With (1) Signal Or Indicator Or (2) Inspection Window In Expansible Chamber Wall Portion Patents (Class 92/5R)
  • Patent number: 4751867
    Abstract: A pressure fluid operated cylinder device having means to indicate that the piston (14) is at or near an end position. The indicating means comprises a rod-like member (1) which is actuated by the piston (14). The movement of rod (1) is transformed into a rotary movement by rack (2) and pinion (16). A cam (4) actuates a valve (5) or a microswitch (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1988
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Aktiebolag
    Inventors: Par G. J. Johansson, Per-Olof H. Krantz
  • Patent number: 4744287
    Abstract: In a rodless cylinder comprising a series of driving magnets mounted on a piston fitted in a cylinder tube and a series of driven magnets on a driven member sliding along the cylinder tube, piping to convey a hydraulic fluid is simplified as follows. Both ends of the cylinder tube and guide rods extending parallel thereto are fastened to two end plates. Two ports through which the hydraulic fluid is supplied to and discharged from pressure chambers on both sides of the piston in the cylinder tube are provided in one of the end plates. While one of the ports communicates directly with one pressure chamber through the end plate, the other port communicates with the other pressure chamber through one of the guide rods and the other end plate. The driven member sliding along the cylinder tube carries the series of driven magnets and two annular sliding members on both sides thereof in such a manner as to be movable in the direction perpendicular to the axis of the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1988
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventor: Michikazu Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 4744386
    Abstract: A surface safety valve hydraulic actuator of modular construction. The actuator includes separately installable, removable, and interchangeable wirecutting and non-wirecutting spring modules, used with the same hydraulic cylinder and bonnet. The bonnet is attached to the body of the valve. A lower stem extends through a lower seal and into the valve body cavity, and is connected to the gate segments of the valve. A hydraulic cylinder is removably attached to the bonnet. An upper stem with a central bore is disposed in the cylinder chamber and carries a piston thereon, and extends through an upper seal in the top of the hydraulic cylinder. A spring module is removably attached to the hydraulic cylinder, and includes a spring can telescoped over the top of the cylinder. The spring can is rotatably connected to an annular spring retainer, which in turn is mounted on the cylinder. A coupling rod is inserted through the upper stem and screwed into the top of the lower stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1988
    Assignee: Cameron Iron Works USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Neil F. Frazer
  • Patent number: 4742794
    Abstract: A trim tab indicator system comprising a pair of trim members hinged to the stern of a boat, one of each side of the center line of the boat and a hydraulic cylinder individual to each trim member having a first head at one end and a second head at the other end. The cylinder includes a piston and a tubular shaft connected to the piston and extending through the first end of the cylinder. A bracket is connected to the first head and has a surface complementary to the transom of the boat and is mounted on the transom. A tubular coil is fixed on the first head and extends axially within the cylinder, and a floating rod of magnetically permeable material is provided in the tubular shaft with a lower end engaging the base of the tubular opening of the shaft with its upper end extending into the coil such that movement of the trim tab changes the inductive relationship between the rod and the coil to provide a signal representing the position of the tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1988
    Assignee: Bennett Marine, Inc.
    Inventor: David Hagstrom
  • Patent number: 4742194
    Abstract: Improvement to electro-fluid relays useable to signal either the maximum or minimum limit of pressure in a fluid system, or the position of a movable part of a jack.The relay is constituted of a pipe fitting (1,2) attached directly onto an apparatus (5) or onto a pipe and including a body presenting a pneumatic control inlet (6) in communication with the said apparatus or the said piping, the said control inlet (6) being linked to a space situated on one side of an elastic membrane (16) submitted to the fluid pressure established in the control inlet (6), the said membrane (16) being linked by a transmission member (18) sliding in the body to a means of control (22) of an electric contactor (23).The invention is utilized for the control of a jack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1988
    Assignee: Societe Anonyme Styled Legris
    Inventors: Andre Legris, Charles Columb
  • Patent number: 4740139
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a diaphragm pump having a housing, a first chamber within said housing, a second chamber within said housing and a pair of diaphragm elements mounted in said housing between said first chamber and said second chamber, is provided with a failure sensing system for the diaphragm. The failure sensing system including a failure sensing device which is between the two parts of the diaphragm and an indicator circuit which includes the conductive liquid which is being pumped and an alarm. The two parts of the diaphragm element are clamped together proximate their peripheral edge such that a circumferential fluid tight compression seal region is provided. The sensing device includes an electrically conductive lead which extends from the exterior of the housing, through the circumferential fluid tight seal region into the region peripherally inward of the seal region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1988
    Inventor: Myron Mantell
  • Patent number: 4736674
    Abstract: The invention relates to an abutment arrangement for limiting the stroke of a piston and cylinder actuator. The abutment arrangement comprises an integrated detector which may be in the form of a proximity feeler screwed into a guard housing. The abutment arrangement may be furthermore so designed that it prevents twisting of the piston rod in the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1988
    Inventor: Kurt Stoll
  • Patent number: 4726282
    Abstract: A fixture cylinder is provided that permits the use of integrally mounted proximity switches with the same fixed probe lengths on both end caps without requiring the use of spacers. The cylinder includes a body in which a piston assembly is slideably mounted about a longitudinal piston axis in a bore in the body. The piston assembly has a piston head, piston rod and a pair of hubs of equal diameter on opposite sides of the piston head. First and second end caps are provided on opposite ends of the body. Each end cap has a plurality of outer edges and a generally flat mounting surface is provided on one edge thereof for receiving a proximity switch. An aperture perpendicularly extends through each end cap and communicates with the bore in the body of the piston assembly. Two substantially identical proximity switches having generally flat mounting surfaces and the same fixed probe lengths are employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1988
    Assignee: Peninsular, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard L. LaBair
  • Patent number: 4714006
    Abstract: A fluid actuator characterized by a feedback mechanism for indicating actuator position. The feedback mechanism is driven by the actuator screw shaft, whereby the movements of the feedback mechanism are proportional to the rate and position of the actuator movements. The feedback mechanism and actuator movements may be synchronized so that the extreme end positions of the feedback mechanism will correspond to the fully retracted and extended positions of the actuator. A stroke limiting mechanism may also be provided for preventing the actuator from overstroking the feedback mechanism in the event that they are not properly synchronized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1987
    Assignee: Pneumo Corporation
    Inventors: James N. Tootle, Eugene J. Martin
  • Patent number: 4709126
    Abstract: A pressure switch including a housing 10, electrical contacts 16, 24 within the housing and a lever 26 movably mounted within the housing and operable to effect relative movement between the contacts. A biasing spring 70 biases the lever in a first direction and is settable through elements 74, 76, 78, 80 to determine the pressure level at which the switch will operate. An over center device 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58 is located within the housing and is connected to the lever to provide snap action movement of the contact. A pressure port 96 is located in the housing and a fluid motor including a rolling diaphragm 116 is in fluid communication with the pressure port and acts in opposition to the biasing spring 70.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1987
    Assignee: Furnas Electric Company
    Inventors: Larry G. Miller, Harold E. Whiting, Dale Willcox
  • Patent number: 4679429
    Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring the working stroke of a hydraulic ram 1 includes an indicator 3 having a housing 24 containing a tubular measuring chamber 25 connected to the hydraulic ram by a hydraulic line 2. The tubular measuring chamber is transparent on at least one side for the observation of the level of hydraulic fluid contained therein. The lower end of the tubular measuring chamber is connected to the hydraulic line leading to the hydraulic ram. The upper end of the tubular measuring chamber is closed by an air-permeable but dust-impermeable member 28.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1987
    Assignee: Gewerkschaft Eisenhutte Westfalia
    Inventors: Gerhard Merten, Werner Rafael, Horst Schlusener
  • Patent number: 4679452
    Abstract: A mechanical limit sensing device or limit switch for piston and cylinder actuators has a housing in which a rocking lever is pivoted so that its one end is moved by part of the actuator to be controlled. The other end works a switching element. The housing is made in two parts, that is to say on the one hand a bush or bearing sleeve and on the other hand a gripping or clamping body for the bush. The bush may be turned in the body and may be clamped in it in a given position. The lever has a ball-like part with which it is mounted in a socket in the bush. The lever is furthermore guided in a slot in the body. This slot furthermore divides part of the body into two jaws that are used for clamping the body onto the bush. The switching element is screwed into a hole in the body that is in the same plane as the slot. There is furthermore a blind hole in this plane to take up a plunger for returning the lever after being actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1987
    Inventor: Kurt Stoll
  • Patent number: 4664019
    Abstract: A linear motion transfer apparatus has a longitudinally slit elongated tubular structure (1) closed at its ends, in which a force accepting element (4) driven in the axial direction is guided in a longitudinally displaceable manner, and the longitudinal slit (10) of which is sealed off at both ends of the force accepting element by an inner flexible sealing element (27), which is guided underneath a force transfer element (11) protruding to the outside through the longitudinal slit and connected to the force accepting element (11), and with which a flexible covering element (30) is associated. The force transfer element (11) is longitudinally guided, by means of a ball-like guide element (17) partially encompassing the tubular structure (10), on at least two parallel guide tracks (16), which are disposed on both sides of the longitudinal slit (10) directly on the outside of the tubular structure (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1987
    Assignee: Proma Product and Marketing GmbH
    Inventors: Reinhard Lipinski, Siegmund H. Kaiser
  • Patent number: 4656881
    Abstract: A linear servo drive comprises substantially a drive section (29) and a ciage (30) running on the latter. The carriage (30) is seated on the drive section (29) via a roller bearing consisting of guide strips (36) extending in the axial direction and coacting with rollers (37, 37a to 37c).In order to increase the mechanical loading capacity of the drive section and, thus, of the entire drive and to reduce at the same time its weight, the drive section (29) is given a radial cross-section exhibiting flange-like end portions (34) extending in a star-like pattern from a central area (32) and provided with surface portions which extend in an approximately radial direction and which define the plane of the roller bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1987
    Assignee: GAS Gesellschaft fur Antriebs- und Steuerungs-technik mbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Wolf-Dieter Goedecke, Reinhard Schwenzer, Ralf Huber
  • Patent number: 4656457
    Abstract: A position-sensing potentiometer arrangement for sensing the position of a movable piston and piston rod configuration within a linear actuator includes a first support member extending longitudinally within an open-ended recess formed in the rod and a sliding contact mounted thereon. A tubular support is mounted to a stationary closed end of the linear actuator and extends into the recess to surround a portion of the first support member and a center support member which is also mounted on the closed end of the a actuator. A longitudinally-extending resistance element and a parallel conductor element are mounted on and supported by the center support member. As the first support member moves through the tubular support, the sliding contacts couple the resistance element to the conductor element to provide a resistance value variable as a function of the position of the piston rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1987
    Assignee: WABCO Westinghouse Steuerungstechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Walter Brausfeld, Helmut Gottling, Rudolf Moller, Peter Muller, Gerhard Scharnowski
  • Patent number: 4647003
    Abstract: An actuating device operated by a pressure medium, such as compressed air, acting within a housing, can be secured to a valve by a mounting member attached to the valve. The actuating device includes a first piston guided in a cylinder part positioned on one side of the center part of the housing. A toothed rack is attached to the first piston and is in meshed engagement with a pinion shaft located within the center part of the housing. The pinion shaft is connected by a coupling part to the valve shaft. The same actuating device can be used for a larger valve by placing a second piston in another cylinder part on the opposite side of the center part from the first piston with a toothed rack attached to the second piston and in meshed engagement with the pinion shaft. The first and second pistons act in opposite directions and double the torque acting on the pinion shaft as compared to the torque delivered by the first piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1987
    Assignee: Georg Fischer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Bruno Hilpert, Bruno Hunziker
  • Patent number: 4635901
    Abstract: There is disclosed herein an apparatus forming a part of an actuator for providing a constant visual display of the position of a valve. Such apparatus comprises an indicator shaft rotatably disposed in a bore which is oriented perpendicularly of and offset from an actuator stem, a rack means on the actuator stem, a pinion means on the indicator shaft, and an indicating means engraved on the end face of the indicator shaft and visible from the exterior of the actuator. The apparatus is sealingly enclosed and immersed in a fluid medium. Linear motion of the actuator stem generates angular motion of the indicator shaft, causing the indicating means to provide a visual display of valve position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1987
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J. Pond
  • Patent number: 4632018
    Abstract: A position sensor mounting apparatus for fluid operated, expansible chamber cylinders includes a housing which receives and supports a position sensor. A coupling member is threadingly engageable with a bore formed in the cylinder. The coupling member is rotatably mounted about the housing such that the position sensor is disposed within the cylinder for detecting the position of the piston within, and the housing and position sensors are rotatable with respect to the coupling member and the cylinder. Seals are provided between the coupling member and the cylinder and between the housing and the coupling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1986
    Inventor: Robert K. Lymburner
  • Patent number: 4621565
    Abstract: An electrical switch for sensing operation of a hydraulic cylinder, the switch being normally open and closing an electrical circuit when the cylinder is pressurized to effect a desired operation only when there is fluid at a predetermined pressure in the cylinder. The hydraulic cylinder is the slave cylinder of a motor vehicle clutch hydraulic control and the electrical circuit controlled by the switch is, for example, the motor vehicle engine starter motor relay circuit, such that the starter relay circuit is inhibited unless sufficient pressure is present in the cylinder, corresponding to the pressure necessary to cause the slave cylinder output member to fully release the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1986
    Assignee: Automotive Products plc
    Inventor: Keith V. Leigh-Monstevens
  • Patent number: 4617855
    Abstract: An interlock switch mounted in the end of a hydraulic slave cylinder adapted to operate the release mechanism of a motor vehicle mechanical clutch, the slave cylinder being hydraulically connected to a master cylinder having an input member operable by the motor vehicle clutch pedal. The switch is adapted to close the motor vehicle starter relay circuit for a position of the slave cylinder output member corresponding to full release of the clutch, such that the clutch must be fully released in order to allow starting the motor vehicle engine. Preferably, the switch takes the form of a pair of concentric sleeves, each carrying appropriate contacts for closing the circuit, one of the sleeves being reciprocable in unison with the slave cylinder output member, and the other sleeve being automatically adjustable for initial position adjustment and for subsequent readjustment to compensate for wear of the clutch, such that closure of the switch always corresponds to a full release of the motor vehicle clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1986
    Assignee: Automotive Products plc
    Inventors: David L. Wrobleski, David K. Mienko, Keith V. Leigh-Monstevens
  • Patent number: 4608912
    Abstract: A ballistic tolerant linear actuator incorporates a piston (16, 46, 76) and piston rod (38, 42 or 48, 50 or 90, 92) within a cylindrical housing (58, 60 or 81, 88) connected at each end (14, 22 or 42, 54 or 74, 82) to a source of fluid. A sleeve (18, 62 or 88) of a metal matrix or composite material which will break or puncture but which will not bend or petal on impact is incorporated as part of the barrel within which the piston is translated. The piston rod which extends through at least one end of the cylindrical housing is formed with an external sleeve of the metal matrix or composite material (38, 50 or 92) spaced from an internal load carrying metal rod (42, 48 or 96).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1986
    Assignee: Allied Corporation
    Inventor: Carlos A. Navarette
  • Patent number: 4598897
    Abstract: An hydraulic tensioning tool for tensioning reinforcing cables, rods or like devices in concrete structure. A first working piston-cylinder device (21) is arranged to effect the actual work of tensioning the cable, while a second working piston-cylinder device (22) causes the cable to be anchored to a cable lock (12). The first device (21) includes a tensioning cylinder (23) and a tensioning piston (24) having mounted on the outer free end (25) thereof a readily removed cable holder (14). The tensioning cylinder (23) of the first piston-cylinder device and the locking cylinder (27) of the second piston-cylinder device (22) are accommodated in a common cylinder housing (11), although separated by a partition (29) which forms the bottoms of respective cylinders, such that the tensioning piston (24) and the locking piston (26) for the cable lock (12) are movable in mutually opposite directions during their respective working strokes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1986
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget Bygg -och Transportekonomi (BT) Div. Nike Hydraulics
    Inventor: Vilho Aikioniemi
  • Patent number: 4585172
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for hydraulic actuation via multiple synchronized hydraulic motors with air purging, synchronizing, and force limiting features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1986
    Assignee: The Garrett Corporation
    Inventor: Raymond W. Gazzera
  • Patent number: 4569365
    Abstract: Device for detecting the operation of a valve, comprising a movable member (15) connected kinematically to a movable part (6) fastened to the closure member of the valve. A detector (24, 25, 26) makes it possible to monitor the displacements or the position of the detection member (15). The detection member (15) has at least one part provided with a predetermined breaking point (20). The kinematic connection between the valve and the detection member (15) can thus be interrupted by the breaking of the member (15) in the event of the jamming of the latter. The invention is in particular applicable to safety valves in nuclear power stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1986
    Assignees: Framatome & Cie, S.A. Sebim
    Inventors: Henri Namand, Francois Gemigniani
  • Patent number: 4569634
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, the imminent failure of a diaphragm due to the attack by a corrosive or a solvent or mechanical fatigue is predicted through the use of a diaphragm pump having a housing, a first chamber within the housing, a second chamber within the housing and a diaphragm mounted in the housing between the first chamber and the second chamber. The diaphragm is of a chemically inert, electrically non-conductive material which contains an interconnected, electrically conductive material extending within the diaphragm less than the full radial dimension of the diaphragm. The conductive material is approximately equally spaced from the two opposing surfaces of the diaphragm. The electrically conductive material is advantageously, an electrically conductive graphite and takes the form of a mesh, screen or web of conductive fibers, filaments or strands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1986
    Inventor: Myron E. Mantell
  • Patent number: 4552055
    Abstract: A fluid pressure actuator is disclosed of the piston and cylinder type, in which an internally mounted transducer is incorporated for providing an electrical output signal corresponding to the position of the piston in the cylinder. The transducer is disclosed as a rotary potentiometer having a disc or drum element provided with conductive plastic tracks and a rotary wiper element rotated in correspondence with the linear travel of the piston in the cylinder by a connected cam rod slidably mounted within the piston rod and caused to rotate in one embodiment by means of a cam bushing engaging the cam rod, and in other embodiments by three converging spring biased plungers carried in the piston engaging respective sides of a hexagonal shaped cam rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1985
    Assignee: Prince Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: W. John Foxwell
  • Patent number: 4549469
    Abstract: A hydraulic ram for use as an advance ram in mining operations has a plurality of permanent magnets embedded in its piston rod. At least one sensor is associated with a guide bush fixed to the piston rod end of the cylinder of the ram. The or each sensor is accommodated within a respective pocket formed in the guide bush. The pocket(s) can be closed off by a detachable closure member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1985
    Assignee: Gewerkschaft Eisenhutte Westfalia
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Plester, Klaus-Dieter Reddig, Heinz Hessel
  • Patent number: 4545288
    Abstract: A quarter turn actuator comprises a body (10) defining side-by-side cylinders (11 and 12), a piston (13) in each cylinder having in one side thereof a recess in which is provided a rack (15), a pinion (16) mounted in the body and engaging the racks on the pistons, a source for supplying compressed air to the cylinders and an air distribution system interconnecting each end of each cylinder with the other end of the other cylinder. The body (10) is preferably molded of plastic material and the cylinders are lined. The pistons may also be molded plastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1985
    Assignee: Rodyne Limited
    Inventor: Alun Burke
  • Patent number: 4536130
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1985
    Assignee: Dunham-Bush, Inc.
    Inventors: Salvatore Orlando, David R. Martin
  • Patent number: 4523514
    Abstract: A position-sensing cylinder includes a hollow housing within which reciprocates a piston fixed to a hollow rod. A hollow fitting is threadably attached to one end of the housing. a hollow metallic insert is press fitted into the hollow fitting. An elongated potentiometer support is received by and welded to the insert and is reciprocally received by the hollow rod. The support includes curved edges which slidably engage the wiper wall of the hollow rod and includes a planar support surface upon which are mounted resistive and conductive potentiometer strips. A hollow wiper carrier is mounted for movement with the piston and rod so that the support reciprocates within the carrier and so that conductive wipers are maintained in contact with the potentiometer strips. The wiper carrier cooperates with the rod and the support to substantially prevent fluid flow in the vicinity of the wipers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1985
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Ronnie F. Burk
  • Patent number: 4505186
    Abstract: The lubricant monitoring system comprises an element which absorbs a liquid lubricant on the piston rod between a lubricant wiper assembly surrounding the same and a seal which surrounds the piston rod where the rod enters the compressor cylinder and an electrode of a measuring capacitor (CM) near the element. The lubricant absorbent element acts as the dielectric of the measuring capacitor.In the event of a fault on the lubricant wiper assembly, liquid lubricant is absorbed by the absorbent element so that the dielectric constant changes. This can be utilized for an alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1985
    Assignee: Sulzer Brothers Limited
    Inventors: Hans Meier, Werner Staheli
  • Patent number: 4493242
    Abstract: A chuck actuator has a cylinder extending along a main axis and a piston axially displaceable in the cylinder, forming therein two compartments, and having an axially backwardly extending stem also centered on the axis and formed with two respective intake passages each having one end opening into the respective compartment and another end opening at a respective location on the stem. A connector rotatable about the axis on the stem is provided with respective fittings communicating with the locations. First and second axially spaced bearings prevent the connector from moving axially on the stem. Fluid is fed under pressure alternately to the fittings to pressurize and depressurize the respective compartments and thereby axially displace the piston in the cylinder. Normally the cylinder is connected to a chuck body and the piston to a chuck-actuating member for fluid actuation of the member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1985
    Inventor: Gunter H. Rohm
  • Patent number: 4492317
    Abstract: A pressurizing syringe includes one or more dimple-shaped snapdomes located between the plunger and piston of a syringe assembly. When the plunger is depressed, the snapdomes will deflect at a known pressure level, giving the user a tactile and audible indication that the syringe is compressing fluid at the desired pressure. A method for using a pressurizing syringe to pressurize the fluid-filled compartment of an ultrasonic scan head is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1985
    Assignee: Technicare Corporation
    Inventors: Joe F. Guess, Thomas Pearce
  • Patent number: 4492149
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pressure relay comprising inside its body, and besides a distributor device with a pressure inlet, an outlet and an exhaust, an auxiliary conduit of large cross-section which is connected with a control input of the said distributor device and comprises means to mount the said body on the jack, and to receive a pipe fitting supplying pressure to a jack.The invention finds an application for signalling the outermost positions of a jack piston, or in combination with branch-pipe type jacks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1985
    Assignee: Legris
    Inventors: Daniel Bouteille, Eric Petrimaux, Jean-Luc Burban
  • Patent number: 4472111
    Abstract: The present invention comprises an apparatus for producing high pressure fluid by means of a cylinder having a reciprocatingly sliding ram inside, suction and pressurization of the fluid being performed by the reciprocation of said ram. In the apparatus, an oil chamber is positioned on the intensifying side within said cylinder, and lubricating oil in said oil chamber is caused to have a pressure equivalent to that of the high pressure fluid produced. This oil pressure is transmitted to the slidable contact portions of the ram. The apparatus is capable of detecting the lack of lubricating oil, when such lack of lubricating oil occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1984
    Inventor: Yoshiichi Yamatani
  • Patent number: 4458514
    Abstract: A combination for accurately determining the position of the movable part of a piston-cylinder device relative to the fixed part includes a long stroke position transducer movable in the operating direction of the device; a structure movable with the piston-cylinder device and which has a part extending in the operating direction; two position transducers positioned side-by-side and their direction of movement is normal to the operating direction. The movable parts of the two position transducers bear against the part of the structure. If there is no tilting of the piston within the cylinder, then electrical signals from the two position transducers remain unchanged, but the signals are changed if the piston tilts within the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1984
    Assignee: Davy McKee (Sheffield) Limited
    Inventor: Bela I. Bathory
  • Patent number: 4447180
    Abstract: A power chuck has a chuck body rotatable about an axis, forming at least one cylinder, and having a front face. A plurality of jaws are displaceable radially on the front face between radially inner and outer end positions by an operating member axially displaceable on the body between a pair of axially offset end positions. Mechanism between the jaws and the member displaces the jaws toward the radial inner positions on displacement of the member in a first axial direction and displaces the jaws toward the radial outer positions on displacement of the member in a second axial direction opposite the first direction on the body. A drive piston the one cylinder of the body is fixed on and axially jointly displaceable with the member and forms in the one cylinder at least one compartment pressurizable to urge the drive piston and the operating member in one of the axial directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1984
    Assignee: Rohm GmbH
    Inventor: Karl Pesch
  • Patent number: 4445424
    Abstract: A pressure actuator is provided for a valve having a housing and an actuating stem, wherein an annular housing is attachable at one end of the valve housing and a cylindrical piston element is concentrically fixedly mounted to the other end of the annular housing. A cup-shaped cylinder is provided to cooperate in sliding and sealing relationship with the exterior of the piston. The cylinder defines an annular space between its exterior surface and the interior bore of the annular housing and spring elements are mounted in the annular space. If desired, an indicating stem passes through a bore in the fixed piston element and is interiorly engaged with the movable cylinder element, thus providing an indicating actuator wherein the total length of the actuator is not substantially in excess of twice the stroke of the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1984
    Assignee: Baker Cac, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen R. Foster, Peter W. Austin
  • Patent number: 4423748
    Abstract: An emergency shut down device for a gate valve utilizes a pre-assembled spring cartridge assembly which includes a container and a compression spring pre-loaded therein. Suitable openings are provided in the end plates of the cartridge to permit the remaining components, including a ram cup, a piston and cylinder arrangement, a base mounting member and a stem for connection to the valve gate, to be assembled within the cartridge without fear of a spring-initiated explosion of parts as the spring is safely contained within the container before final assembly begins. The device is operable to rapidly close a gate valve when there is a loss of fluid pressure within the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1975
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1984
    Assignee: Barlorne Resources Limited
    Inventor: James R. Ellett
  • Patent number: 4419056
    Abstract: A back-up system is provided for a pumping plant or a pressure reservoir system used to maintain insulating oil under pressure in high voltage submarine power cables which includes a gas driven membrane pump to insure a small outflow of oil at a rupture point in the power cable to prevent water from penetrating the cable. The proper operation of the membrane pump is insured by introducing degasified oil at the drive side of the pump during the stand-by and test modes of operation of the back-up system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1983
    Assignee: International Standard Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Sigmund Ege
  • Patent number: 4417236
    Abstract: An overload detecting and alarm device for hydraulic jack comprises an electronic alarm device and a pressure sensitive switch member connected with the electronic alarm device. The pressure sensitive switch member is inserted into the body of the hydraulic jack and is communicated with the ram cylinder through a duct. This switch member comprises a pressure actuated piston which is normally biased in one direction and a spring plate positioned at another direction. The piston and spring plate act as electric contacts in the switch member and will come into contact each other when an overload fluid pressure is exerted on the piston, thereby inducing the electronic alarm device to produce a warning signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1983
    Inventor: Michael Hung
  • Patent number: 4413549
    Abstract: An actuator mechanism for detecting the presence of the piston or other movable element of a fluid cylinder for reversing switch purposes and the like is disposed in the end cap of the cylinder and is engaged by the cushion spear on the piston to provide transverse linear motion for actuation of a microswitch. The mechanism consists of a slender rod supported for movement transverse to the motion of the piston, the rod having a shoe at its lower end which receives a plunger, the latter passing through a bore in the end cap and adapted to be cammed upwardly by engagement with the cushion spear. The shoe and plunger are spring-biased toward the piston and the upward movement against the bias serves to actuate a microswitch external of the end cap to signal the presence of the piston. In a design suitable for different size cylinders, the plunger is formed of square stock of appropriate length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1983
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventor: Raymond J. Knable
  • Patent number: 4413647
    Abstract: A valve includes a plunger which is movable by actuating means such as a solenoid coil, air pressure or other means to move a valve member toward and away from a valve seat. The fluid flow area of the valve is sealed from the actuating means by the diaphragm, O-rings or other forms of sealing structure. In order to insure against leakage past the diaphragm or seal and especially against leakage into the actuating means, the construction includes another diaphragm or seal spaced from the first seal providing a seal space between the first and second diaphragms or seals. In the event of leakage past the first sealing means, flow of the liquid into the space between the first and second sealing means causes an outward flow of the fluid through a detecting passage which thereby provides means which disclose the leakage past the first sealing means so that the first sealing means can be immediately replaced before any damage to the actuating means or to the system itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1979
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1983
    Inventors: Bruce L. De Lorenzo, Daniel J. McCarthy
  • Patent number: 4393752
    Abstract: The piston compressor has a cylindrical block with at least one cylinder lining in which a piston moves without making contact. A collecting chamber for leakage gases which escape along the piston is provided at an end of the cylinder liner remote from the compression chamber. The cylinder liner is double walled to form a chamber through which forced coolant can be passed. In addition, an annular space is provided between the cylinder liner and the cylinder block to prevent leaking gas from passing into the cooling water contained in the cylinder block or cylinder liner.Forced cooling results in a good direct cooling of the cylinder liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1983
    Assignee: Sulzer Brothers Limited
    Inventor: Hans Meier
  • Patent number: 4387907
    Abstract: An improved device for controlling a working machine of the type having a chuck body including a rotary chuck cylinder closed by a cylinder cover to define a substantially closed pressure space and a chuck piston slidably disposed in the pressure space for displacement responsive to a fluid pressure, includes, a pulse generator member axially guided within the chuck body in communication with the pressure space for movement responsive to one of the fluid pressure at a predetermined level and the position of the chuck piston at a predetermined position, or both. A switch is provided outside of the chuck body at a spaced location therefrom for switching the machine off. A control member is displaceably mounted in the chuck body operative to interconnect the pulse generator member responsive to movement of the pulse generator member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1980
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1983
    Assignee: SMW Schneider & Weisshaupt GmbH
    Inventor: Karl Hiestand
  • Patent number: 4386552
    Abstract: A fluid pressure actuator is disclosed of the piston and cylinder type, in which an internally mounted transducer is incorporated for providing an electrical output signal corresponding to the position of the piston in the cylinder. The transducer is disclosed as a rotary potentiometer having a disc or drum element provided with conductive plastic tracks and a rotary wiper element rotated in correspondence with the linear travel of the piston in the cylinder by a connected cam rod slidably mounted within the piston rod and caused to rotate in one embodiment by means of a cam bushing engaging the cam rod, and in other embodiments by three converging spring biased plungers carried in the piston engaging respective sides of a hexagonal shaped cam rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1983
    Inventor: W. John Foxwell
  • Patent number: 4378726
    Abstract: A permanent magnet on a piston for use with a magnetic force pickup for sensing the position of the piston is locked in place between two backup rings and is seated within the washer of the piston. The washer has two inwardly extending flanges placed on the two axial sides of the permanent magnet between it and the backup rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1983
    Inventor: Kurt Stoll
  • Patent number: 4365538
    Abstract: A vacuum operable differential servo-motor adapted for use on motor vehicles to operate, for example, an anti-skid brake control system, a brake booster and the like, including a housing, a power piston movable therein and dividing the interior of the housing into two chambers one on each side of the power piston, a conduit member fluidly connecting one of the chambers to an engine intake manifold, a solenoid valve for controlling a pressure differential between the chambers in response to an input signal and a failure sensing switch member having a casing outside of the housing and a plunger operatively connected to the power piston and a diaphragm seal member with its peripheral bead clamped between the casing and the housing with a central portion being sealed to the plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1982
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masamoto Andoh
  • Patent number: 4345672
    Abstract: An alarm device for a brake clearance limit in an air-over-hydraulic brake system wherein air pressure piston drives a hydraulic piston for producing braking hydraulic pressure in a hydraulic brake system, capable of giving a warning at a certain constant brake clearance, irrespective of the height of pressure in the hydraulic brake system. The device comprises a sensor of hydraulic pressure for detecting a hydraulic pressure P in the hydraulic brake system, a sensor of shift amount l of the air-pressure piston after the moment when the permissible limit of brake clearance has been reached and all of the gaps in the hydraulic brake system have been lost, and a warning element which gives a warning signal when a formula l>.alpha..multidot.P is satisfied, wherein .alpha. designates rigidity coefficient of the hydraulic brake system, i.e., a quotient of the increased shift amount of the hydraulic piston divided by the increased amount of the hydraulic pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1979
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1982
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kei Nakasu
  • Patent number: 4325535
    Abstract: An actuator for a rotary valve preferably embodying a diaphragm motor operated by pressure fluid. A driving sleeve is reciprocated linearly by the diaphragm motor and within said sleeve is a rotatable shaft, which is axially aligned with the diaphragm motor and driven by a ball screw. A driven sleeve is fixed to said shaft and receives the stem of the valve. All parts are in linear alignment. Means are provided for limiting the extent of the linear movement of the parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1982
    Assignee: Baker CAC, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen R. Foster