Showing papers on "Actuator published in 1974"

Alternate action switch

Abstract: An alternate action switch includes a housing defining a cavity within which an actuator is mounted for reciprocal movement between alternate positions wherein slider contacts on the actuator selectively engage fixed contacts supported by the housing within the cavity. Indexing of the actuator for movement between positions is accomplished by a cam block mounted on the housing and a cam follower mounted on the actuator. The cam block and follower are integrally connected respectively to the housing and actuator by means of flexible integral webs serving both to resiliently bias the follower and cam block toward one another and to constrain their movement to a single direction. Within the housing cavity the actuator is provided with recesses supporting loop contact portions of the slider contacts. Retention recesses within the actuator and latch arms on the contacts hold the slider contacts in position on the actuator.

Speed-sensitive differential mechanism

Abstract: A limited slip differential mechanism of the speedsensitive type having a rotatable casing and gearing supported within the casing adapted to drive a pair of relatively rotatable output elements including a friction clutch mechanism associated with the gearing and the casing to resist relative rotation. The limited slip differential includes an actuator for the clutches, the actuator being associated with a fluid pump mechanism and the fluid pump mechanism being mounted within the actuator. The fluid pump is carried by the actuator and has an input or drive shaft driveable by a side gear of the differential and the actuator is carried by the casing whereby relative rotation between the casing and the side gear will create fluid pressure to activate the actuator and apply the clutch to resist relative rotation.

Aerosol valve actuator

Abstract: An aerosol valve actuator internally forms a cylinder containing a rigid bodily slidable reciprocating piston behind the actuator''s orifice and from which a piston rod extends forwardly with a forward end forming a valve head normally seating on the inside surface of the actuator surrounding its orifice, a spring biasing the piston and piston rod forwardly to normally seal the orifice closed. The actuator has a hole receiving the aerosol valve stem and mounting the actuator on this stem, this hole opening transversely inside of the actuator between the front of the piston and the orifice. When the actuator is finger-pressed to depress the aerosol valve stem and open the valve to release a pressurized product from an aerosol package container having the valve, the product enters the actuator, forcing the piston and piston rod backwardly to a retracted piston against the bias of the spring, so that the product discharges through the actuator''s orifice, finger release causing the aerosol valve to close, and the pressure within the actuator to drop, resulting in the spring pushing the piston and piston rod forwardly to seal the actuator''s orifice closed. The piston and piston rod form a piston area which relative to the flow rate capacity of the actuator''s orifice, and the position the actuator''s valve stem hole opens into the actuator between its piston and orifice, causes the piston to remain steadily at its retracted position during the discharge of the product. The back end of the actuator has a governor for determining the rate of discharge effected by the actuator through its orifice, this governor being a cap screwed on the back end of the actuator and having an abutment surface against which the piston abuts when forced backwardly by the pressure of the product, thus establishing the retracted position of the piston and piston rod and, therefore, the rate of discharge via the actuator''s orifice. This governor can be screwed forwardly to keep the actuator''orifice sealed even when the actuator is depressed to open the aerosol valve, and by screwing the governor backwardly, discharge via the actuator becomes possible but at a rate governed by the amount the governor is screwed backwardly.

Supporting and connecting structure for electric device

Abstract: A structure for supporting a portable electric device and for making electrical connections thereto for energizing the device and connecting the same to external apparatus. The structure shown is particularly adapted to support a portable radio for use in a vehicle, and for automatically connecting the radio to an electric current supply and/or an antenna, and/or to other external apparatus. The structure can also be used to lock the radio into the frame, protecting it against unauthorized removal. The supporting structure includes a housing for receiving the electric device, which is slidably mounted in a frame, with movement of the housing causing movement of connectors thereon into operative engagement with electrical connectors on the device. The frame may include a cam engaged by the actuator of a connector, to move the connector as the housing slides within the frame. The structure for supporting a portable radio may include first and second connectors moving in sequence as the housing with the radio therein slides within the frame, with the first connector making electrical connections to the radio and also accurately positioning the radio within the housing, and the second connector then moving to make connection with the radio.

Door lock actuator

Abstract: A door lock actuator for locking and unlocking a vehicle door includes a rack and pinion drive assembly which is laterally movable to move the door lock control member between locking and unlocking positions as driven by a passenger controlled permanent magnet electric motor.

Switch with rocker actuator having detachable cover

Abstract: A miniature switch with a removable cap on the actuator, so that any cap may be replaced with another of different appearance.

Limit and control feeder for animals

Abstract: A plurality of feed pan assemblies are attached beneath a feed trough connected to a supply hopper, the trough having an internal conveyor for moving feed therealong. Each assembly includes a container suspended intermediate the trough and pan which are pre-filled with feed dispensed from the trough. The bottom of each container is closed by a gate during filling of the container, the gates being simultaneously opened by an actuator which provides simultaneously premeasured dispensing of feed into the desired number of feeder pans. Preferably, the gate is cone-shaped.

Reciprocating powered wheel drive

Abstract: A vehicle combination braking and driving system operates rotatively mounted brakes in a braking mode or in a driving mode wherein each brake acts as a coupling between a hydraulically powered reciprocative actuator and a vehicle wheel. Driving torque is exerted upon the wheel by alternately moving the actuator in one direction while simultaneously applying the wheel brake and moving the actuator in the reverse direction while releasing the brake. Multiple reciprocative actuators and respectively associated brakes may be operated with relatively offset phasing to achieve continuity of driving effort. The system is applicable to aircraft and other vehicles; also as a retrofit to existing aircraft by substituting the reciprocative actuators for the brake compensator rods in the main landing gear bogies.

Linear fluidic actuator

Abstract: The specification describes a linear fluidic actuator comprising a plurality of expansible tubes or tubular envelopes closed at opposite ends and coupled in a chain and arranged to have one end of the chain anchored while the other end is adapted to move and exert a tensile force upon inflation of one or more of the tubes, as by compressed air, into a circular diameter, in accordance with the degree of contraction of the chain of tubes. A variation of the actuator utilizes the contracting force of the chain of tubes to effect compression of one or more caged springs, the compressive force of which is illustratively shown and described as actuating a floating member to operate a valve device of the gate or plug type. Also disclosed are modifications utilizing a plurality of parallel-related chains of tubes and tubes expansible to different diameters for utilizing different inflating pressures.

Apparatus using variations in magnetic force to reciprocate a linear actuator

Abstract: Apparatus for converting the variations in magnetic force between two magnets, one rotating and one non-rotating, into reciprocating linear motion of an associated device, said apparatus including a motor driven rotatable permanent bar magnet and a non-rotatable permanent bar magnet disposed adjacent thereto and mounted for linear movement, and having an actuator shaft attached thereto, whereby the alternately attracting and repelling magnetic forces between the two magnets are effective to reciprocate the actuator shaft.

Flight control apparatus

Abstract: A flight control apparatus for the control of the trajectory and the airspeed of an airplane comprises a measuring equipment for measuring the deviation of the aircraft position from a commanded trajectory, and a measuring equipment for measuring the deviation of the angle of attack from a commanded value. Both deviation signals are applied with appropriate transfer functions to both the throttle actuator and to the control surface actuator. The transfer functions, which in the simplest case are constants, may be selected such that a deviation of the trajectory and its correction is substantially without any influence on the angle of attack and a deviation of the airspeed and its correction is substantially without any influence on the trajectory. According to another aspect of the invention, the apparatus measures altitude, angle of attack, pitch rate and vertical and longitudinal acceleration of the aircraft. There is a pseudo-observer including a number of appropriately dimensioned filters to form a number of additional state variables derived from the variables directly measured, the additional state variables comprising the time integrals of both the trajectory deviation signal and the angle of attack deviation signal, and a signal indicative of vertical speed. All measured and derived signals are applied in linear combinations to a throttle actuator, a spoiler actuator and an elevator actuator. The output of the elevator actuator is applied to a model system simulating the actual elevator movements and applying a feedback signal to the elevator actuator.

Holder and actuator means for surgical instruments

Abstract: A combined holder and actuator means to which various types of instruments used in surgery may be attached; such instruments including scissors type and blade type. A holder and actuator means for such instruments constructed to permit autoclaving under conditions of high temperature and pressure. The actuator means imparts precise minute motion strokes to an instrument for cutting, piercing, or otherwise penetrating epidermis, membrane, or tissue. In one example, a precisely limited pivoted element actuates the instruments, in another example, a linearly reciprocal element provides the precise motion stroke.

Latch and switch actuator interlock safety structure for electronic component module operable during insertion and removal of connector members

Abstract: An actuator controlled switch mounted on an electronic component module is operative to remove electrical power from the module during plug-in or removal of the module from a support frame. A latch and the actuator are pivotally mounted in parallel relation on the module and the latch is urged against a fixed support frame member. During plug-in and removal, a lateral extension of the latch forces the actuator to hold the module switch off. When the module is fully engaged, the latch is removably displaced from the actuator whereby the actutor can be pivoted to turn the module switch on and off.

Speed-sensitive differential mechanism

Abstract: A limited slip differential mechanism for the speed-sensitive type having a rotatable casing and gearing supported within the casing adapted to drive a pair of relatively rotatable output elements including friction clutches associated with the gearing and the casing to resist relative rotation. The limited slip differential includes an actuator for the clutches, the actuator being associated with the fluid pump mechanism and having a cam thereon operative to reciprocate radial pistons to create fluid pressure. The actuator is connected with one of the output elements for the differential mechanism and the radial pistons are carried by the casing whereby relative rotation between the casing and the output element will create fluid pressure to activate the actuator and apply the clutches to resist relative rotation.

Hydraulic actuating arrangements

Abstract: A hydraulic actuator arrangement has a pair of double acting actuator devices coupled together for movement in unison. Each device has two control valves respectively operable to cause the device to move in opposite directions. The four control valves are resiliently coupled so that both actuator devices are normally energised simultaneously. Each control valve has an associated pressure relief valve so that failure of any one of the control valves permits the pressures on either side of the associated actuator device to be equalized.

Improvements in hydraulically and mechanically actuatable brake systems with automatic adjusters

Abstract: In a hydraulic actuator for a disc brake or the like, a reversible face cam serves the dual purpose of effecting relative rotation between two screw-threaded members of an automatic adjuster and of an auxiliary mechanical actuator for a handbrake. To render the adjuster load insensitive the preferred embodiments have an auxiliary piston biassed by an auxiliary spring to prevent the reversible face cam from being effective when the hydraulic pressure exceeds a relatively low predetermined brake pressure at which caliper deflection is negligible.

Automated main distributing frame system

Abstract: An automated main distributing frame system comprises a multistage network with each stage including passive switches on which cross connections are made by shared, automated actuators under computer control to thereby provide paths through the network. Test access can be provided through the actuators to both switched and nonswitched lines. The switches are arranged in modules so that the system can be expanded from a small initial size to an ultimate capacity as the need arises by the addition of switch modules without any retermination of existing connections. In some network configurations the system provides for rearrangements to eliminate first trial blocking of desired connections.

Cold-gas refrigerator

Abstract: A cold-gas refrigerator of the type in which the displacer is driven by pressure fluctuations generated in the working medium, the piston being coupled to an ac supplied linear actuator; the system formed by piston/armature coil assembly of the actuator and working medium resonates at a frequency which is tuned to the alternating current frequency

Dual duct variable volume air conditioning system

Abstract: A dual duct variable volume air conditioning system has a first, cold duct for supplying cold air and a second, reset duct for supplying either hot air in a first mode of operation or cold air in a second mode of operation. A self-contained system regulator positions first and second valves in the first and second ducts in response to changes in room temperature. The regulator is effective to reverse the direction of response of the second valve to temperature in the second mode of operation from the direction of response of that valve to a similar temperature change in the first mode of operation so that the reset duct can be used as a hot duct with the system supplying warm or cold air on demand in the heating season (without mixing) and as a cold duct to double the cooling capacity of the system in the cooling season. The system includes an integrated sensor-actuator for each air flow duct having a diaphragm which both senses the flow velocity in the duct and positions the valve in the duct through a direct mechanical connection. The actuator moves the valve with changes in flow velocity using the pressures in the duct without a relay.

Hydraulically operated hitch for towing and positioning mobile homes

Abstract: A tractor truck is provided with a pivoting frame extending from the rear, and having a hitching ball mounted thereon and laterally shiftable by a hydraulic actuator. The frame itself is movable up or down about a horizontal axis, by a hydraulic actuator, to move the hitching ball up or down. Locking pins are provided to unload the actuator cylinders during over-the-road operation.

Doctor Blade Assembly

Abstract: A doctor blade assembly for paper coaters and gravure rolls and other doctor blade applications includes a cantilever-support blade controlled by a tube-type actuator. The tube has a collapsible wall section adjacent the blade and a blade-engaging extension which bears against the blade between its supported and free end. In one embodiment, a transversely movable profile adjuster or series of profile adjusters are disclosed which selectively apply side forces to the wall section of the tube to permit corresponding selective pressure adjustments on the blade, for the purpose of reducing or eliminating localized coating nonuniformities. A novel blade retention assembly permits the clamping of blades of varying thicknesses and includes one or more transversely positioned magnets for temporarily retaining the blade on the support. An opposing clamp is formed with an elastomeric pad or expandable tube which engages the blade adjacent its inner edge and which forces or urges the blade downwardly against a machined seat to assure proper seating. In a further embodiment, a twin blade coater is disclosed in which the tips of the blades are independently rotatable about a common axis and which utilize a pair of the tube-type actuators connected to a common pressure source.

Childproof actuator cap

Abstract: A childproof actuator cap for a hand-held aerosol dispenser having a container with a top closure member and a valve assemblage carried therein. The cap comprises a cap body having an annular, depending skirt which engages and is supported by the rim of the top closure member. The cap body movably carries a depress button having a hollow, depending boss engageable with the valve to actuate the same. The skirt has diametrically opposed, aligned holes which slidably carry a movable plunger constituting an abutment for the boss on the depress button. A finger-piece is connected with the plunger and is exposed at the rear of the cap, to enable engagement by the same finger which is employed to actuate the depress button. The plunger is movable between a locking position wherein it interferes with the boss on the depress button and prevents depressing movement thereof and actuation of the valve, and an unlocked position wherein a clearance hole in the plunger is aligned with the boss to receive and provide clearance for the latter when the button is depressed. The arrangement is such that the same finger which is employed to depress the button is first used to actuate the plunger and unlock the dispenser, whereby an especially convenient and simple, one-finger unlocking and dispensing operation is realized.

Obstruction sensor for pneumatic door operator

Abstract: A differential pneumatic door actuator, including pneumatic and electrical controls wherein the actuator is drivingly connected to a door and provided with large and small air cylinders, and a pressure responsive switch monitors the pressure in the large cylinder to actuate a reversing cycle relay when a given pressure is detected during the closing cycle.

Wall switch extension

Abstract: A switch operator for use by a small person such as a child to operate a wall mounted toggle type light switch or the like from a position remote from and below the switch. The structure includes a plate device supported in covering relation to a switch device in a connection box, said structure having guides for an elongate actuator member adjacent to and depending from the plate device. The actuator member has portions engaging a togle lever of the switch whereby movement of the actuator effects movement of the toggle lever to change the switch between on and off positions. A handle portion is positioned at the lower end of the actuator member to facilitate movement of the actuator. Stop means are positioned relative to the actuator member to limit the movement thereof during operation of the switch lever.

Oscillator system for paper machine

Abstract: Transverse oscillation of a paper machine doctor utilizes a liquid-driven actuator having a pair of opposed bellows chambers to produce the desired ''''to and fro'''' motion, with each chamber connected in liquid displacing relation with a corresponding two chambered pump driven by a rotary prime-mover.

Security device for a portable lighter

Abstract: A security device for a lighter having an externally operated actuator lever which opens and closes a gas valve. The security device comprises a security member secured to the lighter for preventing operation of the actuator lever, the security member being attached to the lighter by at least one line of weakness so as to be separable from the lighter to free the actuator lever. The security member can enclose the lever to prevent access thereto, or it can abut the lever to block movement thereof.

Railway truck assembly

Abstract: A railway truck assembly including a central hollow beam extending transversely of the assembly and adapted for supporting a railroad car. Four wheel units are attached to the central beam with two of the wheels being aligned adjacent one end of the beam and the other two wheels aligned and extending from the opposite end of the beam. Each wheel unit includes inside and outside arms for supporting an axle at the distal ends for, in turn, rotatably supporting a wheel. The arms extend from a torsion bar support sleeve which, in turn, surrounds a torsion bar. The outward end of each sleeve is splined to the torsion rod and the inward end of the torsion rod is splined to a reaction sleeve which is, in turn, secured to the central beam. The outward end of each torsion bar is supported by a bearing in a cage member secured to the central beam and the inward end of each sleeve member is rotatably supported by a bearing engaging the splined inward end of the torsion rod. Resilient or compressible thrust bearings are disposed at each end of the sleeve member for allowing the sleeve member and, thus, the wheel unit to move longitudinally relative to the torsion rod. Each of the outwardly disposed arms includes a cavity in which is disposed a hydraulic actuator for urging a brake shoe toward the adjacent wheel. Brake shoe retainer pins are disposed on opposite sides of the actuator in bores in the arm for releasably engaging the brake shoes.

Grinding machine with an automatic exchange device for grinding wheels

Abstract: A grinding machine includes a wheel head, a wheel spindle rotatably mounted upon the wheel head, a storage device for removably storing a plurality of grinding wheels, and an exchange device for transferring the grinding wheels between the storage device and the wheel head and for securing the wheels upon the wheel spindle. The storage device may store the wheels in a horizontal array and is provided with a plurality of stub shafts for respectively supporting the wheels in a manner similar to the mounting of the same upon the wheel spindle. The exchange device includes a transfer device for gripping and transferring the wheels and a drive device for rotating a threaded member provided upon the grinding wheel sleeves so as to firmly attach the wheel sleeves and wheels to the wheel spindle through means of a connection between the threaded member and a threaded socket within the wheel spindle. The drive device is provided with a first drive actuator for driving the threaded member by means of a first force, and a second drive actuator for applying a second force to the threaded member at the same time the first force is being exerted upon the threaded member whereby the same is easily loosened and threadedly retracted from the wheel spindle.

Panic exit device

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein provides a panic exit device for doors having in their active side vertically operating bolts extending from the top and bottom of the door and a mechanism for retracting the bolts. Usually, the retracting mechanism may be activated by using a key in an exterior door lock or by depressing a panic bar on the interior of the door. The improved panic exit device of this invention provides a device for actuating the bolt retraction mechanism which is mounted on the interior of the door and is non-handed so as to allow reversible installation of the retracting device on a right-handed or left-handed opening door. The panic exit device of the invention also provides an improved mechanism for latching the bolts in the retracted position as well as an improved dogging mechanism to lock the actuator device in the actuated position, while simultaneously preventing excessive play in the panic bar. As a further improvement, the actuator device of the invention is designed to be readily mounted on shoulder screws placed in the stiles of the door which additionally serve to hold the lock retraction mechanism in place within the active stile of the door.

Actuator for a disc drive apparatus

Abstract: ACTUATOR FOR A DISC DRIVE APPARATUS Ronald L. Swaim John Cuda Timothy W. Martin Inventors ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE This invention relates particularly to direct access data storage devices and, more particularly, to a disc drive wherein data is recorded on a rotating disc by means of a read/ write head movable to precise data track positions located on the disc surface. For accurate positioning of the heads relative to the disc, an actuator is provided which is mounted on the drive by elastic bodies located at points near a plane passing through the center of gravity of the actuator to limit the transmission of vibratory forces from the actuator to the drive.