Showing papers on "Actuator published in 1970"

Memory material actuator devices

Abstract: Disclosed are actuator devices employing "memory material" actuator and reset elements that deform from a set shape toward an original shape when subjected to a critical temperature level after having been initially deformed from the original shape into the set shape while at a lower temperature. The actuator and reset elements are mechanically coupled such that temperature-induced deformation of one into its original shape effects mechanical deformation of the other into its set shape. By selectively and alternately applying heat internally to the actuator and reset elements reversible output motion is provided for a wide variety of output functions.

Air cushion actuation and monitoring circuit

Abstract: A control circuit for actuating an inflatable air cushion in a motor vehicle includes an electrically operated actuator connected between a pair of normally open acceleration responsive switches. A storage capacitor connected to the switches is discharged through the actuator upon acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle in excess of a predetermined magnitude and duration. Malfunction of either of the acceleration responsive switches or the storage capacitor is detected on a continuous basis by monitoring the voltage at a junction between the actuator and one of the switches and comparing the voltage at the monitored junction with upper and lower reference levels. Both analog and digital embodiments of the invention are disclosed.

Fly-by-wire

Abstract: Three separately generated electrical control signals are applied to respective electromechanical transducers in a power actuator control system. Each electromechanical transducer generates a mechanical output motion related to the applied control signal and independent of the remaining transducers. A mechanical linkage arrangement coupled to the outputs of each of the three electromechanical transducers combines the motions into a single mechanical movement. This single mechanical movement positions the control element for a servo-pump supplying a power actuator.

Dispensing machine having multiple dual helix conveyors

Abstract: An article dispensing machine having a plurality of elongated, parallel dispensers arranged in vertical and horizontal rows ans wherein each is provided with dual, parallel, spaced, helical article-delivery conveyors having convolutions wound in opposite directions. The conveyors are adapted to be simultaneously rotated in opposite directions to successively force articles from the discharge end of a respective dispenser in response to successive operations thereof. Drive mechanism for the dispensers includes a rotatable clutch member for each dispenser provided with a shiftable actuator thereon while a selection solenoid is operably associated with each actuator for shifting the latter from standby to an operated position. In the operated position, each actuator is located to engage gear structure on an associated dispenser for rotating the dual conveyors thereof in opposite directions in response to rotation of the respective clutch member. All of the clutch members are rotated simultaneously through an operating arc and then back by cables trained therearound and coupled to a common drive assembly. An operated actuator is cammed back to standby by a stop adjacent each clutch member, during return rotation of the clutch members.

Air cushion actuation and monitoring circuit

Abstract: A control circuit for actuating an inflatable air cushion in a motor vehicle includes a series network comprising an electrically operated actuator connected between first and second normally open acceleration responsive switches. The series network is connected across the vehicle battery as well as a storage capacitor to provide redundant sources for operating the actuator upon simultaneous closure of the switches in response to acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle in excess of a predetermined magnitude and duration. A diode is connected between the first switch and the actuator and a resistor is connected across the first switch and the diode to thereby establish a normally relatively high potential at a junction between the actuator and the second switch and to reverse bias the diode and establish a relatively low potential at a junction between the diode and the first switch. Logic circuitry is provided for monitoring the voltage at the two junctions and for energizing indicator means and recording means in the event of a malfunction in the control circuit resulting in the voltages at the two junctions assuming substantially the same value.

Electro-hydraulic servomechanism

Abstract: A control valve including an electrical actuator and a two-stage hydraulic regulator. The regulator defines a closed-loop control where delivery of pressurized fluid to a load is managed and the regulator and actuator are isolated from one another except for a single fluid tight mechanical linkage.

Speed brake system for aircraft spoilers

Abstract: A system for allowing automatic or overriding manual actuation of an aircraft''s spoilers as an airspeed brake includes a speed brake lever disposed adjacent the pilot whose movement is coupled to a spoiler actuator by suitable mechanical linkage and a logic means which receives inputs from a reverse thrust sensor, a forward thrust sensor, a ground contact sensor, and the speed brake lever. The logic means combines these inputs according to a predetermined schedule to accordingly provide a deploy or a retract output signal to an electrical actuator which in turn provides a mechanical movement which is coupled to the spoiler actuator and to the speed brake lever by another mechanical linkage. The inputs and predetermined schedule allows for automatic deployment of the spoilers as a speed brake under normal landing, abnormal landing, and refused takeoff maneuvers, and allows automatic retraction of the spoilers during any goaround or refused landing maneuver. An embodiment of each of the system elements is illustrated and described as is an embodiment of a mechanical coupler between the spoiler actuator, the electrical actuator, and the speed brake lever, which coupler provides priority to movements of the speed brake lever over those of the electrical actuator.

Power driven actuator of the compound planetary gear type

Abstract: A power driven actuator of the compound planetary gear type which has two output members capable of movement relative to each other and to a fixed reference point through a combined arcuate distance of up to 360 DEG for pivotally moving a member to be actuated via a crank linkage system interconnecting the output members and the member to be actuated.

Apparatus and method for controlling a resonant testing machine

Abstract: A machine for testing the strength of material specimens by applying a mean and a cyclical load thereto includes a hydraulic actuator connected to the specimen, a servo valve for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid to and from the actuator and a sensor connected to the specimen. The servo valve is controlled by a train of pulses directed to its actuating coil. The use of pulses as the forcing function allows the system to attain higher operating efficiency. A feedback signal from the sensor is utilized to correct the repetition rate of the pulses to the resonant frequency of the specimen system under test and, after the resonant frequency is attained, to maintain the rate at the resonant frequency. The pulses are area controlled to supply more or less energy to the system as required to maintain the system in resonance at the desired load. A mean load on the specimen is also maintained at a selected value. The machine may be used for standard, non-resonant testing by changing the position of a few switches.

Turbine engine starting circuit

Abstract: A starting circuit for a regenerative gas turbine engine wherein a fuel metering valve and power turbine inlet nozzles are positioned in response to control signals provided by a closed loop system. Engine operating parameters, including gas generator turbine inlet temperature, are sensed and electrical signals commensurate therewith are delivered as inputs to the logic circuitry where, in combination with selected operational mode inputs provided by the operator, they are operated upon to provide control signals for the power turbine nozzle actuators and the gas generator fuel control metering valve.

Disc brake with actuating means and manually releasable adjusting means

Abstract: A disc brake is disclosed which has a spring actuator in addition to the usual hydraulic actuator. When the brake is functioning normally, fluid pressure opposes the spring actuator to permit normal hydraulic operation of the brake. However, when a malfunction in the vehicle''s hydraulic system prevents operation of the hydraulic actuator, the spring actuator automatically applies the brake to immobilize the vehicle. A mechanical release mechanism for the spring actuator is provided so that the vehicle may be moved if the spring actuator applies the brake in an inconvenient location. The spring actuator may also be used as a parking brake.

Multiple servomotor actuator

Abstract: Four servomotors are coupled together in a velocity summing arrangement to produce a single motion output. Two of the four servomotors are coupled together through a differential gear set that has a single rotary output. The second servomotor pair is also coupled together through a differential gear set that produces a single rotary output. These two rotary outputs of the differential gear sets are in turn coupled through a third gear set that also has a single rotary output. This rotary output may be converted into a linear motion by means of a rotary-to-linear motion transducer, or used as a rotary motion. Each of the four servomotors is controlled individually by a separate generated control signal in a system that includes a tachometer for generating velocity feedback signals and a linear variable differential transformer for generating position feedback signals.

Motion picture film cassette-processor system

Abstract: An applicator system including a dispensing container having a reservoir chamber for retaining processing fluid and an orifice provided therethrough communicating with the reservoir chamber. A strip of flexible material having an opening provided therein and a cleaning pad mounted adjacent that opening is disposed over the aforesaid orifice and connected to an actuator slidably mounted in guide tracks of the container''s housing whereby the opening in the flexible material may be brought into and removed from alignment with the orifice. A mechanism is provided to progressively draw a strip of exposed photographic material across the container''s orifice in intermediate spaced-apart relationship to the strip of flexible material and a spring mounted support plate when the orifice is sealed by the flexible material. The support plate automatically slidably engages the filmstrip against the flexible material whenever the actuator is displaced into a position where the opening through that material is in alignment with the orifice. In this position the filmstrip engages the cleaning pad immediately before being coated with processing fluid expressed from the orifice. This system can most advantageously be employed in a compact multipurpose filmhandling cassette adapted to be first mounted in a camera to facilitate exposure operations and then subsequently in a unique processor-projector unit.

Load simulation system

Abstract: A servo load simulation system incorporating a servo control feed-back loop in combination with an amplitude multiplier and an external amplitude control to provide a gradual rate of increase of an analog command signal to an actuator

Servo-actuator mechanism

Abstract: A seal bushing and rod bearing for the piston rod of a servo-actuator of a pull type are mounted externally of the actuator cylinder to provide additional sealing in case of failure of the conventional high pressure seals and to provide better guidance for the piston rod to minimize rod seal wear. The length of the external housing for the seal bushing and the rod bearing is greater than the stroke length of the actuator, thereby protecting the conventional sealing surface of the piston rod against mechanical damage.

Linear motor power failure detection circuit and fail-safe control

Abstract: A circuit for controlling an actuator including means for setting the actuator for movement to a rest position in response to an interruption in the electrical power supplied, with the actuator being energized after the power interruption by energy stored in the circuit normally used for regulating the circuit waveform.

Multiple head lens processing machine

Abstract: A machine for performing multiple operations upon a lens material for forming a lens at a common mounting block has a plurality of spindleheads pivotally carried by a single base support thereby eliminating the need for mounting, dismounting and remounting the lens at each operational stage. The spindles carry tools, for example, for generating, lapping, edging and/or polishing a lens. The lens is mounted on a rotatable lens holder which is disposed in fixed axial relationship to the base mounts of the operational heads. A control system is provided for sequentially operating hydraulic actuators coupled for pivoting the head assemblies and for engaging the tools with the lens material for performing the sequenced operations.

Sealing and wiping means for ball screw actuator

Abstract: A resiliently deformable elastomeric ring seats in a non-rotary manner in a continuous inner circumferential channel of a nut of a ball screw actuator to cooperate with the screw of the actuator as a wiper and sealing means. The channel is wider than the ring to permit slight axial shift of the ring and the ring has at least one continuous narrow outer circumferential sealing rib in contact with the bottom of the channel that yields sufficiently under radial compression to compensate for the range of clearances afforded by the given tolerances of the nut and screw to insure that the body of the ring will not be radially compressed to a destructive degree.

Aerosol actuator assembly having an actuator button that is rotatable between dispensing and nondispensing positions

Abstract: An aerosol actuator assembly is described. The actuator comprises a cap member and an actuator button concentrically mounted thereon. The button moves axially over the cap member to effect dispensing of aerosol formulation and when the button is rotated a stepped configuration on the cap member engages the inner structure of the button in a manner whereby the button is either in a nondispensing position or in a position wherein dispensing is enabled. The cap member is structured to firmly engage an aerosol container with the outer surfaces of the cap member and actuator button shaped to blend with the container to effect a streamlined contour comprising a continuous cylindrical shape.

Bulldozer blade mounting

Abstract: A bulldozer blade mounting for slidably supporting the ram assemblies for the bulldozer blade while shielding the hydraulic actuator as the actuator extends and retracts.

Hydraulic disk brake with mechanical actuator

Abstract: A caliper type disk brake includes a mechanical actuator which operates independently of the hydraulic pistons and incorporates a pressure plate which is supported on the pistons and a centrally disposed actuator plunger. The actuator plunger incorporates a mechanical adjuster for taking up slack in the actuator.

Optimal Control Of Beam Structures By Shape Memory Wires

Abstract: The paper studies the optimal control of shape memory wires. These wires can be used as actuators in smart structures in order to alter the structural shape according to changing environmental conditions. As a first step, a very simple smart structure is analyzed, viz. the combination of an elastic beam with a shape memory wire. An extension of the dynamic Muller-Achenbach model, accounting for the possibility of electric heating, is used for the description of the shape memory behavior. This together with the beam bending equation leads to a coupled system of nonlinear ODEs. The resulting optimal control problem is solved by a direct method, thus determining the heating function for the wire that is necessary to produce a desired beam shape. Finally, an accelerated version is presented, which might be the basis for future real-time control applications.

Rectilinearly movable switch assembly with particular pivotal actuator and flange means

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrical actuator of the toggle switch variety having contained therein electrical contacts which are reciprocably movable and adapted to slidingly engage the surface of a printed circuit board having circuitry thereon. The circuit board is clamped to the base of the housing, and upon movement of the actuator, the contacts will slidingly engage various circuitry on the printed circuit board surface. The actuator has two pairs of shoulder portions engaging the casing, which restrain the actuator from undesired movement while pivotally mounting it.

Servo action parking brake with rotary actuator

Abstract: A sliding caliper disk brake assembly incorporating a hydraulic, service actuator and a mechanical, parking actuator. The mechanical actuator includes an annular cam that is disposed concentrically with the piston of the hydraulic actuator to provide a compact assembly. An arrangement is also incorporated for generating a self-energizing force when the brake is mechanically actuated.

Fluid controls with interlock for clutch and transmission

Abstract: A pressure fluid operated control system incorporates an actuator member movable in a first direction along a path from which, at predetermined positions on the path, the actuator is movable into and out of operative positions in a second, transverse, direction. The invention provides first and second fluid actuator means for displacing the member in the two directions and incorporates, in controlling valve means for the actuator means, two interlock valves each of which is responsive to the operation of one of the fluid actuators and is connected in the supply to the other whereby each fluid actuator can only be operated if the other is correctly positioned.

Actuator assemblies for hydraulic braking systems

Abstract: In an actuator assembly for an hydraulic braking system the effective volume of a chamber through which hydraulic fluid under pressure is supplied to a wheel brake is adapted to be varied between a minimum and a maximum value by movement of a piston assembly working in a bore in communication with the chamber. An actuator piston having first and second different faces of different areas normally holds the piston assembly in a position in which the effective volume of the chamber is at a minimum until equal hydraulic pressures are applied to the areas of the actuator piston to cause the actuator piston to retract and permit the piston assembly to be withdrawn whereby the effective volume of the chamber is increased.

High-Temperature Polyimide Hydraulic Actuator Rod Seals for Advanced Aircraft

Abstract: Aircraft high temperature polyimide hydraulic actuator rod seals, discussing design and performance tests

Latchable reciprocating switch construction

Abstract: A switch having an axially reciprocable actuator movable from a projected position to a number of retracted positions and return, and which carries conductive elements engageable and disengageable with fixed contacts in response to movements of the actuator. The actuator normally is latched in its projected position in which none of the conductive elements engage the contacts, but operating means is provided for releasing the latch and simultaneously shifting the actuator to an intermediate or partially retracted position in which engagement between at least one of the conductive elements and the fixed contacts is effected, and from which the actuator is movable to its fully retracted position. As the actuator is moved to its fully retracted position at least one of the conductive elements is deflected so as to disengage it and the fixed contacts.

Improvements relating to Electro-Magnetic Devices

Abstract: 1,196,418. Linear motors. ENGLISH ELECTRIC CO. Ltd. 8 Sept., 1967 [26 Sept., 1966], No. 42841/66. Heading H2A. [Also in Division H1] A bi-stable electromagnetic actuator for a vacuum switch comprises a permanent magnet armature 1 and four annular energizing coils 15, 16, 17, 18. The coils are connected in parallel to a supply, rectifiers preventing the operation of all four coils at once. When a pulse of the correct polarity is applied to the actuator, coils 15, 16 and 18 are energized in the same sense and the armature 1 is moved from the upper position shown to its lower position where it engages an annular polepiece 13. When a pulse of the opposite polarity is applied coils 15, 16 and 17 are energized and the armature 1 moves to the position shown. The length of the pulses is sufficient to prevent bouncing. The permanent magnet may be replaced by an electromagnet. The flux diverting coils act in succession on the armature 1 to divert the permanent magnet flux so that the length of movement may be increased by the addition of further flux diverting coils.