Abstract: A brake booster consisting of a power cylinder and a hydraulic cylinder in combination and a wear detector for detecting a predetermined extent of wear of a brake lining is disclosed, which comprises the wear detector being formed of a switch operating member provided with a spring at one end and adapted to be moved by the action of a power piston in the power cylinder, a switch to be actuated due to the movement of the switch operating member and means apparatus for exerting a pressure corresponding to the operating pressure of the power piston on the other end of the switch operating member so that the switch operating member can be moved by the action of the power piston through the spring.

Abstract: An improved electro-pneumatic monitor for double safety valves controlled by solenoid-operated pilot valves. The monitor comprises a relatively short spool centrally held by oppositely disposed captive springs. The sensing passages are provided with relatively small orifices which help to de-sensitize the monitor. The resulting construction is resistant to shifting in response to minor double valve irregularities which otherwise could create undesired lockout conditions.

Abstract: A method for testing steam turbine admission valve assemblies for determining the operational force margins present therein which are used to diagnose the likelihood of valve inoperativeness due to the build-up of frictional forces in the valve assembly is disclosed.

Abstract: An improved type of hydraulic control cartridge with mounting structure and accessorial safety device for installation within both ends of reciprocative pneumatic actuators to permit a safe increase in their speed of operation. The safety device automatically stops the actuator if the hydraulic cartridge malfunctions.

Abstract: A vertical lift unit comprises a horizontally disposed upper plate adapted for suspension from a reciprocal shuttle feed unit, and a horizontally disposed lower plate adapted for supporting a reciprocal work piece gripping, lifting and transport assembly. A cylinder assembly is interposed between and interconnects the plates for effecting relative vertical movement therebetween. A series of bi-fold linkages are mounted quarter laterally in a rectangular pattern around the cylinder assembly and interposed between the plates and at their respective free ends pivotally connected to the plates for providing straight vertical lift motions to the work piece transport assembly. The bi-fold linkages are arranged in opposed spaced pairs, and a combination adjustable lock screw assembly and interconnected shock absorber assembly is interposed between one of said pairs of bi-fold linkages for selectively preadjusting the vertical work stroke of the lower plate and cushioning its downward movement.

Abstract: A method of temporarily maintaining the position of a hydraulically, pneumatically or electrically driven drive apparatus by sensing the movement of the drive apparatus and then supporting the drive apparatus by the components to be controlled.

Abstract: An overtravel indicator for a piston received in a cylinder having an end wall toward which the piston moves includes an elongated indicator rod slidably mounted through a dielectric bushing in the end wall. A conductive garter spring is compressed between the indicator rod and a groove in the cylinder end wall. An electric circuit including an electrically operated indicator is connected for completion through the indicator rod, end wall and garter spring. In an inward armed position of the indicator rod, dielectric material carried by the rod is interposed between the rod and garter spring for opening the electric circuit. In an outward operated position of the rod, a conductive surface on the rod engages the garter spring to complete the circuit and operate the indicator.

Abstract: A piston overtravel indicator for indicating overtravel of a piston from a rest position adjacent one end of a cylinder to working positions displaced from the rest position toward the other end of the cylinder. The indicator includes an elongated indicator rod slidably extending through a hole in the other end of the cylinder and having an inner rod end located within the cylinder adjacent the working positions of the piston. Overtravel of the piston beyond working positions causes engagement of same with the inner rod end for moving the rod outwardly through the hole. The indicator rod has a circumferential groove adjacent the inner end thereof for cooperation with a yieldable abutment extending into the hole for preventing complete outward displacement of the indicator rod through the hole.

Abstract: An overtravel indicator for a piston received in a cylinder having an end wall toward which the piston moves includes an elongated indicator rod slidably extending through the end wall. The rod has an armed position extending inwardly of the end wall and an operated position extending outwardly of the end wall. An electrically operated indicator is positioned in a circuit connected for completion through the indicator rod and end wall when the rod is in its operated position. In the armed position of the rod, dielectric material surrounds that portion of the rod extending through the end wall for opening the electric circuit. In the operated position of the rod, its outer surface engages the end wall for completing the electric circuit.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved jack device which comprises mainly a jack body, a plunger pump, a base seat and an oil passage device. The outer cylinder of the jack body is made of transparent, semi-transparent plastic material or the like, cylindrical in shape with calibration marked on its wall for indicating oil level, has a soft tube nozzle insetting its wall with a soft tube attached thereto and disposed in the enclosed space of the outer cylinder and is communicable with plunger pump, thereby enabling the reading of the oil amount and the use of the device in inclined positions. Further, the cylinder of the jack body and the cylinder of the plunger pump are formed with base portions by direct forging, are cylindrical in shape and inserted into the corresponding holes of the base seat, firmly fixed on the base seat by welding, making both of them oil-leak proof.

Abstract: A modular linear transducer assembly is mounted between relatively displaceable piston and cylinder members of a hydraulic roll gap control arrangement in a four-high rolling mill stand. The piston and cylinder members have coaxial openings centrally therethrough which receive the modular transducer assembly. The transducer assembly includes axially displaceable sleeve and plunger members, one of which is attached to the piston member and the other to the cylinder member for displacement therewith. The plunger supports a low voltage differential transformer coil having an axial passageway therethrough, and the sleeve member supports a core rod which extends into the coil passageway. Relative displacement between the piston and cylinder members imparts corresponding relative displacement between the coil and core rod to produce a signal indicative of roll gap change.

Abstract: In a reciprocating pump, notably a metering pump, of the reciprocating type in which the pumping member, diaphragm or piston, is actuated by means of a slide block responsive to a rotating eccentric member, a ball is interposed between an adjustment screw controlling the length of the slide block stroke and the slide block. For this purpose, the ball engages an inclined surface formed in a hollow of the slide block. Preferably, the screw is magnetized and constantly attracts the ball to avoid movements of the ball in relation to the slide block and therefore any premature wear and tear of these members. The inclined surface may have a shape matching that of the ball.

Abstract: A respiration unit for supplying a preselected limited volume of breathing gas to a patient at limited positive pressures, and at a preselected limited flow rate is disclosed. The system includes an air delivery cylinder having a drive weight which is free to move up and down. A diaphragm connected to the weight divides the cylinder into an upper control chamber and a lower delivery chamber. A vacuum source is connected to the control chamber through a first solenoid-controlled valve to regulate the lifting of the weight, and a second solenoid-controlled valve regulates the bleeding of air into the control chamber to release and regulate the rate of fall of the weight, thereby driving breathing gas under pressure out of the lower chamber. A control system regulates the lift and lower cycles of the drive weight to provide the required operation of the system, with various sensors being provided to allow patient control of the system under selected conditions, and to assure patient safety.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for detecting the displacement of a hydraulic cylinder barrel and its piston with a higher degree of accuracy even when a hydraulic cylinder is subjected to severe vibrations.

Abstract: A piston and cylinder device with a piston mounted for reciprocating movement in the cylinder has on the outside of the cylinder an elongated mounting element comprising two guiding members on each of which a limit switch is mounted for positioning longitudinally of the cylinder. The limit switch is formed with a switch blade of ferromagnetic material and the piston has an annular rim constituted of permanent magnetic material. The switches can be adjusted longitudinally for the purpose of adjusting the stroke of the piston.

Abstract: An electric switch actuator having a housing with a switch cavity and an associated bore. A spring biased piston is contained within the bore and actuates the switch in response to pressure. The switch cavity is closed by a transparent window allowing the switch actuation to be viewed.

Abstract: In a piston actuated valve, means for determining the position of the operating piston by means of at least one insulated contact probe which is inserted through the wall of the cylinder. Two or more can be used, one in each extreme position of the piston. As the piston moves into its extreme position, contact is made with the probe and a suitable signal is sent, indicating that the piston is in that extreme position.

Abstract: A large bore, long stroke, low friction, hydraulic actuator having dual hydrostatic bearings permitting elastic deformation of the piston rod while inhibiting metal to metal contact between either the piston head or the deformed piston rod and the walls of the hydraulic cylinder. The actuator employs a safe and highly reliable metering orifice cushion decelerating means. Piston displacement is constantly monitored by a completely internal, magnetostrictive, sonic delay line displacement measuring means.

Abstract: A safety device and monitoring device -- for use with piston-type and turbo-type oxygen compressors -- for oil leakage at the seals of the machine, comprising at least one collecting element for leakage oil, which is introduced into a vessel in which it actuates a signal device.

Abstract: A linear positioning cylinder drive has a piston connected at one end to a load and at the other end to a cable. The cable is secured to a pulley secured to a shaft urged in a takeup direction by a coil spring or hydraulic motor. The piston is moved by a hydraulic pump through a servo valve actuated by a circuit controlled by a transducer driven by the shaft. In one embodiment, the transducer is rotary and in another embodiment the transducer is linear.

Abstract: A disc clutch servo mechanism cylinder has a signal bore extending from the cylinder working chamber to atmosphere. In normal operating state a pin seals this bore. The pin extends into the chamber and when the clutch is worn the piston will come close to the cylinder bottom and push the pin outwards. This movement causes the pin to open an air passage from the chamber to atmosphere, whereby an acoustic signal indicates clutch wear.

Abstract: A hydraulic cylinder unit which comprises a cylinder, a piston slidably inserted in the cylinder in a fluid-tight manner, and a piston rod connected to the piston at one end thereof and projected outwardly from the cylinder and which is operated to extend the piston rod by a fluid supplied under pressure into one chamber in the cylinder and to retract the piston rod by a mechanical force applied to the piston or piston rod (single-acting type) or by a fluid supplied under pressure into the other chamber in the cylinder (double-acting type) is used for lifting, transporting or displacing a material in various industries. In the use of such hydraulic cylinder unit, load in the axial direction of the unit is applied to the cylinder unit by a load or material carried on operated by the cylinder unit or the piston rod thereof and detection of such load is often required. This load is detected by a strain gauge mounted in the piston rod.

Abstract: A warning device to discourage the unauthorized entering of doors and windows utilizing a spring contracted bellows held in an extended condition by anchor means associated with building closure structure. Upon the opening of the associated door or window one of the anchor means is released permitting the bellows to be rapidly contracted producing an audible sound by means of a vibratable reed to warn the occupant and discourage the intruder from further entry.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for indicating whether friction forces within a position modulating valve are approaching a predetermined friction value. The invention includes pressure detectors which monitor the pressure forces required by the valve actuator to move the valve plug predetermined distances toward open and seated positions. Means are provided which generate signal proportional to the difference between opening and seating actuating pressures and which is functionally related to the friction force within the valve. Means for comparing the generated signal to a predetermined reference signal, and for indicating if the generated signal exceeds the reference, are also provided.

Abstract: A double-acting rotary hydraulic jack having two jack compartments, comprising a rotary hydraulic joint for the supply of hydraulic liquid to and the evacuation of hydraulic liquid from the compartments. The two compartments of the jack each communicate with at least one axial boring in a rotary part of the jack which is not axially movable. In this boring a movable piston bears against the head of a guide rod for a spring which itself bears against the rotary part of the jack. The ends of the rods, externally of the borings, are secured to a member coaxial with the jack, for example a sleeve, whose axial position is monitored by a displacement detector, so as to give an indication of the working pressure in the active jack compartment.

Abstract: A disc brake assembly of a vehicle has an actuator for actuating the disc brake and a housing that is positioned about the actuator. An element is provided for observing an identification mark positioned at a preselected location on the actuator adjacent a port of the housing. In the method of the invention, the brake of the vehicle is used and worn brake discs are replaced in response to the mark on the actuator being at a location spaced at least a preselected distance from the location of the mark prior to wear of the brake discs.

Abstract: This invention relates to a hydropneumatic valve actuator comprising an outer cylindrical casing and an inner cylindrical casing both having closure means at each end. The inner cylindrical casing is positioned in said outer casing and is transversely spaced therefrom to define an elongated annular gas chamber. A piston slidably mounted in said inner casing has a piston rod extending axially from one end thereof through an axial bore in one of said closure means. The gas chamber as well as the portion of the inner casing between the piston and the other closure means, are adapted to be charged with gas under pressure and the portion of the inner casing between the piston and the closure means through which the piston rod extends is adapted to be charged with liquid.The piston is provided with a pair of spaced annular seals and means are provided to prevent gas leakage past one of the seals into the portion of the inner casing charged with oil under pressure and to sense leakage of oil past the other seal.

Abstract: A die casting machine has a piston rod connected to its main ram for positioning the ram as the piston rod extends and retracts from a cylinder. A control system is provided which directly senses the position, velocity and acceleration of the piston rod. A smooth continguous outer surface is formed on the piston rod. Magnetic and non-magnetic materials spaced alternately axially along the rod provide a series of magnetic discontinuity fields along the piston rod. Transducers are provided to sense the magnetic discontinuities as the piston rod moves to provide signals indicative of the position, velocity and acceleration of the piston rod. An electrohydraulic servo valve is electrically connected to the transducers and to a control console for moving the piston rod and for recording its position, velocity, and acceleration.

Abstract: A sensor particularly well suited for use in the monitoring of hydraulic pressure. The sensor includes a deformable membrane mechanically coupled to an electrical switch. The membrane is mounted within a chamber in a manner which permits free radial displacement of the edge of the membrane and which also permits the axial position and shape of the membrane to be varied during assembly of the device.

Abstract: An actuating mechanism for moving an indicator, an operational tool or a structual component with a high degree of precision over precisely predeterminable distances to desired points of operation, which comprise a shaft, slidably mounted upon said shaft in end to end relation a sequence of interconnected actuating components of selectively variable length axially of said shaft each having limit stop means for positively and precisely predetermining its conditions of minimum and maximum length and thus its possible increment in length, said increments being arranged to differ for the individual components, means at one end of the sequence of components on said shaft for positively blocking movement of said sequence of components in one direction while leaving the opposite end free to move on said shaft in response to increases in the axial length of any one of said components, means selectively operable to actuate said components individually so that they assume either their condition of minimum length or the

Abstract: The pneumatic spring which holds the rear gate of a station wagon in the open position transmits electric current to heating filaments in the window of the rear gate by way of terminals on the piston rod and the cylinder of the spring, the terminals being connected by a contact spring in the cylinder cavity in the closed position of the rear gate.