Fluid power actuator utilizing a screw assembly

Loading apparatus, comprising:

• a base;
• a loading assembly having a first end coupled with the base and a second end constructed and arranged to carry a load;
• and
• a fluid power actuator including:
• a fluid power actuator housing coupled with the base,
• a piston assembly coupled with the second end of the loading assembly, the piston assembly being constructed and arranged to move relative to the fluid power actuator housing in response to changes in fluid pressure within the fluid power actuator housing,
• a screw assembly coupled with the fluid power actuator housing and the piston assembly, the screw assembly being constructed and arranged to control movement of the piston assembly relative to the fluid power actuator housing,
• a load sensor coupled with the fluid power actuator housing and a screw of the screw assembly,
• a fluid pumping assembly coupled with the fluid power actuator housing, and
• an electronic controller coupled with the load sensor and the fluid pumping assembly, the electronic controller being constructed and arranged to receive a sensor signal from the load sensor and operate the fluid pumping assembly to provide the changes in the fluid pressure based on the sensor signal.