Powered actuator
AssigneeTurnstyle Intellectual Property, LLC
InventorEdward J. Stull
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An actuator includes an inner member that defines an inner space within which a motor is supported. An outer member is supported for rotation about the inner member. A drive slot in the inner member is shaped to cause rotational movement responsive to axial movement of a motor without relative axial movement of the outer member relative to the inner member. A drive pin moved by the motor moves within the drive slot and is engaged to a drive channel of the outer member to facilitate rotation of the outer member about the axis.
Claims17
A powered actuator assembly comprising:
- a non-rotatable inner member defining an open inner space and including a drive slot;
- an outer member rotatable about the inner member including a drive channel;
- a single ball bearing centered along an axis of rotation of the outer member, wherein the single ball bearing supports the outer member on the inner member;
- a motor disposed within the open inner space of the inner member;
- and
- a drive pin driven by the motor and extending through the drive slot into the drive channel that rotates the outer member relative to the inner member without any vertical movement of either member along the axis of rotation.
An actuator for moving a closure member comprising:
- an inner member fixed relative to rotational movement of the closure member, the inner member having a drive slot;
- an outer member supported for movement about an axis of rotation on the inner member, wherein the closure is attached to the outer member;
- a single ball bearing centered along an axis of rotation of the outer member, wherein the single ball bearing supports the outer member on the inner member;
- a motor disposed within the open inner space of the inner member;
- and
- a drive pin driven by the motor and extending through the drive slot into the drive channel for rotating the outer member relative to the inner member without any vertical movement of either member along the axis of rotation.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.