Abstract: The present invention provides a single band disposed within the interior chamber of an elongated housing. The band is engageable with the interior wall of the housing, such that the band straddles an elongated slot passing through the housing of the fluid actuated motor. Seal members are disposed on both sides of the slot facing inwardly to engage with the single interior band to provide sealing of the slot in the pressurized areas of the rodless fluid actuated motor. In the preferred embodiment, overall load moving capability of the rodless fluid actuated motor is increased by providing an elliptical or oval-shaped piston reciprocally mounted within a correspondingly-shaped longitudinal aperture formed within the housing. Preferably, the slot passing through the housing is disposed along a generally flat planar portion of the longitudinal aperture, such as along the generally planar portion of the elliptical surface.

Abstract: A sealing device for a rodless pneumatic cylinder comprising a hollow body having an elongated chamber in which a reciprocating piston slides. The cylinder has a longitudinal slot and sealing means in the form of a flexible strip passing through a longitudinal passageway in the piston; the sealing strip has a width greater than that of the slot and longitudinally extending retaining bead members engaging and disengaging grooves inside the cylinder body, spaced apart from the central slot. The sealing strip also comprises sealing lips fitting against bevelled edges on a side of the retaining grooves. The strip is provided with a reinforcement to withstand the mechanical stresses caused by the reciprocating piston.

Abstract: Apparatus in pressurized fluid cylinders where the piston is provided with a dog (2) extending through a slit in the cylinder wall, the slit being closed off with the aid of a sealing strip. The invention is distinguished in that a support part (4) which is fixed along the cylinder (1) has two free opposing surfaces (7) disposed at the side of the dog (2) and parallel to its path of movement and in that the dog (2) is provided with a portion (8) with two surfaces each of which is in slideable engagement with one of the surfaces (7) of the support part (4).

Abstract: A braking device in an arrangement for linear movement comprising an elongated part and a part movable in relation thereto. Along substantially the entire stroke of the movable part of a piston there is at least one first braking surface movably arranged in relation to the central axis of the elongated cylinder, the braking surface being adapted for co-action with a second braking surface arranged in association with the piston.

Abstract: A door operator system includes a rodless fluid cylinder that has a cylinder body and a rodless piston adapted for reciprocation in the cylinder body. A carriage which is adapted for reciprocation externally along the length of the cylinder body is secured to the piston. An arm member connects the cylinder carriage to an associated sliding door. A control circuit is provided for controlling the operation of the fluid cylinder and hence the position of the associated sliding door.

Abstract: An improved pressure fluid cylinder of the type comprising a cylinder having a longitudinal slot through which a carrier element protrudes, the carrier element being connected to a piston which is movable in the cylinder. The slot is sealed by a sealing band and the piston is provided with a sealing cuff at each end. According to the invention the slot has a width which is greater on the outside of the cylinder than on the inside thereof.

Abstract: A rodless cylinder assembly comprises a cylinder barrel provided with an axial bore in which a piston is slidably fitted and a slit formed in the outer surface thereof so as to be directed upwardly. A slide mount is operatively connected to the piston through connecting member integrally formed with the piston and projecting outwardly through the slit to be slidable along the upper surface of the cylinder barrel in an axial direction in accordance with the movement of the piston. The slide mount is slid along first guide rails disposed on the upper surface of the cylinder barrel at both sides of the slit and along second guide rail formed in opposite side walls of the cylinder barrel. Guide members are disposed between the second guide rails and side depending walls portions of the slide mount and the clearance between the second guide rails and the guide members can be adjusted by screw means.

Abstract: A carrier bracket for use with a power cylinder of the type having an elongated cylinder member and a reciprocally movable piston therein for transferring reciprocal movement of the piston to a desired workpiece. The carrer bracket includes a central bracket portion, a pair of guide arms extending outwardly from the central bracket portion in which each of the guide arms is provided with elongated surface, a mechanism to permit limited flexing movement of the arms relative to the central bracket so as to facilitate the limited selective movement of the arms toward and away from one another and a device for causing the limited selective movement of the arms toward and away from one another.

Abstract: An actuator including a housing having an internal cavity, a flexible but inextensible belt mounted so as to form an open-ended loop within the cavity, and a seal/port assembly closing the open end of the loop and providing for fluid flow into the loop. One end of the loop is fixed. Fluid flow into the loop moves the belt and causes the area enclosed by (and in preferred embodiments the length of the periphery of) the loop to increase.

Abstract: A pressure fluid actuator having an elongated tubular chamber, a slot extending longitudinally along the wall of the chamber, a flexible hose member within the chamber and an improved reciprocally movable bracket having an upper portion extended through said slot and connected to a workpiece, which is slidable along the exterior of said chamber, and a lower portion having a rotatably mounted shaft with a pair of rollers for engagement with said flexible hose member to create a reciprocal movement of the bracket.

Abstract: A rod-less cylinder comprises a cylinder having an inner surface, an outer surface, a slit elongating in the longitudinal direction in the outer surface, and being formed by a pair of opposing side surfaces, a side recess on the inner surface, which has a width larger than that of the slit, which extends over two sides of the slit and in the direction of the width of the same, and which have first surfaces intersection the side surfaces of the slit and second surfaces intersecting the first surfaces. The rod-less cylinder further comprises a piston which is able to reciprocate in the cylinder and a sealing member which is detachably fitted in the side recess, and which is able to close the slit. The sealing member has a pair of holding ribs for holding the sealing member in the side recess by its engagement with the second surfaces, and a pair of sealing lips for closing the cylinder and the side groove.

Abstract: Power cylinder comprising a housing having a throughbore capped by end plates defining therein a longitudinally extending chamber. A piston including a longitudinally extending body portion mounts for reciprocal movement in and in bearing relation to the portion of the wall surface which bounds the length of said chamber. The piston has a longitudinally extended through passage and brake means immediately of its outer peripheral surface. A valve device associated with the piston body includes a portion thereof in communication with the through passage. The housing has ports respectively communicating with respective end portions of the chamber for selective delivery thereto and discharge therefrom of fluid under pressure and the selective application of such fluid under pressure to one or both ends of the piston.

Abstract: A measuring system is disclosed which is integrated into a feed arrangement in such a way that the structural size of the feed arrangement is not increased significantly. In the disclosed embodiments, the feed arrangement includes a compressed air cylinder which includes a hollow profile and a piston movable within a cylinder defined by the profile. In one embodiment, a measuring scale is positioned within a groove formed within the hollow profile and this measuring scale defines a magnetic measuring graduation which is scanned by a scanning unit accommodated in the piston of the air cylinder.

Abstract: A high precision automated wafer inspection station provides a base table area on which an X-Y stage is movable in mutually orthogonal directions relative to an inspection axis in alignment with a microscope or measuring instrument which is mounted on a bridge support above the table. The stage mechanism includes a wafer-supporting vacuum chuck having a top engagement surface for receiving and retaining the wafer, the chuck being rotatable about a central axis to provide angular positioning of the wafer, and focusable along the inspection axis. The wafer is moved on a dual probe mechanism in a horizontal plane from a first cassette controlled by an elevator at one side back to the first cassette, or to a second cassette controlled by an elevator at the opposite side of the table area.

Abstract: A pneumatic cylinder having an elongatged cylinder member, a reciprocally movable piston, an elongated slot formed in the cylinder member, a seal for sealing the slot during reciprocal movement of the piston and a transfer means for transferring reciprocal movement of the piston to a workpiece. The above pneumatic cylinder includes a mechanisn for providing pneumatic fluid pressure to a secondary pneumatic unit connected to, and movable with, the piston including a manifold connected with the transfer means and conduit members extending from the pneumatic chambers in the cylinder member for directing pneumatic pressure from such chambers to the transfer means.

Abstract: A pneumatic cylinder having an elongated cylinder member, a reciprocally movable piston, transfer means for transferring reciprocal movement of the piston to a work piece and a brake mechanism associated and movable with the transfer means for creating a braking force between the transfer means and a portion of the cylinder member. The brake mechanism includes a first brake surface connected with the transfer means, a second brake surface formed by an exterior surface portion of the cylinder member and a brake actuation mechanism for selectively causing movement of the first and second brake surfaces into braking engagement with one another.

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

Abstract: In a pressure cylinder (1) having an elongated axially slit cylinder structure closed at the ends in which a piston (4) is guided longitudinally slideable which carries a force transfer element (6) extending through an elongated axial slit (5), the elongated axial slit (5) of the cylinder structure is sealed in the longitudinal direction of the cylinder by a flexible sealing strip (7) disposed on the inside of the cylinder structure and held against a sealing surface (10) of the inside of the cylinder structure. To adapt the pressure cylinder (1) to a higher inner pressure the arrangement is such that the elastically deformable sealing strip (7) has a stiffening strip (13) of greater strength which is connected with it and disposed in the inside of the cylinder structure and which is covered in the direction of the piston (4) by the sealing strip (7).

Abstract: A carrier bracket for use with a power cylinder of the type having an elongated cylinder member and a reciprocally movable piston therein for transferring reciprocal movement of the piston to a desired work piece. The carrier bracket includes a central bracket portion, a pair of guide arms extending outwardly from the central bracket portion, an elongated bearing rod secured in a fixed position relative to each of the inner surfaces of the guide arms, a mechanism to permit limited flexing movement of the arms relative to the central bracket so as to facilitate the limited selective movement of the arms toward and away from one another and a device for causing the limited selected movement of the arms toward and away from one another.

Abstract: A shuttle piston cylinder includes a piston reciprocating in axial direction within the cylinder and carrying a transmission element which transmits the movement of the piston to a consumer and extends through a longitudinal slot of the cylinder barrel. A sealing band extends within the slot with one side stationary arranged against one wall of the slot and including two spaced flexible sealing lips which seal the slot towards the inside and the exterior by lying against the other wall of the slot. The transmission element is provided with slantingly extending shanks which during passage of this element lift the sealing lips from the sealing surfaces. Through inherent prestress, the sealing lips again are arranged on the sealing surfaces after passage of the transmission element.

Abstract: A robot carrier structure constituted by a portal wagon movable on rails and laterially supported by a pair of carriages each comprising a pair of wheels longitudinally coupled by motion transmission means actuated in synchronism by an electric motor. Further the two electric motors of the pair of carriages are so connected as to constitute an electric axis. Each wheel has a structure adapted to ensure a high adherence to the rail, particularly due to the provision of a pair of rings of elastomeric material engaging the rolling surface of the rail.

Abstract: A rodless cylinder having an elongated cylinder and a fluid actuated piston longitudinally reciprocally mounted in the cylinder and an actuator mechanically connected to the piston. A first cable or a slot seal extends from one end of the actuator and to one end of the cylinder while a second cable or seal extends from the other end of the actuator and to the other end of the cylinder. An elongated flexible strip has one end attached to the actuator and its other end mounted to a take up reel so that the strip overlies and protects the cable or seal against sparks, caustic chemicals, and the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shuttle piston cylinder whose axially moving piston carries a power transmission element projecting out through a longitudinal slot in the wall of the cylinder barrel. A flexible seal band looped through the power transmission element seals off the slot in the parts thereof between the ends of the cylinder and the piston. The seal band is made in one piece and has a sealing lip that causes a sealing effect when acted upon by internal pressure. Furthermore the seal band has beads that are able to lock into the longitudinal slot of the barrel and hold the band therein and furthermore act to keep out dirt from the cylinder. Preferably the flexible band is reinforced by a steel band that is partly embedded in the seal band or is bonded by vulcanization onto the inner face thereof.

Abstract: To provide for effective sealing of a movable piston in a cylinder formed with a longitudinal slit, a motion transfer element (9, 10, 11, 12) is coupled to the piston (5) extending through the slit (3) and shaped in form of a yoke (11) extending over and around the outer surfaces of the cylinder tube (1), to retain the portions of the tube separated by the slit. The slit is sealed in the region between sealed ends (4) of the cylinder and the piston heads (6, 7) of the piston by a pair of separable and re-engageable plastic strips (18, 27), the inner strip (18) being formed with a projecting headed ridge (26) fitting in a snap-in groove (30) defined by two legs (29) extending from the outer strip.

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).

Abstract: A drive mechanism with a fluid-operable system can be adapted to a general path configuration. The mechanism includes coaxial tubes following a desired path configuration with the inner tube longitudinally slotted in a sealable manner. A fluid-actuated annular piston surrounds the inner tube and operates in the chamber between the inner and outer tubes with a member extending therefrom toward the piston center and extending in the inner tube slot. A flexible force transmission member is provided within the inner tube and extends longitudinally therein, transmitting the motion or force of the piston to a location of use.

Abstract: A longitudinally-slotted pressure cylinder, closed on both ends, has a longitudinal slot formed along a substantial portion of the length of the housing, and a piston which is movable within a chamber formed in the housing. A driver member is eccentrically attached to the piston, the driver member having an outer portion extending outward from the slot and an inner portion which is formed substantially to the contour of the inner chamber wall. The driver member attaches to the piston at a point distant from the longitudinal slot. A flexible sealing arrangement is disposed along the longitudinal slot such that, fluid pressure used to move the piston cannot escape through the longitudinal slot as the piston and driver member travel along the slot.

Abstract: A pressure cylinder with a piston arranged in an inner chamber of a tubular casing has a second, also cylindrical inner chamber parallel to the first inner chamber and in which is slidingly guided an auxiliary piston. An extension of the auxiliary piston and an extension of the first piston in each case pass through the elongated slot in the casing wall, the two extensions of the two pistons being rigidly interconnected, preferably with the aid of a joint plate.

Abstract: A pressure fluid cylinder without a piston rod and of the kind having a slotted cylinder tube (1) and a piston displaceable therein, said piston being connected to a movement transfer device, which extends radially through the slot. The slot is sealed axially on each side of the piston by means of internal and external sealing strips (31,32) consisting of a flexible sealing band (37, 38) as well as retention means (44,45) extending into the slot and securing a releasable mechanical engagement with each other or, by friction, with the side walls of the slot.

Abstract: A fluid pressure cylinder of the rodless type having a reciprocally movable piston, an elongated slot within the cylinder and an improved sealing element for successively sealing the elongated slot during movement of the piston. The improved sealing element is constructed of a generally flexible material and includes a sealing portion for creating a seal against the inner side wall of the cylinder adjacent to the elongated slot and a portion which is adapted for at least partial insertion wthin the slot so as to retain the seal member within the slot during an absence of pressure within the cylinder.

Abstract: To prevent distortion of the cylinder, and free running of the motion transfer element (6) thereon, in guide tracks (12) formed on the outside of the cylinder, the piston (5) is formed in two piston parts (22, 22') connected by a piston rod or pin (26, 26', 26a, 26a', 26b, 26b', 26c, 26c', 26d, 26d'), and the motion transfer element (6) is coupled to the piston rod or pin by a pair of fork-like portions (20) surrounding the pin and permitting limited radial movement. The pin or piston rod may be somewhat flexible, or made of flexible material, for example unitary with the piston parts (22, 22') and of plastic material, or may be made in two portions or parts (22, 22'; 22a, 22a' . . . ), each individually coupled to the fork-shaped element or merely retaining the fork-shaped element in position with end shoulders (25, 25') of the piston part axially engaging the fork-shaped element and hence transferring motion to the motion transmitting element (6).

Abstract: A fluid operated device comprising an elongated housing defining an elongated interior cylinder and an elongated slot formed along one side of the housing and open to the cylinder. A piston is longitudinally, slidably mounted in the cylinder and forms a first chamber in the cylinder between one end of the housing and one end of the piston and a second chamber between the other end of the housing and the other end of the piston. Fluid seals are provided around each end of the piston. In addition, an elongated band constructed of a magnetic material is secured within the cylinder and is of sufficient width so that the band covers the housing slot. A pair of elongated flexible magnets are secured to the housing along the slot to magnetically attract the band against the housing and thus sealingly close the housing slot along the cylinder chambers.

Abstract: A brake assembly is provided for a fluid operated piston and cylinder device having a force applying cross head operating through a slot in the cylinder wall. The brake assembly is integrated with the cross head and consists of brake lining concentrically arranged about the cylinder for engagement with the outer surface of the cylinder. The brake assembly is actuated by a drive mechanism to engage the cylinder outer surface so as to stop, lock and/or position the piston as required.

Abstract: A fluid power cylinder having a cylinder with an elongated slot extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder, a reciprocally movable piston and a strip sealing means for successively sealing the slot during movement of the piston. The sealing member is of a laminated construction and is constructed partially of a magnetized rubber-like material for magnetic attraction to the cylinder wall adjacent the slot. The sealing member also includes beveled edges for engagement with beveled edges adjacent the slot.

Abstract: A guideway system for cargo including vehicles is provided wherein a carriage glides on a rail mounted in a channel. The rail has compressed air discharge ports and vacuum intake ports positioned longitudinally therealong. The compressed air ports emit sufficient air to provide an air support cushion under the carriage and to impart positive air pressure behind it while the vacuum ports reduce the air pressure forward of the carriage to create an air pressure differential that propels the carriage along such rail. Vehicles drive onto a carriage, are secured in place and are conveyed to a desired station on such carriage. The vehicle then unloads from the carriage and drives off to its final destination. Similarly, other cargo is loaded onto a carriage and unloaded at its destination.

Abstract: A fluid pressure actuated launching system for aircraft or other articles having a piston assembly with an exterior portion that engages the aircraft or article to be launched and an interior portion disposed within and adapted to move within a plurality of connected cylinders to provide a long working stroke and controlled acceleration of the piston and article to be launched. The cylinders are hinged to one another so that the launching system is collapsible to form a compact unit and facilitate portability and ready accommodation on a launch vehicle of limited size. The cylinders are provided with a longitudinal slot to permit passage of a web between the exterior and interior portions of the piston assembly. The slot is adapted to be sealed by a tensioned flexible closure ribbon that is operatively connected to the piston assembly and is restrained at both ends so that it does not travel.

Abstract: A fluid pressure containment device utilizing a new design of pressure seal which accomplishes its purpose by a rotary motion of a tube placed inside a vessel. A helical slot cut into the tube causes the tube to rotate by the camming action of a free floating piston placed within the tube. The stationary outer vessel contains openings at its ends through which the working fluid medium may enter and exit and in addition is slotted, longitudinally for an attachment to the free floating piston to pass through the wall of the vessel as fluid pressure moves the piston longitudinally along the slot in the outer vessel. Sealing of the fluid pressure inside the stationary outer vessel is accomplished by the inside tube as it rotates and by a variety of seals which also serve as structural supports against pressure caused forces inside the tube.

Abstract: An improved dynamic seal for the longitudinal slot in a pressurized cylin of an aircraft catapult system having a shuttle adapted to travel at high speed through the slot. The seal includes a flexible, elongated sealing strip extended along the slot in sealing relation therewith to close the cylinder, and a series of ball detents mounted along the length of the slot on each side thereof for urging inwardly against the sides of the sealing strip thereby providing support for the strip throughout the length of the cylinder. When the shuttle, adapted to guide the strip internally of the cylinder as it passes therethrough, travels through the slot, the ball detents maintain the strip in sealing relation with the slot thereby preventing whipping of the strip forwardly of the moving shuttle.

Abstract: A pneumatic system for launching aircraft wherein an elongated frame having pressurized interior chamber is volumetrically related and communicatively connected to a longitudinally-slotted cylinder supported within the frame so that expansion of air into the cylinder produces a desired thrust pressure therein that is equalized by the residual pressure external of the cylinder within the chamber. A piston member slidably contained within the cylinder is adapted to receive the compressed air and is connected to a shuttle for accelerating the aircraft to be launched. The shuttle is releasably restrained at the rearward end of the cylinder and is adapted to travel longitudinally through the slot which is dynamically sealed by a flexible strip as the shuttle passes through the slot to preserve thrust pressure within the cylinder.

Abstract: An improved sealing structure for a pressure fluid cylinder of the type comprising a cylinder, a longitudinal slot in the cylinder, and a driver attached to a piston movable in the cylinder, the driver extending through the slot. The sealing structure includes a strip positioned to overlie the slot in the sealing relation, the strip extending into sealing contact with the inside surface of the cylinder on opposite sides of the slot. That inside surface area of the cylinder which the strip overlies in sealing relation is provided with a cross-sectional radius greater than the cross-sectional radius of that cylinder surface area not in contact with the strip. Preferably the strip is chamfered on its inside surface toward its edges so that the height of the opposed strip edges is no greater than 0.1 mm.

Abstract: An elongated cylinder housing has a piston therein molded from a resinous plastic material. The piston has an angularly extending slot receiving a metal clutch roller operated by a clutch control bar slidable relative to the piston. The clutch control bar is secured to a secondary piston member, and springs are disposed between the piston and the secondary piston member for normally causing the control bar to pull the clutch roller into an engaged position. The clutch roller is disposed in such engaged position to prevent travel of the piston in one direction except when actuating fluid in the cylinder operates on the secondary piston member against the force of the springs to cause the clutch roller to move the clutch control bar into a released position. The bottom of the slot that receives the clutch roller is covered by metal plates to permit free rolling engagement of the clutch roller thereon and at the same time to prevent indentation of the clutch roller into the plastic.