Abstract: The invention uses a solenoid to apply a force to a fluid in communication with a near constant volume fluidic linkage. A voltage applied to the solenoid pressurizes the fluid causing the constant volume fluidic linkage to displace. In this way, a transducer is created that converts voltage into a displacement. To create a motor, the displacement is used to stop the application of the voltage to the solenoid allowing the constant volume fluidic linkage to return to an initial state. The return to the initial state then triggers the re-application of the voltage. In this way, the voltage source is used to create a reciprocating motion.

Abstract: The invention uses a solenoid to apply a force to a fluid in communication with a near constant volume fluidic linkage. A voltage applied to the solenoid pressurizes the fluid causing the constant volume fluidic linkage to displace. In this way, a transducer is created that converts voltage into a displacement. To create a motor, the displacement is used to stop the application of the voltage to the solenoid allowing the constant volume fluidic linkage to return to an initial state. The return to the initial state then triggers the re-application of the voltage. In this way, the voltage source is used to create a reciprocating motion.

Abstract: A fluid powered linkage (12) has at least three side plates (18) of substantially equal width joined by connectors (17) to form a polygon of variable cross sectional area. An upper plate and a lower plate enclose a variable volume within the polygon. At least one port (37) allows fluid to enter into or leave from the enclosed variable volume in a controllable manner. Seals prevent fluid from entering or leaving the enclosed variable volume other than through the one or more ports. Two abutments (19, 11) are located on the side plates or connectors and the distance between the two abutments varies non-linearly with, but in the same direction as, the variable cross-sectional area. Optionally, an inner surface of one or more of the side plates defines a recess. A preferred linkage has a cross-section in the shape of a diamond or rhombus of varying internal angles, or a half or quarter thereof. In use, the obtuse angle preferably ranges from nearly 180 degrees to about 135 degrees.

Abstract: A fluid powered linkage (12) has at least three side plates (18) of substantially equal width joined by connectors (17) to form a polygon of variable cross sectional area. An upper plate and a lower plate enclose a variable volume within the polygon. At least one port (37) allows fluid to enter into or leave from the enclosed variable volume in a controllable manner. Seals prevent fluid from entering or leaving the enclosed variable volume other than through the one or more ports. Two abutments (19, 11) are located on the side plates or connectors and the distance between the two abutments varies non-linearly with, but in the same direction as, the variable cross-sectional area. Optionally, an inner surface of one or more of the side plates defines a recess. A preferred linkage has a cross-section in the shape of a diamond or rhombus of varying internal angles, or a half or quarter thereof. In use, the obtuse angle preferably ranges from nearly 180 degrees to about 135 degrees.