Interconnected With Common Rotatable Shaft Patents (Class 92/68)
  • Patent number: 11396872
    Abstract: A nitriding layer (13) is formed on the front surface side of a base material of a cylinder block (7) including an opening side end surface (7B) and each cylinder hole (12). Then, a piston sliding surface (12A) of each cylinder hole (12) is formed as a compound layer-removed hole (17) by removing a compound layer (16) that is located on the front surface side of the nitriding layer (13) by using polishing means such as, for example, honing and so forth. Further, a compound layer-removed surface (18) is formed on a part (A) where a compound layer-removed hole (17) and a cylinder inlet side tapered surface (12B) of each cylinder hole (12) intersect by using the polishing means such as, for example, the honing and so forth. This compound layer-removed surface (18) is formed as a tapered-state inclined surface of an angle ?.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Yamada, Yoshitomo Yabuuchi, Naoyuki Okuno
  • Patent number: 10590964
    Abstract: A rotary actuator (10) is provided with a linear activation mechanism (40a) that causes a pinion (80) to rotate, and a cylinder body (12) in which a cylinder hole (28a) is formed. The linear activation mechanism (40a) comprises a rack (42) on which a plurality of teeth (44) that mesh with the pinion (80) are provided, and pistons (48a, 48b). The pistons (48a, 48b) are each provided with a piston main body (50a, 50b) that has a shape corresponding to that of the cylinder hole (28a). Each of the piston main bodies (50a, 50b) comprises a body (52a, 52b) and an extension section (54a, 54b). The ends of the rack (42) are connected to the extension sections (54a, 54b) of the set of pistons (48a, 48b), and a space (73a) shielded from the cylinder hole (28a) is formed between the bodies (52a, 52b) of the set of pistons (48a, 48b). The linear activation mechanism (40b) is also configured similarly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: SMC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mitsunori Magaribuchi, Takaaki Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 8826800
    Abstract: The reciprocating piston mechanism with an extended piston offset is provided. The mechanism is of the type that contains at least one cylinder having a longitudinal axis, at least one piston that has a pivot pin and is slidingly installed in the cylinder, a main driveshaft having a central axis, which is offset at a distance from the longitudinal axis of the cylinder, a circular cylindrical body, e.g., a circular eccentric, which is non-rotationally secured on the main drive shaft and a rocker arm. The rocker arm is pivotally mounted on the circular eccentric. The mechanism is also provided with a connecting rod that connects the cylinder to one arm of the rocker arm/lever. The other arm of the rocker arm/lever has a roller that is guided in a confined pathway and works as a fulcrum of the lever and a stabilizer/rudder at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Inventor: Michael Inden
  • Patent number: 8646376
    Abstract: A plurality of ring-shaped sealing members are spaced from each other on the outer periphery of each of first and second end caps that seal openings of first and second cylinder holes. Ring-shaped flow paths are formed between adjacent ring-shaped sealing members. Parts of air flow paths that supply and discharge compressed air to and from pressure chambers of the cylinder holes are formed by the ring-shaped flow paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Takeuchi, Mitsunori Magaribuchi, Kazuhiro Shinohara
  • Publication number: 20120073430
    Abstract: Disclosed is a variable displacement compressor having improved compressor performance such as reduced pulsation and improved durability and resistance to pressure and allowing smooth and high-precision control of a swash plate tilt angle at a target tilt angle by using an axial movement member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventor: Iwao Uchikado
  • Publication number: 20120036996
    Abstract: A piston pump as a recirculating pump of a hydraulic traction control vehicle brake system is disclosed, with two pump pistons which are arranged in an opposed arrangement and bear on the outside against an eccentric bearing ring for their lifting drive. The pump pistons are arranged with an offset in the longitudinal direction of a pump shaft, so that they exert a moment upon the bearing ring, which moment presses rolling bodies in the rolling bearing against the pump shaft even when the forces with which the pump pistons press from outside against the bearing ring cancel one another. The rolling bodies roll even when the forces of the pump pistons are compensated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Juergen Haecker, Norbert Alaze
  • Publication number: 20110283878
    Abstract: A rotary pump is provided having a chamber arranged in a body and a displacement member disposed in the chamber for reciprocating therein. A drive member is used to move the displacement member within the chamber in response to relative rotation between the body and the drive member. A radial valve arrangement may be used to time when the chamber is in fluid communication with inlet and outlet ports on the pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: NORDSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Mario Romanin
  • Patent number: 7992490
    Abstract: A by-pass control system for a meat injection system has a variable speed pump that transports fluid to a meat injection machine. Excess fluid is transported to a by-pass control valve. The valve has a moveable piston disposed therein that separates the valve into a fluid chamber and an air chamber. The piston moves back and forth based on the relationship between fluid pressure and air pressure. Sensors are disposed within or through the lid or the valve to sense the position of the piston. A controller is connected to the sensors and the variable speed pump and adjusts the speed of the pump based on the position of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Stork Townsend Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel W. Pfeffer, Michael S. Simpson, Craig A. Smiens
  • Publication number: 20100288120
    Abstract: A rotary actuator comprises a housing, a shaft, at least one piston, and at least one closed-wound power spring coupled to the shaft. The housing defines a cavity. The shaft is disposed supported within the cavity of the housing and adapted for rotational displacement between a first position and a second position. The at least one piston is supported within the cavity of the housing and operatively coupled to the shaft. The piston is adapted for sliding displacement in association with rotational displacement of the shaft. The at least one closed-wound power spring is disposed within the cavity of the housing and operatively coupled to the shaft. So configured, the closed-wound power spring biases the shaft and the at least one piston into a predetermined relationship.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: General Equipment and Manufacturing Company, Inc., d/b/a/ TopWorx, Inc. ("TopWorx")
    Inventor: Bruce R. Penning
  • Patent number: 7681490
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drive device for a piston pump of a braking system of a vehicle having at least one piston element displaced in the longitudinal direction in a housing between an upper dead center and a lower dead center by means of an eccentric device. The eccentric device comprises at least one cam-shaped eccentric element having a covering surface forming a control curve which is used to control the displacement of the piston element. A roller bearing device is arranged between the control curve of the eccentric element and the piston element, which has such an elasticity that the piston element can be controlled according the predefined contour of the control curve of the eccentric element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Norbert Alaze
  • Publication number: 20090217815
    Abstract: A pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder (10) that has a piston (14) provided with a plurality of spherical elements (22), each of which is engaged in a slot (20) that extends longitudinally and axially relative to the longitudinal axis (12) of the cylinder (10). Movement of the piston (14) longitudinally results in angular movement of a piston (14) due to engagement of the elements (22) in their slots (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventor: Jeffrey Kendall
  • Publication number: 20090205486
    Abstract: A fluid operated rotary drive comprises a drive housing (2) and an output shaft (4) able to be caused to oscillate in relation to it and having a pivotal abutment arranged on it which cooperates with a counter abutment (34 and 35). The pivotal abutment is able to be positioned about the longitudinal axis (8) of the output shaft (4) in different abutment settings and is able to be clamped in a releasable manner respectively against a clamping face (56) on the housing by means of a clamping means (53).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventors: Christian Ante, Gerhard Thorwart
  • Patent number: 7497156
    Abstract: A fluid motor including an inner race and an outer race is disclosed. The inner and outer races are configured to rotate about a substantially common axis. The motor also includes at least one fluid actuator configured to produce substantially linear motion as a function of selectively receiving pressurized fluid. The fluid motor also includes at least one sprag configured to rotate the inner and outer races about the axis as a function of the substantially linear motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Smith, Eric R. Lauterbach, Daniel T. Mather, Jonathan L. Buelow
  • Publication number: 20080141855
    Abstract: Disclosed are crankshaft, single-plate cam and beam mechanisms that provide significant improvements in performance for 2 & 4-stroke engines, compressors and pumps. These cost effective mechanisms include linkages with the new and improved use of pivoting arms that operate with a variety of cylinder arrangements. One embodiment of the crankshaft mechanism has its crankpin roller positioned within a novel yoke-arm. The cam mechanism uses a pair of centrally positioned parallel links that are connected to roller cam followers and single or diametrically-opposed pistons. A pair of laterally extending follower arms connects to the ends of the links to provide support and alignment for the piston rods. Between the reciprocating links, cam followers and follower arms is a rotating odd-lobe plate cam. A beam mechanism uses opposite-direction extending balancing beams that are connected to links, cam followers and piston rods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventor: Patrick T. Fisher
  • Publication number: 20080098882
    Abstract: A fluid motor including an inner race and an outer race is disclosed. The inner and outer races are configured to rotate about a substantially common axis. The motor also includes at least one fluid actuator configured to produce substantially linear motion as a function of selectively receiving pressurized fluid. The fluid motor also includes at least one sprag configured to rotate the inner and outer races about the axis as a function of the substantially linear motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventors: David P. Smith, Eric R. Lauterbach, Daniel T. Mather, Jonathan L. Buelow
  • Publication number: 20080047424
    Abstract: A variable displacement compressor comprising a cylinder block having a plurality of cylinder bores. The cylinder block has an extension which extends from an outer periphery of an end surface of the cylinder block which faces a swash plate. The extension has an extension surface which forms a part of a bore surface of each cylinder bore and first and second wall surfaces which extend continuously from opposite ends of the extension surface in a circumferential direction of the extension surface. A part of each extension surface which is connected to the first wall surface which is located on a preceding side of rotation of the swash plate corresponds to a high-load area which is locally subjected to loads from a single-headed piston during a compression stroke. The high-load area has a chamfered region which is formed into a curved surface by chamfering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Suguru Hirota, Hiroshi Uneyama, Junya Yano, Hiroaki Kayukawa
  • Patent number: 7334514
    Abstract: This invention provides a modular, efficient and self-feedback/balance, fluid-powered actuation system. This system comprises two basic modules; actuation module and positioning module, which are directly connected to each other. The actuation modules can be constructed as a triple acting actuator having a novel balanced linear-rotary mechanism converter or a double acting actuator with two novel balance guide bars. The positioning module is constructed as a two-staged, self-feedback/balance positioner with position as a variable for controlling positions of an output shaft of the actuation modules. An input shaft in the positioning module is operated by three types input signals. This system also provides a rotary force to actuate and control different rotary valves with lighter weight, superior seal and high accuracy and can be used for quick cycle, high vibration applications or other critical services.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Jianchao Shu
  • Patent number: 6997150
    Abstract: A variable camshaft timing phaser for an internal combustion engine having at least one camshaft comprising a plurality of vanes in chambers defined by a housing and a spool valve. The vanes define an advance and retard chamber. At least one of the vanes is cam torque actuated (CTA) and at least one of the other vanes is oil pressure actuated (OPA). The spool valve is coupled to the advance and retard chamber defined by the CTA vane and the advance chamber defined by the OPA vane. When the phaser is in the advance position, fluid is routed from the retard chamber defined by the OPA vane to the retard chamber defined the CTA vane. When the phaser is in the retard position fluid is routed from the retard chamber defined by the CTA vane to the advance chamber defined by the CTA vane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventor: Roger T. Simpson
  • Patent number: 6640689
    Abstract: In air flow paths of a swinging apparatus in which racks are respectively provided to pistons of a pair for swinging in cylinder bores of a pair disposed in parallel in a casing, a pinion is engaged with the racks, and the pistons of the pair are synchronously driven in opposite directions to each other by synchronously supplying and discharging pressure air to and from opposite ends to each other of the pistons of the pair, the air flow paths for supplying and discharging the pressure air to and from opposite ends to each other of the pistons of the pair are formed between a bottom of the casing and a flow path forming member mounted to the bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Kaichiro Mitsui, Mitsunori Magaribuchi, Naoki Hama
  • Patent number: 6394462
    Abstract: This is a reliable long-lasting removable seal for attachment to the push rod opening of a service brake actuator that is to be used with a disc brake system. The seal allows the service brake actuator to enjoy the benefits of having breather holes in its housing wall while preventing any unwanted contaminants brought in through such holes from being transmitted to the attached disc brake mechanism. The seal is a hollow molded piece in the form of a tubular insert made of a slightly deformable material that fits into the central opening in the lower service brake housing through which the push rod extends. Flanges on the insert sealingly engage the wall of the service brake housing, and a central bore sealingly engages the push rod. The insert may include a separate internal bushing made of durable material which supports at least one annular seal for engaging the push rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: TSE Brakes, Inc.
    Inventors: Savvas K. Constantinides, Ted D Smith
  • Patent number: 6279411
    Abstract: A linear drive mechanism comprising a moveably guided output member (12). The output member (12) is guided on a supporting device (15) in a supporting area (13) of the housing (1). A position determining device (54) protrudes laterally from the output member (12). The position determining device moves along a position determining area (55) during the axial movement of the output member (12). The support device (15) extends only over part of the perimeter of the output member (12), wherein the output member (12) is exposed along a section of the perimeter so that an open space (67) is provided, thereby forming part of a position determining area (55) which can be traversed by the position determining element (54). This makes it possible to combine effective guidance with a compact linear drive design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Festo AG & Co.
    Inventors: Kurt Stoll, Thomas Feyrer
  • Patent number: 6178869
    Abstract: The axial piston machine may be used as a hydraulic pump or hydraulic motor. A rotor of the piston machine includes an outer part having a spherical inner surface and an inner part having a corresponding spherical outer surface. The inner part has a plurality of elongate grooves defined therein to seat pistons therein. A plurality of piston members protrude into the pistons. A sleeve member is disposed inside the inner part. The sleeve member has a plurality of openings defined therein that are connected to chambers in an alternating fashion. The sleeve member may be turned sideways to adjust the position of the inner part relative to the outer part to set the operational volume of the piston machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Lars Gunnar Westman
  • Patent number: 6170384
    Abstract: A fluid power rotary drive device, which possesses two oppositely moving drive pistons and an output drive part in mesh with the same. With the aid of a position presetting means it is possible to preset an intermediate position of the output drive part. For this purpose an abutment unit is provided, which has two abutment parts arranged as an axial extension of the two drive pistons. The abutment unit is able to be moved relatively to the drive piston into a positioning setting, in which the two abutment parts are both in engagement with the respectively associated drive piston, something which corresponds to the desired intermediate position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Festo AG & Co.
    Inventors: Kurt Stoll, Albrecht Wagner, Dietmar Pfeiffer
  • Patent number: 6098517
    Abstract: A rotary linear unit possesses a rotary drive and a linear drive. A bearing rod is connected with the drive shaft of the rotary drive, such bearing rod extending coaxially into the output drive unit of the linear drive. On the bearing rod a bearing sleeve is mounted so that it may not rotate while being axially displaceable, such sleeve being fixedly connected with the piston of the linear drive. The piston is divided into two axially sequential piston parts, between which the bearing sleeve is located, which extends into facing receiving recesses in the piston parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Festo AG & Co
    Inventors: Gerhard Thorwart, Albrecht Wagner
  • Patent number: 6062534
    Abstract: A rotary valve actuator with movable actuator linkage maintained in a constant "pull-pull" tension, includes a sliding canister, rotatable lever, and a return spring substantially aligned in-line with each other. The linear motion of the canister in response to an expanding and contracting pressurized bladder is converted through chain linkage into rotary lever motion. The return spring is connected through respective chain linkage to the lever so the pulling tension of the spring/lever linkage rotates the lever and maintains tension on both chain linkages. Adjustable travel stops are provided. In an alternate embodiment the return spring chain linkage is configured at right angles to the linear movement of the canister. A double acting rotary valve actuator with pressurized bladders on opposite sides of a rotatable lever. One bladder is oval shaped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International
    Inventor: Philip Wayne Eggleston
  • Patent number: 6003431
    Abstract: A rotary actuator including a housing provided with a fluid actuated drive assembly operatively connected to a rotary plate arranged to effect the drive thereof, wherein the housing and the rotary plate are provided with complementary cooperating stop abutment and groove or track for limiting the angular rotation of the rotary plate in either the clockwise or counterclockwise rotation. An adjustment is provided to adjust the angular rotation of the rotary plate. Also provided is a control or adjustment for independently regulating the speed of rotation of the rotary plate either in the clockwise or counterclockwise rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Inventor: Millo Bertini
  • Patent number: 6000675
    Abstract: A rotary valve actuator with movable actuator linkage maintained in a constant "pull-pull" tension, includes a sliding canister, rotatable lever, and a return spring substantially aligned in-line with each other. The linear motion of the canister in response to an expanding and contracting pressurized bladder is converted through chain linkage into rotary lever motion. The return spring is connected through respective chain linkage to the lever so the pulling tension of the spring/lever linkage rotates the lever and maintains tension on both chain linkages. Adjustable travel stops are provided. In an alternate embodiment the return spring chain linkage is configured at right angles to the linear movement of the canister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International, Inc.
    Inventor: Philip Wayne Eggleston
  • Patent number: 5983845
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a rotary drive system and an engine which have greater toughness and which are capable of smoothly converting linear thrust force into rotary torque. In the present invention, a pair of elongated members are arranged parallel in a first direction. A moving guide is spanned between the elongated members, arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and capable of moving in the first direction. A moving body is capable of moving in the second direction along the moving guide. A rotary shaft is capable of rotating about an axial line, which is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction. A lever has one part, which is pivotably connected with the moving body, and another part, which is fixed to the rotary shaft, whereby the lever rotates the rotary shaft when the moving body moves round. A driving mechanism moves the moving guide in the first direction. A control mechanism stabilizes rotational speed of the rotary shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Yugen Kaisha Sozoan
    Inventor: Ken Yanagisawa
  • Patent number: 5868035
    Abstract: This electrohydraulic actuator comprises a pair of hydraulic rams (12, 13) and a rocker (14) integral in terms of rotation with an input shaft (7) of the barrel, the rams are arranged parallel with one another in such a way as to be able to control the rotation of the rocker to make it adopt predetermined angular positions corresponding to the gears (R, N, 1, 2, . . . ) selected and this actuator also comprises solenoid valves for controlling the rams. The rocker (14) extends transversely to the shaft (7) and its ends are designed to be able to interact with respective pistons (17, 18) of the rams (12, 13), each ram comprises three pistons (24, 25, 17; 26, 27, 18) which are coaxial and have different cross sections, arranged in chambers (28, 29) of corresponding cross sections formed in the body (11). This electrohydraulic actuator permits extremely quick and easy control of gear selection for a structure which is relatively simple and has a modest cost of manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: S.A.M.M.-Societe D'Applications Des Machines Motrices
    Inventor: Gerard Devaud
  • Patent number: 5768972
    Abstract: A control and safety system for coordinating movement of multiple hydraulic cylinders to reciprocally rotate a truck-mounted refuse compacting arm. The system includes a logic board controller in communication with a cam and switch arrangement mechanically linked to the rotating arm. Signals from the switches indicate the position of the arm to the logic board which responds by operating directional control valves to regulate movement of the cylinders. A pressure switch is activated to rotate the arm in the opposite direction if the arm is prevented from reaching a limit switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: McNeilus Truck and Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald E. Christenson, Calvin Brandt, William P. Bartlett
  • Patent number: 5655406
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a rotary motion drive system, which is capable of increasing the efficiency of converting the linear motion into the rotary motion. In the rotary motion drive system of the present invention, a pair of first guides are arranged parallel in a first direction. A pair of second guides are arranged parallel in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. A first rod is arranged parallel to the first guides, the first rod is capable of keeping parallel to the first guides and moving in the second direction. A second rod is arranged parallel to the second guides, the second rod is capable of keeping parallel to the second guides and moving in the first direction. A moving body is capable of moving on the first rod and the second rod in the first direction and the second direction within a square plane, which is rounded by the first guides and the second guides. A first driving mechanism moves the second rod in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: Yugen Kaisha Sozoan
    Inventor: Ken Yanagisawa
  • Patent number: 5562010
    Abstract: A shaft is provided with a low speed oscillating progressive drive by means of hydraulic cylinders which operate a lever mechanism which may be clutched to and declutched from, the shaft. A pneumatic control system senses the position of the pistons of the hydraulic cylinders and provides a controlled oscillation of the cylinders. When the pistons cause the shaft to rotate in one direction a sensor causes the lever mechanism to be declutched from the shaft after a selectable number of degrees of rotation. The pistons continue their stroke to the normal limit where the lever mechanism is caused to be once more clutched to the shaft. This operation is continued producing an oscillatory progressive rotation of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Inventor: Bernard McGuire
  • Patent number: 5440969
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cylinder-operated driving mechanism for a ball valve, and more particularly to a cylinder-operated driving mechanism for a ball valve in which a plurality of guided compression springs are loaded between the cylinder caps at two ends of the cylinder and the two horizontally opposite pistons of the cylinder such that when there is no air supplied to the cylinder for driving the closing of the ball valve, the compressed spring force stored in the guided compression springs can push the two pistons to move toward each other and thereby turn the driving shaft connected to the pistons via links and driving shaft seat and further stably and reliably drives the ball valve to turn close.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Inventor: Wan-Sheng Shin
  • Patent number: 5390585
    Abstract: A rotary motion/constant velocity linear reciprocating motion conversion device capable of converting rotary motion into a constant velocity linear motion or vice versa, and a hydraulic system which can minimize a ripple by using the above-mentioned conversion device, comprises a rotary motion part having a pair of first power transmission elements rotating at the same speed mounted to a common shaft, each element having alternatively positioned teeth capable of transmitting power. A linear motion conversion part comprises a second pair of power transmission elements each positioned adjacent to and engaging the teeth of the first elements. The second elements are each slidably mounted to a helical spline and comprise projections that engage helix grooves arranged in opposite directions along the shaft. The interaction of first and second power elements causes the linear motion of the helix shaft. The helical spline comprises a piston at each end that reciprocates within a respective cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Assignee: Samjoo Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Young-sun Ryuh
  • Patent number: 5326291
    Abstract: An actuator mechanism for operating the shutter door of a torpedo tube indes two hydraulic cylinders connected in series and a plurality of interconnected links pivotally connected between the inner hull and the shutter door. In operation, the combined movement of the hydraulic cylinders rotates an elongated torque arm and a transfer link about a rotatable shaft. As the transfer link rotates it moves the end of the link inwardly away from the outer hull. As the transfer link further rotates away from the outer hull, it draws the connector link and the shutter door inwardly. The added throw of the two cylinders cooperate with the longer torque arm to provide an increased moment, and hence greater opening force on the shutter door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Paul E. Moody
  • Patent number: 5323690
    Abstract: A linear movable apparatus for imparting rotational movement to a turntable is provided. The turntable is secured to a rotatably mounted shaft having a ring gear thereon for meshed engagement with gear teeth provided on a piston rod which extends between a pair of pistons. Each piston is reciprocally carried in aligned cylinder housings mounted in a support structure. An adjustable mechanism is provided for retaining the piston rod in snug-fitting relation with the ring gear, and a bracket assembly is secured around the ring gear to support the adjustable mechanism against the ring gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Inventor: James O. Sims
  • Patent number: 5317956
    Abstract: A gas actuator (21) and a pop-up target (10) incorporating the gas actuator (21) are disclosed. The gas actuator (21) comprises support surfaces (24, 26), pivoting surfaces 5 (64,66) pivotably coupled upon the support surfaces (24, 26), respectively, and flexible and inflatable members (18, 20) disposed for pivoting the pivoting surfaces (64, 66) with respect to the support surfaces (24, 26) between a first and a second position. The members (18, 20) act over a relatively large area between the support surfaces (24, 26) and the pivoting surfaces (64, 66). The magnitude of the pivoting force produced by the members (18, 20) increases to a maximum and thereafter decreases as the pivoting surface (64) pivots upwards. An accumulator (104) allows for relatively low flow rates of as from a source of compressed as (102) and provides relatively high flow rates of compressed as to the members (18, 20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1994
    Assignees: Devenish Engineering Pty Ltd, Donald M. Devenish
    Inventor: Donald M. Devenish
  • Patent number: 5230275
    Abstract: An eccentric anti-friction drive for fluid power apparatus is disclosed wherein the eccentric element comprises a tubular cup or sleeve made by deep drawing a hardenable steel material. The eccentric element comprises two cylindrical peripheries disposed eccentrically with respect to one another. One of the cylindrical peripheries is fitted to the rotating member of a prime mover and the other cylindrical periphery comprises the inner or outer race of an anti-friction bearing of the anti-friction drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1993
    Assignees: INA Waelzlager Schaffler KG, INA Bearing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Bobby L. Hodge, Wolfgang Pflugner
  • Patent number: 5090297
    Abstract: All-elastomer fluid-pressure-actuatable twistors have an elongated tubular wall of resilient elastomeric material extending between first and second mounting ends spaced from each other along a twist axis extending longitudinally within the twistor. The tubular wall encircles its twist axis and surrounds an elongated interior chamber. Interior reinforcing webs of resilient elastomeric material are joined to the wall. These web-partitions extend longitudinally within the chamber, separating the chamber into longitudinally extending compartments. By applying torque or other preform means in a first sense to the first mounting end relative to the second mounting end, the tubular wall and interior webs become twisted in the same sense around the twist axis into a generally helically-twisted configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Assignee: Nathaniel A. Hardin
    Inventor: Henry M. Paynter
  • Patent number: 5076090
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing a reciprocating motion. The apparatus has a housing block that contains twin piston guides in spaced apart relationship to one another. The piston guides each contain a piston that has a gear rack. The gear racks are connected by a pinion gear so that the movement of one piston will cause an equal and opposite movement of the other piston. The movement of the pistons is controlled by the application of a fluid pressure to one or both of the pistons. The travel of the pistons is limited by a mechanical stop at one end and a fluid cushion device at the other end. Tools for the altering of a workpiece may be attached to one or both ends of the pistons. In one embodiment, the apparatus is subjected to a rotary displacement achieved through the linear motion of one of the pistons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1991
    Assignee: Utica Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert W. Cetnarowski
  • Patent number: 5049039
    Abstract: A radial piston and cylinder compressed gas motor is disclosed which is particularly suited for use where economical power sources are required. The motor includes a cylinder block having a plurality of radially extending cylinders open at their outer ends to radially extending passages and having exhaust ports open when associated pistons are adjacent their bottom dead center positions. Such passages extend to a valve system provided on the crank of the motor which functions to supply compressed gas to selected cylinders while connecting other cylinders together so that gas is exhausted from cylinders containing extending pistons to open exhaust ports in other cylinders. This minimizes back pressure to resist motor operation. The crank is formed of two generally cylindrical members and can be produced without eccentric machining or grinding operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Assignee: Pneumotor, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Knoth, James W. Bradbury, Mark A. Nagy
  • Patent number: 5024116
    Abstract: A rotary actuator includes a plurality of interchangeable and essentially identical modular drive units each having a pair of racks operably rotating a drive shaft such that the torque applied to the shaft is evenly divided between the drive units. The shaft has pinion-type teeth of a length to accommodate the number of drive units needed to develop the required shaft torque. End plates sandwich the drive units therebetween and rotatably support the shafts. An internal channel system routes hydraulic fluid simultaneously to the proper ends of the racks of each of the drive units to translate the racks in unison. A position sensor identifies the rotary position of the shaft and provides such information to the control mechanism. A rack biasing mechanism for each rack provides biasing pressure against an associated back of a rack directly opposite the shaft and includes a roller acting on the back of the rack. A differential pressure sensor arrangement is provided to sense rotary loading of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Inventor: Brett W. Kraft
  • Patent number: 4846050
    Abstract: A device designed to actuate the positive clutches of gearbox sliding gears following synchronization of the respective pairs of gears. A cylinder mechanism is provided on each sliding plate of the gearbox, as well as solenoid valves which are controlled by an electronic calculator to select and actuate the cylinders. Each cylinder mechanism includes two oppositely acting pistons, each connected to the sliding plate, and each sliding in its own cylinder which also includes a return spring which operates against each piston and which practically eliminates the clearance above the piston as the piston is about to be actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1989
    Assignee: Renault Vehicules Industriels
    Inventors: Jean P. Sibeud, Gerard Ellenberger
  • Patent number: 4841843
    Abstract: A device for converting energy of a fluid medium into mechanical work comprises a hermetically sealed chamber (1) communicated through valves with systems for supply and discharge of a fluid medium. The chamber has an opening (4) in which a sleeve (5) of flexible material is secured through one end along the perimeter, the sleeve being mounted in the chamber (1) with a possibility of reciprocation relative to the secured end so that during the motion from the initial position to the extreme position a part of the sleeve (5) is turned inside out forming a space (9) communicating with the chamber (1). The sleeve (5) through its other end is connected to a drum (7) disposed in the chamber (1) and mounted on a shaft (6) coupled to a reverser (11) through an overrunning clutch (8). In the initial position the sleeve (5) is wound on the drum (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1989
    Inventors: Viktor V. Shishkin, Nikolai F. Kryazhevskikh, Jury P. Shapovalov
  • Patent number: 4759262
    Abstract: The invention is an apparatus that allows a motor to move in any one of three linear directions, but it restrains rotary motion of the motor housing. In practice, the motor is used for driving a pump or some other rotary motion device. The device includes a lever arm fastened to the motor housing and a hydraulic cylinder pivotally connected to each end of the arm and to a support member. Each cylinder is divided into two chambers by a piston head, and hydraulic lines connect the chambers of one cylinder to the chambers of the other cylinder. When the pump (or other rotary motion device) tends to cause rotational movement of the motor housing, and lever arm, each cylinder responds to this rotational load by trying to displace fluid (oil) from one cylinder to the other. Since each cylinder tries to displace an equivalent volume of oil toward the other cylinder, through a common conduit, displacement of the oil is not possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1988
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventor: Robert A. Hay, II
  • Patent number: 4759477
    Abstract: A material dispensing valve finding particular application in the robotic dispensing of sealants, adhesives, etc. in a desired pattern on a workpiece. The dispensing valve comprises a unique actuating arrangement wherein back to back pancake cylinders are moveably arranged within a housing and, depending upon how the cylinders are actuated, three or four dispense rate positions can be provided. The dispense rate positions of the valve are preferably coordinated with the rate of movement of the robotic system so that the dispense rate is appropriate for the rate of movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1988
    Assignee: Corporation Loctite
    Inventors: William A. Gelinas, Robert N. McDermott
  • Patent number: 4700924
    Abstract: A pressure actuated hydraulic seal ring is disclosed for sealing to a rotating cylindrical member. The seal ring clears the rotating member when no hydraulic fluid is applied to its outer diameter. When hydraulic pressure is introduced to its outer diameter, a net compressive force is applied to the seal ring causing it to collapse in radially. The rotating cylindrical member includes a port through an external cylindrical surface which communicates with a conduit in the wall of the cylindrical member. The seal ring includes two inner sealing surfaces which straddle the port in the cylindrical surface where the ring is non-rotatingly supported by a ring retainer disposed about the exterior of the cylindrical surface. A passage extends from the outer diameter of the seal ring to a channel between the two inner sealing surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1987
    Assignee: Vetco Gray, Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Nelson, Raymond J. Smith
  • Patent number: 4697468
    Abstract: A rotary mechanism for converting a reciprocal linear motion into an oscillating rotary motion with increased torque at the end positions. Two pressurized air cylinders 1,2 co-operate via links 14, 15 with a common lever arm 5 fastened to an output shaft. The cylinders provide an increased torque adjacent to each one of the end positions of the rotary motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1987
    Assignee: Moveco System AB
    Inventor: Gunnar Bergstrand
  • Patent number: 4619592
    Abstract: A pump system having a main pump and a plurality of subsidiary pumps each of which has a relatively low pressure compartment from which fluid may be pumped to a relatively high pressure compartment. The main pump preferably operates continuously, but each of the subsidiary pumps is inactive until such time as it is elected to be operated, whereupon high pressure fluid from the main pump may be directed to such subsidiary pump. The pump system is particularly adapted for use in conjunction with an automotive engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1986
    Inventor: Fredrick L. Bender
  • Patent number: 4565118
    Abstract: An axial cylinder machine includes a shaft, journaled in one end of a housing to turn about its axis and a plurality of cylinders. A spider is mounted inside the housing by means of a main swivel connection to swivel about a center which is disposed along the shaft axis and the spider includes a plurality of arms, one for each cylinder, projecting generally radially from the center with one projecting in under each cylinder. Each cylinder includes a rod, one end of which swivels on the piston sliding in the cylinder and the other end of which is connected by a swivel connection to the outer end of the associated arm of the spider. As a result, the spider swivels with a generally circular motion about its center when the pistons are successively reciprocated or vice versa. The main swivel connection comprises a stationary shallow cone facing upwardly and engaged by a downwardly facing shallow cone carried by the spider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1986
    Assignee: S.A. Heuliez DEA
    Inventor: Georges H. Girodin