Patent Publication Number: US-2023137001-A1

Title: Pneumatic remote actuating device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE 
     The present application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/000,797, filed on Mar. 27, 2020, and from U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/012,546, filed on Apr. 20, 2020, the entirety of both of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to the field of actuating devices. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a pneumatic remote actuating device. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Our world is filled with a myriad of actuating devices, for example pushbuttons, that are used to initiate operation of various machines, electronic devices, apparatuses, and the like. Some machines and apparatuses may be put in operation by actuation of a single pushbutton; as an example, some doors can be opened manually in a normal manner, or electrically by actuation of a pushbutton accessible to persons having various disabilities. Other machines and apparatuses may be operated by action of a number of pushbuttons; as an example, an elevator may be called to a floor by use of a pair of buttons for going up or down, a plurality of pushbuttons being accessible inside the elevator for selecting one of a plurality of floors. 
     Many of these pushbuttons can be pressed by users using their fingers. Unfortunately, pushbuttons may become hosts to a variety of germs, viruses and bacteria, and become vectors for contamination. This is a particularly severe issue during the COVID-19 pandemic of early 2020. Other problems related to conventional actuating devices include the difficulty for persons with some disabilities to use them as designed. 
     Many machines and apparatuses and designed to operate with conventional electronic remote controls. Other machines and apparatuses can be retrofitted to operate with electronic remote controls. However, retrofitting existing equipment may be time consuming and cost prohibitive. 
     Therefore, there is a need for improvements that compensate for problems related to the lack of hygiene of conventional actuating devices and to the difficulties in retrofitting existing equipment with electronic remote controls. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to the present disclosure, there is provided a pneumatic remote actuating device, comprising:
         a tube;   an actuator block comprising:
           a first enclosure defining a first compressible internal chamber fluidly connected to the tube, compressing the first compressible internal chamber causing an air pressure variation in the first internal chamber, the air pressure variation being transmitted from the first enclosure to the tube; and   
           an actuated block, comprising:
           a second enclosure defining a second internal chamber fluidly connected to the tube, the air pressure variation being transmitted from the tube to the second internal chamber, and   a pusher mounted to the second enclosure, the air pressure variation transmitted by the tube to the second internal chamber causing a displacement of the pusher.   
               

     In some implementations of the present technology, the actuator block further comprises a pushbutton slidably mounted to the first enclosure, wherein an inward movement of the pushbutton from a resting position to an activated position into the first enclosure compresses the first compressible internal chamber and causes the air pressure variation in the first internal chamber. 
     In some implementations of the present technology, at least one of the actuator block and the actuated block includes a leak allowing a reduction of the air pressure variation when the pushbutton returns to the resting position. 
     In some implementations of the present technology, the tube is selected from a flexible tube and a rigid tube. 
     In some implementations of the present technology, the second enclosure of the actuated block includes a generally flat rear face adapted to be bonded to a receiving surface; and the displacement of the pusher extends from the generally flat rear face of the second enclosure. 
     In some implementations of the present technology, the first enclosure of the actuator block includes a generally flat rear face adapted to be bonded to a receiving surface; and an external face of the pushbutton extends away from the generally flat rear face of the first enclosure when in the resting position. 
     In some implementations of the present technology, the pushbutton is adapted to be foot-operated. 
     In some implementations of the present technology, the biasing element is located within the first enclosure and is positioned to be compressed when the pushbutton is moved from the resting position to the activated position. 
     In some implementations of the present technology, the biasing element comprises a coil spring. 
     In some implementations of the present technology, the pusher is unbiased. 
     In some implementations of the present technology, applying an external pressure on the pushbutton causes the inward movement of the pushbutton from a resting position to an activated position. 
     In some implementations of the present technology, the actuator block further comprises a biasing element adapted to cause the pushbutton to return to the resting position when no external pressure is applied on the pushbutton. 
     In some implementations of the present technology, the actuator block further comprises a first channel formed in the first enclosure, the first channel fluidly connecting the first internal channel to the tube to transmit the air pressure variation from the first enclosure to the tube. 
     In some implementations of the present technology, the actuated block further comprises a second channel formed in the second enclosure, a first end of the second channel fluidly connecting the tube to the second internal chamber to transmit the air pressure variation from the tube to the second internal chamber, the pusher being positioned at a second end of the second channel so that the air pressure variation transmitted by the tube to the second internal chamber causes the displacement of the pusher. 
     In some implementations of the present technology, the pusher is slidably mounted to the second enclosure, the pusher having a resting position and an activated position, the displacement of the pusher being obtained when the air pressure variation transmitted by the tube to the second internal chamber causes the pusher to move from the resting position to the activated position. 
     In some implementations of the present technology, the activated block comprises a pivot, the pusher being supported by the pivot, the displacement of the pusher being obtained when the air pressure variation transmitted by the tube to the second internal chamber causes pivoting of the pusher. 
     In some implementations of the present technology, the actuator block further comprises a first diaphragm fluidly connected to the first internal chamber, the inward movement of the pushbutton in the first enclosure causing a deflection of the first diaphragm and, in turn, causing the air pressure variation in the first internal chamber. 
     In some implementations of the present technology, the actuated block further comprises a second diaphragm fluidly connected to the second internal chamber, the air pressure variation transmitted by the tube to the second internal chamber causing a deflection of the diaphragm and, in turn, causing the displacement of the pusher. 
     In some implementations of the present technology, the air pressure variation is a variation in relation to an ambient atmospheric pressure. 
     In some implementations of the present technology, the air pressure variation is an increase of air pressure. 
     In some implementations of the present technology, the air pressure variation is a decrease of air pressure. 
     According to the present disclosure, there is also provided a pair of pneumatic remote actuating devices. A first actuated block of a first pneumatic remote actuating device is operable to cause a rocker switch to move from a first to a second position. A second actuated block of a second pneumatic remote actuating device is operable to cause the rocker switch to move from the second to the first position. 
     The present disclosure further provides a set comprising a plurality of pneumatic remote actuating devices. Each pusher of the set is operable to cause activation of a corresponding elevator button. 
     The foregoing and other features will become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of illustrative embodiments thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments of the disclosure will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG.  1    is an illustrative block diagram of a pneumatic remote actuating device according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view of an actuator block of the pneumatic remote actuating device of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    is an exploded perspective view of the actuator block of  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  4    is another exploded perspective view of the actuator block of  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  5    is a front elevation view of an actuated block of the pneumatic remote actuating device of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  6    is a perspective view of the actuated block of  FIG.  5   ; 
         FIG.  7    is a side elevation view of the actuated block of  FIG.  5    in a resting position; 
         FIG.  8    is a side elevation view of the actuated block of  FIG.  5    in an actuated position; 
         FIG.  9    is a perspective view of an actuated block of the pneumatic remote actuating device according to another embodiment; 
         FIG.  10    is a transparent perspective view of the actuated block of the pneumatic remote actuating device of  FIG.  9   ; 
         FIG.  11    is a transparent side elevation view of the actuated block of the pneumatic remote actuating device of  FIG.  9   ; 
         FIG.  12    is a front perspective view of an actuated block having a pivoting pusher according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  13    is a rear perspective view of the actuated block having a pivoting pusher of  FIG.  13   ; 
         FIG.  14    is a front elevation view of a rocker switch and of two actuated block having pivoting pushers; 
         FIG.  15    is a perspective view of an assembly comprising a plurality of pneumatic remote actuating devices installed in an elevator according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  16    is a perspective detailed view of an upper part of the assembly of  FIG.  15   ; 
         FIG.  17    is a front elevation detailed view of the upper part of the assembly of  FIG.  15   ; 
         FIG.  18    is a perspective, external view of an elevator door showing two pneumatic remote actuating devices usable to call the elevator for moving up or down between floors; 
         FIG.  19    is a perspective detailed view of a lower part of the assembly of  FIG.  15   ; 
         FIG.  20 A  is front perspective view of a pneumatic remote actuating device according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  20 B  is a rear perspective view of the pneumatic remote actuating device of  FIG.  20 A ; 
         FIG.  21 A  is a side cross-sectional view of an actuated block according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  21 B  is a perspective, cross-sectional view of the actuated block of  FIG.  21 A ; 
         FIG.  21 C  is a perspective, transparent view of the actuated block of  FIG.  21 A ; 
         FIG.  22 A  is a side cross-sectional view of an actuator block according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  22 B  is a perspective, cross-sectional view of the actuator block of  FIG.  22 A ; 
         FIG.  22 C  is a perspective, transparent view of the actuator block of  FIG.  22 A ; 
         FIG.  23 A  is a side perspective view of an actuator block according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  23 B  is a side elevation view of the actuator block of  FIG.  23 A ; 
         FIG.  23 C  is a side elevation view of the actuator block of  FIG.  23 A  mounted on a receiving surface; and 
         FIG.  24    is a perspective view of an assembly comprising a plurality of actuator blocks of  FIG.  23 A . 
     
    
    
     Like numerals represent like features on the various drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Various aspects of the present disclosure generally address one or more of the problems of the lack of hygiene of conventional actuating devices and to the difficulties in retrofitting existing equipment with electronic remote controls. 
     The present technology introduces a pneumatic remote actuating device that includes an actuator block, an actuated block and a tube connecting the actuator block to the actuated block. As viewed externally, the actuator block includes an enclosure that can be mounted on a generally flat surface, for example and without limitation using a double side adhesive tape to mount the actuator block, for example on a lower part of a wall or on a floor. A pushbutton protrudes in front of the actuator block. Depressing the pushbutton causes an air pressure variation (either an increase of air pressure or a vacuum) within an internal chamber contained in the enclosure. This air pressure variation is transmitted from the actuator block, via the tube, to the actuated block. The actuated block comprises its own enclosure that can be mounted on a generally flat surface, for example and without limitation using a double side adhesive tape, to place the actuated block in an overlapping position over an external pushbutton to be activated. The air pressure variation transmitted from the actuator block to the actuated block causes an displacement of a pusher mounted in the enclosure of the actuated block. As a result, the pusher presses on the external pushbutton. 
     In an embodiment, when the pushbutton of the actuator block is released, it returns to a resting position, for example by action of a biasing element such as a coil spring. This action tends to reduce the air pressure variation throughout the pneumatic remote actuating device, facilitating a return of the pusher to its own resting position. In many cases, the external pushbutton will also include its own biasing means that will further facilitate the return of the pusher to its resting position. 
     In a use case, the external pushbutton, which would normally be depressed by a finger of a user, is thus actuated by action of a foot of the user on the pushbutton of the actuator block and on the resulting pressure applied on the pusher. In this manner, both hands of the user may remain free, for example for holding bags, a box, and the like. The user may also avoid touching the external pushbutton with fingers, particularly when there is a reason to be concerned about the presence of germs, bacteria, or viruses on the external pushbutton. The pushbutton of the actuator block may also be pushed by the foot of a child who is not sufficiently tall to reach the external pushbutton. 
     In an embodiment, the pusher may be mounted on a pivot within the enclosure of the actuated block. In a non-limiting use case of this embodiment, two pneumatic remote actuating devices may be used to operate a rocker switch such as those that are commonly used to turn on and off residential lighting. A first pivoting pusher of a first pneumatic remote actuating device may be used to move the rocker switch from a first position to a second position, for example to turn on the lights. A second pivoting pusher of a second pneumatic remote actuating device may be used to move the rocker switch from the second position to the first position, for example to turn off the lights. 
     In another embodiment, a set comprising a plurality of pneumatic remote actuating devices may be assembled to control a plurality of corresponding external pushbuttons. In a non-limiting use case, such a set may be used to operate a number of pushbuttons of an elevator. For example, in a hospital where sanitary conditions are important, it becomes possible to select a floor or to cause opening and closing of the doors without touching any of the conventional external pushbuttons of the elevator with one&#39;s fingers. 
     In the same or other embodiments, the actuated block and the pusher may be sized and configured to apply pressure on an external pushbutton while leaving a sufficiently large area of the external pushbutton to allow conventional actuation with fingers of a user. 
     The present technology may be used in many more use cases, for example in industrial, commercial, transport or residential applications. One or more pneumatic remote actuating devices may be installed within a few minutes, using for example double side adhesive tape to mount the actuator and actuated blocks in desired positions. Use of magnets to mount the actuator and/or the actuated blocks on a metallic surface is also contemplated. The pneumatic remote actuating devices may be installed on a temporary basis. Alternatively, for more permanent uses, the actuator and actuated blocks may be mounted in desired positions using glue, screws, and the like, also using ordinary tools. The pneumatic remote actuating devices may also be dismounted by hand or using ordinary tools. In the particular case of a set comprising a plurality of pneumatic remote actuating devices, the actuator blocks may be mounted on a track and the actuated blocks may be mounted on another track. In turn, the tracks may be temporarily or permanently affixed on receiving surfaces. No modification of existing installations is required in most circumstances. The present technology does not require any electrical power or wiring. 
     Referring now to the drawings,  FIG.  1    is an illustrative block diagram of a pneumatic remote actuating device according to an embodiment. A pneumatic remote actuating device  100  is used to operate an external pushbutton  10 . The pneumatic remote actuating device  100  includes an actuator block  110  having an enclosure  112 . A pushbutton  114  protrudes from the enclosure  112 . Without limitation, the enclosure  112  and the pushbutton  114  may be made of a sturdy construction to be repeatedly actuated by the feet of users. The actuator block  110  is connected to an actuated block  130  via a tube  120 , for example a flexible tube. It is also contemplated that the actuator block  110  and the actuated block  130  may be connected via a rigid tube. The actuated block  130  is installed next to the external pushbutton so that a pusher  132  of the actuated block  130  overlaps at least in part over the external pushbutton  10 . Depressing the pushbutton  114  on the actuator block  110  causes an increase of air pressure within the enclosure  112 . This air pressure variation is transmitted via the tube  120  to the actuated block  130 , causing the pusher  132  to press on the external pushbutton  10 . A different construction of the actuator block  110  and of the actuated block  130  may cause a decrease of air pressure (a vacuum) to be transmitted via the tube  120  from the actuator block  110  to the actuated block  130 , also resulting in causing the pusher  132  to press on the external pushbutton  10 . In an embodiment, pneumatic remote actuating device  100  may be operated at ambient atmospheric pressure, and the air pressure variation may be a variation in relation to the ambient atmospheric pressure. 
       FIG.  2    is a perspective view of an actuator block of the pneumatic remote actuating device of  FIG.  1   .  FIG.  3    is an exploded perspective view of the actuator block of  FIG.  2   .  FIG.  4    is another exploded perspective view of the actuator block of  FIG.  2   . Referring to  FIGS.  2 - 4   , a channel  116  is formed in an internal chamber  118  formed in the enclosure  112  of the actuator block  110  to provide a fluid connection between the internal chamber  118  and the tube  120 . When an external pressure is applied on the pushbutton  114 , the pushbutton  114  slides inward of the enclosure  112  and compresses the air present in the internal chamber  118 , thereby causing the increase of pressure. 
     Although not shown various arrangements are provided to ensure that the pushbutton  114  is not dislodged from the actuator block  110  when no external pressure is applied thereon. These arrangements may include forming a lip on a back end of the pushbutton  114 , the lip preventing removal of the pushbutton from the enclosure  112 . Clips may also be used. The person of ordinary skill in the art will readily able to develop such arrangements. 
       FIG.  5    is a front elevation view of an actuated block of the pneumatic remote actuating device of  FIG.  1   .  FIG.  6    is a perspective view of the actuated block of  FIG.  5   . A channel  134  is formed in the actuated block  130 . The tube  120  is connected to the actuated block  130  via an entry port of the channel  134 . The pressure applied via the tube  120  reaches the channel  134  and causes a forward displacement of the pusher  132  that, in turn, applies pressure on the external pushbutton  10 . 
       FIG.  7    is a side elevation view of the actuated block of  FIG.  5    in a resting position.  FIG.  8    is a side elevation view of the actuated block of  FIG.  5    in an actuated position. In the embodiment of  FIGS.  7  and  8   , a cap  133 , for example a rubber cap, is mounted on a tip of the pusher  132 . When there is no excess pressure in the channel  134  (the channel  134  being generally at atmospheric pressure), the pusher  132  is in the resting position as shown on  FIG.  7   . Under an increase of pressure in the channel  134 , the pusher  132  moves to its actuated position as shown on  FIG.  8   , pushing on the external pushbutton  10 . Although  FIG.  7    illustrates a space between the cap  133  and a surface of the external pushbutton  10 , the actuated bock  130  may be sized and configured so that the cap  133  rests lightly on the pushbutton  10  when in the resting position. In most occurrences, the external pushbutton will be biased to return to its own resting position when not pressed; this action of the external pushbutton  10  may facilitate a return of the pusher  132  to its resting position when there is no excess pressure in the channel  134 . In an embodiment, at least one of the actuator block  110  and the actuated block  130  may include a leak allowing a reduction of air pressure when the pushbutton returns to the resting position. In another embodiment, the entire pneumatic remote actuating device  100  may be fully sealed and devoid of any significant leak. 
       FIG.  9    is a perspective view of an actuated block of the pneumatic remote actuating device according to another embodiment.  FIG.  10    is a transparent perspective view of the actuated block of the pneumatic remote actuating device of  FIG.  9   .  FIG.  11    is a transparent side elevation view of the actuated block of the pneumatic remote actuating device of  FIG.  9   . As seen on  FIGS.  9 - 11   , the channel  134  may have various shapes and may have an enlarged port for ease of connection of the tube  120 . In contrast with FIGS.  5 - 8  in which a major part of the pusher  132  is internal to the actuated block  132 , the pusher  132  of  FIGS.  9 - 11    is for the most part external to the actuated block. 
     As in the case of pushbutton  114  and the actuator block  110 , various arrangements (not shown) are provided to ensure that the pusher  132  is not dislodged from the actuated block  130  when not in use or when in the resting position. 
       FIG.  12    is a front perspective view of an actuated block having a pivoting pusher according to an embodiment.  FIG.  13    is a rear perspective view of the actuated block having a pivoting pusher of  FIG.  13   .  FIG.  14    is a front elevation view of a rocker switch and of two actuated blocks having pivoting pushers. Referring to  FIGS.  12  and  13   , an actuated block  130 ′ may be used in connection with the actuator block  110  and the tube  120  as described hereinabove. A pusher has a rear end  132 A and a front end  1326 , the pushed being mounted on a pivot  136 . Application of a pressure in the channel  134  causes the pusher to rotate about the pivot  136 , resulting in a displacement of the front end  132 B of the pusher. The front end  132 B of the pusher may then press on a first end of a rocker switch  20 , causing the rocker switch  20  to move from a first position to a second position. In many instances, the rocker switch  20  is not biased to return to its first position when the pressure is released on its first end. As shown in  FIG.  14   , a pair of pneumatic remote actuating devices  100  may be used to control the rocker switch  20  supported by a mounting plate  22 . A front end  1326  of a first actuated block  130 ′ may be used to press on the first end of the rocker switch  20 , moving the rocker switch  20  from its first position to its second position, for example to turn on a light. A front end  132 B of a second actuated block  130 ′ may be used to press on a second end of the rocker switch  20 , moving the rocker switch  20  from its second position to its first position, for example to turn off the light. 
       FIG.  15    is a perspective view of an assembly comprising a plurality of pneumatic remote actuating devices installed in an elevator according to an embodiment.  FIG.  16    is a perspective detailed view of an upper part of the assembly of  FIG.  15   .  FIG.  17    is a front elevation detailed view of the upper part of the assembly of  FIG.  15   .  FIG.  18    is a perspective, external view of an elevator door showing two pneumatic remote actuating devices usable to call the elevator for moving up or down between floors.  FIG.  19    is a perspective detailed view of a lower part of the assembly of  FIG.  15   . A plurality of external pushbuttons  10  is installed inside an elevator  30 . A corresponding plurality of pneumatic remote actuating devices  100  is installed in the elevator  30 , without necessitating any modification to the electronics controlled by these external pushbuttons. Actuator blocks  110  may be mounted on a wall of the elevator  30 —they could alternatively be mounted on the floor, which would however be less convenient when cleaning the floor of the elevator. Each actuator block  110  is connected via a corresponding tube (not shown) to an actuated block  130  positioned near a corresponding external pushbutton  10 . In the illustrated embodiment, pushers  132  are positioned to depress on their respective external pushbuttons while allowing sufficient space on the surface of the external pushbuttons  10  to allow users to operate them with fingers in the conventional manner. The pneumatic remote actuating devices  100  may thus be installed both inside the elevator  30 , as show on  FIG.  15   , and on each floor where the elevator  30  may have external doors, as shown on  FIG.  18   . 
     As shown on  FIG.  19   , in an embodiment, a coil spring  119  may be mounted in the internal chamber  118  formed in the enclosure  112  of the actuator block  110 . The coil spring  119  is compressed when the pushbutton  114  is moved inward of the internal chamber  118 . When external pressure is released on the pushbutton  114 , the coil spring  119  distends and causes the pushbutton  114  to return to its resting position. 
       FIG.  20 A  is front perspective view of a pneumatic remote actuating device according to an embodiment.  FIG.  20 B  is a rear perspective view of the pneumatic remote actuating device of  FIG.  20 A . The shown pneumatic remove actuating device includes variants of the above-description actuator block and actuated block that are described in more details in connection with the following Figures. 
       FIG.  21 A  is a side cross-sectional view of an actuated block according to an embodiment.  FIG.  21 B  is a perspective, cross-sectional view of the actuated block of  FIG.  21 A .  FIG.  21 C  is a perspective, transparent view of the actuated block of  FIG.  21 A . The actuated block of  FIG.  21 A-C  differs from the previous actuated blocks  130  in two main aspects. In a first aspect, the actuated block contains a diaphragm  140  that reacts to a variation of air pressure in the tube that connects the actuated block to an actuator block. The variation of air pressure causes a deflection of the diaphragm  140 . In turn, the deflection of the diaphragm  140  causes a movement of pusher. In a second aspect, while the pusher is still pivotably mounted to an enclosure of the actuated device of the actuated block, major parts the pusher are external to the enclosure of the actuated device. 
       FIG.  22 A  is a side cross-sectional view of an actuator block according to an embodiment.  FIG.  22 B  is a perspective, cross-sectional view of the actuator block of  FIG.  22 A .  FIG.  22 C  is a perspective, transparent view of the actuator block of  FIG.  22 A . As in the case of the actuated block of  FIGS.  21 A-C , the actuator block of  FIGS.  22 A-C  comprises a diaphragm  142  mounted to its enclosure and resting on a pushbutton. Depressing the pushbutton causes a displacement of the diaphragm  142 , which in turn causes a variation of air pressure in the enclosure of the actuator block. This variation of air pressure is transmitted to the actuated block via the tube. In a non-limiting embodiment, use of the actuator block of  FIGS.  22 A-C  with the actuated block of  FIGS.  21 A-C  allows the pneumatic remote actuating device to be essentially leak-free. The actuator block of  FIGS.  22 A-C  and the actuated block  21 A-C may alternatively be used with components illustrated in earlier Figures of the present disclosure. 
       FIG.  23 A  is a side perspective view of an actuator block according to an embodiment.  FIG.  23 B  is a side elevation view of the actuator block of  FIG.  23 A .  FIG.  23 C  is a side elevation view of the actuator block of  FIG.  23 A  mounted on a receiving surface. The actuator block of  FIGS.  23 A-C  includes a deformable front external face  144  and a rear external face  146  that may be mounted on a receiving structure  148 . A compressible inner chamber is formed between the front and rear external faces  144  and  146 . When a pressure is applied on the deformable front external face  144 , the inner chamber becomes compressed and cause an air pressure to be applied on the tube for causing a movement of the actuated block. 
       FIG.  24    is a perspective view of an assembly comprising a plurality of actuator blocks of  FIG.  23 A . A number of actuator blocks are assembled for use with a plurality of corresponding actuated blocks, for example and without limitation to control an elevator. 
     Various mechanical devices having one or more external pushbuttons may be controlled in the same or equivalent manner. 
     Those of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the description of the pneumatic remote actuating device are illustrative only and are not intended to be in any way limiting. Other embodiments will readily suggest themselves to such persons with ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the disclosed pneumatic remote actuating device may be customized to offer valuable solutions to existing needs and problems the lack of hygiene of conventional actuating devices and to the difficulties in retrofitting existing equipment with electronic remote controls. In the interest of clarity, not all of the routine features of the implementations of the pneumatic remote actuating device are shown and described. In particular, combinations of features are not limited to those presented in the foregoing description as combinations of elements listed in the appended claims form an integral part of the present disclosure. It will, of course, be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation of the pneumatic remote actuating device, numerous implementation-specific decisions may need to be made in order to achieve the developer&#39;s specific goals, such as compliance with application-related, system-related, and business-related constraints, and that these specific goals will vary from one implementation to another and from one developer to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of engineering for those of ordinary skill in the field of actuating devices having the benefit of the present disclosure. 
     The present disclosure has been described in the foregoing specification by means of non-restrictive illustrative embodiments provided as examples. These illustrative embodiments may be modified at will. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.