Patent ID: 7631741

Claim:
An actuator linkage for imparting a rotating motion to a control shaft, said actuator linkage comprising: a linear actuator including an extendable and retractable arm, said arm including a pivotal end; a linkage bar having a longitudinal centerline, a first pivot location generally centered on the longitudinal centerline of said linkage bar and an oppositely-disposed second pivot location generally centered on the longitudinal centerline of said linkage bar; a slotted linkage bar having a longitudinal centerline, a first pivot location generally centered on the longitudinal centerline of said slotted linkage bar and an oppositely-disposed second pivot location having the shape of a slot generally centered on the longitudinal centerline of said slotted linkage bar; a control link having a first end constructed and arranged to connect to said control shaft and a second end defining a pivot location; wherein the pivot end of said extendable and retractable arm, the first pivot location of the linkage bar, and the first pivot location of the slotted linkage are all pivotally connected together; wherein the second end of said control link and the second pivot location of said slotted linkage bar are pivotally connected together; and said control link being constructed and arranged to move from a first slack position through a control shaft over-center position to a second slack position with movement of said extendable and retractable arm.