Abstract: A linear actuator contains a housing having a first end and a second end. A hollow piston is positioned within the housing to slidably engage with an inner wall of the housing. A sealed gas chamber is formed within the hollow piston and contains stored gas for driving the piston upon activation of the actuator.

Abstract: A linear actuator includes a housing and a piston slidably mounted within the housing. The piston has a first portion forming a sliding fit between the piston and the housing, a second portion spaced apart from both the housing and the first portion, and a groove formed between the first and second portions.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic device contains a housing having a first end and a second end. A structural component or piston is contained within the housing. A polymer is infused into and/or about the structural component thereby accommodating the immediate ignition of the same by a known initiator/igniter in a known manner, the initiator also contained within the housing.

Abstract: A parking brake control assembly having a brake actuator includes an engagement member, a retention member, a release actuator, and a biasing member. In a first position of brake actuator, the retention member is arranged to engage the engagement member upon movement of the brake actuator from a first position to a second position to hold the brake actuator in the second position. Movement of the brake actuator from the first to the second position causes the release actuator to move relative to the retention member such that the biasing member provides a force on the retention member tending to disengage the retention member from the engagement member so that upon movement of the brake actuator to return the brake actuator from the second position to the first position, the retention member disengages from the engagement member enabling the brake actuator to be returned to the first position.

Abstract: A novel actuator contains a housing having a first end, a second end, and an inner wall. A piston rod assembly is contained within the housing, wherein the assembly contains a piston rod, a first end cap fixed at one end of the piston rod, and a second end cap fixed at an opposing end of the piston rod. An energy management device is constrained about an outer diameter of the first end cap, wherein upon actuation of the actuator, the energy management device may under predetermined conditions be deformed upon movement of said piston rod.

Abstract: A gas-powered actuator is provided. The actuator includes a housing and a piston movably positioned within the housing. A cavity is formed in the piston. The housing includes an opening formed therein. The opening is structured to permit insertion of a piston rod into the opening, then into the piston cavity.

Abstract: A linear actuator contains a housing having a first end and a second end. A hollow piston is positioned within the housing to slidably engage with an inner wall of the housing. A sealed gas chamber is formed within the hollow piston and contains stored gas for driving the piston upon activation of the actuator.

Abstract: A gas generating system includes a primary combustion chamber and a secondary combustion chamber. The secondary chamber includes a shell and a cap secured to the shell such that the cap is movable in a first direction responsive to a pressure differential wherein a pressure within the shell is greater than a pressure exterior of the shell. At least one gas flow passage is bounded by the shell and by a cavity extending along an exterior of the cap.

Abstract: A linear actuator contains a housing having a first end and a second end. A hollow piston is positioned within the housing to slidably engage with an inner wall of the housing. A sealed gas chamber is formed within the hollow piston and contains stored gas for driving the piston upon activation of the actuator.

Abstract: A hood lifting mechanism includes a housing and a piston assembly movably mounted in the housing. The piston assembly has a groove formed therealong. A retainer is coupled to the housing so as to form a cavity therebetween. A locking member is positioned in the cavity so as to be engageable by the groove, for preventing motion of the piston assembly with respect to the housing.

Abstract: A parking brake control assembly having a brake actuator includes an engagement member, a retention member, a release actuator, and a biasing member. In a first position of brake actuator, the retention member is arranged to engage the engagement member upon movement of the brake actuator from a first position to a second position to hold the brake actuator in the second position. Movement of the brake actuator from the first to the second position causes the release actuator to move relative to the retention member such that the biasing member provides a force on the retention member tending to disengage the retention member from the engagement member so that upon movement of the brake actuator to return the brake actuator from the second position to the first position, the retention member disengages from the engagement member enabling the brake actuator to be returned to the first position.

Abstract: A hood lifting mechanism includes a housing and a piston rod movably mounted in the housing so as to be extendible from the housing in a first direction. A retainer is secured to an exterior of the housing so as to define a cavity between the housing and the retainer. A locking member is positioned in the cavity and structured to contact the piston rod so as to impede motion of the piston rod in a second direction opposite the first direction.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic device contains a housing having a first end and a second end. A structural component or piston is contained within the housing. A polymer is infused into and/or about the structural component thereby accommodating the immediate ignition of the same by a known initiator/igniter in a known manner, the initiator also contained within the housing.

Abstract: A novel actuator contains a housing having a first end, a second end, and an inner wall. A piston rod assembly is contained within the housing, wherein the assembly contains a piston rod, a first end cap fixed at one end of the piston rod, and a second end cap fixed at an opposing end of the piston rod. An energy management device is constrained about an outer diameter of the first end cap, wherein upon actuation of the actuator, the energy management device may under predetermined conditions be deformed upon movement of said piston rod.

Abstract: A linear actuator contains a housing having a first end and a second end. A hollow piston is positioned within the housing to slidably engage with an inner wall of the housing. A sealed gas chamber is formed within the hollow piston and contains stored gas for driving the piston upon activation of the actuator.

Abstract: A hood lifting mechanism includes a housing and a piston rod movably mounted in the housing so as to be extendible from the housing in a first direction. A retainer is secured to an exterior of the housing so as to define a cavity between the housing and the retainer. A locking member is positioned in the cavity and structured to contact the piston rod so as to impede motion of the piston rod in a second direction opposite the first direction.

Abstract: A hood lifting mechanism includes a housing and a piston assembly movably mounted in the housing. The piston assembly has a groove formed therealong. A retainer is coupled to the housing so as to form a cavity therebetween. A locking member is positioned in the cavity so as to be engageable by the groove, for preventing motion of the piston assembly with respect to the housing.