Abstract: A ball nut and screw assembly with a screw having exterior helical ball carrying groove portions separated by land portions and a co-axial nut having complemental, helical interior ball carrying groove portions separated by land portions with the same lead as said screw groove and land portions has, an end attachment for the nut with a reduced diameter sleeve extending axially therefrom. The sleeve has helical exterior thread portions, of the same lead as the nut groove portions, which are of a matching configuration and are threaded into one end of the nut. The sleeve has an interior diameter which receives and passes the screw without interacting with the screw. A recirculating train of load bearing balls is accommodated within nut and screw groove portions which are axially spaced from the sleeve.

Abstract: A fluid-powered rotary actuator for providing rotary movement between first and second external members. The actuator includes a cylindrical body with first and second ends. The body is adapted for coupling to the first external member, and a shaft extending generally coaxially within the body and supported for rotation relative thereto. The shaft having an adjustable end limit of rotation relative to the body. The shaft has an end portion adapted for coupling to the second external member to provide rotational movement between the first and second external members. An annular body insert is positioned coaxial with the body and at least partially within the body at the body first end. The body insert is formed as a separate part from the body and is adjustably rotatable relative to the body to permit adjustment of the end limit of rotation of the shaft relative to the body. The body insert is restrained by the body against axial movement relative to the body during powered operation of the actuator.

Abstract: A fluid-powered rotary actuator having a body with a cylindrical interior sidewall portion. A drive shaft extends generally coaxially within the body and is supported for rotation relative thereto. The shaft has a grooved, outwardly facing circumferential sidewall portion positioned within the body. A ring gear is positioned generally coaxially within the body and extends about the shaft with an annular space therebetween. The ring gear has a grooved, inwardly facing circumferential sidewall portion. The ring gear is formed as a separate part from the body and the ring gear grooved sidewall portion is formed prior to positioning of the ring gear in the body. The ring gear is fixedly attached to the body to prevent rotation therebetween by a weld between the ring gear and the body interior sidewall portion. A stop member is engaged by the ring gear. The stop member is axially located within the body to limit movement of the ring gear toward the body first end during assembly of the ring gear in the body.

Abstract: A fluid-powered rotary actuator having a body adapted for coupling to a movable member to transfer rotational force thereto. A drive member includes a flange extending axially outward from a body first end, and a stub shaft extending coaxially within the body toward a body second end. The flange includes first, second and intermediate portions, with the first portion axially outward of the second portion. The second portion has a ball race, the first portion is threaded, and the intermediate portion has straight splines formed thereon. The drive member has an elongated aperture, and first and second fluid conduits formed therein. A fluid-transfer tube is carried by a piston and extends into the central aperture. Pressurized fluid applied to a flange first port is communicated through the first fluid conduit to a first piston side, and pressurized fluid applied to a flange second port is communicated through the second fluid conduit via the transfer tube to a second piston side.

Abstract: A fluid-powered rotary actuator attachable to a boom and usable with a work implement having two hydraulic actuators. The rotary actuator has a body with a drive shaft extending longitudinally therewithin. The shaft has one end located outward of the body and fixed to an attachment flange which can be connected to a vehicle boom. An annular fluid coupling is rotatably mounted on the shaft between the flange and the body. Fluid passageways in the shaft conduct fluid to the coupling, which has three circumferential fluid distribution channels. The coupler provides the fluid to flexible hoses which extend to the hydraulic actuators. The coupling is freely rotatable relative to the shaft but has a connection finger attached thereto which is received in a hole in a connection flange which is attached to the body.

Abstract: A steering assembly for a utility vehicle having a support frame. The assembly includes a fluid-powered rotary actuator, with a body having a rotatable hollow shaft extending therewithin. An annular piston is mounted within the body about the shaft for reciprocal axial movement and rollers are provided for transmitting torque between the body and the shaft to produce rotational movement of the shaft in response to axial movement of the piston. An axially extendable member extends longitudinally within a central bore of the shaft with a lower end portion projecting out of the body and being attached to forks to which a wheel is rotatably mounted. The central bore of the shaft and the extendable member have meshing straight splines which transmit the rotational drive of the shaft to the extendable member, while allowing free axial movement of the extendable member. The extendable member has a piston portion which defines an interior fluid chamber. An accumulator is in fluid communication with the fluid chamber.

Abstract: An air-powered actuator having a body with first and second ends, an axially transverse annular bulkhead positioned therebetween, and an output shaft with a splined exterior portion. The body includes first and second end walls with each end wall having a sleeve mounted coaxially within the body about the shaft and projecting axially inward within the body. A piston sleeve is disposed for axial reciprocating movement within the body. The piston sleeve has a pair of piston heads, an outer sleeve, and an inner sleeve. The outer sleeve is mounted coaxially within the body inward of the bulkhead and about the first and second sleeves to define therewith a fluid-tight outer chamber containing the piston heads, each positioned to an opposite side of the bulkhead to define four fluid-tight chambers and to which pressurized air is applied. Also defined is a fluid-tight inner chamber containing lubricating oil. The outer sleeve is attached to the piston heads for reciprocating travel therewith.

Abstract: A clamp device drive apparatus for driving a clamp device engaged with a T-shaped groove slidably between a clamping position and an unclamping position, comprises a push-pull chain connected to a clamp device, a vertical housing for containing the chain, guide members for turning a running course of the chain, a sprocket engaged with the chain, and a cylinder drive type motor for driving the sprocket to rotate, and the motor is constituted to drive the sprocket with a double acting fluid cylinder or a pair of single acting fluid cylinder, through ball screw mechanism for converting driving force into driving torque.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine which includes a system to deliver a combustible mixture to a cylinder, ignite the combustible mixture and exhaust the mixture after ignition. The internal combustion engine comprises at least one piston capable of reciprocating within the cylinder, each piston having an interior cylindrical surface and a continuous, wave-shaped groove recessed into the interior cylindrical surface. A rotatable crankshaft passes concentrically through the cylinder and through the piston. At least one crank member extends radially from the crankshaft and is received in the wave-shaped groove. The piston is prevented from rotating while being allowed to reciprocate so that the force of combustion causes movement of the piston thereby causing rotation of the crank member and rotation of the crankshaft.

Abstract: A fluid-powered rotary actuator having a body with first and second ends, and a shaft extending generally coaxially within the body. The shaft is supported for rotational movement relative to the body by bearing races formed on the shaft first and second end portions and corresponding bearing races formed on a pair of first and second end caps. First and second stop rings are disposed within the body, each adjacent to a corresponding end cap, with the shaft extending therethrough. The stop rings are each freely and longitudinally movable on the shaft within a limited axial range. The stop rings are positioned using set screws which extend through the end caps and engage the stop rings at selected longitudinal positions within their limited axial ranges. When the first and second stop rings are positioned, they engage and limit axial travel of the piston sleeve toward the end caps, and hence provide preselected and adjustable and rotational limits for the rotational travel of the shaft.

Abstract: The device serves to convert rotary motion to hydraulic pressure and vice versa. A piston assembly is entirely located within a cylinder, including a piston head and a piston stem fixed to the piston head. The piston assembly divides the cylinder into two distinct variable volume chambers to be filled with a fluid. The piston assembly is prevented from rotating relative to the cylinder. A rotary shaft extends through one closed end of the cylinder and has an inner portion in telescopic and threaded engagement with the piston stem. Two fluid ports communicate with the respective chambers for allowing a fluid to alternatively exit from and enter into the chambers. Rotation of the shaft causes longitudinal displacement of the piston assembly relative to the cylinder or vice versa. The device can have different applications: for instance, if a throttle valve is connected across the two ports, controlled braking of the shaft rotated by an external torque, is obtained.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a steeped axially displaceable piston in a stepped cylinder housing, and a rotary shaft is axial fixed relative to the housing and extends into the piston reduced diameter end portion. The piston reduced diameter portion and the housing having a cooperating set of first teeth while the piston and shaft have a cooperating set of second teeth whereby at least one set of the teeth serve to convert axial movement of the piston into rotary motion of the shaft. The shaft is supported in the housing adjacent where it exits from the housing by a first bearing while a second bearing is provide radial adjacent to the juncture of the housing enlarged and reduced diameter portions that supports the interior end portion of the shaft in the piston reduced diameter portion. A third radial bearing is provided between the enlarged diametric portion and the piston enlarged diametric portion in axial remote relationship to the first bearing.

Abstract: An apparatus for converting rotational movement into reciprocating lifting movement or vice versa, compriss a bearing body that incorporates a first, cylindrical wall section with first guide grooves, a rotary element that is supported on the bearing body so as to be able to rotate and that incorporates a second cylindrical wall section with second guide grooves that are arranged at an angle to the first guide grooves, a lifting element that is supported on the bearing body so as to move back and forth and that incorporates a third wall section, in which continuous bearing drillings with axes that are transverse to the lifting movement are arranged, and a force transfer system with driver balls that are guided within the bearing drillings. In each bearing drilling there are two driver balls that lie one behind the other in the axial direction and which rest against each other. One such driver ball is supported in part in the first guide groove and the other is supported in part in the second guide groove.

Abstract: The swing clamping device consists of a cylinder (2) provided with fluid medium connections with a piston (5) that can be advanced and retracted and a piston rod (1) to whose free end a clamping arm (17) is attached. The piston rod swing guide is designed in the form of a swing guide sleeve (3) with a swing guide slot that runs along its entire length and is axially fixed in the cylinder interior on the piston rod side leaving an admission area of the piston (1) free on the piston rod end, and there is a swing transmission element between the guide sleeve and the piston rod (1).

Abstract: The fluid-powered actuator having a body, an axially extending rotatable shaft with a plurality of helical grooves, and an annular piston sleeve reciprocally mounted within the body and receiving the shaft therethrough. The piston sleeve has a plurality of radial bores extending fully therethrough with an inward open end adjacent to the grooved shaft. Guide pins are rotatably disposed in each of the pistion sleeve bores and ride in the shaft grooves. An annular carrier is reciprocally mounted within the body coaxial with the piston sleeve and is adjustably axially movable relative thereto. The carrier has a plurality of radial bores extending fully therethrough with an inward end adjacent to the grooved shaft. Guide pins are rotatably disposed in each of the carrier bores and ride the shaft grooves. Rotation of the carrier is prvented is prevented relative to the piston sleeve.

Abstract: A closed hydraulic system (22) is provided for transmitting steering movement to a rear wheel steering assembly (16) in response to steering movement of a front wheel steering assembly (14). The front wheel steering assembly is controlled by a steering wheel (18) and a power steering assembly (20). The closed hydraulic system (22) includes a pump assembly (56) and an actuator assembly (58) connected together by conduits (60,62) to define closed fluid flow branches (164,166) for moving a piston (112) in the actuator assembly in response to movement of a piston (78) in the pump assembly. Movement of the actuator piston is transmitted to the rear wheel steering assembly via first and second cam assemblies (122,124) which effect same direction rear wheel steering for rather small front wheel steering angles and which effect opposite direction rear wheel steering for greater front wheel steering angles.

Abstract: A linear to rotary ball screw actuator which includes both helical grooves and straight grooves longitudinally spaced apart on the outer surface of the shaft. Matching helical grooves and straight grooves are formed on opposed inner surfaces of first and second portions of relatively moveable housing to provide passageways filled with balls. A return passageway is provided through the housing by way of a straight bore parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft.Also disclosed is a ball screw rotary actuator of the type above described but having an additional section including either straight or helical grooves thereby to define an actuator having either a central helically grooved portion sandwiched between straight grooved portions or alternatively a central straight grooved portion with helical grooved portions on either side thereof.

Abstract: A fluid apparatus includes a pneumatic cylinder having a main body, a piston, and a hollow rod. A ball screw shaft engaged with a ball nut fixed to the piston is rotatably and axially unmovably mounted in the cylinder and extends in the hollow rod. A magnetic brake for braking the ball screw shaft is fixed to an end portion of the main body of the cylinder. The number of revolutions of the ball screw shaft is detected and outputted in a signal form by a rotary encoder. A primary solenoid controlled valve reciprocates the piston by connecting a pressure source either to a first or second port of the cyliner, and secondary solenoid controlled valves connect a pressure source either to a first braking pressure port or to a second braking pressure port.

Abstract: A fluid-powered actuator having a body with first and second end walls, with a bulkhead positioned therebetween, which is adjustably rotatable to angularly position the bulkhead relative to the body for fluid-powered operation to establish the end limits of rotation of an output shaft. The actuator has first and second piston heads disposed in the body on opposite sides of the bulkhead to define four fluid-tight chambers. In the preferred embodiment, the bulkhead is selectively clamped between two sidewall portions. A sleeve extends between and fixedly connects the piston heads together. A plurality of guide rods are fixedly attached to and extend between the piston heads and through apertures in the bulkhead in one embodiment, and between the first piston head and the bulkhead and through apertures in the first piston head in another embodiment to transmit torque to the body and through the bulkhead.

Abstract: A fluid-powered rotary actuated support for a platform, having a body with a vertical axial orientation during use. A drive member has a drive shaft extending coaxially within the body and a flange attached to an end portion of the shaft toward an upper body end. The shaft and flange are formed as an integral unit free of connection joints therebetween. The flange projects radially outward from the shaft beyond an inner body surface and is rotatable relative to the body through a horizontal plane. A first ball race is formed in the flange and a second ball race is formed in the body with balls disposed therebetween. Linear-to-rotary transmission means disposed within the body are operable for providing rotational movement between the drive member and body. The body utilizes a stationary seal to facilitate seal placement and reduce the overall length of the body.

Abstract: A fluid-powered helical actuator including a cylindrical body; a rotatable output member supported for rotation relative to the body and connectable to an external device; first and second independently rotatable sleeves reciprocally mounted within the body; a piston reciprocally mounted within the body for application of fluid pressure to one or the other opposing sides thereof to produce axial movement, the piston operatively engages at least one or the other of the sleeves to axially move the sleeves in response to axial movement of the piston; and torque-transmitting elements for transmitting torque between the first sleeve and the body, between the first sleeve and the output member, between the second sleeve and the output member, and between the second sleeve and the body.

Abstract: A fluid-powered device having a body with interior helical grooves, an output shaft with exterior helical grooves, a plurality of rollers having circumferential grooves, and an axially reciprocating piston sleeve mounted within the body and retaining the rollers in axially offset and nested relation to each other and in fixed axial and circumferential position relative to the piston sleeve during powered operation of the device. The rollers are retained by the sleeve portion of the piston sleeve in circumferentially distributed arrangement between the grooved body and shaft surface portion in seated engagement with the grooved body and in seated engagement with the grooved output shaft for transmitting force between the body, output shaft and piston sleeve.

Abstract: An invert/neckring mechanism for an individual section (I.S.) glass forming machine including a rectangular shaft and a pair of neckring arm holders having a central passage which mates with the rectangular cross-sectional shaft to limit the movement between the shaft and the arm holders to axial movement all rotated through the invert arc by a hydraulic actuator in juxtaposition therewith. A plurality of springs bias the arm holders together to a closed position and a hydraulic double piston cylinder assembly is mounted adjacent to the shaft between the arm holders to open and close the arm holders.

Abstract: A fluid-powered actuator having a body with interior helical grooves, an output shaft with exterior helical grooves, a first set of rollers in rolling engagement with only the body grooves and axially skewed at an angle corresponding to the lead angle of the body grooves, a second set of rollers in rolling engagement with only the output shaft grooves and axially skewed at a skew angle corresponding to the lead angle of the output shaft grooves, and an axially reciprocating piston sleeve mounted within the body and retaining the rollers in fixed axial and circumferential position relative to the piston sleeve during powered operation of the device. In several embodiments, the first and second sets of rollers are axially spaced apart.

Abstract: A rotating drive mechanism for swinging doors, especially on vehicles, with a helical transmission consisting of a stator that is rigidly connected to the housing of the rotating drive mechanism, a rotor that can rotate but cannot move axially and that is rigidly connected to the driveshaft, a coupling component that moves axially to rotate the rotor in relation to the stator, and a pneumatic or hydraulic drive cylinder with a piston rod that is connected to the coupling component. The drive cylinder is an annular cylinder that has an outer and an inner jacket as well as an annular piston between the inner and the outer jacket. The coupling component is a nut that extends into the inner cylinder jacket and surrounds a rotor in the form of a threaded spindle. The rotor extends coaxially through the inside of the inner jacket and is, where it emerges from the housing, in one piece with the stub of the takeoff shaft.

Abstract: Helical spline actuator includes a pair of cylinder housings connected together in end-to-end spaced apart aligned relationship by means of a center mount. A shaft is mounted for rotation within the two housings, and has a rotatable drive member extending outwardly therefrom between the spaced apart inboard ends of the housings and out through a circumferential slot in the center mount. Pistons are axially movable within each of the housings toward and away from opposite ends of the shaft. Inboard of the pistons are helical drive members for converting axial movement of the pistons into relative rotational movement of the shaft and drive member connected thereto.

Abstract: A concentrate supply assembly for a post-mix beverage dispenser includes a plurality of containers for concentrate with discharge openings through which concentrate may flow. A plurality of conduits are coupled to the discharge openings and are in fluid communication with concentrate disposed within the containers. A multi-channel linear pump is provided with a pump body or bodies, including bores disposed within the pump bodies, pistons operatively mounted within the bores for reciprocation and piston shafts connected to the pistons. An A.C. synchronous motor is connected to the piston shafts for imparting constant-speed reciprocal motion to the piston shafts and to the pistons disposed within the bores. Inlet ports are in fluid communication with the conduits and bores for supplying concentrate thereto during a reciprocal motion of the pistons in a first direction.

Abstract: A metering device for feeding liquids, in particular chemical components for the production of polyurethane mixtures in a high-pressure mixing head.The device comprises at least a first and a second metering unit of the type having a cylindrical chamber in which a plunger slides to displace a pre-established volume of liquid during its stroke and to feed it to the mixing head. The plunger is connected to a worm screw control device, in which the worm screw control devices of the metering units are interconnected by a mechanical drive actuated by a driving motor; one or more revolution variators can be disposed in the mechanical interconnecting transmission in order to vary the ratios between the speeds of the plungers and, therefore, the quantities metered in relation to the stochiometric ratios between the liquids to be mixed.

Abstract: A rotary/linear convertor which comprises a first member may be in the form of a piston (14, 15, 16, 17, 114, 115, 116, 117) and a guide which is preferably in the form of a cylinder (12, 112) the first member being arranged for linear movement within or along the guide and a second member (23, 24, 137) which is adapted for rotational movement. The convertor further includes connecting means operatively connecting the first and second members so that the respective linear or rotational movement of one member causes the respective linear or rotational movement of the other member.

Abstract: Helical splined rotary actuator includes a pair of cylinder housings having inboard ends rotatably mounted in coaxial alignment on opposite ends of a center sleeve member. Contained within the housings are pistons having relatively large diameter helical spline connections with the inner diameters of the housings and smaller diameter straight spline connections with opposite ends of the sleeve member, whereby simultaneous axial movement of the pistons toward and away from each other causes relative rotation between the sleeve member and cylinder housings. The sleeve member may be connected to a first support intermediate the ends of the actuator. In like manner, the cylinder housings may be connected to a second support rotatable relative to the first support adjacent opposite ends of the sleeve member.

Abstract: A fluid-powered device having a body with interior helical grooves, an output shaft with exterior helical grooves, a plurality of rollers having circumferential grooves, and an axially receiprocating piston sleeve mounted within the body and retaining the rollers in fixed axial and circumferential position relative to the piston sleeve during powered operation of the device. The rollers are retained by the sleeve portion of the piston sleeve in circumferentially distributed arrangement between the grooved body and shaft surface portion with at least a first plurality of the rollers in seated engagement with the grooved body and at least a second plurality of the rollers in seated engagement with the grooved output shaft for transmitting force between the body, output shaft and piston sleeve.

Abstract: An actuator for variable adjustment of the pistons in hydraulic slave cylinders for regulation of for example the elevation adjustment of work stations. The pistons are actuated by way of a pusher which is non-rotatable but axially displaceable in the actuator housing (10). In the housing (10) there are provided one or more oblong openings (22) for drivers (27) attachable to the pusher and arranged for cooperation with the corresponding pusher in one or several further actuators placeable close to the actuator and that in at least one of the connected actuators there is arranged a threaded spindle for cooperation with a pusher designed as a nut.

Abstract: A valve actuator for providing rotational drive to a valve through a valve stem, where the valve includes a flange with attachment bolt holes for attachment of the actuator thereto using bolts. The actuator has an outer body having a sidewall and a base end position toward the valve flange, a rotatable output drive member accessible from the base end and adapted for coupling to the valve stem and having rotational end limits, and an attachment base fixedly attached to the body toward the base end and having a base flange and an attachment lip. The lip is attached to the base flange and is spaced apart from the body sidewall to define an annular space therebetween. A plurality of clips are positioned about the lip to secure the body to the valve flange while allowing selective rotation of the body to adjustably set the rotational end limits of the output drive member relative to the valve.

Abstract: A fluid-powered helical actuator including a cylindrical body; a rotatable output member supported for rotation relative to the body and connectable to an external device; first and second independently rotatable sleeves reciprocally mounted within the body; a piston reciprocally mounted within the body for application of fluid pressure to one or the other opposing sides thereof to produce axial movement, the piston operatively engages at least one or the other of the sleeves to axially move the sleeves in response to axial movement of the piston; and torque-transmitting elements for transmitting torque between the first sleeve and the body, between the first sleeve and the output member, between the second sleeve and the output member, and between the second sleeve and the body.

Abstract: A fluid powered, rotary actuator having a body, an annular member supported for rotation relative to the body, a fluid powered piston reciprocally mounted within the body, corresponding ball races on the body and the piston with balls disposed therein for transmitting torque therebetween, and corresponding ball races on the annular member and the piston with balls disposed therein for transmitting torque therebetween. The body has opposing, generally axially inward projecting support arms, between which the annular member is positioned with ball bearings disposed between the mating annular end walls of the support arms and the annular member. In one embodiment of the invention, the annular member has an attachment rim extending radially outward beyond the body, and adapted for attachment of an external device.

Abstract: This is a fluid-operated linear-rotary robot-like actuator reconstructed from a standard fluid cylinder device. The solid piston of the standard cylinder device is replaced with a self-contained vane-operated piston structure formed of spaced piston parts and an interposed vane chamber and in which a vane-operated work piston is rotated. The work piston extends through the forward cylinder head. A second piston rod extends from the rear part of the piston structure through the rear cylinder head and has passages for supplying the vane chamber of the piston with fluid under pressure. Suitable push button and microprocessor control systems, either by push button or automatically, are provided for controlling the operation of the actuator to give combined linear and rotary movement to a robot hand.

Abstract: The moving means is for use in moving an operative member between an out-of-the-way position and an operative position by a movement having a linear component in a vertical direction and a rotary component about a vertical axis. A first shaft on which the operative member is mounted is movable vertically by a first piston and cylinder assembly and is in driving connection with a second shaft relative to which it can move vertically. A second piston and cylinder assembly is operable through a screw-threaded connection to cause its piston to rotate thereby rotating the second shaft and hence the first shaft about the vertical axis.

Abstract: A valve actuator for a subsea oil well installation includes a rotatable adjusting member (53) for engagement with the valve spindle, and a linear fluid actuator (17) coaxial with the adjusting member and operable by fluid pressure pulses to index the adjusting member around selectively in either direction. A mechanical movement converts linear motion of the actuator to rotary motion of the adjusting member. A fluid operated clutch selectively connects the fluid actuator to the adjusting member. A shaft (65) projects from the rear end of the actuator casing to permit manual adjustment as well. Position sensors (120) emit signals indicative of the valve position, and a pointer (123) at the rear of the casing provides a visual indication of the valve condition.

Abstract: A rotary actuator is operable under the influence of fluid pressure to rotate a driven member. The rotary actuator includes a drive member which extends into a chamber in a housing. Helical splines interconnect a piston and the drive member to rotate the drive member upon axial movement of the piston in the chamber. The piston is held against rotary movement relative to the housing in one embodiment by a pair of rollers that engage tracks disposed on opposite sides of the piston and in another embodiment by a corresponding oval-shaped configuration of a portion of the piston and an internal portion of the chamber in the housing. In one embodiment of the invention, a rack gear on the piston rotates a pinion to actuate a valve and restrict fluid flow to the chamber when the piston is approaching an end-of-stroke position. A one-way clutch may be connected with the drive member so that the driven member is only rotated in one direction rather than being oscillated upon back and forth movement of the piston.

Abstract: A fluid-powered differential ball screw actuator with torque-transmitting helical ball-carrying races. The actuator includes a body with an interior first ball race and first and second ends; a first stop stationary with respect to the body for engaging and limiting travel of balls along the first ball race toward the first end; and output shaft rotatably supported within the body and having an exterior second ball race; a second stop stationary with respect to the shaft for engaging and limiting travel of balls along the second ball race toward the first end; and a piston reciprocally mounted within the body for application of fluid pressure to produce movement of the piston toward the first or second end. The piston has a sleeve coaxially receiving the shaft, with a third ball race cvonfronting and corresponding to the first ball race to form an outer set of races and a fourth ball race confronting and corresponding to the second ball race to form an inner set of races.

Abstract: An actuator for imparting a series of stepwise rotational movements to a valve shaft (2) or the like is provided. A bidirectional actuator, comprised of two opposing unidirectional actuators, includes a central drive wheel (6) secured to the shaft (2) and a pair of drive pistons (8, 10) axially reciprocable along the shaft (2). During reciprocation of the drive pistons (8, 10) protruding follower pins (30, 32) move within cam races (44, 46) disposed in the fixed housing (4). The cam races (44, 46) are so configured to allow the drive pistons (8, 10) to move into engagement with the drive wheel (6), before imparting a stepwise rotational movement thereto. During the return motion of the drive pistons (8, 10) the cam races (44, 46) are so configured to allow the pistons to disengage the drive wheel (6) before returning to their starting positions. A detent (54) for holding the drive wheel (6) and shaft (2) in any one of a preferred plurality of index positions is also disclosed.

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: The shaft coupling a reciprocating piston of a fluid motor to a slide valve shiftable longitudinally along a screw compressor housing and varying the amount of compressor suction gas returned to the suction port for varying compressor capacity constitutes an outer hollow tube having a smaller diameter indicator shaft mounted axially therein. The shaft carriers a helical V-groove on its exterior surface and a spring biased pin projecting radially inwardly from the outer tube rides in the helical groove such that, as the slide valve reciprocates, driven by the fluid motor piston, the indicator shaft is rotatably driven about its axis. Multiple cams fixed to the indicator shaft and rotatable therewith actuate juxtapositioned microswitches to indicate full load position, full unload position, and two intermediate load positions for the slide valve. The indicator shaft is directly axially connected to a potentiometer to provide an electrical analog output signal.

Abstract: A piston member is mounted in a cylinder body to be axially movable and unrotatable relative thereto. A ball nut retaining balls is fixed to the piston member, and a screw shaft having a helical groove in engagement with the balls is mounted to be rotatable and axially immovable relative to the cylinder body. The screw shaft makes many rotations when the piston under fluid pressure slightly advances axially inside the cylinder.

Abstract: The described motion converter has a housing in which a drive shaft is interconnected with a rotary motion power source. The drive shaft has an extent having a left-hand thread adjacent one end thereof and an extent having a right-hand thread located adjacent the opposite end thereof. Threaded nuts on the left and right hand threaded portions each have spiral spring clutches. An actuator is slidingly received upon the intermediate portion of the drive shaft with pins located at opposite ends of the actuator to engage one spring clutch while releasing the other. A spring loaded positioning device associated with the actuator insures that the actuator is positively located to engage one or the other of the clutches and prevents the actuator from hanging up at an intermediate position.

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 hydraulically actuatable swing clamp, particularly for the clamping of objects on the table of a machine tool, includes a housing with a piston arranged therein, the latter having a piston rod extending in sealed manner out of the housing. The piston rod carries a clamping arm which in addition to a pure axial clamping motion, performs a swinging motion, effected by a guide device. The guide device includes a normally non-rotatable control bolt arranged on the housing extending into the piston, and at least one cam groove developed in a guide surface between the control bolt and the piston. The cam groove has a helical groove section for the swinging and simultaneous lifting motion, and an axial section for the pure axially directed clamping motion of the clamping arm. A guide member, preferably a ball, arranged on the piston or control bolt, extends into the cam groove.

Abstract: This invention relates to direct acting rotary actuator cylinders wherein the linear motion of the piston is directly converted to angular motion by a means completely enclosed within the cylinder, which means comprises a slidable partitioning body engaging the circular cylindrical cavity in the cylinder in an air-tight sliding relationship and a circular cylindrical rod coaxially and rotatably disposed in said circular cylindrical cavity having a mid-section with a noncircular cross section of a diametrical dimension greater than the diameter of said circular cylindrical rod.

Abstract: A pump primarily intended for use in a portable ventilator. The pump includes a piston-cylinder arrangement in which the piston is reciprocally moved within the cylinder by rotating a shaft. The shaft is threaded and mounted for rotation within the cylinder at a fixed location along the axis of the cylinder. The piston has an aperture through its center and the shaft extends substantially between the end walls of the cylinder and through the center of the piston. The piston is held against rotation relative to the shaft and cylinder by a collapsible hinge and is attached to the shaft by an arrangement including a ball nut and sealing nut. The piston forms a variable volume, working chamber with one end of the cylinder and in operation, the shaft is selectively rotated to move the piston toward and away from the end wall. This positioning of the shaft within the cylinder reduces the overall size of the pump and specifically adapts it for use in a portable ventilator in which size limitations are critical.

Abstract: A spring-applied, air-released parking/emergency brake is combined with an air-actuated service brake through a friction clutch between the parking/emergency brake piston and a first nut member that is threaded onto a screw rod of the service piston. The screw rod and service piston are connected through another friction clutch. The screw rod is provided with a second nut member that is integral with a thrust rod to which the brake rigging is connected. A friction lock slack adjuster arrangement limits retraction of the thrust rod during brake release in accordance with the desired brake shoe clearance to be maintained. When the thrust rod movement is inhibited by the slack adjuster, the service piston clutch becomes disengaged to permit rotation of the screw rod during the release stroke of the service piston corresponding to overtravel due to shoe wear. Brake shoe clearance is thus maintained constant.