Linear actuator with controllable output force
AssigneeHoneywell Inc.
InventorDonald J. Kasprzyk
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An actuator suitable for use with a valve has a design allowing for easy control or adjustment of the force applied to the valve. The actuator motor has a cam which operates a follower surface of a spring-loaded arm mounted for rotation on a carriage. The carriage is mounted for linear motion and connected to the control element of the valve. The actuation force can be controlled or adjusted by changing the relative positions of the arm's center of rotation, the point on the arm at which the spring applies force, and the position of the cam. In a preferred embodiment, the position of the arm's center of rotation is changed by moving a pin from one set of holes in the carriage and the arm to a second set of holes in the carriage and the arm.
Claims11
Linear actuator apparatus to be driven by a motor having a rotating output shaft on which is mounted a cam having a camming surface, said motor to be fixed to a bracket for mounting on a device to be actuated, said linear actuator apparatus comprising a carrier mounted for translation on the bracket, an arm mounted for rotation on the carrier and having a follower surface juxtaposed to the cam's camming surface, and resilient means mounted on the carrier and in contact with the arm for creating torque on the arm urging the arm's follower surface into contact with the cam.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.