Showing papers on "Actuator published in 1973"

Hydraulic actuator controls

Abstract: A device for controlling a hydraulic actuator comprises two servo loops having in common a fluid pressure operated main valve and an electrically operated pilot valve for controlling the main valve. One of the servo loops is for flow control and contains a flow transducer for producing an electrical feedback signal responsively to fluid flow to the actuator and a comparator for comparing the flow feedback signal with a first electrical input signal. The other servo loop is for force control and contains pressure transducing means for producing an electrical feedback signal responsively to the pressure drop across the actuator and a second comparator for comparing the force feedback signal with a second electrical input signal.

Mirror actuator and support means therefor

Abstract: A vibration minimizing actuator for pivotally shifting the piston of a mirror case and mirror element of a day-night rearview mirror assembly and means for supporting the same within the mirror case. The mirror case and element are pivoted about a pivot axis by a pivotal toggle assembly included on the actuator, the plane parallel to the front of the mirror and including the pivot axis being spaced as close as possible to the parallel plane including the center of gravity of the case and element. The support means enable easy insertion, secure retention, and precise positioning of the actuator in the day-night positions as well as control of the force required to pivot the assembly between day and night positions.

Motion software for a synergistic six-degree-of-freedom motion base

Abstract: Computer software for the conversion of fixed-base simulations into moving-base simulations utilizing a synergistic six-degree-of-freedom motion simulator has been developed. This software includes an actuator extension transformation, inverse actuator extension transformation, a centroid transformation, and a washout circuit. Particular emphasis is placed upon the washout circuitry as adapted to fit the synergistic motion simulator. The description of the washout circuitry and illustration by means of a sample flight emphasize that translational cue representation may be of good fidelity, but care in the selection of parameters is very necessary, particularly in regard to anomalous rotational cues.

Safety actuator for aerosol containers

Abstract: A child-proof or safety actuator for operating the valve assembly of an aerosol spray can is held in position on the can by engagement with the top of the can. The actuator consists of a vertical wall section and top walls and a depressible actuator assembly positioned in an opening defined in the top wall. A horizontally biased slide is disposed within the actuator cap and accessible through the side wall. The slide defines an opening through which the actuator stem may pass when the slide is pressed to an operative position. The slide cooperates with the actuator to provide a two-step actuating operation requiring the sequential movement of the slide and depression of the actuator to dispense product through the simultaneous use of the thumb and index finger.

Electric fail-safe actuator

Abstract: An electrically operated fail-safe valve actuator employs a spring which is wound to store energy during operation of the electric drive motor, an electric clutch operable to disengage the drive motor from the actuator output shaft in response to loss of power from the electrical supply whereby the spring drives the valve in the opposite direction.

Compensation based on linearized analysis for a six degree of freedom motion simulator

Abstract: The inertial response characteristics of a synergistic, six-degree-of-freedom motion base are presented in terms of amplitude ratio and phase lag as functions of frequency data for the frequency range of interest (0 to 2 Hz) in real time, digital, flight simulators. The notch filters which smooth the digital-drive signals to continuous drive signals are presented, and appropriate compensation, based on the inertial response data, is suggested. The existence of an inverse transformation that converts actuator extensions into inertial positions makes it possible to gather the response data in the inertial axis system.

Air powered sealant dispenser, including flexible tubular conduits as valve means

Abstract: In an air powered gun dispenser for controlled discharge of a flowable sealant material, the dispenser is provided with universal adapters to receive and support various size cylindrical cartridges of the sealant material. These cartridges are of the type having one end formed with a discharge nozzle while the other end is equipped with a dispensing plunger. A supply of pressurized air is received by the dispenser and selectively applied against the cartridge plunger to effect a discharge of the sealant material. To provide manual control over the applied air pressure, a flexible air inlet conduit is arranged to connect the supply of pressurized air to a dispenser chamber communicating with the cartridge plunger. A flexible air exhaust conduit also communicates with such chamber. A manually operable and spring biased trigger actuator provides for selectively discharging or terminating discharge of the sealant material by alternately pinching and thus closing either the inlet or exhaust conduits.

Brake pedal actuator

Abstract: A removable brake pedal actuator for applying a force to conventional vehicle brake pedals in accordance with a control signal for brake testing purposes is described. The actuator includes a frame which rests on the vehicle floor board and is held in place by an operator''s foot. A contact pad is provided for engagement with the brake pedal. A force transferring or coupling mechanism in the form of a pneumatically operated piston cylinder assembly is connected between the frame and pedal contact pad to provide a pedal force in response to the control signal. A contact sensor is mounted on the contact pad to provide an indication that the contact pad is in actual contact with the brake pedal. A pressure sensor is also carried by the contact pad for engagement with the brake pedal to provide a signal representative of the force applied to the brake pedal. A floor clearance probe or transducer is also provided on the actuator for providing an indication that the distance between the brake pedal and vehicle floor has decreased below a minimum acceptable value. The piston can be connected to a position indicating transducer such as a potentiometer for permitting the travel of the brake pedal to be ascertained during braking tests. The actuator may be a part of a servo control loop in which feedback signals representative of a desired braking effort or brake pedal pressure are used to control the actuator.

Frangible construction and actuator utilizing same

Abstract: An actuator system for use in an aircraft comprising first and second actuators. The first actuator includes a housing having a chamber and a piston movable in the chamber. A connecting rod is joined to the piston and projects through an aperture in a transverse member of the housing. The connecting rod of the first actuator and the second actuator are drivingly interrelated to an output member so that either the piston or the second actuator can move the output member. Peripheral regions of the piston and the transverse member are frangible.

Electrical switch construction and method of making the same

Abstract: An electrical switch construction having a housing carrying a fixed contact and a snap blade having a contact to be snapped relative to the fixed contact as the blade is moved relative to the housing to provide a switching function with the fixed contact. A generally C-shaped actuator has opposed ends disposed on opposite sides of the blade, one end of the actuator being interconnected to the blade to cause snap movement thereof upon movement of that one end of the actuator in one direction relative to the housing. A compression spring is disposed between that one end of the actuator and the housing to tend to oppose movement of that one end of the actuator in that one direction. A motion transmitting arrangement is carried by the housing and is operatively associated with the other end of the actuator whereby movement of the other end of the actuator toward the blade by the motion transmitting means in the one direction causes an initial flexure of the actuator between the ends thereof before the one end is moved sufficiently in that one direction to cause the blade to snap relative to the housing.

Electro-hydraulic proportional servo actuator

Abstract: Two electro-hydraulic proportional servo actuators are disclosed and each comprises an electro magnetic device such as torque motor or proportional solenoid energizable to operate a three-way hydraulic servo valve which, in turn, effects proportional amplified linear movement of a spring centered hydraulic ram in the actuator. The ram comprises two piston areas, one larger than the other, and the smaller piston area is always exposed to the full fluid pressure of the system. The servo valve operates to supply or relieve pilot fluid pressure on the larger piston area to effect ram movement because of the pressure differential. In one actuator in accordance with the invention, feedback means are connected between portions of the three-way valve and the ram to hold the ram in desired position. In the said one actuator manually operable over-ride means are provided to enable ram operation if the electro magnetic device fails. In another actuator in accordance with the invention, the three-way valve is directly associated with the ram for feedback purposes and separate feedback means and manually operable over-ride means between the servo valve and ram are eliminated.

Multi-position electrical switch and spring biasing means for universal-type actuator

Abstract: A multi-position electrical switch assembly with an elongated actuator means contains resilient means normally biasing the actuator means to a center off position. The actuator means is pivotally movable between a center off position to a plurality of switch on positions whereby a selected switch is actuated. The interior of the casing is hermetically sealed by an O-ring disposed below the equatorial line of the actuator means ball and socket joint of the housing.

Motor shiftable shock absorbing bumper

Abstract: A vehicular safety system including manual or automatic sensor armed bumper extension and retraction apparatus employs high pressure hydraulic or explosion actuator means for dissipating the kinetic energy of a protected vehicle during a collision with another object, reducing damage to the protected vehicle and the risk of injury to its passengers or cargo. Collision forced retraction of a bumper at one end of the vehicle either arms or aids in maintaining the armed or extended state of the bumper at the opposite end of the vehicle.

Mosaic printing head

Abstract: A printing head for a mosaic printer includes a ring-shaped structure which supports a mounting bracket, and a number of guiding tubes for the printing needles are mounted on the bracket. Each of the guiding tubes has a plurality of openings and is surrounted by a porous oil impregnated sleeve for lubricating the needles. An electromagnetic actuator for each needle is mounted on the ring and includes a movable armature which engages an end of the corresponding needle when the actuator is energized. The core of the actuator is adjustably mounted on the ring, and an adjustment screw adjust the width at rest of the air gap and the stroke of the needle. A hinged elastic system connects the armature to the yoke of the actuator and includes a curved rider to provide rolling contact with the yoke.

Override control for a variable displacement pump

Abstract: An override control, for a variable displacement pump having an actuator system which shifts the pump between a maximum displacement condition and a minimum displacement condition with the actuator system having a control device responsive to a primary source of pressurized fluid which is dependent upon operation of a prime mover drivingly connected to the pump, including a passage in communication with the actuator system and a secondary source of pressurized fluid selectively connectable to the passage and operable independently of the prime mover to override the control device causing the actuator system to shift the pump to one of the extreme displacement conditions.

Hitch with trailer brake actuator

Abstract: A trailer hitch and brake actuator having lower production costs and improved operation is provided. The housings of the actuator are of stamped, low cost construction, employing fewer separate pieces. The actuator includes a rear component carrying a brake cylinder with a spring on the piston rod of the brake cylinder being engaged by a rigid member which is movable with a forward component and is connected directly with a shock absorber. The shock absorber is carried by the rear component and is parallel to the piston rod of the brake cylinder and to the movement of the forward component of the actuator. The brake cylinder is located directly above the shock absorber to minimize the space required and accordingly enable the actuator to be reduced in size. The forward component is of tubular cross section and is received in a passage of the rear actuator component and slidably carried thereby through plastic bearings. The actuator also has a break-away lever employing an over-center linkage with the lever acting on the brake piston rod spring and moved to an over-center position by a flexible link attached to the towing vehicle in the event the trailer becomes separated therefrom.

Hydraulic actuator having a self-aspirating actuator rod seal

Abstract: A hydraulic actuator in which an absorbent material is carried by the actuator housing at the interface between it and the actuator rod to capture fluid leaking from the operating chamber. The fluid captured by the absorbent material is drawn therefrom and is directed to a reservoir in response to the reciprocal movement of the actuator rod relative to the housing.

Remotely controlled brake system

Abstract: A towed vehicle is provided with a brake pedal actuator that is releasably supported against the seat, floor and a rigid part of the towed vehicle above the floor. The actuator may be installed or removed from the towed vehicle quickly and without tools. The actuator is powered by a pneumatic supply and control provided in the towing vehicle.

Limited slip differential drive mechanism

Abstract: An improved differential drive mechanism includes a differential gear train having a pair of side gears which are disposed in meshing engagement with a plurality of pinion gears. Upon the occurrence of a predetermined speed of relative rotation between input and output members of the differential gear train, a speed responsive actuator assembly effects engagement of a clutch assembly to retard the relative rotation. Upon actuation of the clutch assembly, an improved thrust block arrangement transmits a force from one of the side gears to the other side gear independently of the pinion gears. This force is utilized to engage a disc pack in the clutch assembly. The thrust block arrangement includes a pair of circular thrust blocks which are disposed in abutting engagement with each other and the side gears. The two thrust blocks extend through a circular opening formed in a spider which carries the pinion gears.

Summary of Propeller Design Procedures and Data. Volume 3. Hub, Actuator, and Control Designs

Abstract: : The technology needed for the design and installation of propellers is presented and summarized in three volumes. Volume 3 (Hub, Actuator, and Control Design) contains material on the design of the hub and actuator systems. The theories of propeller controls are presented with the details of the types used with conventional and V/STOL airplanes. A brief discussion of past and future propeller installations is given along with recommendations for future work. Design criteria, airfoil data, and a computer program are given.

Single contact actuator assembly

Abstract: A pressure sensitive contact actuator comprises an elastomeric housing having a pair of electrical conductor contact plates disposed within the housing in a spaced apart parallel relationship. The plates are held in place by integrally formed elastomeric cantilever ledges that also act as guideways in the assembly of the actuator. Lead wires are connected to the plates through an end plug that seals off the interior of the housing from the elements. Depression of the housing via pressure activates the actuator by close-circuiting the parallel plates.

Slide actuator for toggle switch

Abstract: A switch operating slide member for concealing actuator arm wall mounted switches of the type generally known as toggle switches, and for imparting oscillatory or pivotal switch operating movement to the actuator arm when generally straight line movement is imparted to the slide member. The slide member is disposed in a substantially constant attitude in different positions of its sliding movement.

System for controlling the feed of documents into and along a document transport path

Abstract: Disclosed is a control system for document transport mechanism including provisions for controlling the feeding, spacing, and throughput of documents, such as bank checks and the like, into and along a guideway leading from a hopper to discharge equipment which may be a stacker or a series of sorting pockets. The system is capable of operating purely synchronously, purely asynchronously or as a hybrid of the same. If purely synchronous operation is desired, the longest document by its length will determine the constant and maximum throughput rate for all other documents. For purely asynchronous operation, each document by its own length determines its own throughput rate. For hybrid operation, a standard document length can be aribtrarily selected whose own throughput rate will be the maximum and also the constant throughput rate for all other relatively sorter documents, and all documents relatively longer than the standard length will determine their own throughput rate by their length which will be less than the standard document''s throughput rate. The system further includes speed retarding means that acts in a digital manner for close control of document speed in the guideway and effects a very efficient separation of overlapping documents due to the high acceleration-deceleration forces that are quickly built up and impressed against documents passing through. Additionally, the system includes various rollers disposed serially along the guideway having speed differentials which together with any subsequent documents length will determine the degree of interdocumental spacing between successive documents. More specifically, the document speed control instrumentality is comprised of a document feed roller disposed adjacent to the inlet of the guideway and a pressure actuator for applying pulsating forces on the documents as they are engaged and impelled by the drive roller into the guideway, such pressure pulses additionally acting to retard the speed of the drive roller to an acceptable document throughput rate.

Clip mounted aerosol dispenser actuator

Abstract: An actuator for a pressurized aerosol dispenser includes passages which lead from the container mounted valve to a discharge orifice. The actuator provides a lever action having a mechanical advantage to reduce the finger applied force required to open the valve. The pivot or fulcrum of the actuator is in the form of a generally U-shaped resilient clip which grips and rides on the mounting cup bead.

Electronic brake control system

Abstract: A control system operates electro-pneumatic braking apparatus on a vehicle and includes an actuator for producing a signal proportional to desired braking effort from full release mode to a maximum. Sensor apparatus is responsive to a pneumatic parameter of the braking system for producing a signal indicative of the actual brake pressure while summing apparatus is responsive to the actuator apparatus and the sensor apparatus for producing outputs effective to operate the braking apparatus to release, apply, and lap modes in accordance with a selected difference in magnitude between the actuator apparatus and sensor apparatus signals.

Remote control hood latch release mechanism

Abstract: A remote control hood latch release mechanism having an actuator means adapted to be coupled to a latch mechanism release lever by a first cable means for actuating the latch mechanism from a remote location. A second cable means is coupled to the actuator means and extends to a locking means that is operable to immobilize the second cable means to prevent movement of the actuator means in unlatching direction.

Aerosol can and actuating cap

Abstract: The specification discloses an aerosol can of a conventional type with a cap and an actuator to dispense the contents of the can onto a pad supported on a concave surface on top of the actuator. The cap is of a usual type of aerosol overcap that has a hole in it and the hole receives a hollow conical actuator which is integrally attached to the actuator member having the concave surface. The hollow through the actuator member receives the valve on the can.

Vehicle brake system having foot pedal operated brake actuator with electronic range control

Abstract: An automotive vehicle brake system including a fluid motor brake actuator with a movable wall therein dividing the actuator into opposed chambers and foot pedal operated valve means for controlling the pressures in the respective chambers to establish a pressure differential across the movable wall in the brake applied position of the pedal. Electrical means in the system including an obstacle detecting device which senses range and range rate of an obstacle in front of the vehicle and generates signals representative of the distance to the obstacle as well as the relative velocity of the obstacle and vehicle. The generated signals are processed and applied to comparators, the outputs of which are fed into independent AND gates having their outputs connected to solenoid valves operatively connected to the brake actuator to regulate the differential fluid pressure in the opposed chambers so that the vehicle brakes are automatically applied independently of the foot pedal operated valve means. The AND gates control energization of the solenoid valve in a manner determined by the relationship of the range and range-rate signals to brake pressure signal.

Single print element print carrier with self-contained selection function

Abstract: A carrier for a printer, having a single type element, is disclosed. The selection apparatus contained within the carrier is one whereby only a rotary power force plus control signals need be introduced into the carrier. The selection apparatus is comprised of barrel cams having a plurality of channels formed into the periphery of the barrel cams to cause lateral displacement thereof on their drive shaft. The lateral displacement of the barrel cams is converted into a linear motion which is in turn transmitted and converted into rotary motion to position the type element about its rotate and tilt axes. The controls for transmitting signals to the carrier are pneumatic and the pneumatic impulses received by the carrier logic block and actuator blocks activate mechanical latches to insert selector pins into the grooves of the barrel cams. A dual rack and single pinion arrangement is disclosed to convert the linear motion to rotary motion of the type element.

Electro-mechanical actuator

Abstract: An electro-mechanical actuator for providing linear reciprocal motion which translates the short, abrupt linear stroke of a solenoid into a longer stroke of more uniform force on an actuating rod. The linear motion of the solenoid armature is coupled through a large spring adjacent a piston lying in a first chamber filled with a hydraulic fluid. A second chamber in communication with said first chamber houses a smaller diameter piston having an actuating rod disposed from one side. An accordion-like chamber adjacent the rod seal protects the seal from dust or damage.