Patent ID: 8261625
Filing Date: 2012-09-11
Classification: F16H,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A stepper actuator comprising: a central gear selectively rotatable in clockwise and counter-clockwise directions; a first actuation member selectively moveable from a retracted position through a first actuation cycle, the first actuation member including a first actuation link and a first pawl which is pivotally connected to the first actuation link and selectively movable between engaged and disengaged positions relative thereto, the first pawl being operative to releasably engage and incrementally rotate the central gear through a prescribed angular displacement in the clockwise direction when in the engaged position and upon the movement of the first actuation member through the first actuation cycle; a second actuation member selectively moveable from a retracted position through a second actuation cycle, the second actuation member including a second actuation link and a second pawl which is pivotally connected to the second actuation link and selectively movable between engaged and disengaged positions relative thereto, the second pawl being operative to releasably engage and incrementally rotate the central gear through a prescribed angular displacement in the counter-clockwise direction when in the engaged position and upon the movement of the second actuation member through the second actuation cycle; a brake drum cooperatively engaged to the central gear so as to be concurrently rotatable therewith; and a braking assembly operatively coupled to the first and second actuation members, the braking assembly being frictionally engaged to the brake drum to prevent rotation of the brake drum and the central gear when the first and second actuation members are each in the retracted position, and disengaged from the brake drum when one of the first and second actuation members is moved from the retracted position into a respective one of the first and second actuation cycles.