Patent ID: 7698895
Filing Date: 2010-04-20
Classification: F15B

Abstract:
1. An actuator comprising an actuator element movably supported at an actuator housing, a pyrotechnic pressure element to move the actuator element and a control means to control a force exerted onto the actuator element by the pressure element to move the actuator element, said control means including a spacer cup base disposed within said housing intermediate said pressure element and actuator element, and forming a fixed, reduced diameter opening operative to establish a pressure drop thereacross, said actuator further comprising a grouting element arranged between the actuator element and the actuator housing, wherein the grouting element has a shear section which cooperates with the actuator housing such that a substantial movement of the actuator element relative to the actuator housing is only possible after a shearing of the shear section from the grouting element, wherein said grouting element has a generally cylindrical portion disposed concentrically with said piston main portion and extending continuously axially between a leading surface of said piston head section and a radially extending shoulder formed in said actuator housing, said frangible radially extending shear section abutting the actuator housing shoulder, wherein the generally cylindrical portion of said grouting element remains in situ with the piston main portion as it traverses between the retracted position and extended position, and wherein the generally cylindrical portion of said grouting element carried with the piston main portion has an outer diameter surface which is axially spaced from an adjacent inner diameter surface of said stepped housing bore.