Apparatus for adjusting and locking a linear actuator

Claim 1

A linear actuator for actuation of a turbine nozzle and the like having infinite stroke adjustment and lockable at any position of its designated stroke, said actuator comprising a cylindrical actuator body, an actuator piston disposed within said actuator body for sliding movement therein, an actuator rod having a threaded portion thereon threadably attached to said actuator piston and extending outwardly therefrom, the extending portion of said actuator rod being adjustable in length, an actuator retract stop threadably attached to said actuator rod for limiting the travel of said actuator piston within said actuator body, means for locking said actuator rod in position in said actuator piston to prevent relative movement therebetween, means for locking said actuator retractor stop in position against said actuator body, load clevis attachments having openings therein in alignment with openings in said actuator rod, a shoulder bolt positioned through the aligned openings in said actuator rod and said clevis attachments, and a load piston pivotably attached to said actuator rod for linear movement therewith, whereby the load piston which is locked in position serves to control an electrical feedback precalibrated to give a known signal proportional to its stroke thereby indicating the position of the load.