Abstract: A hydraulic cylinder having a locking device disposed in either, or both head ends which attach to the cylinder, has a piston reciprocally movable within a piston chamber formed in the cylinder. A stud member having a groove portion and a stud portion, secures to the piston for reciprocal movement therewith. The stud member axially moves within a stud bore formed in the head end such that, the stud bore acts as a variable volume stud chamber. A plunger member, disposed in the head end, is in fluid communication with the variable volume stud bore such that, movement of the stud member into the stud bore increases the fluid pressure, thus forcing the plunger out of contact with the stud portion of the stud member. When a predetermined pressure occurs, an outlet valve to the stud bore opens, reducing the fluid pressure and allowing the plunger to be urged into engagement with the groove portion of the stud member thus effecting a locked condition.

Abstract: There is disclosed a blowout preventer having rams each of which is moved between opened and closed positions by a fluid-operated actuator having a rod adapted to be axially reciprocated by piston means within a cylinder and extending from the cylinder for connection to the ram, means for locking the rams in closed position including locking elements carried by the rod for movement into locking position within the cylinder automatically in response to movement of the ram with the rod into closed position.

Abstract: High speed pipe handling apparatus is disclosed. A pipe gripping system includes fluid pressure piston-and-cylinder propulsion systems to manipulate pipe gripping slip members, and includes a mechanical latching system that locks the pistons to the cylinders in the pipe-gripping configuration by latch members. The latching system is released by application of fluid pressure.

Abstract: A continuous mining machine cutting head structure is set forth. The mining machine is of a type having a support member and an elongated mining head member mounted on the forward end of the support member. The head member is powered for rotation about its longitudinal axis. The head member is of the type having axially extensible and retractable end portions. Included within the head member is a hydraulic piston cylinder arrangement for selectively extending and retracting these end portions. At least one latch element is included within each side of the head member and can be moved into locking engagement with the end portions when it is in an extended position thereby preventing retraction thereof. Also included is a mechanism operatively connected to the piston cylinder arrangement which is capable of moving the latch element out of engagement with the end portion thereby permitting retraction thereof.

Abstract: A fluid motor comprising a piston and cylinder combination includes mechanism for locking an output shaft which is helically displaceable along its longitudinal axis upon actuation of the piston. The locking mechanism includes a locking element driven by a fluid operated motor for displacement in a direction transverse to and spaced from the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and a notch in the shaft for receiving the locking element, the notch and locking element have mating surfaces which are inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shaft and transverse to the shaft's helical path of travel. The locking element motor comprises the piston and cylinder chamber defined within a body upon which there is also mounted a cam guide for guiding a cam member which is secured to the shaft on the opposite side of the notch. The locking element is secured to and extends transversely of the locking piston into an opening within the body adjacent the shaft.

Abstract: A double-acting hydraulic jack, comprising a hollow piston reciprocable in a surrounding cylinder, includes a tubular shaft extending axially inside and carrying a nut of the circulating-ball type which coacts with a screw coaxially disposed in that shaft. The screw is rigid with the piston whereby an axial displacement of the latter is translated into a rotation of the shaft; a toothed wheel on the shaft, engaged by a spring-loaded detent, acts as a one-way brake enabling such rotation only in one direction and blocking it in the opposite direction unless the detent is withdrawn by a hydraulic servomotor which is pressurized concurrently with the admission of fluid to the cylinder tending to displace the piston in the normally blocked direction.

Abstract: A double acting piston and cylinder arrangement comprising an elongated cylinder and a piston assembly slidably mounted within the cylinder. The piston assembly comprises a first part and a second part which are axially adjacent each other and movable with respect to each other between a locking and nonlocking position. In the locking position, the piston assembly forces a split ring radially outwardly and against the walls of the cylinder to lock the piston assembly to the cylinder at any adjusted position. Conversely, in its nonlocking positon the ring contracts radially inwardly and permits the piston assembly to freely axially slide along the cylinder.

Abstract: An automatic mechanism is provided for locking the piston rod of a multi-position fluid operated linear actuator in its existing extreme axial position and to maintain such piston rod's position against unbiased forces acting on the piston rod, in the event of a failure of, or significant decrease in, the fluid pressure applied on the piston. A lost motion connection is provided between a piston head and the piston rod opposite the locking mechanism, permitting a limited amount of axial movement of the piston head relative to the piston rod. A locking mechanism is provided to automatically engage the piston rod whenever it reaches one of its two extreme axial positions and to lock the piston rod at that position. The locking mechanism is releasable by a cam structure provided on the piston head. The initial movement of the piston head relative to the piston rod in a direction toward the other axial position of the piston rod effects the camming of the locking mechanism to an unlocked position.

Abstract: A safety brake for hydraulic rams, particularly for hydraulic elevators, includes a plurality of braking members disposed around the piston in a circular array. The outer surfaces of the spaced apart braking members together form the shape of a truncated cone, and the inner surface of a stationary housing surrounding the brake members is complementarily shaped. The angle of inclination of the two conical surfaces is small, and the braking members move downwardly and inwardly only a short distance to engage the piston, so that the conical geometry of the brakes and housing surfaces does not produce significantly mismatched sliding surfaces as the brake members move downwardly.

Abstract: A keyboard actuator for actuating the keys of a keyboard-operated apparatus including a plurality of fluid actuators supported by a frame, a first plurality of fluid conduits in communication with one or more selected fluid actuators, and first and second valve means for applying fluid pressure to selected ones of the first and second plurality of fluid conduits in response to signals from the control means. The fluid actuators include latching means and piston means. In response to fluid pressure, the latching means releases the piston means and the piston means may be driven to actuate a key of the keyboard-operated apparatus.

Abstract: A new and improved ram lock and blowout preventer are provided for locking a blowout preventer ram in any of a number of variable, adjustable sealing positions in a bore in the preventer. A ram carrier is mounted in a housing to move the ram to and from the sealing positions. The housing is provided with a tapered inner surface which selectively engages locking wedge members mounted with the ram carrier. A locking cone mounted with the ram carrier responds to fluid pressure during movement of the ram carrier to move the locking wedges into engagement with the tapered inner surface for locking purposes.

Abstract: A mechanical locking device includes multiple components that must move before axial travel of a load exerting component becomes unblocked. Such elements include a main lock means that is radially movable to unblock said axial travel; axially movable holder means that blocks radial movement of the main lock means; radially movable trigger means that blocks axial movement of the holder means; and release structure blocking radial movement of the trigger means. At least one and preferably both of the main lock means and of the trigger means comprises multiple elements spaced apart about the device axis for independent radial movement, such elements typically being caged for such independent movement.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuator comprises: a cylinder; a piston axially slidably received in the cylinder and having a hollow bore axially extending therein; at least a locking member radially movably retained in the piston; a ram axially slidably received in the hollow bore of the piston and having an inclined portion connecting a lower engaging portion and an upper engaging portion with a circumferential length longer than that of said lower engaging portion, said inclined portion being slidably engageable with the radially inner face of the locking member for radial movement thereof; a switch piston radially slidably mounted on the cylinder to have a radially inner face engageable with the radially outer face of the locking member; and detecting means for detecting the piston under conditions locked and unlocked with the cylinder by detecting radial movement of the locking member through the switch piston.

Abstract: A testing mechanism for a ram lock for blowout preventer rams which permits testing of lock mechanism by overriding the automatic unlocking capability of the mechanism.

Abstract: A ram lock for blowout preventer rams which permits locking of the ram at multiple and adjustable positions. Automatic locking of the ram at a desired position, such as in adjustable sealing positions to compensate for ram elastomer wear, is obtained. The ram also automatically unlocks in response to opening fluid pressure acting on a cylinder liner which contains a ram carrier moving the ram.

Abstract: A pneumatically actuated adjusting device, particularly for throttle flap adjustment on mixture-compressing combustion engines, with a diaphragm held between a housing upper portion and a housing lower portion. This diaphragm forms a vacuum-charged working chamber with the housing upper portion. With the housing lower portion it forms a chamber open to ambient atmosphere. A guide bushing projects from the housing upper portion on the atmosphere vented side of the diaphragm and is rigidly connected to it. The diaphragm is also rigidly connected to two concentric spaced diaphragm plate pairs. The outer diaphragm plate pair is connected to a pipe moving inside the guide bushing. This pipe has one or several recesses, with a ball in every recess. Indentations in the guide bushing have diameters corresponding to the ball diameter, with the depth determining the stroke of the first adjustment stage. The inner diaphragm is rigidly connected to a control piston inside the pipe. This control piston has a recess.

Abstract: A fluid pressure actuator which locks in the extended position. The lock is a roller operated, dual segment pawl mechanism that unlocks in response to a pressure difference between extend and retract pressures. The two lock segments, chamfered for engagement with the cylinder end, are in diametrically opposed slots in the actuator piston head. A cylindrical section projects from the segment portion. An end view of the lock is mushroom shaped. Two rollers, held in alignment normal to the actuator centerline by a cage integral with the unlock rod, operate in conjunction with the lock cam surfaces in such a manner as to carry the radial loading imposed when in the lock mode.In operation, when the actuator is driven to its extreme extend position, the pawls are driven out by the rollers and lock against the cylinder end. The linear force on the rollers is due to the preload spring plus the hydraulic pressure differential (extend pressure greater than retract pressure).

Abstract: Disclosed is a mechanical locking device for locking a rod in a conventional hydraulic actuator, such as a hydraulic cylinder or a rotary actuator. The device comprises a radially contractible locking ring having a cylindrical inner surface for gripping the rod when the locking ring is contracted and an outer surface which is axially inclined, means for positively securing the locking ring around the rod in a position axially fixed in at least one direction with respect to the actuator housing, a ring-contracting member around the locking ring and having an inner surface which is axially inclined at the same angle as the outer surface of the locking ring for engaging that surface, and means for applying an axial force to the ring-contracting member in the direction of the inner surface axial inclination to cause the ring-contracting member to slide axially on the locking ring thereby causing the locking ring to contract and grip the rod.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a hydraulic actuator which comprises an outer cylinder; an inner cylinder attached at its one end to the axial inner one end of the outer cylinder in coaxial relation with the outer cylinder to define an annular gap between the outer and inner cylinders; a piston having a hollow bore axially extending from its one end to the other end and closed at the other end and slidably received in the annular gap; and a locking mechanism temporarily locking the piston with the outer cylinder upon the farthest movement of the piston to the other end thereof; the locking mechanism including a locking member coupled with one end portion of the piston and which is radially movable, a ram resiliently received in the other end of the inner cylinder and having an inclined stepped portion and a hollow bore axially extending from its one end to the other end and opened at the other end, and an annular locking groove formed at the inner periphery of the other end of the outer cylinder, whereby the locking memb

Abstract: A lock actuator attachment for a pneumatic service brake has a spindle follower for the service brake piston. A freely rotating nut is threaded on the spindle and a brake for preventing nut rotation is operated by a piston that may be pneumatically or hydraulically operated to hold the service brake in actuated position.

Abstract: An elongated cylinder housing has a piston therein molded from a resinous plastic material. The piston has an angularly extending slot receiving a metal clutch roller operated by a clutch control bar slidable relative to the piston. The clutch control bar is secured to a secondary piston member, and springs are disposed between the piston and the secondary piston member for normally causing the control bar to pull the clutch roller into an engaged position. The clutch roller is disposed in such engaged position to prevent travel of the piston in one direction except when actuating fluid in the cylinder operates on the secondary piston member against the force of the springs to cause the clutch roller to move the clutch control bar into a released position. The bottom of the slot that receives the clutch roller is covered by metal plates to permit free rolling engagement of the clutch roller thereon and at the same time to prevent indentation of the clutch roller into the plastic.

Abstract: A loading arm apparatus having a displaceable main shaft formed as a fluid operable cylinder with a fixed piston which may be clamped at any position along its displacement by a fluid operable clamping means operable against its wall. A guide rod placed in a common block with the main shaft can be clamped also by a separate clamp simultaneously with the main shaft. As a result, the main shaft can be mounted with a large play.

Abstract: A device for generating shear waves in the earth for seismic prospectives, comprising a target member coupled with the earth, a vehicle carrying a mass and means for driving and guiding the mass along a direction perpendicular to the striking surface of the target member and parallel to the earth surface, said means comprising a toothed wheel in mesh with a driving chain and a counterweight for balancing the mass. According to a particular embodiment, the target member is so designed that at least a part of the vehicle weight can be applied thereon.

Abstract: A brake cylinder device including a brake piston operable by a spring force to an application position and to a release position in response to an opposing fluid pressure force, and a fluid pressure operable locking device operable responsively to release pressure for locking the piston in the release position and for delaying such locking of the piston in the release position during normal operations to prevent untimely locking-up of the piston.

Abstract: A servoactuator for stopping a ram in its existing position or retracting the ram at a fixed rate to a locked position.

Abstract: A new and improved ram lock for blowout preventer rams which permits locking of the ram at multiple and adjustable positions to compensate for wear on sealing elements of blowout preventer rams and increase sealing action of the ram without requiring separate special control lines. Automatic locking of the ram at a desired position, such as in adjustable sealing positions to compensate for ram elastomer wear, is obtained.

Abstract: A new and improved ram lock for blowout preventer rams which permits locking of the ram at multiple and adjustable positions to compensate for wear on sealing elements of blowout preventer rams and increase sealing action of the ram without requiring separate special control lines. Automatic locking of the ram at a desired position, such as in sealing position, is obtained.

Abstract: Structure for locking a cylinder piston or the like in one limiting position thereof including a housing, a wedge member secured to the piston for reciprocation therewith mounted within the housing and having a cam surface thereon, and a locking piston positioned within the housing for reciprocal movement transversely of the wedge member also having a cam surface thereon engageable with the cam surface of the wedge member in one position thereof to secure the cylinder piston in the one limiting position. The camming surfaces have a surface area and a locking angle with respect to the cylinder piston to provide improved locking force on the cylinder piston and prevent backup of the cylinder piston on pressure drop or failure to the locking piston.

Abstract: An extremely fast-acting valve operator including a piston slidable in a pneumatic cylinder and connected by means of a chain and sprocket with the rotatable actuating shaft of a valve so that rapid movement of the piston imparts a rapid rotation to the shaft to open the valve. The piston is subjected to a high pressure gas but is initially restrained against motion within its cylinder by means of a quick release mechanism whereby release of said mechanism results in the piston undergoing immediate and rapid movement responsive to the expanding gas to thereby rapidly open the valve. This abstract is not to be construed in any way to define or limit the invention set forth below.

Abstract: A safety arrester for arresting a hydraulically operated lifting ram of a hydraulic elevator comprises an arrester body within which a plurality of brake shoes are located. The brake shoes are segments of a ring around a passage through the arrester body for receiving the ram, are spring biassed into frictional engagement with the ram, and are displaceable out of engagement with the ram by hydraulic actuator means.

Abstract: A hydraulic hand brake for a fluid pressure actuated brake on a railway vehicle has a cylinder and piston assembly extending coaxially from the brake cylinder. A threaded rod having a non-locking thread extends from the piston and has threaded thereon a traveling nut with a coupling surface on a side away from the brake piston engageable with a second coupling surface on a ring attached to the cylinder. A spring urges the nut in the direction to engage the coupling surfaces and a control piston engages the nut to disengage the coupling surfaces when the control piston is subjected to a hydraulic pressure. Subjecting the piston of the cylinder and piston assembly to a hydraulic pressure will cause the threaded rod to engage the brake piston and to move the brake piston in the braking direction.

Abstract: A hydraulic brake actuating and locking device is provided for applying brakes of a vehicle comprising an elongated brake cylinder having a tubular push rod axially operable therein for actuating the brakes and a hydraulically controlled locking device disposed within the tubular push rod and operable when rendered effective for acting on the inner periphery of the push rod to restrain the push rod against axial movement relative to the brake cylinder. The locking device is selectively actuated in accordance with the movement of a locking wedge within the push rod by a hydraulically operated locking piston.

Abstract: A latch mechanism is operated by differential pressure on a piston to engage the drive shaft for a control rod in a nuclear reactor, thereby preventing the control rod from being ejected from the reactor in case of failure of the control rod drive mechanism housing which is subjected to the internal pressure in the reactor vessel.

Abstract: Locking apparatus for a ram type blowout preventer having a housing with a passageway through which a tubular member may pass; rams movable between a non-sealing position in the housing, in which the passageway is open, and a sealing position in which the passageway is sealingly closed; and an operator assembly for moving the rams between the non-sealing and sealing positions. The locking apparatus may comprise: at least one rod connected to the operator assembly reciprocable between first and second terminal positions in response to movement of the rams between their non-sealing and sealing positions, respectively; and locking means engageable with the rod when in its second terminal position to lock the rams in their sealing positions. A method of operating such a ram type blowout preventer is disclosed also.

Abstract: A brake locking mechanism for heavy vehicles, adapted to be installed in existing braking systems without altering the normal operation thereof, functions to prevent involuntary movement of the vehicle, due to system failure such as air or hydraulic fluid leakage, while standing. The mechanism includes a spring biased pawl engageable with rack teeth formed on the diaphragm actuated brake rod, the pawl being operated by an air or hydraulically actuated piston associated therewith and connected into the vehicle air or hydraulic system.