder (55). The housing (92) of the booster is used as a carrier element for actuating members, such as the brake pedal (60, 8) and the clutch pedal (11) as well as for other elements. A twin master cylinder is employed. A short overall axial length and a space-saving design of the assembly as a whole, enabling efficient incorporation of the overall assembly at the assembly line of the vehicle manufacturer, are achieved by the selection and arrangement of the components of the brake power booster and of the master cylinder, as well as of the actuating members.

Abstract: A disk brake caliper comprises a cast body including an inboard support, an outboard support, and an open framework interconnecting both supports. The caliper body includes a cast brake cylinder closed at one end arranged inwardly of the framework and extending through the inboard support. The cylinder has a liner of elastomeric material bonded to its interior and yieldably receives a pressure piston of cylindrical shape. The method of forming a liner within the cylinder includes inserting a polished steel plug mold into the cylinder having a bore and an end wall which are coated with a bonding agent, uniformly spacing the plug mold from the cylinder bore and end wall, clamping the mold upon the cylinder, injecting uncured rubber through a passage in the mold and filling the space between the cylinder and the plug and curing the rubber until it adheres and is bonded to the cylinder.

Abstract: An assembly for moving objects by mechanical linkages has a power cylinder ith a shoulder at the juncture of a small bore and a large bore and with ports adjacent each end and one adjacent the shoulder. A shaft extends through the cylinder with a larger diameter portion in the smaller bore with a piston thereon sealing against the surface of the smaller bore. A second piston slidably seals on the small diameter of the shaft and against the larger bore, being biased towards the shoulder by a spring. A lost motion device on the end of the shaft projects outwardly of the smaller bore end of the power cylinder and has a housing with a chamber in which the end of the shaft is slidable against a spring which biases it outwardly of the housing.

Abstract: An improved master piston assembly for use in a compression release engine retarder. The improved master piston provides increased reliability and reduced manufacturing costs due to a reduction in complexity over the prior art, as well as a redesigned type of contact between the master piston and the associated push rod or rocker arm.

Abstract: An actuator includes an elastic member extensible in axial directions when a pressurized fluid is supplied into the elastic member, and guiding device arranged outwardly of the elastic member and permitting the elastic member to move in the axial directions, but restraining the elastic member from moving in directions intersecting the axial directions. As the actuator is of an air-bag type so that energy of the pressurized fluid can be converted into mechanical movement with high efficiency. The actuator moves only in axial directions without expanding in radial directions, so that the actuator takes up little space in operation.

Abstract: A low pressure air pump includes an outer flexible envelope which encloses an articulate frame. When the envelope is manually compressed against a smooth surface, an intake aperture on the bottom side of the envelope is sealed and air is forced out of the pump. When pressure is released from the pump, the frame returns the envelope to its uncompressed state and, in so doing, opens the intake aperture to take in more air.

Abstract: A piston sealing arrangement for pressure-fluid-operated systems is disposed in an annular recess of a piston (5) or an associated housing (4) and is composed of a sealing ring element (1A, 1B) as well as an elastic element (2, 3) acting on one side in opposition to the direction of the pressure force (A). Herein the elastic element is dimensioned such that the sealing ring element (1) moves against its elastic element (2, 3) at a pressure smaller than the force against which the piston (6) is moving and by which it is kept on its stop, a pressure-fluid film being formed as a result which safeguards a uniform initial movement of the piston to a largest possible degree.

Abstract: An actuator having a plurality of concentric cylinders with the inner and outer cylinders being adapted to connect to apparatus which must move relative to one another. Flexible sealing rings are positioned between adjacent cylinders and when the pressure within the cylinders is increased, the flexibility sealing rings will be forced against the action of a spring. When the pressure is relieved, the flexible sealing rings will return to their original position. In another mode of operation, if the pressure is further increased, instead of being relieved, normal operation of the actuator will take place.

Abstract: The positively acting mechanism comprises a jack (2) with a rod (10) connected, at one of its ends, to a member whose actuation or retention it ensures, and, at its other end, to a thrust piece (16), on which a spring (18) comes to bear, in order to actuate or retain the member. An axle (25) parallel to the rod (10) of the jack is rotatably mounted in a housing (14) fixed relative to the body (3) of the jack (2) and has a threaded part (26) in engagement with a nut (34) forming an engagement fork for the thrust piece (16) of the rod (10). The axle (25) has an end part (30) engaging with a tool allowing the axle (25) to be set in rotation remotely. It is thus possible, in the event of failure of the jack, to rotate the axle (25) and displace the rod (10) of the jack (2) in the direction of release of the mechanism.

Abstract: A device for translating linear to rotary motion comprising a housing member, a rack member disposed in the housing member for longitudinal movement therein and having a starting position, a shaft in the housing having a pinion thereon engaged by the rack, the shaft being journalled in the housing and being disposed generally perpendicular to movement of the rack member, the shaft extends outwardly of the housing and has a rotative driving member thereon, the rack member has a longitudinal opening therein at one end thereof receiving the cylinder of gas cylinder-piston assembly, the piston of the gas cylinder piston assembly engages an end wall of the housing whereby upon movement of the rack member the gas in the cylinder is compressed and energy is stored therein, a slave cylinder in the housing member is adapted to receive fluid under pressure from an external source, a floating piston in the slave cylinder is arranged to act upon and linearly drive the rack and thereby rotate the pinion, the shaft and the

Abstract: This hydraulic actuator has a drive volume (11) pressurized by extreme-pressure oil. The oil pressure is converted into a valve movement by a drive piston (10). A spring element acts upon the drive piston (10) in a manner opposing the oil pressure. The actuator is to be constructed such that extreme-pressure oil escaping from the drive volume (11) cannot cause any consequential damage. This is achieved in that the drive volume (11) is completely surrounded by a safety volume (3, 7) filled with low-pressure oil.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tamper-resistant fluid-operated brake actuator having a power spring housed within a head or cap which is attached to a flange case having one or more diaphragms or pistons responsive to changes of fluid pressure within the brake actuator chambers. In one embodiment, the head is attached to the flange case by a substantially continuous curvilinear annular metal retaining member which must be inelastically deformed or destroyed in order to remove the head from the flange case, thus rendering tampering more difficult. In another embodiment, the annular metal retaining member of the present invention is integral with the actuator head and which is metal-spun or the like onto the flange case.

Abstract: A magnetic disk brake retractor is described as having a magnet mounted in the housing of a hydraulic disk brake and adjustable in position relative to a brake piston. In one modification described, the magnet is in the form of permanent magnets. The brake housing is constructed of a non-ferrous substance to prevent degradation of the magnetic field. The magnet is used to exert a force upon the piston to urge the piston to retract when the brake pedal is released. The position of the magnet is adjustable within the brake housing chamber to vary the strength of the magnetic field acting upon the piston and to also mechanically limit the amount of retraction permitted for the piston.

Abstract: Hydraulic actuator comprises a piston-cylinder which has a fail-safe feature in the form of a lost motion coupling between the cylinder head and portions of the cylinder. The coupling comprises a constraining rod which is secured to the cylinder at the opposite end thereof from the cylinder head. The constraining rod extends into a bore in the piston rod and has a shoulder which is opposed to a shoulder on the piston. The amplitude of the lost motion is such that the coupling does not interfere with normal operation of the actuator but is effective in the event of failure of the cylinder or cylinder head. The lost motion coupling would prevent movement of any parts broken away by the fracture any significant distance from the remaining parts of the cylinder. An energy absorbing means is provided in the lost motion coupling. A second lost motion coupling is provided between the end of the cylinder and the external surface of the cylinder head.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a self-adjusting servo mechanism (10). The servo pin (30) presented from the servo mechanism (10) will protract sufficiently to effect operative engagement of a friction band assembly (13) with a rotating member (18) in a planetary gear set--even though the required axial displacement of the servo pin (30) during such protraction may exceed the axial displacement through which the servo pin (30) was previously retracted. The servo mechanism (10) is incorporated in a housing (20). The housing (20) presents a socket cavity (24) within which an actuating piston (33) is received for axial displacement.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a self-adjusting servo mechanism (10). That is, the servo pin (30) presented from the servo mechanism (10) will protract sufficiently to effect operative engagement of a friction band assembly (13) with a rotating member (18) in a planetary gear set--even though the required axial displacement of the servo pin (30) during such protraction may exceed the axial displacement available to the actuating piston (33). The servo mechanism (10) is incorporated in a housing (20). The housing (20) presents a socket cavity (24) within which an actuating piston (33) is received for axial displacement through a predetermined distance. The servo pin (30) is supported by the housing (20) for axial reciprocation, and a coupling means (35) is interposed between the servo pin (30) and the actuating piston (33) operatively to protract the servo pin (30) in response to displacement of the actuating piston (33).

Abstract: A piston and piston support rod assembly in which the piston is formed as a sheet metal stamping. A central sleeve is attached to the end wall of the stamped piston by a swaging operation performed on an annular section of the end wall. An undercut area of the sleeve defines a mandrel surface that effectively grips the end wall material deformed by the coining operation. A principal advantage of the new structure is a relatively low manufacturing cost.

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: A linear actuator with a pair of in-line piston-cylinder combinations, separated by a partition. The combinations are supplied from a common source of fluid under pressure through a single inlet port. A guide pin prevents the uppermost piston from cooking, and serves as an upper limit stop. The pistons are biased into abutment with one another.

Abstract: A fluid actuated cylinder assembly including a piston and piston rod and having a cylinder head capable of shifting in any direction throughout 360.degree. along a plane perpendicular to the long axis of the cylinder. The piston and piston rod are rockable throughout 360.degree., the piston maintaining a fluid tight seal with the cylinder at all times. The cylinder, piston rod and shiftable head are preferably made of acetal resin or equivalent thermoplastic material. The piston comprises a sleeve made of acetal resin or equivalent thermoplastic material mounted on the piston rod and having an integral enlarged flange portion with a peripheral surface carrying a seal maintaining a sealing engagement with the cylinder. Alternatively, the piston comprises a spherical rubber member mounted on the piston rod and making the seal with the cylinder. The cylinder assembly can be pneumatically or hydraulically actuated and may be of the single-acting or double-acting type.

Abstract: A valve for an automotive brake master cylinder piston is disposed at the end of forward stroke of the brake master cylinder piston in a passage defined along the axis of the master cylinder piston and communicating mutually an oil reservoir and an oil outlet, and is adapted to close and open the passage when abutting upon the departing from a side wall surface of the end of forward stoke of the master cylinder piston in accordance with a forward stroke motion and a return stroke motion of the master cylinder piston.

Abstract: A hydraulic booster in which the booster piston return spring is formed as a tubular conduit to conduct hydraulic supply pressure to a closed center valve. Upon actuation, the valve opens to permit supply pressure to flow into the power chamber and by valving action controls the exhaust of pressure from the power chamber so as to establish the desired actuating pressure therein. The tubular conduit forming the power piston return spring and transporting the supply pressure to the closed center valve permits a shorter overall axial length of the hydraulic booster by accommodating the movement of the supply pressure chamber at the closed center valve. It also permits less charged supply pressure leakage by accommodating a better pressure seal arrangement.

Abstract: A spring force actuator comprising a housing, an output member axially moveable in the housing, a spring captive between the member and the end wall of the housing. The actuator further comprises an axially located screw-threaded wind-off element operable to apply an opposing force to the spring between the output member and the end wall. The wind-off element is threadedly cooperable with a nut which is non-rotationally captive in an externally accessible recess of the end wall.

Abstract: The rotary actuator includes at least a precompressed spring assembly comprising a compression coil spring the ends of which are engaged by flanged cups adapted to limit the spring extension and carried slidably on a pin provided, at each end, with a circlip which prevents the cups from coming off the pin itself.

Abstract: A plastic pneumatic cylinder has a cylinder housing, a piston within the housing, and a rod on which the piston is mounted. The cylinder is molded of a plastic synthetic resin and has a cylindrical bore of a predetermined diameter. The piston is molded in one piece from plastic synthetic resin, such as Delrin, in the form of a generally cylindrical body and a generally cylindrical sealing lip surronding and spaced radially from the body to seal slidably against the bore. The lip is flared out somewhat to have an edge that is of a greater diameter than the bore. The piston can be formed in single-acting or double-acting configurations. A conical return spring can be employed.

Abstract: Service/emergency brake actuator mechanism for use with the air brake system of a wheeled vehicle. A plurality of breather holes or openings are provided in the housing section of the emergency brake actuator chamber that houses the emergency actuator spring to maintain the chamber at atmospheric pressure. The openings are arranged such that regardless of the orientation of the brake actuator mounted in the wheeled vehicle, one of those openings will be located in the upper hemisphere of the chamber housing and another opening will be located in the lower hemisphere of the chamber housing. A flow resistant plug member, adapted to fit into any of the openings, is provided to seal whichever opening is oriented in the upper hemisphere of the chamber housing. This arrangement minimizes the amount of dust and dirt particles that enter the chamber and, thus, keeps the chamber free of contamination that could hinder actuator performance.

Abstract: A reversible spring return cylinder actuator having a pair of piston rods extending from a common spring load piston to the exterior of the housing. In a non-pressure position of the piston, one of the piston rods extends further from the housing than the other. Either piston rod and either end of the housing can be mounted to a device to be actuated so that the same actuator can be used to define a non-pressure extend or retracted actuator without disassembly of the actuator.

Abstract: A self contained servo mechanism (10, 110) for actuating a friction band assembly (13) in a planetary gear set. The servo mechanism (10, 110) is contained within a housing (25, 125) which incorporates a piston chamber (32, 132). The housing (25, 125) is demountably secured within a socket cavity (21, 121) provided in the transmission case (11, 111). A piston means (40, 140) is slidably received within the chamber (32, 132), and the piston means (40, 140) is operatively secured to an actuating pin (55, 155) that is slidably received within a pilot bore (34, 134) which penetrates the housing (25, 125) and which is aligned with the piston chamber (32, 132). The actuating pin is, in turn, operatively connected to a friction band assembly (13) within the transmission case (11, 111).

Abstract: A valve positioning device capable of comparing the travel position of an output shaft of a diaphragm actuator or cylinder with the pressure level of a pneumatic input signal and further being capable of manipulating the pressure of a separate air signal piped to said diaphragm actuator or cylinder in order to correct any imbalance between said stem position and a given pneumatic signal level; wherein said valve positioning device is further capable of varying its dynamic response by built in adjustment means.

Abstract: An air brake includes a service brake chamber which actuates a push rod. A collet brake chamber is partially defined by a collet brake diaphragm. A locking collet is mounted to the collet brake diaphragm and includes a bore through which the push rod passes. A collet brake spring biases the collet into a tapered collet hole to clamp the collet onto the push rod to prevent the movement of the push rod toward the brake off position. Application of pressure to the collet brake chamber overcomes the force of the collet brake spring and moves the collet away from the tapered collet hole to allow the push rod to move freely. Excessive force on brake drums, caused by cooling and contracting brake drums while parked, can be reduced by permitting the collet and push rod therewith to deflect when such excessive force occurs.