Patent ID: 9222559
Filing Date: 2015-12-29
Classification: F03G,F16H,H02K,Y10T

Abstract:
1. An actuator, comprising: a fixed member; a free member operatively engaged with said fixed member so that said free member is moveable with respect to said fixed member; a connector member, said connector member engaging said fixed member and said free member so that said connector member is moveable with respect to said fixed member and said free member; an elastic element operatively associated with said connector member and said free member, said elastic element having a variable compliance; and means for moving operatively associated with said connector member and said fixed member so that said means for moving moves said connector member with respect to said fixed member, said actuator being operable to store energy in said elastic element without a change in an overall length of said actuator, wherein said means for moving comprises a motor mounted to said fixed member; a lead screw mounted for rotation to said fixed member and operatively connected to said motor so that said motor can rotate said lead screw; and a nut mounted to said connector member and operatively engaged with said lead screw, rotation of said lead screw causing said connector member to move with respect to said fixed member.