Patent ID: 7343846
Filing Date: 2008-03-18
Classification: B66F,F15B,F16C

Abstract:
1. An actuator for supporting a load, the actuator comprising: a cylinder including an annular wall defining an upper end and a lower end closed by a base; a piston including a piston head and piston rod extending upwardly from the piston head through the upper end of the cylinder, wherein the piston rod defines an upper end; a cylinder chamber disposed between the base and the piston head that is placed in selective communication with a fluid source and a fluid return to correspondingly extend and retract the piston; and a tilt saddle member that is supported by the upper end of the piston, the tilt saddle member having an upper surface that supports the load, wherein the tilt saddle member has a tilt saddle that wobbles relative to the piston in response to angular misalignments with the load; and a support member connected to the cylinder that can be raised relative to the cylinder to contact and support the tilt saddle member when the piston is extended.