Environmentally sealed combustion powered linear actuator

A combustion powered linear actuator comprising:

• an actuator body having a first chamber therein;
• a power piston mounted in the first chamber movable between retracted and extended positions, the power piston having a combustion chamber therein;
• a vent gland disposed between the actuator body and the power piston defining a vent chamber between the vent gland and the actuator body;
• a seal portion on a distal end of the power piston;
• and
• a seal mounted to the vent gland proximate to a distal end of the actuator body configured to cooperate with the seal portion on the distal end of the power piston in sealing the vent chamber when the power piston is retracted.

A combustion powered linear actuator comprising:

• an actuator body having a first chamber therein;
• a power piston mounted in the first chamber moveable between retracted and extended positions, the power piston including a combustion chamber therein;
• a vent region in the actuator body configured to exhaust gases from the first chamber to an environment outside the actuator body through one or more ports;
• a first group of one or more seals configured to seal the combustion chamber of the power piston with respect to the first chamber of the actuator body when the power piston is in the retracted position;
• and
• a second group of one or more seals configured to seal the one or more ports in the vent region with respect to the environments when the power piston is in the retracted position, the second group of one or more seals configured to exhaust gases to the environment when the power piston extends.

A combustion powered linear actuator comprising:

• an actuator body having a first chamber therein;
• a power piston mounted in the first chamber and moveable between retracted and extended positions, the power piston including a proximal port, a combustion chamber, and a nozzle tapering outwardly from the proximal port to the combustion chamber configured to reduce sealing area and latching force;
• a spring configured to bias the power piston into the retracted position;
• and
• a latch configured to releasably retain the power piston in the retracted position.

A combustion powered linear actuator comprising:

• an actuator body having a first chamber therein;
• a power piston mounted in the first chamber and moveable between retracted and extended positions, the power piston having a combustion chamber therein;
• a spring configured to bias the power piston into the retracted position;
• and
• a magnetic latch in the first chamber configured to releasably retain the power piston in the retracted position.