Abstract: A rack-and-pinion steering gear structure for a vehicle including a rack housed within a cylinder driven by means of a pinion shaft, comprising: a bolt having a threaded portion screwed in a threaded hole formed in one end face of the rack and a shoulder linked integrally with the threaded portion and smaller in diameter than the rack but greater in diameter than the threaded portion; and a piston housed within a groove formed by the shoulder of the bolt, the seating surface of the bolt head, and the end face of the rack, with clearances with respect to the groove in the axial and radial directions.

Abstract: The actuator has a plurality of springs in a circular array, for effecting return movement of two pistons slidable in a bore in the actuator body and each having a rack portion meshing with a pinion on an output shaft extending perpendicularly of the axis of the bore, the springs being each arranged in individual seatings defined by blind holes in the pistons and a circular array of through holes in apertured disc members, and being maintained in position by means of a respective flanged apertured spring guide carrying an end cap adjustably held on to the spring guide by a hollow screw with an internal threaded through hole therein a threaded rod is engaged effective to act as a piston stroke limit member.

Abstract: A fluid-pressure operated actuator comprises a housing, at least one piston reciprocable in the housing, a rotatable output shaft having a portion thereof within the housing, means operatively connecting the piston and the output shaft, and stop means mounted on the housing and engageable with the shaft portion for limiting rotary movement of the shaft.

Abstract: An electronically controlled, pneumatically actuated pumping system is provided that is especially designed for the precision dispensing of liquids. The system includes a positively actuated inlet valve, and a small-diameter, long-stroke pumping piston that is physically stopped at each end of its stroke. The unique inlet valve and piston enable the system to repetitively dispense metered volumes of fluid at better than one tenth of one percent accuracy. A unique calibration mechanism and detachable dispensing head allow for the rapid disassembly, cleaning, and reassembly of the system. An alternative embodiment of the pumping system incorporates a plurality of dispensing nozzles controlled by a single inlet valve and pumping piston combination. The dispensing unit may be shiftably mounted on a vertically oriented stand, and may be automatically shifted upwardly as fluid is dispensed to minimize splashing and atomizing of the dispensed fluid.

Abstract: An actuating device operated by a pressure medium, such as compressed air, acting within a housing, can be secured to a valve by a mounting member attached to the valve. The actuating device includes a first piston guided in a cylinder part positioned on one side of the center part of the housing. A toothed rack is attached to the first piston and is in meshed engagement with a pinion shaft located within the center part of the housing. The pinion shaft is connected by a coupling part to the valve shaft. The same actuating device can be used for a larger valve by placing a second piston in another cylinder part on the opposite side of the center part from the first piston with a toothed rack attached to the second piston and in meshed engagement with the pinion shaft. The first and second pistons act in opposite directions and double the torque acting on the pinion shaft as compared to the torque delivered by the first piston.

Abstract: A rotary actuator having a piston travel adjustment mechanism and a cushioning mechanism associated in a single attached unit, with side porting for fluid pressure, thus having a more compact structure that is lighter in weight and yet completely adjustable.

Abstract: A clip punch device for banding encased meat products comprising a positive locking piston stop accurately controls the length of downstroke of the punch rod substantially reduces or eliminates overforming and underforming of closure clips and potential for leakage of packaged product.

Abstract: Rotary actuator of the rack and pinion type. The rotary actuator has a rack with a generally cylindrical outer surface having a recess which receives a rack bearing and an arcuate rack bearing which is received in that recess. The rack bearing has an arcuate, convex outer bearing surface and an arcuate concave inner surface which abuts the rack and the rack has a recessed outer surface which conforms in shape to the inner surface of the rack bearing. The rotary actuator may have two racks as shown. The rotary actuator has a pair of floating pistons associated with each rack.

Abstract: In a rack power-steering system, the axial movements of a helical pinion meshing with the rack, resulting from torque applied to the pinion, cause corresponding movements of the movable member of a control valve of the system. This is achieved through a transmission including a piston movable axially with the pinion and defining a variable-volume compartment filled with a substantially-incompressible, deformable material, such as a fluid (oil or grease) or rubber, this material being intended to transmit a control pressure to the movable member of the control valve through a rod which may be formed integrally with the movable member or as a separate member. The variable-volume compartment is located at one end of a cylindrical chamber of the box of the system within which the piston is slidable and the latter is located in a position axially intermediate the variable-volume compartment and an end of the shaft carrying the helical pinion.

Abstract: A vacuum control device comprises a casing in which are disposed at least two substantially parallel movable cups, the first cup being connected to the element to be displaced. Springs are interposed respectively between the two cups and between the second cup and a bottom end-wall of the casing. Two pipes or nipples connected to a vacuum source and to atmospheric pressure open into the casing respectively within the space located between the two cups and within the space located between the second cup and the casing end-wall.

Abstract: The cooperating double-acting piston/cylinder assistance assembly of the rack (20) incorporates a cylinder (24) firmly fixed to one end of the rack, in the extension of the latter and a stationary piston (40) fixed to one end of a hollow rod (42) whose other end (43) is fixed centrally in the steering casing (10), the hollow rod enclosing two separate fluid passages (45, 47) for supplying the chambers which are in opposition (46, 48), on each side of the piston (40), with actuating fluid under pressure coming from a distribution valve (30) mounted in the casing (10).

Abstract: A steering apparatus, which includes a device for fluid power-assist of manual steering forces transmitted to a steering gear, a control valve controlling operation of the fluid power-assist device, a valve body of the valve being actuated in accordance with a signal indicative of steering conditions and a steering reactive-force transmitting member directly transmitting steering reactive forces to the valve body so as to displacing same in response to an abnormal steering reactive force. The steering reactive-force transmitting member corrects an abnormal position of the valve body by engaging and moving the valve body when the reactive force exceeds a predetermined magnitude.

Abstract: A power steering system for a vehicle having a power cylinder to which a hydraulic fluid delivered from a pump driven by an engine is supplied through a fluid passage switching valve includes a pressure control valve provided in a branched fluid passage extending from a high pressure fluid passage between the pump and the switching valve to a reaction piston in the switching valve, and having a degree of opening controlled by a pilot pressure, and a pilot pressure control valve provided in a low pressure fluid passage having one end connected through an orifice to the branched fluid passage downstream of the pressure control valve and another end leading to a fluid reservoir.

Abstract: The mechanism incorporates at least one assistance unit consisting of a fixed piston (44) supported by a hollow rod (43) and of a cylinder (32) housed in a bore (30) of the rack (11), the chambers (60, 61) being supplied through separate passages (62, 63) extending through the hollow rod (43). The mechanism, advantageously of the type with central output and with a double circuit, incorporates a double circuit distribution valve mechanism (20) for supplying selectively the pairs of chambers (60, 61) on each side of the pinion (12) of the rack (11).

Abstract: A fluid pressure actuated piston (78) is slidably carried in a fluid pressure actuated cylinder (50) which, in turn, is slidably carried in a fixed carrier or casing (21). Movement of the cylinder (50) is resisted by a breakable or displaceable coupler (90, 94, 184, 185) which engages the cylinder (50). Fluid pressure acting upon the cylinder (50) and piston (78) causes the coupler (90, 94, 184, 185) to break or be displaced and release the cylinder (50) for axial movement in the direction of movement of the pressure responsive piston (78).

Abstract: A gas spring, having a collapse safety feature operable in the event of psure loss, is provided, for use, for example, as a counterbalance for flaps or vertically adjustable structures. A movable partition is arranged between the piston and the head of the cylinder of the gas spring, and is exposed on one side to a closed gas chamber under pressure, while on the other side the gas volume effecting the extension force of the piston rod is present between the piston and the partition. In event of pressure loss in the gas volume on either side of the piston, the movable partition will meet the piston and act as a safety to prevent abrupt release or lowering of the object for which the gas spring is to serve as a counterbalance.

Abstract: A piston and cylinder assembly, a power assisted steering gear which includes such an assembly and a method of forming a piston for such an assembly. A rack and pinion type power assisted steering gear has a rack member 2 coupled to a piston member 6 slidable within a cylinder 16 and forming therewith a double acting servo motor fluid pressure supply and exhaust from chambers 21 and 22 of which is controlled to provide power assistance to displacement of the rack member 2. The piston member 6 has a piston part 10 integrally formed with rod parts 11 and 12 which extend axially from opposite sides of the piston part.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine in which a rotor or turbine is driven by the exhaust gases of interconnected double acting pistons. The three parallel pistons are interconnected by pinion gears engaging racks on the sides of the pistons. Improved mechanisms are disclosed for coordination of the movement of the pistons, the manner in which the intake and exhaust valves are operated, the manner in which the engine is started, and the manner in which the firing of spark plugs is timed. A control wheel is provided for starting and valve operation. A cam connected to the pinion gears operates sets of points to fire the spark plugs.

Abstract: A quarter turn actuator comprises a body (10) defining side-by-side cylinders (11 and 12), a piston (13) in each cylinder having in one side thereof a recess in which is provided a rack (15), a pinion (16) mounted in the body and engaging the racks on the pistons, a source for supplying compressed air to the cylinders and an air distribution system interconnecting each end of each cylinder with the other end of the other cylinder. The body (10) is preferably molded of plastic material and the cylinders are lined. The pistons may also be molded plastic material.

Abstract: A fluid-powered rotary actuator for providing end-limited rotational drive to another device, having a splined output shaft rotatably supported within a body and a drive end coupled to the other device; a linear-to-rotary transmission providing relative rotational movement between the body and the shaft, the transmission including a piston for application of fluid pressure to first and second side thereof to produce linear movement of the piston in first and second opposed directions which movement is translated into rotational movement of the shaft; a threaded body end cap adjustable from an end of the body remote from the drive end to permit selective longitudinal positioning of the cap relative to said body, and having a stop surface for engaging the second side of the piston and limiting its travel in the first direction; and an elongated sleeve adjustable from the remote end and extending from outward of the cap at the remote end to beyond the piston, and having a stop shoulder for engaging the first sid

Abstract: In a cylinder with two-step movement there is in a housing (7) a first piston (6) which slides in contact with the inside of the housing. A second piston (10), which supports a piston rod (11), which moves sealingly through a first end-piece (8) also slides against the inside of the housing. In the second end-piece (9) of the housing, there is a pressure medium tube (12) passing through the first piston (6) and which extends with its end distant from the second end-piece (9) into, and is guided against the inside of the tubular piston rod (11).

Abstract: A pair of spaced rotatable shafts are mounted within a housing. A linear motor mounted to the housing has a reciprocating piston within a double action piston chamber whose piston rod projects from the piston. Both shafts are fixed directly to axially aligned rotary valve stems, to opposite sides of the reciprocating piston rod. A pin coupled to the end of the piston rod projects through longitudinal slots within radial arms fixed to respective shafts at different levels and rotating with the shafts. Equal sized gears mounted to the shafts are in peripheral mesh such that the shafts rotate in unison. The mechanism eliminates side thrust on the piston and piston rod, doubles the valve breakout forces applied to the rotary valve member and eliminates the need for an outboard bushing for a piston rod extension beyond its connection to the paired shafts.

Abstract: An actuator system for controlling the position of an aerodynamic control surface of an aircraft, such as an aileron, is disclosed. An actuator (12) having an output shaft (14) is mounted to a frame attached to the aircraft structure. A hydraulic coupling (32) is mounted on one side to the output shaft (14) of the actuator (12) and the other side to the control surface (50) and comprises a hydraulic cylinder (34) having a sealing member (36) movably mounted therein dividing the cylinder (34) into two portions (38, 40). The output shaft (14) of the actuator (12) is coupled to the cylinder (34) and an output shaft is attached to the sealing member (36) at one end and at its opposite end to the control surface or vice versa. A connecting tube (54) is provided coupling the two portions of the hydraulic cylinder together. The tube incorporates a valve (58) having a first position sealing off the two portions from each other and a second position providing a passageway therebetween.

Abstract: In a cylinder apparatus for a rack and pinion type power steering mechanism of a motor vehicle or the like, including two pressure chambers defined in a power cylinder, there is provided means for making the effective pressure-applied areas of the two pressure chambers substantially equal to each other, whereby steering operation can be performed with accuracy and ease.

Abstract: A high pressure gate valve apparatus provides an elongated cylindrical valve body providing a fluid conveying linear cylindrical longitudinal bore of substantially uniform configuration. A gate valving member is movable within the valve body entirely within the confines of the valve body and not projecting laterally therebeyond. The valve member is movable at generally right angles to and intersecting the fluid conveying bore with the gate valving member providing a flow opening therethrough, the valving member being movable within the valve body between open flow and closed flow positions. A pair of spaced generally parallel cylindrical drive chamber is provided on the valve body substantially parallel to the central flow conveying bore.

Abstract: An improved cryogenic refrigerator having a drive mechanism suitable for use with gap or clearance seals is disclosed. The drive mechanism includes two reciprocating members, e.g. piston and regenerator/displacer, driven by a common rotating drive shaft. The regenerator/displacer portion of the drive shaft includes a roller at one end in engagement with a rod base plate for driving a rod connected to the regenerator/displacer and a spring for returning the regenerator/displacer simultaneously with the withdrawal of the drive shaft. The piston portion of the drive shaft is connected to a first end of a hollow body. The second end of the hollow body which is opposite the first end has the piston rigidly affixed thereto. The hollow body has a portion adjacent the first end supported by a guide whereby the piston is substantially isolated from side force loads during reciprocation.

Abstract: In a machine of the kind in which an operative member under the actuation of driving means is reciprocatable relative to a guide member in order to exert forces in a predetermined direction on a workpiece, toothed and elongate roller bodies having their axes of rotation extending perpendicularly to said direction are interposed between the guide member and the operative member in order to prevent the latter from tilting. The teeth of each roller body mesh with the teeth of racks extending in said direction of movement of the operative member and being provided on both the guide member and the operative member in a manner to cause each roller body to transmit under torsional strain balancing forces in its axial direction. The roller bodies also have cylindrical surface portions being coaxial with and having the same diameter as the pitch circles of their teeth, said cylindrical portions being in rolling contact with rollways provided on both the operative member and the guide member.

Abstract: A high resolution servo actuator is responsive to an electronic control or manual control. An output shaft having fast response and infinite positioning for stroking a manual servo valve on a pump is rotated by hydraulic power. A set of hydraulic working cylinders and centering cylinders are connected through a rack and pinion drive to a shaft. Centering cylinders utilize stop tubes to prevent its pistons from traveling past the center position and applying a constant force to center the shaft. A directional valve controls the flow of hydraulic fluid to the working cylinders for driving the shaft throughout its range of travel. An electrohydraulic servo valve converts the electronic control signal into hydraulic flow to the actuator. Shaft position feedback is developed and connected to the electronic control.

Abstract: A fluid-powered, rotary actuated support, including an elongated cylindrical body having ports for introducing pressurized fluid therein; a platform concentric with the cylindrical body and rotatable relative thereto; a radially extending bearing support joined to the cylindrical body and confronting the platform; bearings disposed between the bearing support and the platform for allowing relative rotational movement between the platform and the bearing support, with one of the platform or bearing support being subjected to bending loads disposed in a generally vertical plane from the weight of a crane or other device and its load; a longitudinally splined output shaft rotatably disposed within the body and having a drive end for providing rotational drive between the body and the platform, the splines being loosely fitted to the platform for substantially isolating the shaft from non-rotational movement of the platform, the shaft being bearingless and radially floating within the body for transferring rotati

Abstract: A rotary fluid pressure actuator device includes a housing comprised of a pair of housing members interconnected together for relative movement therebetween. A vane rotor assembly is positioned in the housing and is rotationally reciprocated in response to the direction of flow of fluid to and from the interior of the housing members. The housing members are provided with internal stops which are adjustable with respect to each other to permit the rotational stroke of the vane rotor assembly to be variously adjusted. Rotary movement of the vane rotor assembly is transmitted directly or through a shaft to another device for actuation thereof.

Abstract: A piston and geared rack assembly are moved by pressurized air in opposite directions within a power cylinder housing as the vehicle operator registers door closing and opening commands in a solenoid valve. This lateral movement is converted to rotary movement by a pinion gear driven by the rack and coupled to turn a spindle shaft which drives the door. At full stroke during door closing, the power piston actuates a valve to charge the lower chamber of an auxiliary cylinder to move a lift piston rod, movable within the spindle shaft, to raise the closed door into a locked position. Upon a door-open command, the solenoid valve exhausts the charged cylinder chambers, admits air into the upper chamber of the auxiliary cylinder to move the lift piston and rod to lower and release the door, and slowly charges the associated opening chamber. This enables the delayed movement of the power piston and rack assembly in the opposite direction, reversing the rotation of the pinion and spindle shaft, to open the door.

Abstract: Power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering mechanism with a slide-valve which senses the axial thrusts acting on the pinion through a kinematic mechanism with a high transmission ratio, the slide member of the valve consisting of a piston 9 provided with frontal rims 11 and 12 on each end face, cooperating with associated seats formed on the housing, said rims and seats forming varying passages through which the two actuator chambers are connected to the reservoir, means being provided for varying also the communication between the same chambers and the pump, depending on the torque applied to the pinion, piston, seats and housing being so designed that the fluid pressure existing in the operative chamber acts on one or the other piston end face and thus gives the driver the measure of the same pressure.The system is particularly suitable for a vacuum operated power-steering system which permits a very strong reduction in cost in comparison with a conventional hydraulic power-steering system.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating linear motion comprises a body on one end of which is mounted a cylinder. A piston in the cylinder is joined to an actuating beam extending into the body. The actuating beam has moving surfaces that cooperate with fixed surfaces in the body to define a linear bearing. Fluid under pressure is introduced through a duct in the body to a port in the fixed surface of the linear bearing. It enters the space in the cylinder above the piston via a port in a moving surface of the actuating beam which leads to a duct in the actuating beam that opens through the crown of the piston. A resilient sealing member between the fixed and moving surface of the linear bearing maintains fluid-tight communication between the fixed and movable part over their range of relative movement. The actuating beam may carry a rack that drives a pinion through ninety degrees as the piston travels, and two opposed cylinders may be provided to give a reciprocatory movement, or a spring return may be provided.

Abstract: A cylinder stop or collar includes a pair of identical mating cam members. Each cam member has a body and a pair of ramps which define cam surfaces. The ramps have slots for receiving attaching means such as bolts. Each cam member also has a slot so that it may be slid on and off the rod of a cylinder without disconnecting the cylinder.

Abstract: A compact rotary power cylinder including a pair of pistons fitted in a cylinder housing, separating the housing into a first chamber and a pair of second chambers, so as to be reciprocally movable when a pressure impact is supplied selectively to the first and second chambers, and a torque stem provided through the housing perpendicularly to the reciprocal motion of the pistons so as to be rotatable in response to the reciprocal motion, in which a pair of connecting members are provided between the stem and the pistons so as to be movable in a radial direction of the stem.A relatively large breakaway torque is achieved with such structure.

Abstract: A hydraulic gun for installing inserts in which the hydraulic mechanism becomes inoperative after the mandrel of the gun travels a predetermined distance. The gun includes a means for adjusting the predetermined distance of mandrel movement.

Abstract: An energy conserving air motor with rotary actuation includes a pair of cooperating different diameter pistons coaxially arranged and connected rigidly to one another by a central connecting member provided with spur gear section adaptable of receiving a meshing pinion assembled inside an elongated housing provided with a diffential diameter bore passing therethrough and adaptable of receiving inside a larger diameter section which is blind a larger piston while smaller diameter section which is provided with fluid supply and exhaust port means receives smaller diameter piston while said pinion entering said housing perpendicularly substantially central to the housing ends so as to rotate therein when pistons move linearly inside bore between a first normally atmospheric and a second energized positions in response to the working fluid pressure supplied via fluid supply and exhaust port means by way of a 3-way solenoid or pilot operated directional valve so as to allow energization of the small diameter pisto

Abstract: A kelly valving apparatus for controlling flow of fluid through a kelly and drill string comprises a rotatable tubular section having a fluid conveying bore adapted to be attached to the drill string at the kelly with a valve associated valve body valving the flow of fluids through the bore. A remotely operable operator is rotatable with the rotatable tubular section, operably engaging the valve for moving the valve between positions which open and close the bore, the operator including at least one hydraulic cylinder having an extensible ram actuated by hydraulic fluid, and linkage is connected to the valve and the hydraulic cylinder so that extension/contraction of the ram effects an opening or closure of the bore. A liquid interface fluid collector ring is positioned adjacent the rotatable tubular section for transmitting pressurized hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic cylinder, even during spinning of the cylinder with the tubular section.

Abstract: A door closer comprising at the end of one of two pivotally interconnected arms a closing device whose housing encloses a cylindrical piston driven by the arm through a rack-and-pinion system. On each side of this piston a return spring and a bag, filled with an incompressible but deformable viscous gum placed in a hollow piston biased elastically toward the cylindrical piston are placed on each side of the first-mentioned piston. The hollow piston has a diameter distinctly larger than the diameter of the first-mentioned piston, and the combined actions of this difference in diameters and of the viscosity of the gum ensure an effective braking of the return of the first-mentioned piston.

Abstract: According to the invention, the communication between the supply orifice (40,41) and the corresponding pressure chambers (38,39) of the master-cylinder (11) is tested while the stop (25) defining the rest position of the piston (15) of the servo is being displaced, and this stop (25) is finally immobilized by crimping when the correct position of the stop has thus been found.

Abstract: A power boost mechanism for converting pilot linear throttle input commands to rotary motion and providing amplification of output torque to an engine fuel control and having an output shaft adapted for connection to an engine power lever assembly. An input member is movable in response to a throttle input command and power boost structure responsive to movement of the input member causes rotation of the output shaft. The mechanism further includes feedback structure associated with the output shaft and responsive to movement thereof for returning said power boost structure to a null position independently of said input member, structure automatically enabling direct operation of the output shaft by said input member when the power boost structure is inoperative, and structure responsive to a malfunction in the engine fuel control causing limited rotation of the output shaft without movement of said input member.

Abstract: A double-acting, floating, frictional coupling mechanism including an air-operated diaphragm-type piston with integral rack guided for axial movement in meshed engagement with a rotatably connected pinion. A cam on the pinion shaft cooperates with a second piston and intensifies the force transmitted through the rack and pinion by the air-operated piston.

Abstract: In this fluid powered positioning system, a sliding assembly includes a slide plate that moves linearly with respect to a frame. A plurality of "working" linear cylinder actuators are mounted to the frame. Each includes a piston and a rod which extends through an opening in the slide plate and terminates at a stop flange. A set of adjustable stop members are mounted to the frame and each is positioned to limit the travel of a respective actuator rod. Appropriate control means applies to a selectable one of the actuators a pressurized fluid, that causes the piston and rod to be moved in a first direction until it is stopped by the associated stop member. In this movement, the stop flange can pull the slide plate to the new location. A "balance" linear actuator cylinder includes a ram that exerts a continuous force in the opposite direction against the slide plate. This "balance" actuator damps and effectively prevents overshoot of the slide plate as it is positioned to each new location.

Abstract: A double-acting, floating, frictional coupling mechanism including an air-operated diaphragm-type piston having a piston rod in meshed engagement with a set of different gears. The differential gearing intensifies the force transmitted through the piston rod by the air-operated piston.

Abstract: A fluid pressure valve actuator of the type utilized for controlling the operation of a ball-type valve is provided and includes a housing for supporting an actuating shaft for axial movement relative to the housing. A piston assembly is mounted within the housing and is responsive to fluid pressure for moving the shaft axially to an actuated position. A latch member is provided in the actuator for engagement with a shoulder portion on the actuating shaft to define an actuated position. In accordance with the present invention, the latch member is mounted for selective axial movement relative to the housing. This permits the axial position of the latch member to adjust the change in the actuating position of the shaft thereby compensating for wear in the internal components of the valve. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a ratcheting element such as an adjustable collet lock is utilized as the means for supporting the latch member.

Abstract: A pump (10) is disclosed for use in pumping a fluid (14) from a borehole (12) to the surface. The pump includes a first and second pumping string (20, 22) extending into the borehole and a return string (26) extending from the borehole. First and second pistons (82, 94) are slidably mounted at the ends of the first and second puming strings within the borehole, respectively for reciprocation between extended and retracted positions. First and second pumping cylinders (56, 64) are secured in fixed relation to the first and second pumping strings (20, 22) so that the first and second pistons (82, 94) are slidable therein. The pistons and pumping cylinders define first and second pumping chambers (92, 104). Each of the first and second pistons includes a gear rack (88, 100) having teeth meshing with the teeth on a stroke return gear (106).

Abstract: The present invention converts longitudinal motion into rotary motion. A reciprocating piston (that may receive a motive force from any desired means) oscillates longitudinally on a drive shaft. Extending through the piston parallel to the drive shaft is at least one ratchet pin that has a sprague clutch attached thereto by a ratchet arm for turning the drive shaft in one rotary direction. Also extending through the piston is at least one angle pin anchored in each end of a housing for the piston, which angle pin is at a slight angle with respect to the drive shaft and the ratchet pin. The slight angle causes the ratchet pin to arcuately move back and forth as the piston oscillates longitudinally. The arcuate movement of the ratchet pin causes the sprague clutch to turn the drive shaft. An adjustment of the slight angle may be provided to infinitely vary ratios of longitudinal movement to arcuate movement.

Abstract: A remotely operated valve, typically for use as a downhole safety valve, adapted to be connected in-line between two pieces of well pipe or other fluid-conducting members, the valve being rack-and-pinion operated and characterized by including a combined piston and rack member with the piston concentric with a through bore of the valve and with the rack eccentric with respect to the through bore, the eccentric disposition of the rack and associated support members making it possible to achieve a dependably operable valve of minimum transverse dimensions without increased complexity or cost of manufacture.

Abstract: An improved steering apparatus includes a piston and cylinder type motor having a hollow piston rod extending out of one end of a motor cylinder. Since the piston rod extends out of only one end of the motor cylinder, the working area on the head end of the piston is greater than the working area in the rod end of the piston. The head end working area is exposed to fluid pressure during turns in one direction and the rod end working area is exposed to fluid pressure during turns in the opposite direction. A compensator chamber is provided in the hollow piston rod. The compensator chamber has a working area on the rod end of the piston. The compensator chamber working area is exposed to fluid pressure during turns in both directions. The size of the compensator chamber working area is equal to the cross sectional area of a tubular wall of the piston rod.

Abstract: A piston engine in which opposedly working pistons are rigidly connected to each other by a hollow carrier through which the engine shaft extends. The carrier has interior wall portions with a series of staggered projections thereon. The shaft has a stack of toothed discs fixedly mounted thereon. The series of staggered projections are arranged to successively engage and push the teeth of the toothed discs to apply rotational torque to the engine shaft as the carrier reciprocates.