Showing papers on "Actuator published in 1971"

Multiple axis control system for vibration test apparatus

Abstract: Four vertically disposed hydraulic actuators act at spaced drive points on the underside of a rigid structure so as to impart vibratory motion thereto. The system herein disclosed takes signals representing displacement and load, and provides individual control signals for each actuator so that the actuators all work together to produce the desired motion called for by a program or command signal. In addition to correcting for vertical motion errors, the system also specifically corrects for roll errors. Correction for errors in the horizontal direction and also errors with respect to pitch are also contemplated.

Actuator for aerosol can valve

Abstract: An actuator for an aerosol can valve which dispenses the contents of the can when the valve is moved laterally includes a base portion which is attached to the valve and an orifice portion which is provided with a plurality of different size spraying orifices. The base portion is provided with a bore which receives the valve stem of the can, and the orifice portion is rotatably mounted on the base to permit the spraying orifices to be selectively aligned with the bore of the base portion. Each spraying orifice is a rectangular slot having a long dimension which extends tangentially to the axis of rotation of the orifice portion. The actuator is intended for use with a spraying apparatus, and is provided with converging beveled surfaces at the lower end of the base portion and a flat surface on the upper portion of the base portion, to permit the long dimension of the rectangular slot which is aligned with the bore to be aligned in a desired direction with respect to the spraying apparatus. The bevel surfaces extend angularly with respect to the axis of the bore and parallel to the long dimension of the rectangular slot aligned with the bore, and the flat surface extends parallel to the axis of the bore and to the long dimension of the slot aligned with the bore.

Human factors applications in teleoperator design and operation

Abstract: Book on human factors application in teleoperator design and operation covering aerospace environments, transportation, remote control, sensors and actuator subsystems

Motor-driven actuator and safety overload mechanism therefor

Abstract: A motor-driven actuator comprises an electric motor connected to rotationally drive a threaded shaft and a piston member in threaded engagement with the threaded shaft whereby rotation of the threaded shaft effects reciprocal movement of the piston member. A safety mechanism is incorporated into the actuator to automatically deenergize the electric motor whenever an overload condition exists thereby preventing damage to the internal components of the actuator. The safety mechanism comprises a pair of limit switches and a splined coupling interconnecting the motor output shaft and the shaft and the threaded shaft allowing axial sliding movement of, the threaded shaft to effect actuation of one of the limit switches in response to an overloading of the actuator.

Multiple orifice aerosol actuator

Abstract: An aerosol actuator assembly having a multiple orifice discharge arrangement is provided by means of an insert placed within the dispensing conduit of an aerosol actuator button whose inner surface cooperates with the outer surface of the insert to form multiple dispensing conduits. The separately structured actuator button and insert provide an arrangement obviating molding problems which would arise with a one-piece multiple orifice actuator.

Key assembly diaphragm switch actuator with overtravel and feel mechanisms

Abstract: A key assembly for actuating a diaphragm switch, and including a housing, a keystem movably mounted on the housing, and a switch actuator coupled to the keystem through a lost-motion connection arranged so a relatively large stroke of the keystem is required to effect a small actuator motion needed to operate the switch. A coil spring biases the keystem away from the housing to an extended position in which the switch is not actuated, and a second coil spring urges the actuator away from the keystem. The lost-motion connection between the keystem and actuator provides positive retraction of the actuator during the return stroke of the keystem. A leaf spring on the keystem rides a cam surface or ramp on the housing, and the ramp is shaped to modify the effect of the coil springs such that the keystem tends to toggle past the point of switch actuation to prevent switch jitter and to provide a tactile signal that actuation has occurred.

Electronic sensing and actuator system

Abstract: An electronic sensing and actuator control system for sensing an energy change dependant on the proximity of a coded member to a sensor mechanism, the mechanism including an electric field producing means operative over a range of continuously varying frequencies; the coded member including a passive energy absorbing circuit responsive to a predetermined frequency range and adapted for placement in proximity to said mechanism to create a variation in the energy level of said electric field producing means; detecting means for detecting variations in the energy level of said electric field; and control-actuator means adapted to respond to the detecting means.

Testing apparatus utilizing position-force cross coupling control

Abstract: Where a specimen, such as a wheel spindle of an automobile, is acted on by a first actuator to position the spindle along a vertical axis and a second actuator to apply a force or load along a horizontal axis, both of which actuators are pivotally mounted, cross coupling errors arise because the load being applied by the second actuator is influenced by the displacement produced by the first actuator. Compensation therefor is provided by multiplying a first signal representative of the change in horizontal displacement with respect to vertical displacement by a second signal representative of the vertical velocity of the specimen or the time rate of change of the vertical displacement thereof, the resulting product signal being employed in modifying the control of the horizontal actuator to provide the proper compensation.

Pressure equalizing device for fluid pressure systems

Abstract: A shock absorbing and pressure equalizing device for hydraulic actuating systems comprises an elongated housing with threaded openings to facilitate its connection to a hydraulic line between a power source and a pair of actuators. The openings communicate with a fluid receiving chamber within the housing, one side of which is the end face of a shock absorbing, resiliently yieldable member that extends axially into but does not fill a cavity formed by one end of the housing. Shock waves of increased pressure within the first chamber produced by an imbalanced reaction from one of the system actuators are absorbed by a crushing action against the end face of the resiliently, yieldable member which can deform temporarily into the housing cavity. A graphite powder coating is provided on the yieldable member to prevent it from sticking to the inner walls of the cavity.

Non-jamming ball screw linear actuator

Abstract: An actuator for moving two elements with respect to one another having structural redundancy so as to maintain the actuator in an operable condition notwithstanding actuator component failures. Two drive mechanisms each connected to an element are mounted on a common track so each is movable with respect to the track. The drive mechanisms are connected to a common shaft which will transmit power from one mechanism to the other in the event of a power loss or other failure in one of the mechanisms.

Apparatus for moving wire

Abstract: An apparatus for moving cylindrical members, particularly welding wire, includes a rotary to linear actuator having an axially extending opening through which wire is fed, at least a pair of opposed rollers mounted on the actuator body, the axis of each being skewed or inclined relative to the direction of wire feed, which rotate with the body to impart a component of force to the wire to move it linearly through the actuator Each roller is carried by an arm pivotally mounted on the actuator body and each arm includes a centrifugal weight which forces the roller against the wire as the actuator is rotated Biasing means, such as torsion bars or small springs assist in holding the rollers against the wire at low rotational speeds The actuator may be rotated by a motor having an axially extending opening through its armature through which the wire may be fed to the actuator

Mechanical key actuator including a cantilever beam restoring force means

Abstract: An actuating device having a keytop, base, and an actuator assembly affixed to the base, the assembly including a rod and a cantilever beam arrangement for providing a snap action response to key force and for driving the rod to form an electrical makebreak contact, the base and assembly constituting a unitary flexible-tough thermoplastic body.

Protecting device for an access orifice to a tank

Abstract: A protecting device for an access orifice to a fuel tank of an automotive vehicle with a heat engine, a driver''s station and a power source, said device comprising a movable cover to be locked in closed position, an actuator for unlocking said cover and connected to said power source and manual means for remotecontrolling said actuator, located in the driver''s station and inserted between said power source and said actuator to selectively operate the latter.

Solid state timepiece

Abstract: Disclosed is a wristwatch comprising a crystal oscillator, a frequency divider formed of complementary MOS transistors, a display actuator, and a time display. The watch may be all solid state with integrated circuit construction and include a digital time display of light-emitting diodes. It includes display interrogation on demand and display scanning or strobing as well as time setting.

Double mast side loader lift truck and double actuator balancing

Abstract: A side loader lift truck has a carriage which moves vertically between fore and aft spaced and unconnected masts. Forks on the carriage move laterally to either side of the masts through the open space between the masts. To prevent carriage tilting and jamming caused by a lift cylinder at one end of the carriage overrunning its opposite counterpart, a supply valve for the overrunning actuator is cut off until the other actuator catches up. The balancing or overrunning prevention is effected by connecting valve bodies to pistons, movable mast portions, or the carriage. Control spools moving within the valve bodies are interconnected by parallel chains and sprockets which move with an interconnecting shaft. The shaft is biased initially in an up or down direction, biasing the valve spools in the up or down position. When the carriage is being raised, excessive upward motion of one valve body carries the body over the spool, cutting off further supply through that valve to the actuator until the synchronizing shaft and chain return the valve spool to its predetermined position.

Fluid steering system

Abstract: A steering system for achieving three different steering modes, having double acting fluid actuating means for pivoting the front wheels, additional double acting fluid actuating means for pivoting the rear wheels and operative control means for admitting pressurized fluid to and discharging fluid from the fluid actuator means. Two wheel steering is achieved in the usual manner. For conventional four wheel steering, the two fluid actuator means are connected in circuit in a manner that movement of the operator''s control means directs pressurized fluid into one of the fluid actuator means, the fluid discharged from the said one actuator means entering the other fluid actuator means and the fluid discharged from the other fluid actuator means returning to the said operator''s control means. When four wheel crab steering is desired, the system is first operated in the same manner as for conventional four wheel steering to get one pair of wheels to a desired angle after which the fluid actuator means for such pair of wheels is bypassed and the wheels are held in the selected pivoted position after which the operator''s control means is turned in the opposite direction to pivot the other pair of wheels through the straight-ahead position and on to a position in which the other pair of wheels is in an attitude approximately parallel to the said one pair of wheels.

Operating apparatus for cart

Abstract: A wheeled vehicle which can be moved in either of two opposite directions has an operating mechanism including a brake shoe normally engaging a wheel of the vehicle, one actuator at one end of the vehicle and another actuator at the opposite end of the vehicle, the actuators being coupled to the brake shoe so that by operating either actuator the brake shoe can be released for movement of the cart in either direction. Thus, a stewardess, for example, can use the cart to dispense beverages, and can use the actuators as handles whereby she can push the cart from either end and at the same time release the brake. The operating apparatus also preferably includes an anchoring means for engaging a floor mounted stud to moor the vehicle, the anchoring means including two spaced members adapted to capture the stud between them and each movable by operation of one of the actuators. Thus, when the stewardess releases the brake, she also releases an anchoring member so that the cart can be moved away from the stationary stud. The linkage or coupling between the actuators and the brake shoes includes a sliding connector which provides for simultaneous operation of two brakes.

Automatic brake actuator

Abstract: Brake actuator mechanism for energizing the brake system of an automotive vehicle automatically during the interval that the driver''s foot is removed from the accelerator pedal and is placed on the brake pedal. Thus, the loss of time otherwise incident to movement of the driver''s foot from the accelerator pedal to the brake pedal is obviated. The mechanism includes a brake-system actuator in the form of a solenoid connected with the brake pedal and operative, when energized, to displace the same inwardly, thereby causing the brakes to be applied. A sensor in the form of a switch is located on the accelerator pedal so that the switch is tripped whenever the driver''s foot is removed from the pedal. Control means in the form of an electric circuit including the actuator and sensor as elements thereof is responsive to the sensor and effective to energize the actuator automatically whenever the driver''s foot is released from the brake pedal.

Thermally operated actuator device

Abstract: A thermally operated actuator device which is capable of operating an external instrument operatively connected with said actuator device in response to changes in temperature of a medium to which said actuator device is fitted or immersed, in a delayed manner with respect to the time at which such changes in temperature has actually been taken place.

Opto-electronic transducer for position initialization of a linear motion mechanism

Abstract: An opto-electronic transducer system for initializing the position of a linear motion mechanism such as the moving-head actuator in a magnetic disc file memory unit. A shuttering mechanism responsive to actuator movement is interposed between a light source and an aligned pair of spaced photodetectors. The shuttering mechanism comprises two relatively laterally movable elements appropriately masked to modulate the light beam received by each photodetector in such a manner that their output difference signal exhibits one or more sharply defined initial transitions through null value as the actuator reaches the initializing position. Occurrence of this reliably detectable initial zero crossing is used to generate a control signal indicating arrival of the read-write head over a predetermined radial index position on the disc at which the track count is to be started.

Breathing system for spring brake actuator

Abstract: A combined service and spring brake actuator comprising service and spring brake chambers arranged in tandem and including a breathing system for the spring cavity during actuation of the spring brake actuator, the system including a valve construction for connecting the service chamber with the spring cavity to prevent entry of dirt and other foreign matter into the latter.

Servo control systems

Abstract: A servo control system comprises an actuator such as an electric motor which is operated in response to a demand signal and to a feedback signal representative of the actual actuator response. The feedback signal is derived by way of respective filters from two component signals representative of the actual response of the actuator and derived respectively from a transducer such as a tachometer generator coupled directly to the actuator and from the actuator itself. The filters are arranged so that the feedback signal contains a greater proportion of the component signal from the actuator within any frequency ranges in which mechanical resonance occurs in the system and a greater proportion of the component signal from the transducer within frequency ranges devoid of such mechanical resonance, so that the component signals substantially compensate each other at resonance and the resulting feedback signal is substantially free of resonance components.

Device for testing power transmission components

Abstract: An apparatus for testing a plurality of transmission components such as positive transmission belts, V-type transmission belts, gears and the like under static, dynamic and slow rotational conditions. The apparatus comprises two driven shafts arranged end-to-end and driven by a hydraulic actuator to rotate the shafts in respective opposite directions up to a predetermined number of degrees. A drive shaft is arranged parallel to the two shafts and the test transmission components are affixed at the outer ends of the respective shafts and the associated ends of the parallel drive shaft. The drive shaft and the associated drive motor therefor are mounted on a base movable on a fixed frame which carries the two driven shafts. The base is connected to a drive motor in the form of a fluid pressure actuator piston and cylinder combination for shifting the base along the frame in order to preload the transmission components which are to be tested. The hydraulic rotary actuator applies a constant or programmed torque loading to the individual transmission components being tested to thereby duplicate actual power transmission conditions. After the torque is applied, the two driven shafts are rotated together. The arrangement permits the complete separation of the torque loading from the rotational speed, thereby eliminating the necessity for using high capacity prime mover-dynamometer combinations.

Hand tool with magnetic brake

Abstract: A hand tool having a motor-operated shaft that drives a saw, the motor being rendered operable when pressure is applied to a trigger while a tool-manipulating handle is being grasped. Said tool is provided with a magnetic brake that comprises an electromagnetic coil affixed to the housing of the tool and an armature normally biased away from the coil carried by and rotatable with the shaft, the coil remaining de-energized during operation of the shaft and saw. Said actuator, upon release of the trigger, shifting a switch to cause de-energization of the motor and energization of the electro-magnetic coil to produce a magnetic field effective on the armature to draw it into braking engagement with a brake lining provided adjacent the coil.

Marine propulsion reversing mechanism

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a marine propulsion device comprising a vertically tiltable and horizontally swingable drive shaft housing supporting a drive shaft carrying a bevel gear in mesh with two facing co-axially mounted bevel gears located in encircling relation to a propeller carrying shaft, together with a system for selectively drivingly connecting the bevel gears and the propeller shaft including a plurality of elongated rollers having axes extending parallel to the rotational axis of the propeller shaft and movable relative to positions of driving engagement between the bevel gears and the propeller shaft, and an actuator for selectively displacing the rollers relative to the driving positions.

Self-contained drain valve

Abstract: A drain valve for sealing a conduit comprising a resilient boot including a sealing surface for biasing an actuator and the sealing surface away from a second sealing surface. The actuator is held in a sealing position by a latch and is released by disengaging pressure on the actuator releasing the latch and allowing the resilient boot to return the actuator to its non-sealing position.

Hermetically sealing boot with actuator for thumb wheel type switches

Abstract: An hermetically sealing boot adapted to fit the face of a housing having one or more thumb wheel actuators arranged for rotation about an axis substantially parallel to the plane of said face. The device is formed of molded flexible synthetic resinous material, and includes one or more insert-molded rigid actuators, a first portion of which projects inwardly of a sealing wall to selectively engage an actuator, and a second portion of which projects outwardly of said wall to be manually engaged for transmitting motion to said actuator. Depending upon the shape of the boot, the actuator may be of a pivoting, translationally-moving or nutating type.

Automatic pressure relief and snubbing in hydraulic actuators

Abstract: Rapid start-up acceleration is automatically attained by pressure relief provided for the discharge chamber through a dump valve referenced to the drive chamber of the actuator. Deceleration is accomplished by snubbing hydraulic fluid discharge and by diverting pressure directly from the hydralic feed line. Negative pressure relief or anti-cavitation is provided for in the hydraulic system of the actuator. A novel, efficient snubber valve is carried by the actuator piston to control hydraulic fluid passing through the discharge port of the actuator.

Single actuator for effecting multiple controls

Abstract: A control actuator in a first mode of displacement is shifted longitudinally along a predetermined axis to effect a first form of control to blend the sound for a stereo high fidelity sound system. In a second mode of displacement the actuator is rotated about the predetermined axis to effect a second form of control to vary the volume or loudness level of the stereo high fidelity sound system. In a third mode of displacement the actuator is either shifted to a position wherein it is inclined with respect to the predetermined axis, or as that its axis is shifted so as to be parallel with the predetermined axis, to effect a third form of control to arrange the stereo image or balance presented by the high fidelity sound system. The actuator is furthermore displaceable in a multiple mode including any two or even all three of the aforementioned modes to simultaneously effect the forms of control.

Toggle actuator assembly for electric switch

Abstract: A novel toggle handle actuator structure for an electrical switch wherein means are provided to prevent relative axial rotation between the toggle handle and the actuator while they perform their pivoting function in switching electrical circuits.