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US 4,858,491 AGranted
Fail-free actuator assembly
AssigneePlessey Incorporated
InventorEugene E. Shube
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A mechanical actuator assembly which automatically releases the load controlled by the actuator when the actuator jams or otherwise fails. The actuator assembly has two kinetic energy sources, the outputs of which are normally summed for application to the load. A monitoring device monitors the two kinetic energy outputs. When the relationship between those outputs deviates substantially from a predetermined relationship, the load is disconnected from the actuator assembly.
Claims29
An actuator assembly for selectively moving a load, said actuator assembly comprising:
- first means for normally producing a first kinetic energy output;
- second means for normally producing a second kinetic energy output concurrently with said first kinetic energy output;
- third means responsive to said first and second kinetic energy outputs for normally producing a third kinetic energy output which is the sum of said first and second kinetic energy outputs;
- fourth means for normally applying said third kinetic energy output to said load to cause said load to move;
- first force limiting coupling means operatively connected between said first means and said third means for preventing force in excess of a first predetermined force threshold from being transmitted from said first means to said third means via said first kinetic energy output;
- fifth means for monitoring said first and second kinetic energy outputs and for producing an output indication in the event that the relationship between said first and second kinetic energy outputs deviates from a predetermined relationship;
- and
- sixth means responsive to said output indication for causing said fourth means to disconnect said load from said third kinetic energy output.
5 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.