Long stroke linear actuator
AssigneeSperry Corporation
InventorAndrew B. Pataki
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Disclosed is an electrically operated linear actuator which is modular in design such that each module provides a component of force required to cause translational motion to a load via a linear shaft. The actuator is designed so that all modules of the actuator are utilized to provide a maximum force for initial movement of the shaft, whereas only the last module is utilized to provide a minimum force when the shaft has completed most of its translational motion. Intermediate modules between the first and last modules provide components of force for translating the shaft that vary in a uniformly ascending order from the minimum to the maximum forces.
Claims1
A linear actuator for moving a shaft comprising:
- a plurality of successive modules mounted on said shaft, each module including an armature, a spacer and a flange;
- a first one of said modules being adjacent an endplate;
- only said first module having an armature fixedly connected to said shaft;
- means for urging each armature into engagement with an adjacent armature, said means including a resilient member only in said first module between said endplate and said fixed armature;
- said first module flange and armature having a gap therebetween;
- each module armature and flange having a gap therebetween;
- and
- said first module gap being greater than any successive module gap.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.