Patent ID: 8870121

Claim:
An actuator for transmitting a force to move a load, comprising: an input device configured to apply the force in a rotary direction; a backstopping clutch configured to transmit the force only when directed in the rotary direction and to prevent back-driving of the input device in an opposite direction from the rotary direction; an overrunning clutch having a driving member transmitting the force in the rotary direction through a driven member to the load, wherein a direct force, also in the rotary direction, may be applied to move the load directly, not slowed, restrained or impeded by the driving member; a ratchet to rotationally drive an input shaft through the backstopping clutch, and to allow movement of the input device from a stroke-end position to a stroke-begin position; a torque limiter to prevent the input device from applying more than a threshold amount of torque; and planetary gearing to receive an input force from the backstopping clutch and to provide an output force to the overrunning clutch.