Actuator and method of operating same
OwnerTom Sutherlandinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Actuator (140) for providing intermittent movement to a member (151). The actuator (140) has actuator cushion members (150) which extend with the entry of air and which contract with the egress of air provided through air supply lines (151, 152) connected to the actuator through a valve (172). The member (161) moved by the actuator cushion members (150) is located between the actuator cushion members (150). As one actuator cushion member (150) fills with air, force is applied to the member (161) thereby to provide movement force. Simultaneously, air exits from the opposite actuator cushion member (150) allowing the movement of the member to proceed. A control system (161) provides the cycle and frequency of the air application to the actuator (140).
Claims23
Actuator for initiating movement of a bellcrank, said actuator comprising a frame and at least one flexible and expandable actuator cushion member mounted on one side of said frame and being operable to move said bellcrank.
Control unit for an actuator, said control unit having a first component to adjust the frequency of movement of a cushion member in operable contact with a bellcrank and a second component to adjust the cycle length of said movement of said bellcrank by said cushion member.
Method of initiating movement of a movable member comprising locating an actuator cushion member in operable relationship with said member and expanding and contracting said actuator cushion member to move said movable member while allowing sliding movement of said movable member relative to said cushion member at an interface between said cushion member and said movable member during said movement, said actuator cushion member moving said movable member through said expansion and contraction at predetermined time intervals.
Method of controlling an actuator comprising adjusting the frequency of operation of a cushion member in operable contact with a movable member with a first component and adjusting the length of the cycle of said operation of said cushion member with a second component.
Actuator for initiating movement of a movable member mounted remotely from said actuator, said actuator comprising a frame and at least one flexible and expandable actuator cushion member mounted on one side of said frame, said cushion member including a contact element between said cushion member and said movable member, said cushion member being operable to move said movable member by operable contact between said contact element and said movable member, said movable member moving relative to said contact element during said movement.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.