US3713685A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Flexible actuator
Assignee: Goodrich Corp
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Filing: 1970-10-29
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Granted: 1973-01-30
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Expires: 1990-10-29
Abstract
Abstract A tubular flexible actuator disposed in a generally U-shaped configuration with at least a portion of the legs of the actuator formed of elastomeric material with a common side of each leg having less than one-half the transverse periphery thereof reinforced with an inextensible but flexible longitudinal member. The ends of the actuator are connected to a source of fluid under pressure so that upon internal pressurization of the actuator it curls about the sides having the inextensible member.
Inventors
- 👤 D Ewing
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 17:18
CPC Classifications
B; B25; B25J; B25J15/00; B25J15/08; B25J15/12; B66; B66C; B66C1/00; B66C1/10; B66C1/42; B66C1/44; B66C1/46
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
131 words
A flexible actuator comprising: a. an elongated member extending in a generally U-shape configuration with longitudinal portions adjacent each end thereof formed of tubularly shaped elastically flexible material, said portions each having a portion of the circumferential periphery with lesser longitudinal extensibility than the remainder thereof; and, b. a fluid pressure manifold having an inlet port and a pair of spaced transfer ports thereon with each of the opposite ends of said member connected respectively to one of said ports and with the said regions of lesser extensibility disposed in the same side of said member and on one side of the plane formed by said member, whereby the introduction of fluid pressure into said flexible tubular portions causes the latter to curl about a common axis parallel to said plane.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
131 words
A flexible actuator comprising: a. an elongated member extending in a generally U-shape configuration with longitudinal portions adjacent each end thereof formed of tubularly shaped elastically flexible material, said portions each having a portion of the circumferential periphery with lesser longitudinal extensibility than the remainder thereof; and, b. a fluid pressure manifold having an inlet port and a pair of spaced transfer ports thereon with each of the opposite ends of said member connected respectively to one of said ports and with the said regions of lesser extensibility disposed in the same side of said member and on one side of the plane formed by said member, whereby the introduction of fluid pressure into said flexible tubular portions causes the latter to curl about a common axis parallel to said plane.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
131 words
A flexible actuator comprising: a. an elongated member extending in a generally U-shape configuration with longitudinal portions adjacent each end thereof formed of tubularly shaped elastically flexible material, said portions each having a portion of the circumferential periphery with lesser longitudinal extensibility than the remainder thereof; and, b. a fluid pressure manifold having an inlet port and a pair of spaced transfer ports thereon with each of the opposite ends of said member connected respectively to one of said ports and with the said regions of lesser extensibility disposed in the same side of said member and on one side of the plane formed by said member, whereby the introduction of fluid pressure into said flexible tubular portions causes the latter to curl about a common axis parallel to said plane.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
131 words
A flexible actuator comprising: a. an elongated member extending in a generally U-shape configuration with longitudinal portions adjacent each end thereof formed of tubularly shaped elastically flexible material, said portions each having a portion of the circumferential periphery with lesser longitudinal extensibility than the remainder thereof; and, b. a fluid pressure manifold having an inlet port and a pair of spaced transfer ports thereon with each of the opposite ends of said member connected respectively to one of said ports and with the said regions of lesser extensibility disposed in the same side of said member and on one side of the plane formed by said member, whereby the introduction of fluid pressure into said flexible tubular portions causes the latter to curl about a common axis parallel to said plane.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The actuator defined in claim 1, wherein said member has the portion intermediate said flexible portions formed of a rigid material.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
53 words
The actuator defined in claim 1, wherein a said flexible tubularly shaped portions are formed of elastic material; and, b said portions of lesser longitudinal extensibility are formed of a substantially inextensible longitudinally extending tension member embedded in the wall of said tubular portions for less than one half the transverse periphery thereof.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
The actuator defined in claim 3, wherein said tubular portions each have a layer of circumferentially extending inextensible reinforcement embedded therein which layer extends continuously throughout the length of said tubular portion.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
35 words
The actuator defined in claim 3, wherein said inextensible tension member comprises at least one ply of a plurality of substantially weftless cords extending longitudinally of the tubular portions and disposed transversely in a row.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
30 words
The actuator defined in claim 3, wherein said inextensible tension member comprises at least one generally flat strip elongated in transverse section formed of a homogeneous flexible yet inextensible material.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
31 words
The actuator defined in claim 1, wherein the portion of said member intermediate said tubular end portions is formed in tubular shape such that said member has a continuous bore therethrough.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
54 words
The actuator defined in claim 7, wherein a. said member is formed entirely of tubularly shaped elastic material; and, b. said portions of lesser longitudinal extensibility are each formed of a substantially inextensible longitudinally extending tension member embedded in the wall of said tubular portions for less than one half the transverse periphery thereof.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
33 words
The actuator defined in claim 8, wherein said tubular member has at least one layer of circumferentially extending inextensible reinforcement embedded therein which layer extends continuously throughout the length of said tubular portion.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
43 words
The actuator defined in claim 9, wherein said inextensible circumferential layer is overlapped in the region of said tension member. 11 The actuator defined in claim 10, wherein said tension member is disposed radially intermediate the overlapped ends of said inextensible circumferential layer.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-01-30 | 1976-07-31 | 1977-01-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-01-30 | 1980-07-31 | 1981-01-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-01-30 | 1984-07-31 | 1985-01-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |