Patent ID: 7748308
Filing Date: 2010-07-06
Classification: B30B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A pneumatically biasable mechanical linear actuator apparatus, for exerting a bidirectional force along an axis of motion between a first structure and a second structure, wherein at least one of the structures is movable along the axis of motion, the linear actuator apparatus comprising, at least one pneumatically biasable linear actuator having: a driving and a driven member connected to one another in a mechanical drive arrangement for motion relative to one another along the axis of motion; and a pneumatic biasing arrangement operatively connected between the driving member and the driven member for applying a unidirectional biasing force between the driving and driven members, along the axis of motion, regardless of the location or movement of the driving and driven elements with respect to one another along the axis of motion; and a volume adjusting element movably disposed within the fluid cavity for modifying the volume available for receiving pressurized fluid in the cavity; the pneumatic biasing arrangement comprising, first and second pneumatic cylinder elements connected to one another for reciprocal movement with respect to one another along the axis of motion and collectively defining a fluid cavity therebetween defining a volume for receiving a pressurized fluid, the first cylinder element being fixedly attached to the driving member for movement therewith along the axis of motion, and the second cylinder element being fixedly attached to the driven member for movement therewith, such that relative movement of the driven and driving members with respect to one another in one direction along the axis of motion causes an increase in the volume of the cavity and movement of the driven and driving members with respect to one another in an opposite direction along the axis of motion causes a decrease in the volume of the cavity.