Development of design procedures for reciprocating mechanisms using hydraulic actuators controlled by rotary valves and a performance evaluation of actuator designs used in tufting machines

The presented work represents a continuation of the investigations into the possible application of miniature hydraulic actuation and control techniques to high speed reciprocating mechanisms in manipulative machinery. Earlier research in this area led to the design of knitting, sewing and tufting machines which employed actuators and rotary valves developed with the aim of exploiting some of the advantages that hydraulic mechanisms have over their mechanical equivalents. [Continues.]