Abstract: A rotary actuator having an output driver rod mounted within an output sleeve that is rotated by a drive motor. A driving mechanism for coupling the drive motor to the output sleeve includes a worm wheel that is mounted on the output sleeve so as to be freely rotatable relative to the output sleeve and a driving portion for transmitting power from the worm wheel to the output sleeve. A clutch also is mounted on the output sleeve for rotation with and for axial movement along the output sleeve. When in its first position, the clutch couples the drive portion of the drive mechanism to the output sleeve for transmitting rotational force. The clutch is normally biased into its first position for engagement with the drive portion of the drive mechanism and thus for coupling it to the output sleeve for transmitting rotational force. A declutch mechanism causes the clutch to be moved into a second position out of engagement with the drive portion.

Abstract: A rotary actuator having an output drive rod mounted within an output sleeve that is rotated by a drive motor. A driving mechanism for coupling the torque of the drive motor to the output sleeve includes a worm wheel that is mounted on the output sleeve so as to be freely rotatable relative to the output sleeve and a driving portion for transmitting power from the worm wheel to the output sleeve. A clutch also is mounted on the output sleeve for rotation with axial movement along the output sleeve. The clutch is normally biased into its first position for engagement with the drive portion of the drive mechanism for coupling it to the output sleeve for transmitting rotational force. A declutch mechanism causes the clutch to be moved of engagement with the drive portion, if the drive portion ceases to operate and the output sleeve is to be rotated by a hand wheel.

Abstract: A switching mechanism can be utilized in conjunction with an electrically driven actuator, for example, either a linear or rotary operated actuator. The switching mechanism can be utilized to either control the extent of operation of the actuator, thereby operating as a limit switch, and also can be used for controlling other electrical devices that are to be operated in dependence upon the position of the driven member of the actuator. For this purpose, the switching mechanism is provided with a plurality of electrical switches, each of which can be controlled so as to be switched at different points in the operation of the actuator. Associated with each of the electrical switches is a separate counting mechanism. All the counting mechanisms are driven by a common drive gear which is coupled to the drive mechanism of the actuator.

Abstract: A linear actuator for providing a thrust force for actuating various movable members, such as, for example lever arms, cranks, slides and valve flaps. The thrust force is applied by an extension rod that is arranged within a housing so as to extend in an axial direction along the housing and out from the housing. The extension rod has a load connector mounted on the end outside of the housing for connection to the movable member to which the thrust force is to be applied. A drive screw is attached to the extension rod so that rotation of the drive screw is translated into an axial displacement of the extension rod. A drive motor serves to rotate the drive screw. Either when a blockage of the movable member occurs or when the extension rod has reached the end of its path of travel, any attempt for continued movement of the extension rod significantly increases the thrust force applied to the rod.