Linear actuator
OwnerJohn F. Schwarzinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus and method for displacing a linear output member by wrapping at least a pair of flexible strands around the periphery of the linear member. The flexible strands are each attached at each end to spaced-apart rotatable members. Rotation of the rotatable members in opposite direction causes engagement of the flexible strands with the linear member as a wrap around the periphery of the linear member. After a grip is effected on the linear member, rotation of the rotatable members in the same direction causes the linear member to be linearly displaced.
Claims11
A rotary to linear motion transformer comprising an elongate member, a plurality of flexible strands disposed around said elongate member each attached at an end to a first rotatable member and at the other end to a second rotatable member, means for rotating said first and second rotatable members in one direction and in opposite directions, whereby rotation of said first and second rotatable members in opposite direction causes said strands to wrap around said elongate member for effecting a grip on said elongate member, and whereby rotation of said rotatable member in the same direction linearly displaces said elongate member in the direction of wrap of said strands.
A method for transforming rotary motion to linear motion comprising effecting a grip on a linearly displacable elongate member by means of a plurality of flexible strands having one end attached to a first input rotatable member and the other end attached to second input rotatable member, said strands being disposed coaxially around said linear output member, rotating said rotatable members in opposite directions for causing said strands to wrap around said linear output member for effecting a grip thereon, and rotating said rotatable members in the same direction for causing said grip to be linearly displaced in one direction corresponding to the direction of wrap of said strands around said linear output member.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.