Abstract: A piston rod unit and a method for producing a piston rod unit, or a shaft, in light-weight construction, with a rod which is hollowly-drilled by means of a deep bore into the rod shank, and the resulting rod opening is closed subsequently by means of a forging process.

Abstract: An actuator includes: a casing; a reciprocating member provided in the casing to be reciprocatable; a drive part provided in the casing to drive the reciprocating member; a booster mechanism which is configured to amplify a drive force applied by the drive part to the reciprocating member; and a moving member which is configured to move on receiving the force amplified by the booster mechanism. The booster mechanism includes a plurality of levers which are arranged in a circumferential direction of the moving member. Each of the levers has an effort portion which is configured to receive the force from the reciprocating member, a fulcrum portion which is configured to come into contact with the casing to serve as a center of a revolution of the lever, and a load portion which is configured to transmit the force to the moving member.

Abstract: A novel actuator contains a housing having a first end, a second end, and an inner wall. A piston rod assembly is contained within the housing, wherein the assembly contains a piston rod, a first end cap fixed at one end of the piston rod, and a second end cap fixed at an opposing end of the piston rod. An energy management device is constrained about an outer diameter of the first end cap, wherein upon actuation of the actuator, the energy management device may under predetermined conditions be deformed upon movement of said piston rod.

Abstract: A hood lifting mechanism includes a housing and a piston rod movably mounted in the housing so as to be extendible from the housing in a first direction. A retainer is secured to an exterior of the housing so as to define a cavity between the housing and the retainer. A locking member is positioned in the cavity and structured to contact the piston rod so as to impede motion of the piston rod in a second direction opposite the first direction.

Abstract: A safety stand for minimizing the effect of hydraulic failure in an agricultural harvester is disclosed. In one embodiment, a system for raising or lowering a pivotable safety stand is provided which may take the form of a remotely operated hydraulic safety stand. In another embodiment, the mechanical stop provides multiple stops along the length of travel of the piston to prevent the dramatic falling of the feeder arm under the force of gravity. In one embodiment, the safety stand is provided with a series of notches along a longitudinal edge of the safety stand which are designed to accept and received a protrusion affixed to a cylinder of a hydraulic cylinder which raises and lowers a feeder arm. When the feeder arm is raised, the hydraulic cylinder is in the full upright position, the safety stand can be lowered such that the protrusion enters and is held within a notch to prevent accidental downward movement of the feeder arm.

Abstract: A thermo-magnetic actuator includes a housing; a chamber within the housing; a working fluid changing phase upon heating and located in the chamber; an electrical heater disposed within the chamber for heating the working fluid; a piston rod slidably disposed in the housing and movable between retracted and extended positions; a spring biasing the piston rod toward the retracted position; an electromagnet disposed at an end of the housing and generating a magnetic field; and a ferromagnetic target assembly attached to the piston rod, sliding within the housing, and attracted toward the electromagnet to maintain the piston rod in the extended position even if electrical power is no longer applied to the heater. Preferably, the position of the piston rod is detected by the actuator and electrical current flow to the electrical heater is terminated when the piston rod is detected at the extended position.

Abstract: A lock mechanism is provided in a head cover of a cylinder tube. The lock mechanism comprises a holder, which is installed in the head cover, a plurality of balls that are retained displaceably in a radial direction with respect to the holder, and a displacement member that displaces the balls under a resilient action of an elastic member. The balls engage with a ball groove of a lock pin. The balls are retained by a resilient force of the elastic member, in order to restrict displacement of the lock pin.

Abstract: A piston rod is formed in a diameter smaller than an inner diameter of a hollow cylinder. The piston rod is inserted in the cylinder so as to be relatively movable in an axial direction of the cylinder. A locking mechanism comprises a first surface provided on the inner surface of the cylinder, a plurality of second surfaces arranged in an axial direction of the piston rod and parallel to one another, and a locking member. The first surface is so inclined that the inside diameter of the cylinder gradually increases toward one end of the cylinder. Each second surface is so inclined that the diameter of the piston rod gradually increases to the one end of the piston rod. The locking member is held between the first surface and any one of the second surfaces to lock relative movement of the piston rod with respect to the cylinder.

Abstract: A cylinder locking device for use in a clamp. The cylinder locking device includes a cylinder member and a first end cap on one end thereof and a second end cap on another end thereof. A piston is arranged within the cylinder member and a piston rod is engaged with the piston. The piston rod is capable of movement with respect to the piston. The cylinder rod lock device also includes a plunger contacting the second end cap. A spacer contacting the second end cap is also included in the locking device. The locking device also includes at least one locking arm contacting the spacer. The locking device also includes a mounting plate contacting the locking arm and a fastener on an opposite side thereof. The cylinder locking device will be capable of locking the cylinder in a fully retracted position and a fully engaged position.

Abstract: A chemical injection pump for injecting chemicals into subsea system at depths up to 10,000 feet is described which uses a minimum of moving parts by employing an actuator, for instance a solenoid, to power a double acting actuator rod and plungers thereon. The pump would generate low pressures and low fluid volumes, but be more durable and reliable than conventional rotating pumps operating under subsea conditions.

Abstract: A safety, fluid-actuated cylinder-and-piston mechanism for use with an article which is movable between first and second positions. The mechanism comprises a conventional, fluid-actuated cylinder-and-piston mechanism and an automatic locking bar. The piston rod of the cylinder-and-piston mechanism has one end attached to the movable article, and is movable between a fully retracted position in which the article is in its first position and a fully extended position in which the article is in its second position. The locking bar has a pivot end proximate the attachment between the piston rod and the movable article, and an opposite, nonpivot end. The locking bar is pivotable between a lowered and fully raised position and has a plurality of partially raised positions between its lowered and fully raised positions.

Abstract: A power cylinder assembly including means to positively lock the piston rod of the assembly in the forward extended position of the cylinder assembly. The locking means includes a pair of cam plates that are moved radially outwardly into locking engagement with lock slots defined by inserts positioned in the wall of the cylinder with the radially outward movement of the locking plates being generated by a lost motion connection between the piston and the piston rod in the form of a pin and slot connection. The pin is carried by the piston rod and coacts with cam slots in the cam plates to move the cam plates radially outwardly at the end of the forward stroking movement of the piston assembly so that the final forward movement of the piston generates the radially outward movement of the lock plates.

Abstract: An actuator comprising a housing having a chamber and a piston slidably received within the chamber. The housing is provided with an inlet port to the chamber for the introduction of an operating fluid to cause the piston to slide within the chamber. The housing is provided with means for releasably attaching the actuator relative to a stem to be actuated. Additionally, the housing includes a plug for sealing an aperture to the chamber and receiving the stem. The plug moves into the chamber to enable the piston to act upon the stem via the plug.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an arrangement for actuating a braking device for bringing a motor-driven work tool of a work apparatus to standstill. The braking device is actuated by a brake lever and the brake lever is connected to a pivotably journalled throttle lever via a first actuator. The throttle lever controls the carburetor of the engine driving the work apparatus via a second actuator. In order to bring the work tool rapidly to standstill in idle, the second actuator is attached to a drag lever which is pivotable relative to the throttle lever. After passing through an idle movement path, the throtle lever takes the drag lever along via a follower in a pivot direction.

Abstract: A piston rod-free pressure cylinder, in which a force reducer (15) is connected by means of a lateral projection (14) to the working piston (13), has a brake mechanism (19), which acts with a brake lining (27) on the outside of the pressure cylinder (11). Action takes place in such a way that no transverse forces are exerted on the projection (14).

Abstract: An actuating cylinder having a fluid pressure operated piston member connected by a friction member to a push rod to which a brake shoe, or the like, may be attached as the output member. A force transfer lever is arranged between the piston and push rod to transmit the piston force to the output member with mechanical advantage only after the friction connection is overcome by resistance at the push rod, such as occurs by engagement of the brake shoe with the wheel of a railway vehicle.

Abstract: An improved gate valve having a body with a chamber and an inlet and an outlet extending therethrough into said chamber, a gate mounted for reciprocation in said chamber between open and closed positions, a pressure responsive actuator having a housing, a piston, a connection to the gate and an actuating stem extending from the housing, a supplemental actuator having a connection to the actuator housing, an operating stem connected to the actuating stem, the operating stem having a shoulder facing in the direction opposite to the direction of closing movement of the gate, roller levers pivotally mounted to be in engagement with the exterior of the operating stem and a spring urging the roller levers into tight engagement with the operating stem, the roller levers pivoting on engagement with the stem shoulder to exert a closing force on the stem.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fluid powered linear slide employing either a rodless or rod-type cylinder. The slide includes a base which has a movable carriage mounted thereon which moves reciprocably in response to pressurized fluid being fed to the cylinder. In the embodiment employing a rod-type cylinder, a pair of tubular rods are mounted on the base in a fixed position and attached to a piston stationarily mounted inside the cylinder which is movably mounted and attached to the carriage. In the other embodiment, the carriage is mounted on a bracket which is attached to the rodless cylinder carried in the housing for the cylinder. The base has linear guideways therein, each guideway carrying one or more stop members which are manually adjustable and electrically or fluidly actuated.

Abstract: An improved gate valve having a body with a chamber and an inlet and an outlet extending therethrough into said chamber, a gate mounted for reciprocation in said chamber between open and closed positions, a pressure responsive actuator having a housing, a piston, a connection to the gate and an actuating stem extending from the housing, a supplemental actuator having a connection to the actuator housing, an operating stem connected to the actuating stem, the operating stem having a shoulder facing in the direction opposite to the direction of closing movement of the gate, roller levers pivotally mounted to be in engagement with the exterior of the operating stem and a spring urging the roller levers into tight engagement with the operating stem, the roller levers pivoting on engagement with the stem shoulder to exert a closing force on the stem.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fluid powered linear slide employing either a rodless or rod-type cylinder. The slide includes a base which has a movable carriage mounted thereon which moves reciprocably in response to pressurized fluid being fed to the cylinder. In the embodiment employing a rod-type cylinder, a pair of tubular rods are mounted on the base in a fixed position and attached to a piston stationarily mounted inside the cylinder which is movably mounted and attached to the carriage. In the other embodiment, the carriage is mounted on a bracket which is attached to the rodless cylinder carried in the housing for the cylinder. The base has linear guideways therein, each guideway carrying one or more stop membes which are manually adjustable and electrically actuated.

Abstract: A spring operated valve actuator with variable return force includes a compact spring mechanism with a short but very powerful closing characteristic. The energy provided by the spring mechanism is applied during the entire movement of the valve, with varying forces localized according to particular needs. The spring mechanism and a movable piston member are mechanically and drivingly interconnected by a variable reduction mechanism.

Abstract: A spring brake cylinder assembly having a spring-biased piston positioned therein. A pushrod is engaged with the piston through a clutch, which clutch includes both a clutch control device and a clutch operating mechanism that can manually release a brake application being applied by the assembly.

Abstract: A device for discontinuing and automatically restoring the operational function of a spring brake actuator. The device includes a piston with a piston rod and a spring for actuating the piston and piston rod in a working direction for brake application at falling brake fluid pressure on the piston. A slitted, resilient locking ring is arranged in grooves facing each other in the piston rod and a piston rod sleeve coaxial therewith. The locking ring can either be constrained to rest in both of the grooves, so that the piston rod and piston rod sleeve are locked together, or be free to be forced completely into one of the grooves, which is at least as deep as the thickness of the ring, so that the piston rod and piston rod sleeve are free to move independently of each other.

Abstract: A fluid actuator includes a lock mechanism for releasably locking the actuator against movement, and a lock release lever engageable by a lock piston upon application of system pressure thereto to release the lock mechanism. The lock mechanism includes an axially movable lock member for respectively engaging and disengaging the lock mechanism depending on its position. Attached to the movable lock member is a proximity sensor target which moves with the axially movable lock member toward and away from a proximity switch to provide an electrical signal indicating the locked or unlocked condition of the lock mechanism in accordance with the proximity of the target to the switch. A cover may also be provided for respectively concealing or exposing the target depending on the position of the axially movable member to provide a visual indication of the unlocked or locked condition of the lock mechanism.

Abstract: A container lid (12) is held open by a support plate (18) carrying a chamber (20) which expands at a predetermined point in a sterilizing cycle to react against the lid, moving the plate outwardly to permit the lid to drop onto the container base. A resilient gasket (16) prevents fluid flow into the container after the lid is fallen, but permits fluid flow outwardly past the gasket when interior pressure exceeds exterior pressure. When the container is to be opened, a relief valve (60) relieves the vacuum within the container and filters air entering the container at that time.

Abstract: Fluid actuator includes a lock mechanism for releasably locking the actuator against movement, and a lock release assembly including a lock piston engageable with a toggle linkage upon application of fluid pressure to the lock piston to release the lock mechanism. The toggle linkage is fixedly mounted on a rotatable cross shaft which may also be manually rotated by manual rotation of an external lock release lever attached to one end of the cross shaft for effecting manual release of the lock mechanism. The engaged or disengaged condition of the lock mechanism may be sensed electrically as by providing a target on the external lock release lever for movement therewith toward and away from a proximity switch.

Abstract: A force operated latching device for use with a switch, valve or motor includes a sleeve-piston combination responsive to the force and which is latched and delatched in response to the force, usually in the form of fluid pressure. The latching device may be incorporated into a manifold for control of internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A piston anti-knock back assembly in a disc brake assembly having a brake actuator comprising a piston slidably mounted within a cylinder bore and operable to urge a fricton surface into contact with a rotary disc surface upon supply of hydraulic fluid under pressure to said cylinder bore, comprises an expanded resilient split ring in frictional contact with a main portion of the cylinder bore and loosely axially located in an annular piston groove adjacent a conical head of said piston.

Abstract: An automatic device for locking and unlocking a hopper door operating mechanism which prevents accidental opening of the hopper doors due to car oscillations and provides a protective lock while the car is in transit but which has a novel lock which is releasable by intuitional actuation of the operating mechanism.

Abstract: An actuating and bracing jack comprising a cylinder and a rod which are pivotably connected at their free ends to a fixed member and to a moveable member respectively. The cylinder has at least at one of its extremities, an internal resilient catch member, and the rod carries a projection capable of coming into engagement behind the catch member. The cylinder has an enlarged cylindrical chamber housing a displaceable locking device capable of being driven by the rod upon retraction movement thereof, to a first position to which the catch member is firmly applied against the projection. The locking device is displaceable in the opposite direction in the cylinder under the action of an actuating fluid to a second position to which the catch member is freed. The rod is provided with a device for taking up play between the rod and cylinder, such device including a displaceable draw member which acts upon a member urging a slotted portion of the rod outwardly into close proximity to the cylinder.

Abstract: A work locating apparatus having a tension member actuated by an actuating member, particularly an actuating piston, via a starting stroke and a working stroke in which a pneumatic cylinder constitutes a control means and a mechanical step-up mechanism is operable between the control means and the tension member with the actuating member abutting directly the tension member by the starting stroke and the step-up mechanism by the working stroke of the tension member.

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 biasas 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. The collet can be moved towards and locked against the collet brake spring to prevent the collet from engaging the push rod. This allows the user to effectively deactuate the collet brake feature when desired, such as to mechanically release the push rod from the collet when the vehicle is stationary.