Drive mechanism for transmitting force and motion along a path
AssigneeFeramatic AG
InventorJurg Eberle
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A drive mechanism with a fluid-operable system can be adapted to a general path configuration. The mechanism includes coaxial tubes following a desired path configuration with the inner tube longitudinally slotted in a sealable manner. A fluid-actuated annular piston surrounds the inner tube and operates in the chamber between the inner and outer tubes with a member extending therefrom toward the piston center and extending in the inner tube slot. A flexible force transmission member is provided within the inner tube and extends longitudinally therein, transmitting the motion or force of the piston to a location of use.
Claims17
A drive mechanism comprising
- a first tubular member following a predetermined path;
- a second tubular member substantially concentrically surrounding and spaced from said first member and following the same path;
- means for closing the space between said first and second members at longitudinally spaced locations and restraining said members against relative longitudinal movement, thereby defining an elongated annular chamber;
- a piston slidably surrounding said first member in said chamber;
- means for selectively introducing fluid under pressure into said chamber to cause longitudinal movement of said piston;
- a flexible transmission member extending through said first tubular member;
- and
- means for coupling the movement of said piston through the wall of said first tubular member to exert force on said transmission member.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.