With Toothed Gear, Spline Or Thread Rigid With Working Member Patents (Class 92/136)
  • Patent number: 7028602
    Abstract: The invention relates to a linear, hydraulic pivot drive, especially for the flap control system of aerodynamic structures. Said pivot drive comprises a housing provided with ports for introducing a hydraulic medium, a piston which is arranged inside the housing and can be axially displaced by the effect of the hydraulic medium, and an output shaft which is provided with coarse threads and interacts with the piston in order to cover the axial displacement of the piston into a rotational movement. The invention is characterized in that the output shaft is integrated into the piston, the coarse threads running in the same direction and engaging in the piston, and the cross-section of the piston has a spline profile for effectively preventing a rotational movement of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignees: EADS Deutschland GmbH, Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Ulf Breuer, Peter Jaenker, Thomas Lorkowski
  • Patent number: 7021196
    Abstract: The present invention comprises an improved steering rack in which sliding sleeves within the main cylinder allow a channel to be cut through the main cylinder to allow for passage of the stationary piston attachment pin without allowing hydraulic fluid to leak through the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Inventor: Mark L. Alderson
  • Patent number: 6910409
    Abstract: A rack and pinion type oscillating actuator includes a pair of parallel sliding holes formed in a body, rack members having racks slidably fitted in the pair of sliding holes, respectively, an output shaft having a pinion engaged with the racks is rotatably supported by bearings arranged in the body, and an output shaft is rotated by reciprocating of the rack members on the basis of supplying and discharging of compressed air. An end member closing one opening in the sliding hole is arranged in the body, a piston extending in an axial direction from the end member within the sliding hole is inserted in a closed-end cylindrical hole provided in the rack member so as to be relatively displaced in an axial direction, and a fluid passage, in which one end portion communicating with a pipe port provided in the end member and another end communicating with the closed-end cylindrical hole is provided in the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: NOK Corporation
    Inventor: Futoshi Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 6776083
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a diaphragm actuator for control valves, wherein the gear rack is arranged so that the points of contact of the gear rack/gear wheel system are situated on the straight line connecting the centers of the movable walls of the pressure spaces effecting the movement. Thereby, no torsion forces act on the diaphragm backing plates or on the diaphragms, but the forces effecting the movement of the reciprocating elements are substantially parallel with the path of motion and symmetrical. Additionally, the clearance between the gear rack and the gear wheel is substantially eliminated by means of a support roll with bearings. According to the invention, a lightly movable actuator is provided, in which the delays caused by clearances or wall friction of the cylinder-piston arrangement are substantially eliminated. The actuator can be implemented either as double-acting or single-acting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Metso Automation Oy
    Inventors: Jarmo Helasuo, Esko Yli-Koski
  • Publication number: 20040134346
    Abstract: A rotary actuator includes a tube having first and second hydraulic ports formed separated a predetermined distance from each other and through which oil enters and is exhausted and at least two tube through holes penetrating a side surface of the tube, an end cap coupled to the tube and having a first flange fixed to a predetermined first platform, an axle rod including a second flange portion disposed at one side of the tube and fixed to a predetermined second platform to be rotated, a slant groove rod disposed in one portion of the tube and having at least two first slant grooves formed inclined on an outer circumferential surface, and an axle rod disposed in the other portion of the tube and sliding coupled to the end cap, a piston including a piston head disposed between the tube and the axle rod and a slant groove body disposed between the tube and the slant groove rod, wherein at least two second slant grooves are formed on an outer circumferential surface of the slant groove body to be opposite to the
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Applicant: Dongyang Mechatronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae Gyun Lee, Ja Bong Jin
  • Publication number: 20040123733
    Abstract: To make its size smaller and its weight lighter a rack and pinion type oscillating actuator (1) is structured such that a pair of parallel sliding holes (3) are formed in a body (2), rack members (4) having racks (5) are slidably fitted in a pair of sliding holes (3), respectively, an output shaft (15) having a pinion (16) engaged with the racks (5) is rotatably supported b bearings (17) arranged in the body (2), and the output shaft (15) is rotated by reciprocating of the rack members (4) on the basis of supplying and discharging of compressed air, wherein an end member (7) closing one of openings in the sliding hole (3) is arranged in the body (2), a piston (8) extending in an axial direction from the end member (7) within the sliding hole (3) is inserted to a closed-end cylindrical hole (6) provided in the rack member (4) so as to be relatively displaced in an axial direction, and a fluid passage (12), in which one end portion communicates with a pipe port (11) provided in the end member (7) and another en
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: Futoshi Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 6749408
    Abstract: A piston pump assembly having a single drive gear assembly associated with two adjacent pump cylinders. Each pump cylinder has a separate valve unit associated therewith. The two pump cylinders have a common piston rod having a pump piston arranged at each end. The piston pod is formed as a toothed rack and the drive gear assembly includes motor-driven gearwheels engaged with the toothed rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Engineering & Drilling Machinery AS
    Inventor: Bjorn Eilertsen
  • Patent number: 6708489
    Abstract: A double-acting, piston driven actuator for providing a double action rotary powered output, having a stepped bore housing a double acting piston having a larger diameter end and a smaller diameter end therein; a three way valve selectively to supply pressurized fluid to the larger end the pressurized fluid continuously supplying the pressurized fluid to the smaller diameter portion of the bore. An optional safety mechanism having a spring biased second piston for biasing the double acting piston to a safe position upon failure of the pressurized fluid delivery system is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Parker & Harper Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Massey, David Holloway
  • Patent number: 6679057
    Abstract: A turbocharger comprises a center housing, and a shaft positioned therein having a first end and a second end. A turbine housing is attached to one side of the center housing and has a turbine wheel disposed therein that is coupled to the first end of the shaft. A first variable geometry member is disposed within the turbine housing between an exhaust gas inlet and the turbine wheel. A compressor housing is attached to another side of the center housing opposite the turbine housing, and includes a compressor impeller disposed therein. The compressor impeller is coupled to the second end of the shaft. A second variable geometry member is disposed within the compressor housing, and is interposed between an air outlet and the compressor impeller. An actuator assembly is disposed within the turbocharger and is connected to both of the variable geometry members to provide simultaneous actuation of the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Honeywell-International Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Don Arnold
  • Patent number: 6668988
    Abstract: A buffering mechanism comprises a block member which is installed detachably in an actuator body, a piston which compresses air in a compressing chamber when a movable element abuts against the piston, and a check valve and a variable throttle valve which are provided in a passage for communication between the compressing chamber and the outside of the actuator body and which adjust a flow rate of the air discharged to the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shigekazu Nagai, Akio Saitoh, Hiroshi Yumiba
  • Patent number: 6666129
    Abstract: The invention relates to an operating device for a rotatable closing element of a valve such that, a desired angle of rotation can easily be set and maintained. This is achieved in that two guide grooves (2f), which are incorporated diametrically opposite each other, are bounded on all sides by a piston shank (2b), in that their respective courses are precisely or more or less symmetrical at all points, in that in each instance the courses have, in relation to the axis of the piston (2), a greater pitch angle in a central portion (angle b) than in their two portions on the end side (angle a) (a>b), and in that the stroke of the piston (2) is limited on one side by application of the front-end piston shank (2b) to the cover element (4) and on the other side by application of a piston base (2a) to a stop element (9; 20; 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Tuchenhagen GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Schmid, Martin Sauer, Holger Wengert, Willi Wiedenmann
  • Patent number: 6640689
    Abstract: In air flow paths of a swinging apparatus in which racks are respectively provided to pistons of a pair for swinging in cylinder bores of a pair disposed in parallel in a casing, a pinion is engaged with the racks, and the pistons of the pair are synchronously driven in opposite directions to each other by synchronously supplying and discharging pressure air to and from opposite ends to each other of the pistons of the pair, the air flow paths for supplying and discharging the pressure air to and from opposite ends to each other of the pistons of the pair are formed between a bottom of the casing and a flow path forming member mounted to the bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Kaichiro Mitsui, Mitsunori Magaribuchi, Naoki Hama
  • Patent number: 6637314
    Abstract: An air is evacuated from a chamber of a bellows by a vacuum pressure supply source connected to a vacuum port of an attachment plate. The vacuum pressure in a vacuum chamber is thus balanced with the vacuum pressure in the chamber of the bellows. Consequently, the bellows is prevented from expanding by balancing the respective vacuum pressures in the chamber of the bellows and in the vacuum chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shigekazu Nagai, Akio Saitoh, Masaki Miyahara
  • Patent number: 6626055
    Abstract: A rack and a pinion respectively have stoppers constituted by a flat surface in both sides of tooth portions thereof. The stopper of the pinion is brought into contact with the stopper of the rack at both oscillating stroke ends of the rack, whereby a backlash is absorbed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventor: Mitsunori Magaribuchi
  • Publication number: 20030140784
    Abstract: Method and arrangement for fixing a piston (1), or a piston rod attachment, to a piston rod (5), one of the piston (1) and the piston rod (5) having a hole (2) running in its axial direction, and the other of these having a portion designed for being received by the hole (2) for connection of the piston (1) and the piston rod (5). The device includes an elongate locking means (10), at least one first opening (8a, 8b) in the piston and at least one second opening (9) in the piston rod (5), which openings (8a, 8b, 9) in the piston rod (5), which openings (8a, 8b, 9) extend in a different direction from the axial direction and are designed for receiving the locking means (10) for the purpose of bringing about the fixing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Applicant: VOLVO WHEEL LOADERS AB
    Inventor: Jan-Ove Schollin
  • Publication number: 20030061933
    Abstract: An actuator assembly for a vehicle brake system or clutch pack comprises a motor shaft having a first tapered cutout, and a ballscrew shaft having a second tapered cutout. The first and second tapered cutouts being adapted to mate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Applicant: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: John B. Hageman, Ernest R. Siler, Paul Rymoff, Ernst S. Baumgartner, Harald Klode
  • Patent number: 6510780
    Abstract: A reversibly actuatable fluid hydraulic pump is described for use in a hydraulically driven elevator. The pump comprises a cylinder and a piston linearly actuatable within the cylinder by a ball screw race disposed over a spindle and connected to the piston. The shaft of the piston is hollow to receive the spindle as the piston is drawn along by virtue of the motion of the race along the spindle, and seals are provided at the free end of the piston which sealingly engage against the walls of the cylinder, and on the cylinder which sealingly engage with the shaft of the piston. A further feature of the invention is the provision of a compressible gas between the end of the cylinder and the end of the piston so that the expansion thereof reduces the work required to move the piston out of the cylinder, whereas when the system is relaxing, the compressible gas provides extra resistance and thus a smoother motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Lomaxmain Limited
    Inventors: Bruce Eden, David Mantle, David Williams, Paul Britton
  • Patent number: 6453795
    Abstract: A spring-actuated output drive device is used for example in medical aerosol therapy for a miniaturised high-pressure producing device for atomising a small dose of a liquid medicament. A locking-stressing-mechanism for such an output d rive device is to be stressed with the application of a relatively small amount of force and is to be released with one hand and is to operate reliably over a prolonged period of time. The locking-stressing-mechanism comprises a force step-up transmission, for example a screw thrust transmission for stressing the spring, an annularly arranged locking member with engaging locking surfaces, two abutments for limiting the travel of the spring and a release button. It is compact, economical to produce, easy to assemble and comprises components with a low rate of wear. It can be reliably and easily handled by unskilled persons, even when high spring forces are involved. A medicament to be atomised can thus be metered with a very high degree of accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Eicher, Michael Schyra, Richard Forster
  • Patent number: 6446436
    Abstract: A master cylinder for use in the power train of a motor vehicle to actuate the brakes or the friction clutch is designed to avoid the generation of screeching noise and/or the transmission of stray movements to the piston rod in response to shifting of the piston relative to the housing and relative to the sealing element(s) between the piston and the housing. This can be accomplished by causing the piston to turn relative to the housing and the sealing element(s) during axial movement in the housing and/or by installing one or more dampers between the piston and the housing and/or between the piston and the piston rod. The dampers can constitute separately produced parts and/or specially configured and/or finished surfaces provided on the piston and contacting the housing and/or the sealing element(s). The invention also relates to improvements in the configuration and/or the material(s) of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau GmbH
    Inventors: Ludwig Winkelmann, Rainer Venz, Ulrich Helfmeier, Dieter Adler, Uwe Stratil, Thomas Bertelshofer, Karl-Ludwig Grell, Harald Peschke, Roland Welter
  • Patent number: 6439104
    Abstract: The present invention aims at providing a small size air pump which has a simple structure and is less likely to incur restrictions on its space for installation and accommodation. The present invention provides a small size air pump 1 in which a motor 4 is driven to actuate a pump section 3, so as to carry out a predetermined aspirating operation; the air pump 1 comprising a worm gear 15 disposed at an output shaft 4a of the motor 4; a worm wheel 16, disposed between the motor 4 and the pump section 3, meshing with the worm gear 15; a smaller gear 18 disposed coaxial with the worm wheel 16; a larger gear 20, disposed at a position held between the motor 4 and the pump section 3, meshing with the smaller gear 18; and an actuator element 21 having one end pivotally connected to a periphery of a flat part 20a of the larger gear 20 and the other end connected to an end part of a piston 5 of the pump section 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Nidec Copal Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihide Tonogai, Shin Odajima, Masaaki Takagi
  • Patent number: 6431048
    Abstract: An output shaft is connected to a piston rod of a fluid pressure-driven linear cylinder through a converting mechanism for converting linear thrust of the piston rod into rotational torque and converting operation of the converting mechanism is controlled by operation setting means having a cam groove and a cam follower to thereby causing the output shaft to carry out linear motion and swinging rotation. A driving speed of the piston can be changed by adjusting fluid pressure acting on the piston in a linear motion area and a swinging area of the output shaft respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Kenji Koiwa, Kaichiro Mitsui
  • Publication number: 20020098080
    Abstract: A shaft seal for use with a unison ring actuator crank is disposed within a center or bearing housing of a variable nozzle turbocharger to reduce leakage of hot exhaust gas from an adjacent turbine housing. A seal ring is disposed within the turbine housing backing plate which has two differently sized diameter sections. The seal ring is positioned within a relatively larger diameter opening section and has an inside diameter sized to permit independent rotation around the shaft and an outside diameter sized to cover a relatively smaller diameter opening section. A relieved back surface directed towards the center housing such as a conical back surface that is tapered axially inwardly moving radially from the outside diameter to the inside diameter of the seal ring provides the desired sealing while not adding to the operating friction of the crank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventor: Steven Don Arnold
  • Patent number: 6397722
    Abstract: A pressure fluid driven piston and cylinder engine capable of providing high torque output at any engine speed for direct connection to a vehicle or machine to be driven. The engine may be used for any purpose, but is especially advantageous for powering an automotive vehicle. The engine does not require a transmission due to its ability to provide, in itself, a high torque at any engine speed and the ability to provide forward and reverse drive and neutral and park functions. The engine has at least a pair of piston and cylinder power units with pistons which move in an opposing manner to transmit power from elongate gear racks, respectively, on the piston rods to an outer pinion gear portion of respective conventional roller clutches. The roller clutches, in turn, change the reciprocating movement of the power units into unidirectional rotation of the drive shaft. Constant leverage is exerted by the pistons on the drive shaft throughout their power strokes by use of this gear and rack arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventor: George D. Eddington
  • Patent number: 6363833
    Abstract: A hydraulic power assist steering system (10) for a vehicle having steerable wheels comprises a housing (14) and a rack (16). The system also comprises a fluid motor (20) for moving the rack (16). The fluid motor (20) includes a piston (10) fixedly connected to the rack (16) and a pump (36). The piston (10) has first and second opposite end faces (82, 84) against which hydraulic fluid is directed by the pump (36) to effect movement of the piston (10), and thereby the rack (16), relative to the housing (14). The piston (10) has a wall (60) including a first end portion (64) connected with the rack (16) at a first axial location along the rack, a second end portion (66) connected with the rack at a second axial location along the rack, and a central portion (62) extending between and interconnecting the first and second end portions of the wall. The central portion (62) of the wall (60) has an outer peripheral groove (70) for receiving a seal ring (86) for engagement with the housing (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventor: Richard A. Stoll
  • Patent number: 6349628
    Abstract: Helical thruster having a housing, a piston movable axially within the housing between retracted and extended positions, and an output member rotatively mounted on the housing. Pressurized fluid is applied to the piston to drive the piston from the retracted position toward the extended position, and the output member rotates as the piston travels toward the extended position. In one disclosed embodiment, the piston is non-rotating, and a helical driving connection between the piston and the output member imparts rotation to the output member as the piston travels toward the extended position. In another disclosed embodiment, the piston rotates as it travels toward the extended position, and the output member rotates with the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Universal Propulsion Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Clinton B. Heineken
  • Patent number: 6347782
    Abstract: An axial actuator for actuating a valve by rotating the shaft of the valve includes an outer enclosure forming an interior space having an inner enclosure therein. A piston is linearly moveable within the interior space of the outer housing to divide such interior space into two chambers, one of which includes the inner enclosure. A rotation device is positioned at least partially within the inner enclosure and is interconnected with the piston for rotating the valve shaft in response to linear movement of the piston. The rotation device preferably includes a rotation bevel gear having a hub adapted to receive the valve shaft to be rotated and compound pinion gears each with a bevel pinion gear which mates with the rotation bevel gear and a spur pinion gear which mates with racks which extend from the piston. Movement of the piston causes movement of the racks which rotate the compound pinion gears. This, in turn, rotates the rotation pinion gear and the valve shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Inventor: Ajit Singh Gill
  • Publication number: 20010018859
    Abstract: An output shaft is connected to a piston rod of a fluid pressure-driven linear cylinder through a converting mechanism for converting linear thrust of the piston rod into rotational torque and converting operation of the converting mechanism is controlled by operation setting means having a cam groove and a cam follower to thereby causing the output shaft to carry out linear motion and swinging rotation. A driving speed of the piston can be changed by adjusting fluid pressure acting on the piston in a linear motion area and a swinging area of the output shaft respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Applicant: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Kenji Koiwa, Kaichiro Mitsui
  • Patent number: 6269642
    Abstract: A variable geometry turbocharger employs multiple vanes in the turbine inlet with a unison ring and integral cast wall in the turbine housing forming the nozzle walls. The unison ring incorporates actuation slots receiving tabs on the vanes for opening the closing the nozzle area upon rotation of the unison ring. An integral electrohydraulic actuator rotates the unison ring through a rack and pinion driven crank shaft with direct position feedback to the spring biased variable current solenoid via a cam on the crank shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: AlliedSignal Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Don Arnold, Steven P. Martin, Kevin Slupski, Voytek Kanigowski
  • Patent number: 6247390
    Abstract: A rotary actuator that can be used in conjunction with drive stabilizers for motor vehicles. The rotary actuator includes an outer body forming a gas-tight connection for a first element capable of being turned opposite from a second element, and an inner body coaxial with the outer body and covered by the outer body axially over a full length of the inner body. The inner body and the outer body define an annular space and turn axially in opposite directions, the inner body forming a gas-tight connection for a second element. A sleeve is disposed in the annular space and includes an annular piston and a bushing axially connected to the annular piston, the annular piston moving on cylindrical surfaces of the inner body and the outer body. The annular piston defines two working chambers capable of being acted upon by pressure. The bushing includes oppositely-angles helical teeth on a radially inner on radial inner and outer sides which engage on the inner body and the outer body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Werner Busch, Jörg Rösener, Wolfgang Speier, Thomas Szell
  • Patent number: 6231027
    Abstract: A high torque rotating actuator is disclosed. The high torque rotating actuator has a variable helix angle that allows the actuator to generate greater torque near the end of its travel when it is needed to close a valve or operate a choke. The high torque rotating actuator is designed for use with valves and chokes. In a second embodiment, a high torque rotating actuator is configured to give a shorter overall assembly. As in the preferred embodiment, a variable helix angle is used to generate greater torque near the end of its travel when it is needed to close a valve or operate a choke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Cooper Cameron Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald S. Baker, David Garnham, Brian Hart, Danny K. Wolff
  • Patent number: 6230492
    Abstract: An electrically actuated hydraulic power cylinder for use in a vehicle braking system. The power cylinder includes an electric motor, a rotary-to-linear actuator for converting rotary motion of the electric motor to a linear motion, and a hydraulic cylinder. In a preferred embodiment, the rotary-to-linear actuator is a roller screw assembly. The roller screw assembly converts rotational motion generated by the motor into axial movement of a piston which is disposed within the hydraulic cylinder. The movement of the piston pressurizes a volume of fluid. The pressurized fluid flows through an outlet port connected to either a single wheel brake cylinder or a plurality of wheel brake cylinders, thereby actuating the associated wheel cylinder. In a specific embodiment of the invention, the roller screw assembly is incorporated into the internal structure of the motor for compactness and weight reduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Kelsey-Hayes Company
    Inventors: Andrew W. Kingston, Salvatore Oliveri, Robert L. Ferger, Thomas Weigert
  • Patent number: 6212889
    Abstract: A axial to rotational motion actuator employs two sets of engaged helical splines on rotational collars provides a large degree of rotary actuation from a relatively short axial stroke to provides efficient non-binding and reduced effort actuator operation. This improved actuation movement makes the actuator assembly both more responsive to a hydraulic activating means, i.e., oil pressure, and enables packaging the actuator assembly in a compact size to optimize available space around a turbocharger and inside of an engine compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: AlliedSignal Inc.
    Inventor: Steven P. Martin
  • Patent number: 6209443
    Abstract: The device comprises an elongated elastomer tube, sealed tightly by clamps at each end against disk shaped end pieces, the one end disk fixed and the other sliding, axially to the other disk, on restraining rods. An orifice in the fixed disk permits the injection of pneumatic pressure causing the expansion of the elastomer tube. Surrounding the elastomer tube is a restraining tube of woven fabric or other material which will not expand radially. The second tube is also affixed to each end disk by the clamps and has sufficient length to reach between the two disks when the disks are at their farthest distance from each other. When the disks are not fully distanced from each other, the outer tube crumples axially but not radially. Action commences when the disks are closest to each other. Controlled pneumatic pressure injected through the orifice causes expansion of the elastomer tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Hiflex Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Jose Perez
  • Patent number: 6176147
    Abstract: In the power steering apparatus, a casing comprises integrated separate sections of a valve casing in which a control valve is incorporated, a cylinder tube of a power cylinder, and a gear casing in which a steering gear is incorporated. In the cylinder tube are formed a pair of supply/discharge passages, which are parallel to the axial direction of the cylinder tube, and through which hydraulic fluid flows into/from the power cylinder. In the gear casing are formed, by casting, a pair of pipes which communicate with a pair of supply/discharge passages. In the valve casing are formed a pair of supply/discharge ports which communicate with the pair of pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: TRW Steering Systems Japan Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Keita Ozeki
  • Patent number: 6170384
    Abstract: A fluid power rotary drive device, which possesses two oppositely moving drive pistons and an output drive part in mesh with the same. With the aid of a position presetting means it is possible to preset an intermediate position of the output drive part. For this purpose an abutment unit is provided, which has two abutment parts arranged as an axial extension of the two drive pistons. The abutment unit is able to be moved relatively to the drive piston into a positioning setting, in which the two abutment parts are both in engagement with the respectively associated drive piston, something which corresponds to the desired intermediate position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Festo AG & Co.
    Inventors: Kurt Stoll, Albrecht Wagner, Dietmar Pfeiffer
  • Patent number: 6139288
    Abstract: The present invention provides a high pressure pump (1), which comprises an electric motor (2) having a through-hole in axial direction on a rotation shaft (5), a thrust transmission shaft (8) engaged with threads of a rotation nut (6) operated by rotation of the motor, passing through the through-hole and performing linear reciprocal movement, plungers (9a, 9b) performing reciprocal movement in cylinders and connected to at least one end of the thrust transmission shaft (8), and a stress-strain sensor (16) provided on at least one of the plunger or the thrust transmission shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Karasawa Fine Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yukihiko Karasawa
  • Patent number: 6129003
    Abstract: A rotation-preventing mechanism for regulating the free rotation of an outer piston in a boosting cylinder apparatus is composed of at least one engaged groove formed in the inner surface of a cylinder tube integrally with the cylinder hole and at least one engaging member that is mounted on the outer circumference of the outer piston and fitted in the engaged groove in such a way as to be moved along the engaged groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshi Udagawa
  • Patent number: 6116139
    Abstract: A combination drive and method for applying power through a piston rod (A) operated by an air cylinder (B) is controlled by an elongated self-locking threaded drive member (C) rotated by an electric motor (D) for affording positioning and velocity control for the air operated cylinder and the guided piston rod which stops and is positively positioned upon cessation of operation of the electric motor. Control apparatus includes a valve housing (35) positioning a spool (40) fixed on one end to the elongated threaded drive member (C), and an assembly (45) for moving the spool axially in respect to the electric motor (D) through an axially compliant coupling (50) so that by controlling the motor the valve is thereby controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Compact Air Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence F. Yuda, Jr., Prasad Balakrishnan, Edward Camp Tibbals, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6102828
    Abstract: An electrohydraulic control unit for operating an actuator of a hydraulically controllable device is disclosed. The electrohydraulic control unit comprises a housing including a chamber for hydraulic fluid. The housing is coupled to the actuator such that a path for fluid communication between the chamber and the actuator is created. Disposed within the chamber is a piston for regulating the flow of the hydraulic fluid between the chamber and the actuator. An electric motor is securably attached to the housing. The electric motor includes a selectively rotatable shaft. The electrohydraulic control unit also comprises a converter configured to transform the rotational motion of the shaft to translational motion of the piston, thereby controlling the actuation of the hydraulically controllable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Roy MacKenzie
  • Patent number: 6098517
    Abstract: A rotary linear unit possesses a rotary drive and a linear drive. A bearing rod is connected with the drive shaft of the rotary drive, such bearing rod extending coaxially into the output drive unit of the linear drive. On the bearing rod a bearing sleeve is mounted so that it may not rotate while being axially displaceable, such sleeve being fixedly connected with the piston of the linear drive. The piston is divided into two axially sequential piston parts, between which the bearing sleeve is located, which extends into facing receiving recesses in the piston parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Festo AG & Co
    Inventors: Gerhard Thorwart, Albrecht Wagner
  • Patent number: 6085633
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for modulation of servo pressure in a steering gear (1) comprising an input shaft (2) which is attached to a rack (4; 4'), a servo mechanism (9-17) for supply of power to the rack (4; 4') and comprising a box (8; 8) with a first channel (18, 20, 21) and a second channel (19) for the supply and return, respectively, of servo medium, and a connection channel (22; 29, 30) between the first and the second channel (18, 20, 21, 19). The invention further comprises means (28; 36) for detecting whether the rack (4; 4') is in a predetermined position, and a valve member (23; 31) for opening the connection channel (22; 29, 30) when said position is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: AB Volvo
    Inventor: Lars Markstrom
  • Patent number: 6070513
    Abstract: A load transfer device for use with tandem mounted actuators. The load transfer device includes an actuator coupling assembly and a ground connection assembly. The actuator coupling assembly connects the first actuator to the second actuator and includes a movement apparatus. The movement apparatus is configured to allow the housing of the first actuator to move relative to the housing of the second actuator. The ground connection assembly is associated with the actuator coupling assembly and movably connects the first and second actuators to a rigid support structure. During a load transfer operation, the actuator coupling assembly transfers an unequal load from the first actuator to the second actuator. In particular, the movement apparatus allows the first actuator to move relative to the second actuator. Further, the actuator coupling assembly is configured to transpose movement of the first actuator into a forced, reciprocal movement of the second actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel L. MacDonald
  • Patent number: 6047546
    Abstract: For an automatic hydraulic pressure generator in which a hydraulic master cylinder driven by a computer-controlled motor lets in or takes out a friction clutch, an operation device is provided that can make the piston rod of the hydraulic master cylinder operate at high torque and at high speed and further that is advantageous in durability of its conversion mechanism from rotary motion to linear motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Aichi Kikai Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Eiji Takeyama
  • Patent number: 6041804
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventor: Vijay R. Chatufale
  • Patent number: 6019026
    Abstract: A self-centering motor (16) includes a piston (130) which is disposed in a housing (112) and is movable in opposite directions from a centered condition. A pair of centering members (160 and 162) are disposed in the housing (112) to effect movement between the piston (130) and the housing toward the centered condition upon the occurrence of a predetermined condition, such as failure of a pump (44) to supply fluid under pressure. The members (160 and 162) which effect movement of the piston (130) to the centered condition are normally disposed in an overlapping relationship which enables the motor (16) to have a compact construction. In one embodiment of the invention, the members (160 and 162) which effect movement between the piston (130) and the housing (112) toward the centered condition include an inner centering member (162) and a cylindrical outer centering member (160) which extends around the inner centering member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel E. Williams, Jonathan A. Lewis
  • Patent number: 6003431
    Abstract: A rotary actuator including a housing provided with a fluid actuated drive assembly operatively connected to a rotary plate arranged to effect the drive thereof, wherein the housing and the rotary plate are provided with complementary cooperating stop abutment and groove or track for limiting the angular rotation of the rotary plate in either the clockwise or counterclockwise rotation. An adjustment is provided to adjust the angular rotation of the rotary plate. Also provided is a control or adjustment for independently regulating the speed of rotation of the rotary plate either in the clockwise or counterclockwise rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Inventor: Millo Bertini
  • Patent number: 5960693
    Abstract: Control apparatus and method for applying power to a linear actuator (A) utilizes an air cylinder (B) and a self-locking drive (C) rotated by an electric motor (D) for affording positioning and velocity control for the air operated cylinder and the guided linear actuator which stops and is positively positioned upon cessation of rotation of the drive by the electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Compact Air Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence F. Yuda, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5957026
    Abstract: A motor vehicle steering apparatus contains a user-operated steering angle input system with corresponding steering shaft as well as a piston-and-cylinder unit for coupling a steering angle setting system to the steering angle input system. The hydraulic unit comprises a piston-and-cylinder unit which is disposed with its longitudinal axis running transversely of the steering shaft, and its axially moving piston is coupled mechanically with the rotatory steering shaft and divides the cylinder into two working chambers. The two cylinder halves forming working chambers are disposed on opposite sides of the steering shaft. The piston is configured as a dual piston and is coupled to the steering shaft by a coupling section lying between its ends defining the working chambers. Thereby, a steering apparatus with a compact hydraulic coupling between the steering angle input system and the steering angle setting system is provided, with the ability to rotate the steering angle input system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Daimler-Benz AG
    Inventors: Hubert Bohner, Martin Moser
  • Patent number: 5896804
    Abstract: A compact syringe pump having a high quantitative accuracy and a high durability is provided. The syringe pump comprises a motor, a rotating cylinder, a moving element, a guide means for introducing the moving element in an axial direction of the rotating cylinder, a piston rod disposed on the moving element and a cylinder within which the piston rod moves, wherein the guide means comprises a guide pin extending through the moving element in the axial direction of the rotating cylinder and a pair of upper supporting member and lower supporting member for supporting both ends of the guide pin so that the guide pin becomes in parallel to the axial direction of the rotating cylinder, the upper supporting member rotatably supports the rotating cylinder at an upper end portion of the rotating cylinder and the lower supporting member rotatably supports the rotating cylinder at an upper surface portion of the bottom portion of the rotating cylinder, thereby preventing the rotating cylinder from swinging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Toa Medical Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Rokusaburo Kimura, Nobuhiro Kitagawa
  • Patent number: 5876189
    Abstract: A metering device for the precision feeding of a liquid, such as, for example, an oil lubricant. The device has a fluid supply chamber with a working medium such as oil and which in turn is in open communication with a metering chamber also containing the medium fluid. A fluid pumping piston passes through the supply chamber and then into the metering chamber. Upon entering the metering chamber, the pumping piston passes through an annular flexible seal of generally U-shaped cross section that has a pair of axially extending lips which act, respectively, along the piston and the metering chamber to thereby form a one-way valve therebetween. The piston forces the fluid out of the metering chamber and the volume displaced by the piston can be adjusted by adjusting the axial position of the metering chamber and thereby vary the extent to which the pumping piston enters the metering chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Lube Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Gus J. Lukas, Richard E. Berrend