Patent ID: 7213504
Filing Date: 2007-05-08
Classification: B66C,F15B

Abstract:
1. A hydraulic actuator comprising: a rack assembly positioned within a housing; the rack assembly configured to move linearly within the housing; the rack assembly comprising at least one set of gear teeth; the rack assembly further comprising a rack gland operatively connected to the rack assembly so that it will slide when a greater hydraulic force is exerted on one side of the gland than is exerted on the other side of the gland, wherein the rack gland is configured as a rigid, longitudinal, annular member with a first end, a second end, and a sidewall, the annular member is open on the first end and substantially closed on the second end forming an inside and an outside of the annular member, and the annular member is further configured with a lip extending from the annular member around the outside of the first end, and the hydraulic actuator further configured so that a fluid exerts pressure on the inside of the second end of the annular member to move the rack assembly a first direction, the actuator further configured so that a fluid exerts pressure on the outside end of the second end of the annular member and the lip to move the rack assembly opposite the first direction; and at least one pinion gear rotatably situated within the housing so that the pinion gear contacts the set of gear teeth and rotates as the rack assembly moves linearly within the housing.