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.

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

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

Abstract: In a theft deterrent security device for trailers and like equipment having a dual chamber brake system that operates with compressed air an electro mechanical device, such as servomotor or a solenoid, is mounted within the interior of the dual chamber brake system housing in which an expanded high spring-rate spring biases and keeps a brake actuator in a locked “brakes on” position when there is no compressed air supplied to the system. The servo motor or solenoid is connected to members which in one position mechanically block movement of the brake actuator to prevent its normal operation even when there is compressed air available to the system and the high spring-rate spring is compressed. In a second position of the servo motor or solenoid the members do not block movement of the brake actuator and thereby allow normal operation of the brakes. The servo motor or solenoid is responsive to coded signals which control its position and which are normally available only to an authorized user.

Abstract: Disclosed is an attachment structure for a brake-equipped cylinder, comprising a through-hole-equipped bolt formed with a through-hole penetrating therethrough in an axial direction, for integrally joining a main cylinder body and a brake section by being screwed into an attachment hole penetrating through a cylinder tube and a lock body; and an attachment bolt for fixing the main cylinder body and the brake section which are integrally joined to one another, to a wall surface by being inserted through the through-hole.

Abstract: A self-locking cylinder capable of restraining substantially infinite force including: an angular or conical surface; a locking part; a release part; a force surface for establishing locking forces; a plurality of cylindrical or spherical parts such that the mechanism is capable of moving and locking and releasing JAW means at more than one discrete point with a maximum of one motor means operatively attached to each of said JAW means.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for a fluid-driven lock cylinder for the actuation of moving parts such as slides, cores and corresponding units on press tools and injection moulding tools for metal or plastic materials. A piston is accommodated in a displaceable fashion in a piston cylinder. A divided ring forms an end stop for the piston. The stop ring exhibits a maximum diameter which exceeds the diameter of the piston. An inclined external axial part of the stop ring forms a stop for making contact with a counter-pressure part of the piston cylinder. The counter-pressure part is inclined to a degree corresponding to the inclination of the end stop on the stop ring.

Abstract: A ram cylinder piston stroke stop is disclosed, including a pair of opposed piston shaft gripping members each formed in an extruded shape along an axis with an integral extruded axially open spring end receiving socket. A spring includes opposed ends that are engaged within the spring end receiving sockets.

Abstract: A telescopic piston assembly comprises a housing 1 containing an inner component 2, an intermediate component 3 and an outer component 6, all telescopingly interfitted together. The inner component 2 comprises a fluid outlet at one end, the intermediate component 3 making a sliding seal 5 with the inner component 2 and comprising a closed end surrounding the fluid outlet end. The outer component 6 makes a first sliding seal (12, FIG. 7) with the intermediate component 3 and a second sliding seal 13 with the inner component. A detent 4 operates to hold the outer component 6 in an extended position relative to the inner component 3.

Abstract: An improved combustion powered tool for driving fasteners into a workpiece includes a main housing enclosing a cylinder body and an adjacent combustion chamber. The tool includes a workpiece-contacting nosepiece attached to the housing at the end opposite the combustion chamber and holds fasteners to be driven into the workpiece. A reciprocally disposed piston is mounted within the cylinder body, and is attached to an elongate driver blade, the driver blade being used to impact the fasteners and drive them into the workpiece. At the upper end of the cylinder body is disposed a compressible piston retaining device. The retaining device is of sufficient strength to accommodate the weight of the piston and to retard the upward velocity of a returning piston, but is overcome when the tool is fired.

Abstract: A lockout device is used to prevent linear movement of a piston rod in a pneumatic cylinder actuator used for controlling the position of a valve flow control member or other applications. The lockout device includes a locking plate having a piston rod hole formed therein whereby the locking plate is threaded onto an end of the piston rod. Fastener holes are provided in the locking plate whereby the locking plate is fastened to the actuator housing to prevent movement thereof. A lockout cover assembly may be attached to the locking plate to prevent access by unauthorized personnel to fasteners placed in the fastener holes. A groove may be provided along the circumference of the locking plate whereby the lockout cover assembly is attached to the locking plate.

Abstract: A combination telescopic boat hook/bilge pump which includes a novel locking device is described. The inner tube is provided with a washer at the proximal end which acts with the outer tube as a piston. The ball tip distal end of the boat hook is provided with an axial bore so that water can be sucked into the outer tube for subsequent discharge. For use as a boat hook the inner tube is extended until a pair of spring loaded pins mounted in the inner tube at the proximal end thereof releasably engage any two of three circumferential slots provided adjacent the proximal end of the outer tube so as to provide an extended rigid shaft.

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

Abstract: A coupling mechanism, comprising a relatively fixed member and a relatively moveable member, is configured such that said moveable member may be securely connected in a locked position with said relatively fixed member by remote control of a shiftable member mounted on said relatively moveable member, and which shiftable member may be moved by remote control, into a position allowing disconnection, when desired.

Abstract: A telescopic tilt and trim arrangement for an outboard drive that has a compact configuration made possible by positioning the seal between the trim cylinder and the outer cylinder at the upper end of the trim cylinder. In addition, a latching arrangement is incorporated between the trim cylinder and the outer housing for holding the trim cylinder in its fully trimmed up condition when the outboard drive is tilted up.

Abstract: An improved folding trailer includes a base member supported by a pair of wheels with a top member movably connected to the base member. A plurality of extendable support units is mounted on the base member and can be hydraulically driven to extend the top member. The hydraulic system is connected to the extendable support units through pulleys and cables and includes a pressure-compensated flow control valve system for hydraulically limiting the retraction rate of these extendable support units.

Abstract: A latch pin actuator (34) for use in connection with an aircraft (10) having folding wings or wing tips (12). The actuator (34) includes housing (38) mountable to a wing portion (12, 16). A latch pin (21) in the form of a hydraulic cylinder is slidably mounted within the housing (38) and on a piston (44) which is fixed to the housing (38). Variable volume fluid chambers (46, 48) are defined in the cylinder body of the latch pin (21). A primary lock member (58) is movable between locked and unlocked positions such that retraction of the latch pin (21) is prevented when the primary lock (58) is in a locked position. In preferred form, a hydraulic actuator (78) is used to move the primary lock member (58) between locked and unlocked positions and to operate a sequencing valve which delivers hydraulic pressure to a chamber (48) of the latch pin (21) after actuation of the primary lock (58).

Abstract: A plurality of radially extendable/retractable lock bolts (LB) are carried by a piston head (PH). A cylinder body (CB) in which the piston head (PH) is located includes a lock-bolt cavity (52) or cavities. When the actuator is in a lock position (fully extended or fully retracted), the lock bolt or bolts (LB) are in radial alignment with the lock bolt cavity or cavities. A locking piston (LP) within the actuator is movable axially to place a bolt block (62) radially inwardly of the lock bolt or bolts (LB), to in such position block the lock bolt or bolts (LB) against a radial inward movement out from the lock bolt cavity (52) or cavities. The locking piston (LP) includes a piston face (60) against which hydraulic fluid pressure may be directed, to move the locking piston (LP) axially, for retracting the bolt block (62) out from its position radially inwardly of the lock bolt or bolts (LB).

Abstract: The invention relates to a master cylinder comprising a body (12) comprising a bore (14) in which slides, in leaktight manner, at least one piston (16, 18) movable between a rest position and at least one working position and defining at least one pressure chamber (20, 22) connected to an application fluid system, the piston (18) having a peripheral groove (44). According to the invention, a finger (42) actuated by an external mechanism (46) is capable of entering the groove (44) so as to lock the piston in one of its positions.

Abstract: A support structure for a plunger employed in a plunger pump, comprises a pump housing, a cylinder firmly fitted into a cylindrical hollow defined in said housing, a plunger slidably enclosed in the cylinder to provide a pumping action, a stopper arranged on an inner peripheral surface of the cylinder, and an engaging portion arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the plunger, for engaging with the stopper and for restricting an axially projecting amount of the plunger relative to the cylinder.

Abstract: A control force input system for a balance beam pneumatic valve positioner which does not allow the controlled apparatus to make a full travel motion when the overall control signal is removed. The control force is transmitted to the balance beam or other force summing bar using a linear solenoid coupled to a control spring coupled to the balance beam. When the motive power control signal is removed from the linear solenoid, the balance beam establishes an equilibrium position based on the existing position of the linear solenoid. Split wedges are repelled from the linear solenoid when a control signal is applied, releasing the solenoid shaft for movement. Alternatively, split slides are repelled from each other when a control signal is applied, releasing the solenoid shaft bias spring. When the control signal is removed, the split wedges or split slides are biased and attracted to the solenoid, locking the solenoid shaft in position. A variation for use with a current to pressure transducer is detailed.

Abstract: A control force input system for a balance beam pneumatic valve positioner which does not allow the controlled apparatus to make a full travel motion when the overall control signal is removed. The control force is transmitted to the balance beam or other force summing bar using a linear solenoid coupled to a control spring coupled to the balance beam. When the motive power control signal is removed from the linear solenoid, the balance beam establishes an equilibrium position based on the existing position of the linear solenoid. The solenoid shaft extends into a captive cylinder. A piston connected to the solenoid shaft is located in the captive cylinder and forms two chambers in the cylinder. A solenoid valve connects a port in each chamber. When the solenoid valve is activated, the piston is free to travel. When the solenoid valve is deactivated, as when the control signal is removed, the piston is held in position, locking the solenoid shaft in position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a radial piston engine, particularly a radial piston motor comprising a cylinder block within which a plurality of pistons and rollers are reciprocally mounted for cooperation with a cam path provided by a cam disc. Detent means are used to releasably locate the cylinders and rollers in a position corresponding with the lower dead point position of the pistons.

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: A piston seal device of pneumatic cylinder which satisfies the required tightness of a seal as well as the required lubrication characteristics for a piston movement is disclosed. The piston seal device for maintining different pressures acting on each side of the piston of pneumatic cylinder comprises slide rings located on peripheries of both sides of piston, a seal ring located at the outer part of pressure room formed along the periphery of central part of the piston and operated by pneumatic pressure of the pressure room, and a solenoid valve which operates in selection modes to supply the pressurized air into the pressure room. Slide rings are located with a proper distance at the peripheries of both sides of a piston installed in a pneumatic cylinder and at the center of a piston an expansionable seal is applied.

Abstract: An improved blowout preventor actuator is provided for opening and closing a ram block within a blowout preventor body to control the flow of well fluid. The working or power piston within the actuator cylinder is provided with one or more axially extending cavities each for receiving a locking rod secured at one end to the cylinder head. To prevent inadvertent opening of the ram block, locking segments carried by the power piston repeatedly disengage one locking surface and re-engage an adjacent locking surface on the locking rods as the power piston and ram block secured thereto move to the ram closed position. To unlock the power piston from the locking rods, fluid pressure is applied to an unlocking piston which radially moves the locking segments out of engagement with the locking rods. The locking surfaces on the locking rods extend axially along a length which allows different ram blocks to be substituted for sealing with various diameter tubular members passing through the blowout preventors.

Abstract: A retractable boom stop includes a channel shaped stop member mounted for pivotal and rectilinear movement relative to the boom arm of a skid steer vehicle. The stop member is movable between an inoperative position adjacent the boom arm and an operative position interposed between the boom arm and lift cylinder. In the operative position the stop member prevents an extensible rod of the lift cylinder from retracting to lower the boom arm. The stop member is secured in the inoperative and operative positions by a retaining pin. A tension spring carried by the stop member and releasably securable to the boom arm automatically retracts the stop member out of the operative position to allow the lift cylinder to be retracted.

Abstract: A restraining strap for use with a clutch actuator of the type including a master cylinder, a slave cylinder, a conduit interconnecting the master cylinder and slave cylinder, and a piston in the slave cylinder moved reciprocally in the bore of the slave cylinder housing in response to operation of the vehicle clutch pedal. The clutch actuator is delivered in prefilled form without out output member of the slave cylinder, which is assembled by the motor vehicle manufacturer as a part of the clutch release lever assembly, and a restraining strap is provided to maintain the piston of the slave cylinder in a retracted position to maintain the prefilled system in a pressurized state and preclude the entry of air into the system during shipment, storage and installation of the system.

Abstract: A reusable retaining strap (30) for holding a clutch release bearing (12) and actuator (11) together in a contracted position during shipment and installation. In one embodiment, a pair of elongated arms (48) are connected to opposite sides of a central ring (46) which is secured to a piston (38) of the actuator (11). In a second embodiment, the elongate arms (48) are separate members fixed at one end to the piston (38). In each case, the arms (48) include anchoring lugs (50) on their distal ends (51). The anchoring lugs (50) extend transversely relative to the length of the arms (48) and are releasably secured to a receptacle (53) formed on the housing (32) of the actuator (11).

Abstract: A cylinder locking device comprises a thick cylindrical brake member whose inner diameter is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of a piston rod to be locked. The cylindrical brake member is disposed in a casing and fitted on the piston rod, and has a slit opening formed axially therein. Two receive rollers are disposed oppositely and rotatably on both margins of the slit opening. An actuator having a tapered portion is disposed in the casing. The locking of the piston rod is released when the tapered portion is forced in between the receive rollers to expand the cylindrical brake member. When the actuator is not in actuation, the piston rod is strongly gripped and locked by the elasticity in the diameter-decreasing direction of the cylindrical brake member.

Abstract: A support device maintains an outboard unit of a boat engine in a tilted position for travel. The outboard unit has a stationary drive shaft housing attached to the boat transom and a movable propeller drive unit pivotally attached with respect to the stationary drive shaft housing. A trim mechanism includes a cylinder, a hydraulically operated piston and an actuator rod engaged between the movable propeller drive unit and the stationary drive shaft housing for tilting the movable propeller drive unit to a desired angle between a lowered position and a raised position. The support device has an elongated rigid casing with a radial slot extending along the entire longitudinal length of the casing and a semi-rigid lining disposed within the casing forming a longitudinal aperture comunicating with the radial slot through the casing.

Abstract: Power cylinder comprising a housing having a throughbore capped by end plates defining therein a longitudinally extending chamber. A piston including a longitudinally extending body portion mounts for reciprocal movement in and in bearing relation to the portion of the wall surface which bounds the length of said chamber. The piston has a longitudinally extended through passage and brake means immediately of its outer peripheral surface. A valve device associated with the piston body includes a portion thereof in communication with the through passage. The housing has ports respectively communicating with respective end portions of the chamber for selective delivery thereto and discharge therefrom of fluid under pressure and the selective application of such fluid under pressure to one or both ends of the piston.

Abstract: A gas spring for supporting a cab enclosure pivotably mounted to the body of a skid-steer vehicle. A stop tube is mounted to a piston rod and is telescopically cooperable with a cylinder body. Two parallel slots extend in a transverse direction through the stop tube. A stop slide has a pair of legs which are adapted to slide within the slots of a stop tube. A release portion of the stop slide is sized to permit the cylinder body to pass between the legs, while a stop portion is sized to prevent the cylinder body from passing between the legs. A spring urges the stop slide toward a stop position at which the stop portion of the stop slide is aligned with the cylinder body when the piston rod is extended. The cab enclosure is thereby latched to a tilt-back position.

Abstract: A piston and cylinder assembly for a vehicle hydraulic system has a retaining device comprising an insert acting between a piston and the cylinder bore in which it works, the insert having a releasable frictional engagement in the bore and acting as an abutment to hold the piston in its retracted position to maintain the effective length of the assembly at a predetermined value for installation, until the assembly is operated hydraulically. The assembly may be an actuator for a self-energizing disc brake, or a slave cylinder for a vehicle clutch system.

Abstract: A gas spring with a piston rod slidably received in a cylinder with a chamber which is charged with a compressed gas. A positive stop is removably received in the cylinder to limit the extent to which the rod can be extended independently of a bearing and seal assembly in the chamber in which the rod is slidably received. An end cap with a filler valve therein is removably received and releasably retained in the cylinder adjacent its other end.

Abstract: A pneumatic cylinder having an elongated cylinder member, a reciprocally movable piston, transfer means for transferring reciprocal movement of the piston to a work piece and a brake mechanism associated and movable with the transfer means for creating a braking force between the transfer means and a portion of the cylinder member. The brake mechanism includes a first brake surface connected with the transfer means, a second brake surface formed by an exterior surface portion of the cylinder member and a brake actuation mechanism for selectively causing movement of the first and second brake surfaces into braking engagement with one another.

Abstract: The present device is intended to lock a member, such as a tool, substantially without play into a form-locked position which can be released only by a fluid pressure intentionally applied to the device. The construction is such that small clamping strokes or displacements can be performed and so that the form-locking or arresting force is maintained as long as desired and with safety. For this purpose a pull rod having, for example, a ring channel, is insertable into a socket type of receiver equipped with radially movable locking elements which cooperate with their own slanted surfaces with slanted surfaces of the pull rod and with slanted surfaces of a ring piston. Certain cooperating surfaces have a slant angle which is smaller than a self-locking angle. The release is possible only if the ring piston is exposed to a fluid under pressure.

Abstract: A retainer assembly for use with an hydraulic clutch actuator of the type including a master cylinder and a slave cylinder in fluid communication with one another. The retainer assembly acts to maintain the output member of the slave cylinder in a retracted position during shipment, storage, and vehicular installation of the hydraulic actuator. The assembly includes a rupturable plastic strap having a control socket and connected as a harness over the end of the slave cylinder output rod. The assembly further includes a non-rupturable steel wire positioned over the socket portion of the plastic strap. The free ends of the wire are clipped around the mounting flange of the cylinder body.

Abstract: A gas cylinder valve with an inner valve stem biased toward a valve open position by a helical compression spring is pneumatically operated by an actuator having a piston biased by a stack of disc springs against an outer valve stem, separated from the inner valve stem by a diaphragm gas seal, to urge the inner valve stem to a valve closed position. While the force exerted on the inner valve stem by the disc springs exceeds that applied by the helical spring so that the valve is normally biased closed, pneumatic pressure applied to the piston moves the piston away from the outer valve member so that the helical spring moves the inner valve stem to the open position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid power actuator with a cylinder, a piston and a piston rod whose motion is controlled by a positioning device which halts it in selected settings. The positioning device has a row of depressions, for example gaps between the teeth of a rack, running parallel to the piston rod. A positioning plunger moves into a selected depression to lock the rod. A shutter with at least one opening therein covers the row of depressions and is adjustably affixed thereto so as to allow adjustment of the position at which the control plunger aligns with the shutter opening and slips into the selected uncovered depression to stop and lock the piston and rod.

Abstract: Improvement in a hydraulic control apparatus for actuating a remotely located mechanism having a shipping and installation restraining strap for an actuator having a housing and a linearly moveable output member projecting from the front end of the housing, the strap being non-elastic and rupturable and having a part thereof engageable with the free end of the output member and another part projecting rearwardly toward the rear end of the housing, the improvement comprising an elastic anchor arrangement for the restraining strap to allow full extension thereof without rupture thereof, a stop and positioning arrangement for the elastic anchor arrangement which predetermines the retracted position in which the output member is yieldably held, and an override arrangement to selectively debar functioning of the elastic anchor arrangement whenever it is intended to rupture the restraining strap.

Abstract: A fluid-powered actuator assembly 10 for gate valves 13 having a slab gate 21 with a port 22 adapted to be placed in registry with the flow passage through the valve wherein the valve is moved to open position by application of fluid pressure to the actuator piston 18 and moved to closed position by a piston return spring 33 when the pressure is removed. The assembly includes an auxiliary energy storage device 40 in the form of a coiled spring 41 which is compressed in the initial stages of the actuator stroke to open the valve 13 and is maintained in the compressed energized state by a releasable latch mechanism 52 which latches to the auxiliary spring housing 42. When the actuator 12 operates to close the valve, the auxiliary coiled spring 41 is released near the end of the valve-closing stroke to provide additional axial thrust to the actuator shaft 17 and the valve gate 21 of a magnitude sufficient to shear wire lines 25 or other members which have been inserted through the gate port.

Abstract: An actuator assembly has two actuators mounted back-to-back such that their actuator rods are displaced in opposite directions. Each actuator has a spring embracing the rod between two slidable collars. The spring urges the collars apart towards stops on the rod and stops on the actuator housing, so that, on failure of the actuator, the rod is displaced to a central position. The rod is driven by a motor which also rotates two discs of different diameters. Each disc has a notch in its edge which align only at the central position of the rod and allow a roller to drop into the notch. When the actuator fails, a solenoid releases a locking arm which engages the rollers, keeping them in the notches thereby preventing rotation of the discs and displacement of the rod.

Abstract: A hydraulic control apparatus, more particularly for operating a motor vehicle clutch release mechanism, comprising a master cylinder, a slave cylinder and a conduit connecting the master cylinder to the slave cylinder. A leakproof quick-connect connector is placed between the master cylinder and the slave cylinder, preferably at the end of the conduit where it connects to the master cylinder or the slave cylinder, one member of the connector forming part of the master cylinder or slave cylinder. The apparatus, after assembly, is filled with hydraulic fluid, the two members of the connector being held momentarily engaged. After filling, the connector is broken, and the filled components are shipped to a user. After installation of the apparatus for operation of a mechanism such as a clutch release mechanism, the two connector members are reconnected, and the connector members having been provided with a one-way locking member can no longer be separated such as to preserve the integrity of the system.

Abstract: A hydraulic control apparatus, more particularly for operating a motor vehicle clutch release mechanism, comprising a master cylinder, a slave cylinder and a conduit connecting the master cylinder to the slave cylinder. The apparatus is in the form of separate modular units which are separately, but simultaneously, filled with hydraulic fluid after simultaneous evacuation of atmospheric air from the apparatus modular units and test of the integrity of the modular units, and the pre-tested and prefilled modular units are shipped unconnected to a user.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for a self-dumping barge which can be opened and closed by means of hydraulic cylinders (18), comprises hooks (38) and transverse bolts (42) cooperating therewith. The transverse bolts (42) are connected to the hydraulic cylinders (18) in the area of a piston rod (20) for each cylinder. A hook support (26) is connected to an outer end of the piston rod. The device eliminates special arms or the like for receiving the locking mechanism and also the corresponding reinforcing attachments on the hull. Preferably the transverse bolts (42) are located at the outer end of the hydraulic cylinders (18) and the hook supports (26) coincide with the points of attachment for the piston rods.

Abstract: A hydraulic control apparatus, more particularly for operating a motor vehicle clutch release mechanism, comprising a master cylinder, a slave cylinder and a conduit connecting the master cylinder to the slave cylinder. The apparatus is in the form of separate modular units which are separately filled with hydraulic fluid, and the filled modular units are shipped unconnected to a user. Each modular unit is provided with a leakproof quick-connect connector member, through which filling of the modular unit may be effected, and which mates with a complementary leakproof quick-connect connector member of another modular unit, such that after installation on a utiization device, a motor vehicle for example, complementary connector members are reconnected, thus opening ports in each connector member placing each member in fluid communication with the other. Preferably, the two connector members are provided with a one-way locking arrangement preventing separation of the connector members after coupling.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is a cyclic power mechanism including means providing for a variable dwell between cycles of the mechanism. The mechanism produces energy during each cycle and stores the energy of each cycle for consumption. The variable dwell between cycles is terminated and a new cycle is initiated upon the consumption of a preestablished portion of the stored energy. A preferred embodiment of the mechanism is a free piston engine operation on an Otto cycle. The piston of the engine is restrained after each combustion cycle as the energy of that combustion is stored for use. When a preestablished portion of the stored energy has been consumed, the piston is released and forced into another compression and combustion cycle for further storage of the combustion energy.

Abstract: A disposable shipping and installation clip holding in an extended position the input member of a linear actuator, such as the input member of a hydraulic master cylinder operating a remotely located slave cylinder connected to the master cylinder through a conduit, the apparatus being filled with hydraulic fluid prior to shipment and installation on a utilization mechanism. The clip has a generally U-shaped channel body having sidewall portions elastically spreadable apart from each other such as to permit clipping the channel body over the input member. The clip body is preferably provided with outwardly extending projecting portions, finger-graspable, to facilitate removal. In the alternative, the clip is in the form of a U-shaped flat washer disposed in a groove in the input member periphery.

Abstract: A shipping and installation restraining strap for an actuator such as the hydraulic slave cylinder of a motor vehicle clutch actuating apparatus. The strap comprises a retaining member in the form of a cylindrical cap installed on the end of the actuator output rod and having a substantially hemispherical end portion engaged in a corresponding partially spherical concave recess in the member operated by the actuator, such as the clutch release lever. The other end of the strips is attached to a non-movable portion of the actuator. Each strip has a portion of reduced strength such as to break upon first operation of the actuator. The cylindrical cap is optionally provided with a radially extending disc-like flange seal resiliently engaged with the surface of the clutch actuating lever beyond the edge of the recess, such as to prevent introduction of dirt in the recess.