Patent ID: 6511255
Filing Date: 2003-01-28
Classification: B23Q,F15B,F16B,Y10T

Abstract:
A locking device, comprising:first and second symmetrically arranged clamping jaws, each clamping jaw having an opening permitting passage of a rod therethrough, each opening having a midpoint through which a longitudinal axis of the opening passes; a tilt bearing having the clamping jaws tiltably positioned thereon for tilting between a released position in which the openings are aligned to permit longitudinal movement of the rod and a locked position in which the openings intersect at an angle to inhibit longitudinal movement of the rod; a first spring urging the clamping jaws to the locked position; a sleeve member having a piston chamber therein; an actuating piston positioned in the piston chamber and responsive to introduction of a fluid into the piston chamber to move from a first position to a second position; an actuating nose on the actuating piston, the actuating nose contacting the clamping jaws and allowing the first spring to bring the clamping jaws to the locked position when the actuating piston is in its first position, the actuating nose moving the clamping jaws to the released position when the actuating piston is moved to its second position; the distance from the midpoint of each opening to the actuating nose being less than the distance from the midpoint to the tilt bearing.