Abstract: Fluid cylinder for activating an element of a drivetrain of a motor vehicle. The fluid cylinder has a cylinder housing and a piston. The piston is sealed off from the cylinder housing by means of a piston seal. At least one fluid chamber is formed between the cylinder housing and the piston, which fluid chamber can be connected via at least a first fluid connection to a fluid supply device. The piston in a piston stop position rests against a stop surface of the cylinder housing. The first fluid connection is formed in the region of the stop surface of the cylinder housing. The piston is connected to a sealing device which seals off the first fluid connection in the piston stop position.

Abstract: A pump mechanism having multiple cylinders, whose axes are situated around a crankshaft to enclose predetermined angles, and whose pistons are each functionally connected to a connecting rod mounted on a crank on the crankshaft, each connecting rod being mounted on its own crank and the cranks having a predetermined angular offset to one another. This angular offset of the cranks is selected in accordance with the angle which the cylinder axes enclose in such a way that the phase shifts between each two pistons of the cylinders actuated in sequence during a rotation of the crankshaft are equally large.

Abstract: A pump with variant strokes has a body, a piston assembly and a decelerating member. The body and the decelerating member are respectively mounted adjacent to the piston assembly. A holder is mounted in the piston assembly and has multiple openings. When the decelerating member is driven to rotate and engages one of the openings in the holder, the piston assembly can move back and forth. Adjusting the decelerating member to connect to different one of the openings of the holder to form different rotating diameters can adjust the strokes of the present invention to provide different pressure and flow capacity.

Abstract: Each of two members to be fastened has a connecting surface, a communication groove opening on the connecting surface, and an engagement groove communicating with the communication groove and having an engagement surface parallel to the connecting surface. A fastening assembly has a connecting portion and two engaging pieces, each engaging piece having a fastening surface. The two members are placed with the connecting surfaces opposed, so that the engagement grooves are in communication each with the other through the communication grooves. The fastening assembly is inserted into the engagement grooves and the communication grooves, and the connecting portion is operated to draw together the two engaging pieces, causing the fastening surfaces of the engaging pieces to press upon the engagement surfaces of the engagement grooves, thereby clamping the two members together through their opposed connecting surfaces.

Abstract: A linear drive has a drive housing and a carriage guide for relative motion in the direction of a principal axis. The carriage possesses a row of openings on it with several first carriage openings, whereas the drive housing has a row of openings on the housing side with mutually spaced first housing openings. Given suitable positioning of the carriage it is possible for attachment screws to be inserted right through the first carriage openings and inserted into the first housing openings. Second carriage openings belonging in addition to the row of openings on the carriage side are designed in the form of threaded openings, which render possible screwing in of attachment screws, that are inserted in the first housing openings of a further similar linear drive directly fitted to the carriage in a piggy-back fashion, through the first carriage openings thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a swash plate with pistons in a swash plate compressor of the present invention can automatically assemble the swash plate with double or single head pistons and shoes thereby improving workability and productivity. In the assembling apparatus, each of the pistons includes a swash plate-receiving section for receiving a pair of opposed shoes therein and having an insert groove for receiving the swash plate mounted on a rotational shaft and a piston body to be inserted into a cylinder bore of a cylinder block so that the swash plate is inserted into the insert grooves of the pistons. The assembling apparatus comprises a base plate, piston-loading means, piston-shifting means and rotating means.

Abstract: Each of end blocks is provided with a first pressure fluid communicating passage for communication between a first pressure fluid inlet/outlet port and a third pressure fluid inlet/outlet port, a second pressure fluid inlet/outlet port, and a second pressure fluid communicating passage which communicates with a second pressure fluid passage and a first pressure fluid passage communicating with a driving section. A passage of a sensor attachment rail communicates with the third pressure fluid inlet/outlet port and the second pressure fluid passage or the second pressure fluid passage and the third pressure fluid inlet/outlet port by the aid of piping studs.

Abstract: A fixed capacity swash plate type compressor permits cost reduction by using components and assembly steps common to those of a variable capacity swash plate type compressor. In place of a capacity control valve assembly that controls the opening of at least one of a refrigerant gas supplying passage and a bleed passage to adjust a crank chamber pressure, a cock member that maintains communication between a crank chamber area and a suction pressure area to disable capacity control while the compressor is in operation is installed in a compartment of the capacity control valve assembly in the variable capacity swash plate type compressor.

Abstract: An air compressor includes a housing having a tube extended from the top and having a passage communicating the housing with the tube and having a tapered surface. A piston is slidably received in the chamber of the housing and is forced to move along the housing in a reciprocating action and to force the air out through the tube via the passage. The provision of the tapered surface allows the piston to smoothly move in the housing. A stop is adjustably spring-biased to block the passage. The piston has a spring blade to block an aperture to control the air into the housing.

Abstract: A modular manipulation unit is disclosed. The unit includes a body (11) formed of three extruded, profiled elements. The elements include a base plate (15), a top element or cover (16) fixed on the base plate, and an intermediate slide (17) arranged and guided between the base plate and the top element. An interface part (13) is fixed and movable with the intermediate slide, and an actuator is connected to the said intermediate slide for movements of same and of the gripping tool carried by the said interface part.

Abstract: A positive displacement type pump used for applications such as pressurizing beverage dispensing containers, filling fire extinguishers, and pressuring welding tanks. CO.sub.2 or similar fluids are drawn into and discharged through the pump by a reciprocating piston driven by a rotating eccentric main bearing mounted on a bearing frame. The bearing frame comprises an open, unsealed pair of structural plates connected by tie rods, the main bearing itself being sealed by one of two seal arrangements to make it easily convertible between oil-lubricated and oil-free operation. For oil-lubricated operation, the main bearing is supplied with a surrounding sealed bearing sleeve compressed between the plates of the bearing frame. For oil-free operation, the main bearing is internally sealed. The main bearing is driven by a shaft supported on bearings in the plates, the bearings also being changeable between sealed and unsealed bearings for oil-free and oil-lubricated operations, respectively.

Abstract: A valve actuator with an instrument mounting pad and a manifold in a power module and yoke combination for mounting a valve controller instrument without tubing or mounting brackets. A cover encloses the feedback linkage between the actuator and instrument. The actuator includes a second instrument mounting pad and manifold so the power module is reversible to accommodate fail-safe opened or fail-safe closed valve conditions. A valve actuator and instrument combination is no higher than the actuator alone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a radial piston pump, and more particularly to a radial piston pump suitable for delivering liquid at a high pressure and at a volumetric output rate which can be controlled independently of the speed of rotation of the pump drive shaft. A radial piston pump(1) is provided which comprises a multiplicity of radially extending cylinders(14) each of which is provided with a radially moveable pumping plunger(15) to define, within the cylinder, a pumping chamber(16) which may be increased in volume by a movement of its associated plunger(15) in one direction to receive a liquid to be pumped and may be reduced in volume by movement of its associated plunger(15) in the opposite direction to deliver a liquid at high pressure to an output line. The pump(1) also comprises means for selectively disabling one or more of the pumping chambers(16) so that the or each disabled pumping chamber delivers no pumped fluid to the output line.

Abstract: A lubricator pump having a replaceable cylinder piston assembly is disclosed for replacement or interchangeability with cylinders having different piston sizes. The interchangeability of the cylinder piston assembly allows for different lubricant output.

Abstract: In a conveying pump having a cylinder introducible into a reservoir and having a pump piston, whereby the conveyed medium is supplied via an ascending line to a discharge line, an ascending line formed of two sections adjustable relative to one another is provided. The ascending line can be locked at different heights to vary the length of the ascending line so that the conveying pump can be used for reservoirs of different heights without deteriorating the conveying capacity of the pump. This adaptation can be performed easily and quickly. In addition, the conveying pump can be taken apart and easily cleaned, and component parts can be easily replaced.

Abstract: Pneumatic jack of the type comprising a rigid body (1) joined to the outer edge of a deformable membrane (2) so as to delimit with the latter a chamber of variable volume capable of being subjected to either atmospheric pressure of a negative pressure, via an air inlet located in the chamber. The body (1) and the membrane (2) each have, substantially in the center, an opening (15, 14) that can be closed, at least partially, by a disc (4, 3). Application in multiple position jacks.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a fluid aspiration-collection apparatus for aspirating and collecting a fluid into a suction chamber through a fluid inlet communicating with the suction chamber in the case, and for discharging the fluid through a fluid outlet after completion of fluid aspiration. A primary object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus which is simple in construction and is capable of aspirating the fluid at a constant pressure.

Abstract: A pneumatic actuating drive (1, 61) for final control elements comprises a drive housing (6) and a drive component (15) movable therein, to which the drive component (15) is attached a drive element (24) that exits from the drive housing (6) and that can be moved together with the drive component (15), and which has the function of actuating the actuator (1, 61) and which divides the drive housing (6) into a pressure chamber (16) and a reset chamber (17) with a reset element (19, 20) that acts on the drive component (15). The actuating drive (1, 61) furthermore comprises a position controller (41) whose output (48) merges into an internal supply duct (49), which is connected to a transfer connection (35, 62) on the reset chamber side on the drive element (24), whereby the drive element (24) exhibits an air duct (30), which originates from the transfer connection (35, 62) and merges into the air duct (30).

Abstract: An air pump comprises a head; an air guiding tube fastened at one end thereof with the head and at another end thereof with a two-way air admitting piston; a first cylinder fitted over the two-way air admitting piston such that the first cylinder can be caused to move back and forth; a first one-way valve disposed in the anterior end of the first cylinder; a second piston disposed in another end of the first cylinder; a first one-way valve permitting air to enter only the first cylinder; a second cylinder fitted movably over the second piston; and a second one-way valve disposed in the second cylinder to permit air to enter only the second cylinder which is fastened with the first cylinder without being able to move in relation to the first cylinder.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pressure switch assembly for monitoring a source of fluid pressure. In one embodiment, the pressure switch assembly senses a variation of fluid pressure for actuation of a micro-switch to open or close an electric circuit. In another embodiment, the pressure switch assembly provides a self contained cluster of piston members which are selectively interengagable to permit a variety of pre-determined pressure ratings to act on the pressure switch assembly in response to a fluid pressure source, the cluster being manually reorganizable without adding or removing any parts to provide one valve assembly which may be responsive to a number of pre-selectable pressure ratings.

Abstract: A pneumatic control drive 1, 51, 71 for control devices, in particular control valves, comprises a drive housing 5 and a drive member 11 displaceable therein and to which is affixed a drive element 18 displaceable together with said drive member 11 to actuate the control device and exiting the drive housing 5, said drive member dividing the drive housing 5 into a pressure chamber 12 and a reset chamber 13 with a reset member 15, 16 loading the drive member 11. A position controller 3 is adjacent to one of the chambers (13) and communicates through an inner air-supply duct 30, 28, 55, 74 with the pressure chamber 12, a vent duct 35, 58, 76 issuing from the reset chamber 13 toward a vent aperture. In the invention, the drive element 18 comprises an air-supply duct 24, 25 issuing at the side of the drive member 11 away from the position controller 3 into the pressure chamber 12 there.

Abstract: A cylinder apparatus includes a piston and a cylinder tube including a first end and a second end. The cylinder tube is formed to include a central bore extending from the first end to the second end for receiving the piston therein and a second bore extending from the first end to the second end spaced apart from the central bore. The cylinder apparatus also includes a first end cap coupled to the first end of the tube and a second end cap coupled to the second end of the tube. The second end cap is formed to include a first port in communication with the central bore of the tube and a second port in communication with the second bore. First end cap and second end cap have similar configurations and use substantially identical seals. Therefore, the semi-finished parts of the present invention have substantially identical configurations, regardless of the specific embodiment selected for a particular use.

Abstract: A hydraulically operated rotary drive includes a housing which is closed in hydraulically tight manner by flat covers and can be connected to a source of pressure fluid, a rotatable shaft extending through the covers out of the housing and a belt which is arranged at least in part within the housing with the formation of movable pressure chambers and is operatively connected to the shaft. In order to create a rotary drive which permits any desired extension to external structural groups as well as a modular extension to a plurality of rotary drives, it is proposed that axially extending channels (2, 2') for receiving and forwarding the pressure fluid to the pressure chambers and electrical connections be integrated within the shaft and that the shaft (3) be provided on both axial ends with coupling elements for the coupling outside the housing of mechanical and/or electrical attachment modules which can be coupled to the rotary movement.

Abstract: A fluid actuator assembly comprising a plurality of modules which are secured in serial relation to form the body of the fluid actuator. A replaceable liner, common to each of the modules, extends through the bores of the modules which make up the body. Means are provided to secure the modules in serial relation.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for providing rotary and linear motions, either simultaneously or separately. The apparatus (10) includes a rotary table assembly (14) that interconnects a rotary actuator assembly (12) and a power cylinder (18) or a comparable device. The rotary table assembly (14) includes a rotatable hub (16) to which the power cylinder (18) is mounted. Rotation of the hub (16) causes rotary motion of the entire power cylinder (18). Because of the interconnection between the rotary actuator assembly (12) and the power cylinder (18) using a rotary table assembly (14), a modular construction is provided whereby the power cylinder (18) can be positioned both vertically and laterally, depending upon the application or intended use of the apparatus (10). In one preferred embodiment, the rotary actuator assembly (12) converts linear movement to rotary motion using hydraulic oil to provide a smooth, adjustable control of the rotary shaft (32) of the rotary actuator assembly (12).

Abstract: The present invention is a retainer for a piston and valve subassembly of a scotch yoke compressor and a method of assembling it. The subassembly is comprised of a piston head, a suction valve, a spacer, a stop washer, and a rod held together by a retainer. The suction valve is assembled on the rod, then the rod is inserted into the piston head. Next the retainer is installed on an end of the rod for frictionally engaging the piston and rod, thus axially securing the suction valve and the rest of the piston head subassembly during assembly to the yoke.

Abstract: A fixed swash plate for an axial piston machine of fixed capacitive type, which has a casing housing therein a cylinder, is formed to have its divided surfaces on the horizontal plane along the axis of the rotary shaft of the cylinder, wherein a support member constituting a fixed swash plate is formed to be easy to produce and the casings merely sandwich therebetween the support member, whereby a thrust bearing constituting the fixed swash plate is held in the state of being slanted at a predetermined angle other than 90.degree. with respect to the axis of rotary shaft. Also, the rotation direction of the fixed capacitive type axial piston machine is easy to change by inverting at an angle of 180.degree. the assembling direction of support member constituting the fixed swash plate.

Abstract: The horizontal reciprocating compressor is provided with a cylinder, piston and piston rod connected to the piston. An eccentric ring is mounted eccentrically within the piston and rotatably receives the piston rod. Rotation of the eccentric ring from time to time serves to move the axis of the piston rod vertically relative to the axis of the piston so as to eliminate runout.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for adapting an existing air pump to also include a source of vacuum emanating from the same pump. An adapter plate is secured onto the face of the pump from which an outlet protrudes and an air intake is located. The plate is provided with ports in line with the output and intake openings in the face of the pump and such openings accommodate fittings of various pre-selected sizes to provide air pressure and vacuum for use in the field of respiratory needs of a patient. The ordinarily used input of atmospheric air entering the pump through an opening in the face of the pump is thereby converted to a vacuum source in the application to a patient of an aspirator unit, and the like.

Abstract: A master cylinder for hydraulic use, particularly for brake systems for cars. At least two bleed screw openings mounted on the master cylinder body. The first bleed screw opening receives the bleed screw, the second bleed screw opening receives a plug screw.

Abstract: A fluid-operated actuator (2) is connected to a pumping unit (12) through a control unit (10) in which are mounted control valves (30,32) for regulating the movements of the actuator. The control valves communicate with the actuator and the pumping unit through conduits in replaceable adaptor plates (60a,60b,60c). By changing the adaptor plates, different operating modes of the actuator can be selected. The pumping unit is carried on the control unit through a rotationally adjustable connection to permit it to be mounted upright although the orientation of the actuator and control unit may vary.

Abstract: A reversible spring return cylinder actuator having a pair of piston rods extending from a common spring load piston to the exterior of the housing. In a non-pressure position of the piston, one of the piston rods extends further from the housing than the other. Either piston rod and either end of the housing can be mounted to a device to be actuated so that the same actuator can be used to define a non-pressure extend or retracted actuator without disassembly of the actuator.

Abstract: A double acting cylinder actuated by air pressure having inner and outer double-wall cylinder tubes. A plurality of pairs of air pressure feed-exhaust ports of the cylinder tubes of this double acting cylinder are concentratedly provided as a pair on the outer periphery at one or opposite ends, or on an end face of the cylinder, respectively. Air communication passages for communicating a pair of feed-exhaust ports with first and second spaces of a cylinder bore can be easily changed by reversing the outer or inner cylinder tube in the axial position thereof. In this case, seal rings are changed in position as necessary, unused feed-exhaust ports are blocked by seal plugs, and only one pair of feed-exhaust ports, which are necessary are connected thereto with air pressure pipings.

Abstract: Apparatus and method of improving the performance of a pump for pumping fireproofing material and the like viscous materials is disclosed wherein the pump is the type which includes a compression chamber (44) having an inlet (48) and an outlet (50). A piston cylinder (19) is disposed in fluid communication with the compression chamber and, a piston assembly (A, D, G) is carried in the piston cylinder driven in reciprocating suction and compression strokes. The piston assembly includes an extended piston (B,E) carried on a push rod (18) having a piston face (42, 61) terminating adjacent an inlet ball limit pin (52), having a reduced pin length of 5/16 inch, at the end of the compression stroke.

Abstract: A rolling diaphragm for attachment between a piston and a cylinder, comprises: an inner radial section of circular configuration attachable to the piston, an outer annular skirt attachable to the cylinder, and a rolling wall between said inner radial section and said outer annular skirt. The inner face of the juncture of the inner radial section with the rolling wall is formed with an annular bead receivable within an annular groove formed in the piston for securing the inner radial section of the rolling diaphragm thereto independently of other fastening means. In addition, the outer annular skirt is formed at an intermediate portion of its outer face with an annular groove receivable over the end of an annular wall of the cylinder for clamping the outer annular skirt between the annular wall and an end wall of the cylinder, also independently of other fastening means.

Abstract: Device at such pneumatic cylinders where the piston is provided with a lateral carrier means (2) extending through a slot in the cylinder wall, said slot being sealed by means of a sealing band (3). On the outside of the cylinder (1) there is provided at least one undercut groove (4) extending along the cylinder and in parallel with its axis. A strip (6) corresponding to the length of the cylinder is further arranged to comprise at least two profiles (8) lying in a common plane, turned in opposite directions and having a cross-sectional form corresponding to that of the undercut groove (4).

Abstract: A fluid operated device includes a cylindrical housing whose opposing ends are closed by suitable end covers and which accommodates a piston rod supporting a piston and made of at least two parts connectable to each other. One of the parts of the piston rod and the cylindrical housing are each provided in sufficient length to allow a subsequent shortening thereof to an axial length which corresponds to the requested stroke. The other components of the device are finished parts so that the fluid operated device can be provided in kit form which is not limited to carrying out one specific stroke but rather is adjustable for providing a stroke of any requested magnitude.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a slide cylinder basically consisting of a cylinder block internally defining a plural number of intercommunicating cylinder bores in parallel relation with each other, a piston and a piston rod fitted in each cylinder bore, and plate-like cross members integrally connecting the respective piston rods at the opposite ends thereof. The drive chambers defined by the pistons are communicated with fluid supply/discharge ports at the opposite ends of one of the piston rods and one of fluid supply/discharge ports provided in the cylinder block, permitting a diversity of piping modes by selective use of these ports. When installed upside down, it is possible to move either the cylinder block or cross plates whichever is desired. The slide cylinder can transfer loads accurately without involving rotational motion. Fixing of a piston against a piston rod is by means of caulking the ends of cylindrical portion of a piston at fixing grooves of a piston rod.

Abstract: An improved pneumatically operated valve for controlling supply of fluid to a certain apparatus adapted to be operated for an intended purpose using the thus supplied fluid. The valve includes a valve portion on the piston rod and a flow passage of fluid is normally kept in the opened state or in the closed state by means of a the valve portion under the effect of force exerted on the piston in a predetermined direction. When any abnormal fluctuation of pressure of fluid is detected, pressurized air is introduced into the interior on the casing so ast to exert its pressure on the pistion against the aforesaid force of the piston, whereby the flow passage is shifted from the opened state to the closed state or from the closed state to the opened state.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cylinder and piston unit with a cylinder tube closed at both its ends by cylinder end caps. An axially moving piston in the cylinder has a piston rod extending sealingly through at least one end cap. On the outer face of the tube there are four longitudinal means such as longitudinal ribs or round tie rods extending in the axial direction of the tube and equally spaced in the circumferential direction about the tube. Furthermore there is a mounting yoke for pivotally carrying the cylinder and piston unit and having at least two, and more especially four, generally diametrally opposite clamping jaws with trunnions on two of them. The mounting means furthermore constitutes an annular structure encircling the tube. At their ends the clamping jaws have gripping faces adapted to engage and grip the longitudinal ribs or rods on opposite sides thereof so that the tube is held firmly by clamping the jaws together.

Abstract: A fluid actuated ram assembly includes a cylindrical barrel and a rear end cap attached to a rear end of the cylindrical barrel. A piston is located within the cylindrical barrel and both the piston and the cylindrical barrel are adapted for relative movement with respect to each other. There is also provided a piston rod having a piston attached to one end portion thereof. There is also provided a bearing member or guide bush located adjacent to the piston which has a central aperture for the piston rod and also one or more longitudinal passages communicating with the piston. There is also provided a front end cap releasably attached to the cylindrical barrel which has a fluid port communicating with the one or more longitudinal passages of the bearing member or guide bush.

Abstract: A hydraulic manifold is provided on a primary mast section which maximizes the commonalty of hydraulic components used in the hydraulic lift control systems of two and three stage mast assemblies used in lift trucks. Two and three stage mast assemblies are illustrated using primary mast sections which are identical and using secondary mast sections which are nearly the same.

Abstract: To enable a tool with a hydraulic actuator to be connected directly and quickly to a four-way, three-position control valve, the bodies of the tool and the valve are formed with sockets which receive fittings for establishing fluid communication between the tool and the valve. The fittings are anchored in the sockets of one of the bodies and are adapted to be telescoped slidably into the sockets in the other body to enable the bodies to be quickly and easily connected to and disconnected from one another. The arrangement is such that the same four-way, three-position control valve may be connected either to a tool having a double-acting hydraulic actuator or to a tool having a single-acting hydraulic actuator.

Abstract: Pneumatic diaphragm actuator having a driving rod for acting upon a push rod of a position controller through a return spring, wherein an inversion device when inserted between the diaphragm actuator and the position controller, inverts the force exerted upon the push rod by the driving rod.

Abstract: A piston-driven valve includes a valve body provided with inlet and outlet openings, the communication between which may be interrupted by a clack-valve which is integral with a rod connected to a piston which is subjected to a valve-control pressure. A reversible head is equipped with an intake port for the control pressure, and the piston is located in the reversible head. A first reset spring named low pressure spring, directly bears on the piston, and a second reset spring is located between two calibrating bridges and selectively acts on the piston structure is provided for removing action by the second spring on the piston, in order to allow the valve to work with a low control pressure value.

Abstract: A piston pump arrangement is provided which includes a drivable crank shaft supported in a crank drive housing for rotational movement. The crank shaft is drivingly connected to horizontally disposed axially reciprocating pump pistons. In order to facilitate driving of the crank shaft from either the right side or the left side to accommodate the available space requirements and driving motor connections, the crank drive housing is provided with fastening support surfaces arranged symmetrically with respect to a plane through the axis of the crank shaft and the axes of the pump pistons. To accommodate attachment of auxiliary aggregates, such as lubricating/cooling circuit mechanisms, fastening points for such aggregates are also arranged symmetrically with respect to the plane of the crank shaft axis and the pump pistons.

Abstract: A combined brake cylinder/air reservoir device in which a relatively small, tubular-shaped piston in a positioning chamber is connected to a larger power piston having an application chamber on one side and a release chamber on the other side in which air is stored in place of separate reservoirs. A replaceable cylinder liner is provided to receive different-sized power pistons. During a brake application, the power piston enters the cylinder liner and is displaced from the liner during brake release to provide free air flow between the application and release chambers and thereby facilitate piston return movement by means of a return spring. A dynamic pressure seal between the application chamber and positioning chamber engages the outer periphery of the tubular-shaped small piston, while a smaller diameter dynamic pressure seal between the release chamber and atmosphere engages the inner periphery of the tubular-shaped small piston.

Abstract: A variable speed drive unit having a clutch disc stack including input and output shafts, a first series of drive plates located in a fluid reservoir and supported for rotation by a rotatable housing of the unit rotated by one of said shafts, a second series of driven discs interleaved with the drive plates and supported for rotation with the other of said shafts, a piston slideably movable in a piston chamber located at one end of the interleaved plates and discs and adapted to compressively engage the interleaved plates and discs, and a control for the piston providing a gradually increasing rated profile without the need for electronic back-up or extraneous controls. The control includes a two position input flow control and a fixed output flow control, comprising a series of plugs, which output control can be selectively varied between operations of the unit to provide alternate rate profiles for engagement and disengagement of the input and output shafts of the unit.

Abstract: In order to enable a piston cylinder unit 1,2 with air entry through a hollow shaft 6, to be operated in either mode of operation with a single type of shaft, it is proposed in accordance with the invention to manufacture the shaft 6 in three parts, namely an upper air inlet portion 6a, an intermediate portion 6b which provides access for air to the cylinder via one or more apertures 18, and an operating end portion 6c. These three parts are threaded together and sealed by seals 21 and 24. Captive nuts 3 and 8 are provided at both ends of the cylinder so that the cylinder may be attached to a yoke 4 by either end, with the opposite end carrying a bearing 9 for the air inlet portion 6a of the shaft. If it is desired for the piston to operate in the opposite mode of operation, the portions 6a and 6c are interchanged and the cylinder is attached to the yoke using the captive nuts 8 rather than the nuts 3.

Abstract: The assembly includes a plurality of linear actuator modules or units capable of being readily interconnected in various transversely extending orientations relative to each other. The units are so constructed as to effect internal conduction of electrical and fluid energy sequentially between each other and to an energy consumer affixed to the terminal one of them. Each unit includes a pair of elongate and reciprocatorially moveable support members having energy conducting passageways extending therethrough and alignable with desired ones of a plurality of energy receiving openings provided within the frame of the next unit.