Abstract: A rotary actuator (100) having a reference structure (110), an output member (113) arranged for rotary movement relative to the reference structure, a first linear motor (116) arranged to selectively apply an output force urging a first motor member (119) and a second motor member (122) apart along a generally linear direction, in which the first linear motor is configured and arranged to cause a torque between the output member and the reference structure in a first direction, and second linear motor (137) arranged to selectively apply an output force urging a second linear motor first member (134) and a second motor member (137) apart along a generally linear direction, in which the second linear motor is configured and arranged to cause a torque between the output member and the reference structure in a direction opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved two-stage actuator (20) that broadly includes: a first cylinder (21); an intensifier piston (22) mounted in the first cylinder for sealed sliding movement therealong, the intensifier piston having a large-area surface (26) exposed to ambient pressure, and having a small-area surface (30); a second cylinder (23) having an end wall (36); an actuator piston (24) mounted in the second cylinder for sealed sliding movement therealong; an actuator rod (39) connected to the actuator piston for movement therewith and having an intermediate portion sealingly penetrating the second cylinder end wall; the actuator piston having a large-area surface (27) and a small-area surface (37), an intermediate chamber (35) communicating the intensifier piston small-area surface with the actuator piston large-area surface; and an incompressible fluid in the chamber; whereby ambient pressure (i.e.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved two-stage actuator (20)? that broadly includes: a first cylinder (21); an intensifier piston (22) mounted in the first cylinder for sealed sliding movement therealong, the intensifier piston having a large-area surface (26, A1) exposed to ambient pressure, and having a small-area surface (30, A2); a second cylinder (23) having an end wall (36); an actuator piston (24) mounted in the second cylinder for sealed sliding movement therealong; an actuator rod (39) connected to the actuator piston for movement therewith and having an intermediate portion sealingly penetrating the second cylinder end wall; the actuator piston having a large-area surface (27, A3) and a small-area surface (37, A4), an intermediate chamber (35) communicating the intensifier piston small-area surface with the actuator piston large-area surface; and an incompressible fluid in the chamber; whereby ambient pressure (i.e.

Abstract: To allow a telescoping cylinder that is ordinarily operated in a fixed sequence to also be operated in a simultaneous mode, the first stage (12) of the cylinder is provided with an end plate (126), the cylindrical gap (114) in the first stage communicates directly with the space (133) inside the second stage (13) that is sealed off by the end plate, and a third cylindrical gap (124 & 124'), which is created in the second stage out of the sections (124 & 124') that are sealed off (1331) and derive from the end plate in the first stage, is provided with a pressure-medium line (23) that communicates through a telescoping passage (1131 & 1232) between the floor (111) of the cylinder (110 and the end plate (126) in the first stage, specifically satisfying the demand that the cylindrical gap (114) in the first stage (12) and the space (133) inside the first stage are equal in volume.

Abstract: A multiple stage telescoping cylinder assembly, which provides full stage selection capability without the need for external hoses or reels, comprises a base; an inner cylinder attached at its rearward end to the base and first and second stage cylinders of successively greater diameter mounted on the inner cylinder in telescoping relationship for extension during their forward strokes and retraction during their rearward strokes, the first and second stage cylinders each having an extend facing surface relatively adjacent its forward end for fluid pressure to contact to effect extension thereof and a retract facing surface relatively adjacent its rearward end for fluid pressure to contact to effect retraction thereof; and plural fluid passages for directing fluid under pressure from the rearward end of the inner cylinder forwardly through the interior of the inner cylinder and then into contact with respective ones of the facing surfaces for selective extension and retraction of the first and second stage cy