Compound axial torsional hydraulic actuator

Claim 1

A compound axial torsional hydraulic actuator capable of supplying both linear and torsional outputs independently, including: a casing, a linear cylinder within the casing along an axis thereof, an axial actuator rod supported within the casing along the axis of the cylinder, an elongate torque plate intermediate the ends of the actuator rod, linear pistons adjacent each end of the torque plate and slidably mounted within the linear cylinder, a floating torque transfer ring mounted coaxially with the actuator rod and slidably encircling the torque plate, at least one moving vane extending radially outwardly fron the transfer ring, at least one fixed vane extending radially inwardly from the casing, intermediate the ends of the linear cylinder, whereby said vanes, case and transfer ring constitute a torsional actuator, floating torsional pistons within the transfer ring arranged to act upon the torque plate, said torsional pistons being radially spaced from the longitudinal axis of the torque plate, port means establishing hydraulic communication for linear movement with each linear piston, port means for establishing hydraulic communication with each side of the fixed vane within the torsional actuator, and passageways extending from each side of the moving vane to the floating torsional pistons whereby hydraulic force applied against the fixed vane is reacted against hydraulic force transferred through the transfer ring to the torsional piston.