Abstract: An operation control device for a working vehicle comprises a hydraulic actuator to drive the hydraulic working device, operating oil supply source for driving the hydraulic actuator, an operating oil supply control device that performs control to supply operating oil to the hydraulic actuator, an operating device to be operated to make the hydraulic actuator work and a working gain setting device that sets a gain of working speed of the hydraulic actuator corresponding to the operation of the operating device. The operating oil supply control device controls operating oil supply from the operating oil supply source to the hydraulic actuator based on the operation output signal from the operating device and the working speed gain set by the working gain setting device.

Abstract: A hydraulic system includes: an operation device that outputs an operation signal corresponding to an operating amount of an operating unit; a variable displacement pump that supplies hydraulic oil to a hydraulic actuator; a control valve interposed between the actuator and pump, the control valve changing a meter-in opening area thereof, so an increase rate of the opening area increases in accordance with increase in the operation signal; a regulator that adjusts a tilting angle of the pump; an unloading valve that defines an unloading flow rate, at which the hydraulic oil is released to a tank; and a controller that, when the operation device is operated, determines a control valve required flow rate so rate is proportional to the meter-in opening area of the control valve, and controls the regulator so a discharge flow rate of the pump is a sum of the control valve and unloading flow rates.

Abstract: Pipe-handling tool for use in a drilling rig catwalk. A V-shaped pipe kicker plate is mounted in a pipe trough and has a pinned end mounted for rotation about the pin and a free end. An actuator has an extendable rod end attached to the kicker plate. The extendable rod has telescopically engaged first and second stages. An annular first stage piston is slidably disposed to engage a drive end of the first stage of the rod. A first stage gland slidably receives the first stage of the rod. A second stage piston is slidably disposed within the first stage piston to engage a drive end of the second stage of the rod. The first stage can have a longer stroke than the first stage, whereas the second stage can have a higher stroke velocity to assist kicking the pipe from the trough.

Abstract: In controlling a work vehicle including a boom supported by a vehicle body and configured to turn, and a bucket supported by a side, away from the vehicle body, of the boom and configured to turn according to an operation of an actuator, an operation amount for raising the boom or a rising speed of the boom, and an operable amount that the actuator is able to operate before the bucket reaches the stopper based on the posture of the boom and the posture of the bucket, are obtained, and an operating speed of the actuator is limited according to the operable amount of the actuator before the bucket reaches the stopper, and based on the operation amount for raising the boom or the rising speed of the boom obtained, a limit amount of the operating speed of the actuator is changed.

Abstract: A work vehicle includes a motor associated with selectable movement of a frame by a first operator control. The frame structurally carries a cab structure and a manipulating structure associated with an implement for performing work. The manipulating structure is selectably movable by a second operator control located in the cab structure. All control functions associated with positioning the implement with respect to three different rotational axes are manipulable using the second operator control.

Abstract: An energy recycling system is disclosed. When a construction apparatus performs a combined operation of a boom down operation and an arm out operation, hydraulic energy returned in the boom down operation is recycled for the arm out operation by the energy recycling system.

Abstract: A hydraulic system including an accumulator and a hydraulic transformer is disclosed. The hydraulic transformer includes first and second variable displacement pump/motor units mounted on a rotatable shaft. The rotatable shaft has an end adapted for connection to an external load. The first variable displacement pump/motor unit includes a first side that fluidly connects to a pump and a second side that fluidly connects to a tank. The second variable displacement pump/motor unit includes a first side that fluidly connects to the accumulator and a second side that fluidly connects with the tank.

Abstract: The present invention provides a control method and a control apparatus for a vehicle that make it possible to moderate or completely eliminate the impacts generated when the bucket is operated in a tilt direction, from a state in which the bucket in a dump position is forcibly actuated in the tilt direction and the bucket hydraulic cylinder is pressurized by the lifting operation of the boom and also to perform the boom lifting operation with good operability and workability.

Abstract: A new and improved nailing bridge system which comprises a single nailing gun which is mounted for movement along a stud frame locus or a seam locus, defined by means of abutting sheets of wall sheathing, covering, paneling, or the like, wherein the single nailing gun can be moved to any one of effectively an infinite number of positions so as to permit nails to be driven into the covering, sheathing, paneling, or the like, in order to fixedly secure the sheathing, covering, paneling, or the like, to underlying stud frame members of a wall structure or wall panel member. Stitcher guns are also mounted upon a separate support beam so as to fixedly secure the sheathing, covering, paneling, or the like, to the upper and lower plate, header, or footer members of the wall structure or wall panel member.

Abstract: A vehicle is disclosed having a hydraulic control system with a user input to select a range of metering rates.

Abstract: A multistage mast assembly for use on a lift truck and method of operation for staging first and second mast sections of the multistage mast assembly. Each mast section has a retracted position and an extended position. The apparatus includes a mast staging hydraulic circuit which diverts hydraulic fluid from the second mast section actuator to the first mast section actuator using a multi-position valve having an open position and a restricted flow position. In the restricted flow position, hydraulic pressure in a hydraulic line supplying the second mast section increases to divert hydraulic fluid to the first mast section actuator before the second mast section reaches its extended position.

Abstract: An implement attachment interface is described, that is used for the coupling of operating implements to a utility vehicle, and that contains six double-acting hydraulic cylinders, that are adjustable in length and which are arranged in the manner of a hexapod between the utility vehicle and a coupling frame. This contains two upper hydraulic cylinders that are arranged alongside each other and extend in a direction converging towards each other, two lower hydraulic cylinders arranged alongside each other and converging towards each other as well as two hydraulic cylinders at the sides. According to the invention means are provided that for a pendulous movement to the right the lower right hydraulic cylinder and the upper left hydraulic cylinder extend synchronously and the lower left hydraulic cylinder and the upper right hydraulic cylinder are retracted synchronously. For a pendulous movement to the left the hydraulic cylinders operate in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A pair of flexible actuators according to the present invention is supported by a fixture made of a hard rubber at base ends of the flexible actuators. Each flexible actuator includes a movable unit that is capable of bending, a pump unit integrally connected to the movable unit at an end thereof, to control transfer of work fluid sealed in the movable unit, and a pump driver that controls driving of the pump unit. The movable unit includes two long and narrow tubes that each have an accordion wall, a core that maintains the tubes in parallel with each other, and a thin-film-bag-like cover that covers the tubes. The tube, which comes into contact with an object, is made of a soft material. The movable unit that is provided with the tube softly comes into contact with the object at a plurality of plane-contact portions of action of the movable unit, thereby holding the object without scratching the same.

Abstract: A fluid control system is disclosed that includes a reservoir, a pump in fluid communication with the reservoir, a first double-acting actuator having a first head end chamber and a first rod end chamber, a second double-acting actuator having a second head end chamber and a second rod end chamber. The first and second double-acting actuators are selectively fluidly connected via a conduit. A first independent metering valve is configured to selectively provide fluid flow to the first and second double-acting actuators, and a second independent metering valve is configured to selectively provide fluid flow to the first and second double-acting actuators. The fluid control system also includes a proportional valve attached to the conduit between the first double-acting actuator and the second double-acting actuator. The proportional valve is capable of operating the fluid control system in either an independent function mode or a regenerative function mode.

Abstract: A system for simultaneously operating first and second hydraulic cylinders has an inlet node for connection to a source of pressurized fluid and an outlet node for connection to a tank. A two-position, three-way primary control valve has a first port connected to the inlet node, a second port connected to the outlet node, and a common port. A first electrohydraulic proportional valve connects the common port to a first port of the first cylinder, and a second electrohydraulic proportional valve connects the common port to a first port of the second cylinder. A third electrohydraulic proportional valve connects the inlet node to a second port of the first cylinder and a second port of the second cylinder. Selectively operating the primary control valve and one of the third and fourth electrohydraulic proportional valves determines the direction in which the first and second cylinders move.

Abstract: A wood splitting apparatus has a parting blade and a platen which undergo reciprocating motions in mutually opposite directions by means of a pair of hydraulic cylinders. After the parting blade splits off a portion of a sawn log horizontally, the portion which has been split off is dropped and then pushed by the platen into and through a cutting block provided with a plurality of knives so as to be cut into smaller pieces. The pair of hydraulic cylinders is directly connected by a pipe through which a hydraulic liquid can flow back and forth therebetween and is together controlled by a single valve for power economy. The floor of the cutting block is of an inverted V-shape and the knives are oriented such that the intervals therebetween increase on the downstream side so as to prevent jamming of the apparatus by the wood pieces.

Abstract: A hydraulic switching device for use in a circuit comprises at least two movable drive units producing movement in a functional direction or a counter-direction. The drive units can be pressurized with a pressure medium via at least two connection lines. Externally controllable selector switches are provided for controlling the pressurization so that exactly one controllable selector switch is provided for each drive unit and at least two drive units are interconnected via logical AND and/or OR valve elements so that at least with introduction of force to the first drive unit in the functional direction, a force release of the second drive unit is possible, and with an introduction of force to the first drive unit in the counter-direction, an introduction of force to the second drive unit in the functional direction, in the counter-direction or a force release is made possible.

Abstract: A PC board actuator that emulates a muscle fiber includes a first pressure source, a second pressure source lower than the first source, at least one expansion chamber alternately communicating with the first and second pressure sources, first and second valves mounted with the PC board that opens and closes the chamber with respect to the first and second pressure sources, and an actuator member interacting with the expansion chamber to apply a force to the object. The actuator is preferably formed using planar batch technology and the valves preferably comprise electrically controllable flap valves mounted on the PC board. Alternatively, the actuator includes antagonistically arranged expansion chambers that operatively apply reciprocating forces to the object. In other embodiments, the actuator includes plural expansion chambers arranged in series or in parallel in order to increase the overall extent of attainable displacement or to amplify the force generated by the actuator.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system for controlling the orientation of a material handling unit on a lift boom. The control system includes a flow divider/combiner valve operative in a boom-raise, unit-leveling mode to pass a portion of the fluid displaced from the rod end of the boom cylinder to the base end of the unit cylinder, and operative in a boom-lower, unit-leveling mode, to combine the fluid stream displaced from the base end unit cylinder in a preset ratio with pressurized fluid, and pass the combined stream to the rod end of the boom cylinder. A modulating valve controls flow to and from the base end of the boom cylinder and is pilot actuated to inhibit descent of the boom until the pressure in the unit cylinder reaches a level at which the unit cylinder initiates levelling of the unit.

Abstract: This invention is a multi-row full stalk sugar cane planter which utilizes a fully automatic hydraulically driven feed and distribution system to place cane stalks on the field in three or more successive rows including the row directly beneath the planter. A hydraulically driven, continuous chain, feed conveyor moves cane stalks in the semi-vertical position and in multiple columns toward a primary and optional secondary rotating distribution drum system. A pressure compensating proportioning control valve monitors pressure at the primary distribution drum motor and automatically compensates for high pressure spikes by slowing or hesitating the feed of cane stalks to the primary distribution drum. The special valve can be easily adjusted on the fly to compensate for differing field and weather conditions. A series of hydraulic secondary distribution drums are also provided to insure proper planting and placement of the cane stalks in three or more rows.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a foldable agricultural implement frame having a first pair of controlling/controlled lifting hydraulic cylinders for lifting and lowering the right wing section and the center section together in a level condition, and a second pair of controlling/controlled lifting hydraulic cylinders for lifting and lowering the left wing section and the center section together in a level condition. In the first pair of controlling/controlled hydraulic cylinders one of the hydraulic cylinders lifts the right wing section and the other lifts the center section. In the second pair of controlling/controlled hydraulic cylinders one of the hydraulic cylinders lifts the left wing section and the other lifts the center section. A rephasing valve assembly is used to rephase the controlling/controlled hydraulic cylinder pairs when the implement frame is folded and only the center section needs to be lifted and lowered.

Abstract: An actuator comprises a plurality of flexible cylinders arranged adjacent to one another. The inside of each of the flexible cylinder is divided into a plurality of pressure chambers with partition walls that extend axially inside the flexible cylinder. The actuator has a pressure adjuster for adjusting pressures in the respective pressure chambers of the flexible cylinders so that the flexible cylinders may operate at individual degrees of freedom in achieving cooperative motions.

Abstract: An articulated mechanism for use as an articulated arm of an industrial robot, for example, includes a plurality of arms interconnecting articulations having respective fluid pressure angular displacement motors for angularly displacing the arms relatively to each other. The motors have sidewalls forming working chambers, where an inner surface of the sidewall is exposed to working fluid pressure tending to bow the sidewall outward, and an outer surface of the sidewall has a plurality of counteracting pressure chambers which apply a counteracting pressure force against the sidewall to oppose the outward bowing force, the counteracting pressure force increasing in pressure surface area as the piston is displaced within the motor chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic circuit for supplying at least one motor incorporating "disengageable" pistons, comprising a fluid distributor valve obturating, in one of its positions, the supply and exhaust conduits of said motor.According to the invention, the fluid distributor valve comprises a shuttle valve presenting two inlet connections and one outlet connection, and, in said position, establishes communications of the supply conduit with one of the inlet connections, of the exhaust conduit with the other inlet connection, and of a conduit evacuating fluid towards a reservoir with said outlet connection of the shuttle valve.One application of the invention is the production of a vehicle translation circuit comprising a "disengageable" assistant motor.

Abstract: A pneumatically actuatable linear drive for automatic spot welding machines includes a cylinder, a piston rod with segments and pistons and an intermediate bottom between the pistons for dividing the cylinder into pressure chambers. An axial conduit in the segments has a check valve. Radial conduits communicate between the axial conduit and the pressure chambers. Air line connections and a throttle valve lead into the pressure chambers. One piston on one segment moves toward and away from the closed end into end and terminal positions for closing and opening the radial conduits. The end and terminal positions of the one piston are determined by a cap screw of the check valve having an axially parallel conduit and by a spring on one of the segments. A connecting conduit contains the throttle valve. The intermediate bottom has a peripheral annular conduit communicating with one of the air line connections and through the connecting conduit with one of the pressure chambers.

Abstract: A gripping actuator comprises a plurality of flexible cylinders arranged adjacent to one another. The inside of each of the flexible cylinder is divided into a plurality of pressure chambers with partition walls that extend axially inside the flexible cylinder. The actuator has a pressure adjuster for adjusting pressures in the respective pressure chambers of the flexible cylinders so that the flexible cylinders may operate at individual degrees of freedom in achieving cooperative motions.

Abstract: In a hydraulic machine such as, for example, a hydraulic excavator equipped with hydraulic actuators, a hydraulic driving method and a hydraulic driving apparatus enable all the hydraulic actuators to be operated according to normal operational-speed characteristics (first mode). The method and the apparatus alter the operational-speed characteristics of at least one of the hydraulic actuators, according to other characteristics (second mode), in accordance with working contents. The actuators altered in this manner can be operated according to the operational-speed characteristics of the second mode, without exerting an influence upon the operational-speed characteristics of the remaining hydraulic actuators.

Abstract: Actuator (14) drives inlet vanes (22) selectively to three positions, using high (58) and low (56) pressure fuel as the driving medium. Each of the three position is externally adjustable (94, 92, 68). An overboard leak path (86) is provided at the most often sliding seal.

Abstract: Either a reciprocating or a stationary part in each of juxtaposed cylinder devices is provided with a scale having alternate projections and depressions which are arranged with regular pitches in a direction of reciprocation of the reciprocating part, while the other part is provided with a sensor engaging the scale for determining whether it is a projection or depression of the scale that the sensor engages at a particular point of time, and producing a pulse whenever it falls in any of the depressions. According to one preferred embodiment, the projections and the depessions of the scale of one of the cylinder devices are staggered relative to those of the scale of the other cylinder device by half a pitch. Thus, when the two cylinder devices are in synchronous operation, the sensors of the cylinder devices produce alternate pulses which do not overlap with each other in the time of occurrence.

Abstract: A hydraulically operated tilt and trim system having an arrangement for permitting retraction of the trim cylinders when the outboard drive is in its tilted up out of the water condition. An arrangement for bleeding air from the system and for adding make up fluid to the system through the trim retraction circuit.

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 acutated.

Abstract: A plurality of piston heads (P1, P2, P3) are spaced apart along the length of a single piston rod (R). A separate traveling cylinder body (CB1, CB2, CB3) is associated with each piston head (P1, P2, P3). The traveling cylinders bodies (CB1, CB2, CB3) and the piston heads (P1, P2, P3) define first fluid chambers (1A, 2A, 3A) on a common side of the piston heads (P1, P3, P3) and a set of second fluid chambers (1B, 2B, 3B) on a common opposite side of the piston heads (P1, P2, P3). A separate fluid supply and return passageway is provided within the piston rod (R) for each of the working chambers (1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B). Center members (C1, C2, C3) are secured within the hollow interior of the piston rod (R) and serve to divide the hollow interior into four axial sections (122, 124, 126, 128). The piston rod (R) includes first and second end members (RE1, RE2).

Abstract: A hydraulic cylinder-piston unit comprises primary cylinder-piston unit with an integrated position regulation and with a primary cylinder and a primary piston movable in the primary cylinder, two displacement chambers in the primary cylinder and including two displacement pistons, a displacement piston rod connecting the displacement pistons with one another, and a separating wall, and differential cylinder-piston unit formed by the primary piston and having a differential cylinder provided with working chambers.

Abstract: A hydraulically-operated support device for semitrailers is disclosed comprising a hydraulic cylinder semitrailer support and a pump subassembly having three independently operable pumps for generating and controlling the hydraulic operating pressure. The hydraulic cylinder semitrailer support has an extending piston in an extending cylinder, in the bottom end of which is formed a load-raising cylinder for a load raising-piston. A first annular space is formed between the extending piston and the extending cylinder and a second annular space is formed between the load-raising piston and the load-raising cylinder. The annular spaces allow application of pressure in the retraction direction. The pump subassembly comprises an extending pump acting on the extending piston, a load-raising pump acting on the load-raising piston and a retracting pump acting on the annular spaces.

Abstract: A conveyorized transport apparatus has an overhead rail system for transporting articles on a suspended trolley from one location to another. A moveable rail section in the system has a pivotal connection with an adjacent rail section to pivot the moveable section from a conveying position and a diverted position in which articles are delivered closer to a work station disposed laterally of the rail system.

Abstract: A triple action, multi-segment, telescoping hydraulic ram comprising a plurality of coaxially nested, extensible cylinders adapted to be selectively extended or retracted, and a pair of lower diameter, sweep cycle cylinders adapted to be operated independently of the larger cylinders. The ram is ideal for the garbage reception area defined within the cargo area of conventional garbage trucks, for operating the compression platen for moving and compacting garbage. A terminal pin eye associated with the smaller sweep cycle cylinder may be coupled to a stationary support to rigidly brace the ram. Full extension and "sweep cycle" operation is effectuated through various input passageways defined in the pin eye through which high pressure hydraulic fluid is inputted to the ram in conjunction with various annular transmittal passageways to effectuate cylinder operation.

Abstract: A tree-trimming apparatus mounted on a mobile support vehicle. The apparatus includes a telescoping boom pivotally mounted on a pedestal. The pedestal is pivotally mounted to a turntable which is rotatably mounted on the support vehicle. An operator's station is mounted on the pedestal to provide control of the apparatus. A large diameter circular saw is mounted at the end of the boom and is powered by a high speed hydraulic motor to provide high cutting efficiency. A fiberglass boom and electrically non-conductive hoses provide maximum safety for the operator.

Abstract: A fluid control system includes a directional control valve assembly adapted for use in either an open-center or a closed-center configuration. The system is capable of incorporating one or more control sections, each with a manual control valve and its own individually variable flow control mechanism. Each flow control mechanism is independently responsive to section load pressure, and is capable of controlling the flow rate delivered to its section when the control valve spool is biased to a full power position. Each section contains a kickout mechanism for returning the control valve spool to its neutral position at a predetermined pressure.

Abstract: A work vehicle having a work arm assembly mounted for horizontal oscillation on a swivel platform. The arm assembly and the swivel platform are actuated by separate hydraulic actuators. The two actuators are connected in parallel with one another to a control valve via a circuit selection valve. The arrangement enables the swivel platform and the arm assembly to move in the same direction by operating the control valve.

Abstract: A fluid control system includes a directional control valve assembly adapted for use in either an open center or a closed center configuration. The assembly is capable of incorporating one or more control sections, each with a manual control valve having its own variable pressure compensated flow controlling mechanism. Motor port lock-out valves are associated with each manual control valve, and a pressure responsive logic circuit automatically actuates the lock-out valves to hold them open when their associated manual control valve is in the power or float positions. When any manual control valve is in the float position, any other manual control valve may be operated in the power positions.