Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
164 words
A compound motion fluid actuator comprising a cylinder; a piston rod means disposed in said cylinder, wherein said piston rod means has a bore extending axially from one end and is closed at the opposite end; a shaft having opposite end faces and extending into said bore through said one end; means for coupling said shaft to said piston rod means for torsional engagement but to permit said piston rod means to move axially relative to said shaft; rotary actuator means for selectively rotating said shaft and thereby said piston rod means; means for providing pressurized fluid to said bore for causing said piston rod means to move in a direction away from said shaft, wherein pressurized fluid in said bore imparts a reaction force on the end face of said shaft located in said bore; and means for imparting a counteracting force, of substantially equal and opposite magnitude, on said shaft, for permitting free rotation of said shaft while said bore is pressurized.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
164 words
A compound motion fluid actuator comprising a cylinder; a piston rod means disposed in said cylinder, wherein said piston rod means has a bore extending axially from one end and is closed at the opposite end; a shaft having opposite end faces and extending into said bore through said one end; means for coupling said shaft to said piston rod means for torsional engagement but to permit said piston rod means to move axially relative to said shaft; rotary actuator means for selectively rotating said shaft and thereby said piston rod means; means for providing pressurized fluid to said bore for causing said piston rod means to move in a direction away from said shaft, wherein pressurized fluid in said bore imparts a reaction force on the end face of said shaft located in said bore; and means for imparting a counteracting force, of substantially equal and opposite magnitude, on said shaft, for permitting free rotation of said shaft while said bore is pressurized.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
77 words
An actuator as defined in claim 1, further comprising means for defining a pressure cavity surrounding said opposite face of the shaft, wherein the shaft includes a through bore extending between opposite ends, and wherein the means for providing pressurized fluid to said bore supplies pressurized fluid to said pressure cavity such that pressurized fluid from said pressure cavity flows through said through bore into the piston rod means bore and pressurizes opposite ends of said shaft.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
50 words
An actuator according to claim 2, wherein said piston rod means includes a piston and piston rod, wherein said piston rod means and cylinder define a fluid cavity, and comprising means for supplying pressurized fluid to said cavity for moving said piston rod means in a direction toward said shaft.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
40 words
An actuator according to claim 3, comprising a forward housing closing a forward end of said cylinder, wherein said piston rod extends out the forward housing, and wherein said fluid cavity is located between said piston and said forward housing.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
33 words
An actuator according to claim 4, comprising a rotary actuator housing closing the rear end of said cylinder, wherein said rotary actuator housing includes said rotary actuator means and defines said pressure chamber.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
47 words
An actuator according to claim 1, wherein the shaft is splined, wherein aid piston rod means includes gear means for engaging the splined shaft for rotation therewith, and comprising a plastic insert between the piston rod means and shaft for forming at least a partial fluid seal.